Chapter 2

Maria 

I was overwhelmingly confused as I looked from Frederick to the servants standing around, watching the scene unfold. 

Frederick cleared his throat and soon the crowd began to disperse. “Right the way please.” He said, forcing a smile like he was trying to convince me that all was well when clearly, it wasn’t. 

“He doesn’t want me here.” I pointed out, clearly stating the obvious as I followed him out of the throne room and into the hallway. “Can’t I go back home?” I pressed on, my tone dripping with frustration. 

Frederick shook his head, his smile unwavering. “The alpha king can be quite intimidating sometimes but trust that he’ll come around.” He said, turning a corner. 

I followed him, not sure if that statement was supposed to make me feel reassured.

We stopped in front of a door that had seen better days, half of it eaten away by termites. 

“This is your room, my lady,” he said. “The King will join you shortly.”

My lady….

It was the first time anyone had used my actual title.

I pushed the door open and as soon as I entered the room the door was shut and I heard the lock click from outside. I ran towards it immediately, rapidly slamming it with my palms.

“Frederick, what's going on? Why am I getting locked up?” I asked, my voice rising in panic. 

“The King’s orders my lady, I must obey.” He yelled back. I heard the order, but I didn’t think he would actually lock me up.. who would have? 

My palms were starting to hurt from slamming it on the door so I pulled away and dropped to the ground, taking the chance to finally look at my new abode. 

The floor tiles were cold under my skin. The room itself was furnished better than the door suggested, there was a large wooden bed, a wooden vanity, and a closet. That was it. But it was still more than what I’d had back home.

When I was done trying to come to terms with the fact that I had somehow become a prisoner, I stood up from the ground and moved to the bed while pulling my suitcase with me. 

I don’t know when I fell asleep or how much time had passed but when I heard the door open, my eyes pried open. Finally the Alpha King has decided to grace me with his presence. 

I sat up, rubbing my eyes. 

“Good morning my lady..” Frederick greeted calmly. 

I sighed in disappointment. Why did I think it was the alpha king?

“Morning?” I asked, looking out the barely open window, the bright rays of the sun confirming that it was indeed morning. 

“How long was I asleep for?” I asked and he shrugged. 

“You must have had a long journey so you needed that sleep.” He responded. I stretched my sore arms, my eyes scanning him until I found the chains in his hands. 

“What’s going on?” I asked, my brows raised in confusion. I didn’t need anyone to spell it out for me, the chains were for me. 

“The King has requested that you be bound hands and feet.” He replied, his face expressionless like what he said was normal. 

I scoffed. “No way. I’m not a criminal.” I fumed. 

He shook his head, his jaw tightening and the wrinkles on his forehead conveying the annoyance brewing in his mind. “It’s what the Alpha king says, I must obey.” He spat. 

“I don’t care what the Alpha king says. I refuse to be treated like I stole something.” I clapped back. 

Just as Frederick was about to say another word, the door flung open and King Jordan strolled in, his footsteps loud against the floor tiles. 

Frederick immediately bowed in reverence while I kept my eyes glued to the king’s face even though I was petrified.

“Leave us.” He sneered. 

Frederick darted out of the room immediately, almost tripping over himself. I stood there frozen in place still in complete shock at the aura emanating from the man standing before me. 

He took a few steps towards me while I took several steps back until I was up against the cold wall. 

“Why are you trying to be stubborn?” He asked, picking up the chains. Its clanking sounds felt like warning bells. 

My fists tightened at my side, I had to stand up for myself. I refused to let anyone walk all over me like they did at my home. 

“I don’t want to be chained like I’m some animal.” I replied, my voice softer than I wanted it to be. 

He stared at me, his green eyes piercing deep into my soul. And then he laughed, a cold cruel sound that sent shivers down my spine.

“What makes you think you have an opinion?” His voice dipped. “You really think you were brought here to be a bride?” He asked, taking another step closer.

I had nowhere else to move to, if I did I’d be ramming myself into the wall. 

“You’re not here to be a bride or play house, you’re only here to produce an heir. That’s all I need you for and that’s all your father sold you here to do.” He spat. 

An heir? Surely he must not know that I’m wolfless. 

I shook my head mustering all the confidence I could to talk back. “I still don’t see why I need to be chained and locked up. I can do all that while being allowed to move freely.” I explained, my voice firmer this time. 

He sucked his teeth in anger. “You will stay here chained and locked up…you are not allowed to speak to any member of this household, especially my stepmother and stepbrother.” He growled, his breath hot against my face. 

Before I could say a word, he turned around and began to walk away. 

“I don’t care who I should or shouldn’t speak to!” I yelled, not sure where this sudden confidence came from. But it was gone just as fast, and my lips quivered. “Even if I’m locked up, at least don’t put chains on me...” My voice dropped.

He closed the gap between us immediately, his fingers wrapping around my neck; he obviously wasn’t used to being challenged. 

I began to gasp for air. 

Immediately, the air shifted. His green eyes flashed crimson, and for a second I thought I’d imagined it.

My vision became blurry and I tapped his hands frantically for freedom. But his eyes…they were bloodshot now.