CHAPTER 5

SELINE

I was stunned by the severity of his tone. He wasn't addressing me as Austin Collins. He was ordering me as the Alpha King.

The last thing I wanted was to stay in the chamber alone with him and the sleeping prince, but as much as I wanted to disobey his order, I knew I had no choice. He was the ruler of the realm, and I could face horrible consequences if I didn't obey.

So, I turned back around. I was about to walk back over to the bed when a thought crossed my mind.

"My apologies, Your Majesty, but I need to go and take care of my son," I explained, and it took all of my effort to keep my voice steady.

"Your son?" Austin repeated back, and he crossed his arms against his chest.

"Yes, my son," I answered. "He's waiting for me. I've been working all day, so I haven't had the chance to see him yet."

"Where is he?" the Alpha King pressed. His gray eyes narrowed as if he didn't wish to let me leave.

"He is with the Luna Diana's children," I answered. "Downstairs, I believe."

"He will be brought here then," Austin replied, and he raised his chin. "You cannot leave before my son awakens."

His tone was even harsher than his first demand, and a chill ran down my spine.

"A guard will collect your son," he said. "You will remain here with mine. Is there anything you need in the meantime?"

I shook my head. "No, Your Majesty. I have all I need right here."

"Then take a seat," he ordered. "I will speak with my guard at once."

I nodded politely, and then walked back over to the side of the room. I took a seat beside the prince's bed, meanwhile, Austin crossed over to the double doors. He poked his head out and spoke to the guards in a commanding voice.

Then the doors closed again. As Austin walked back toward me, I felt my hands begin to shake. There was no way the Alpha King could see my Ethan, but what could I do? The plan had already been set in motion, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

All I could do was hope the prince would awaken so I could leave the Pack House with my son and put this day behind me.

Austin took a seat opposite me, and when he wasn't looking, I carefully scooted my seat back a little. There wasn't much I could do to stay away from him, but I would try my best to maintain distance. I was scared he could hear how fast my heart was racing in my chest or how my breath was uneven. I was worried he could tell I was uneasy.

I couldn't risk him being suspicious about any of this.

We spent our time in an uncomfortable silence. Austin's eyes remained fixed on his son, and I tried to look elsewhere to avoid him. All the while, I prayed the Alpha King's son would awaken, and the attention would be taken away from this entire interaction.

Suddenly, the doors of the chamber flew open, and moments later, a set of footsteps rang out against the polished wood floors.

"Mommy!" Ethan exclaimed happily, and when I looked up, I saw my son headed toward me at full speed. Once he reached me, I wrapped my arms around him and drew him into a hug.

"Ethan!" I said, and I planted a kiss on his forehead.

"Mommy, where have you been?" Ethan wondered, and he tilted his head to the side slightly. "I missed you."

He frowned and pouted ever-so-slightly. I fought back a laugh at his expression and smiled. Despite the look on his face, Ethan's words brought me happiness. Our bond was wonderful, and my son always brought me joy no matter what. He had been the reason I'd been able to carry on for the past five years and was my entire reason for living.

"I've missed you too, honey," I said, and I softened my voice. "We need to stay quiet, alright?"

Ethan nodded. "Okay, Mommy."

"Did you have a good day?" I asked, and Ethan's face lit up. He was about to speak when he glanced over at the sleeping boy beside us. He raised a finger to his lips and then nodded again.

"Yes," he whispered considerately. "We played hide and seek in the garden, and then Auntie Diana taught us how to draw a flower. Noah said it was called a dandelion."

Noah was Diana's son, and he was around Ethan's age. They were dear friends, and Ethan thought of the Luna's son like a brother.

"A dandelion?" I repeated back quietly. "Oh wow! Do you have the picture with you?"

Ethan nodded happily, and then reached into his pocket. He pulled out a small piece of paper and handed it to me excitedly.

I opened the folded paper carefully, and my lips curled into a smile. He'd indeed drawn a dandelion, and he'd done a great job.

"This looks great, Ethan," I complimented him. "Can I keep this?"

"Of course, Mommy," Ethan replied.

It was then I remembered Austin. I glanced over at him and when we made eye contact, a feeling of dread ran through me. Had he been watching us this entire time? My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly looked back to Ethan.

"Thank you," I said, and I kissed his forehead. Ethan grinned and then gave me a huge hug. Once he pulled away, he looked over at the sleeping prince.

"Is he sick?" Ethan wondered.

I nodded. "He was bitten by a viper in the forest. But he's healing up and should be better soon."

My son's round eyes widened.

"A viper?" he repeated back quietly. "Oh no. That's why I don't like the forest. Too many scary things. I hope he feels better soon."

"Me too, darling," I said.

Ethan studied the prince carefully, and I could tell he felt bad for him. My son was so considerate for someone so young, and he contained more empathy than some of the more grown men I knew. He was so kind and caring, and was always looking out for other people's feelings, especially mine.

"Wait, Mommy, who's he?" Ethan asked, and this time, he was staring right at Austin.

My heart skipped again as I searched my mind for an answer. How would I explain who he was to my son? Before I could say anything, Ethan gasped and pointed at Austin,

"Look, Mommy, he has the same gray eyes as me," he remarked in awe. "But you said it was rare to have this color eyes!"

My own eyes widened and I froze. Austin's attention fell to my son, and his lips parted ever so slightly.

He'd noticed it too.