Chapter 5

Blythe’s POV

The next morning, as soon as I finished breakfast, I began my search.

For him.

Xavier.

I was restless, eager to find him.

I walked through the castle like a ghost, careful to ensure that no one knew I was looking for a slave boy.

The mere thought of someone asking me—a Queen looking for an omega—was shocking.

So, I kept my search a secret.

I didn’t ask the other omegas.

I didn’t draw attention to myself.

I simply looked.

First, I passed the kitchen, where cooks and workers bustled about.

But he wasn’t there.

Then, I checked the plants. The omega rooms. The building. The government hall.

Nothing.

Even the warehouse, where the horses’ feed was kept—not a single sign of him.

Did he leave?

Did he run away last night—never to return?

The thought made my stomach drop.

Then— The sound of horses.

I froze.

The stables.

How could I forget?

I turned quickly, my heart racing, and made my way toward the private part of the royal grounds where the horses were kept.

The stables were seldom inspected.

Aside from the ostlers, no one actually paid attention to them.

Most of us didn’t even utilize the horses—why would we, when we could change into wolves and run?

As royalty, we were meant to use cars, yet even then…

The barns felt careless.

A place for those like him.

I heard him before I saw him.

“Hey, hey…”

His voice, gentle and persuasive.

I came closer, my breath catching at the sight of him.

Xavier.

He was there.

My body reacted instantly, warmth spreading through me like fire licking at dry wood.

Goddess help me.

He stood among the horses, feeding them, totally unaware of my presence.

I watched him from behind a tree branch, drinking him in.

The way his muscles stiffened and flexed with every movement.

The way the morning sun kissed his face.

A smile tugged at my lips.

He was beautiful.

More than that—he was amazing.

I went forward, clearing my throat quietly.

He turned.

And when his eyes landed on me— His entire body went still.

Then, slowly, he bowed.

“My Lady.”

His voice was low. Careful.

I swallowed, settling myself.

“Xavier.”

I tried to hide the joy in my voice, but I failed.

Seeing him did things to my heart.

He was as young and tempting as the kiss last night.

But I had to start on the right foot this time.

I would not frighten him away.

“I’d like to apologize,” I said gently. “For last night. I was—”

“Oh no, My Lady.”

He cut me off quickly, shaking his head.

“That’s on me.”

His glance dropped to the ground, as if he was too embarrassed to face my eyes.

I fought the desire to raise his head, to make him look at me.

I simply wanted to see his eyes again.

To get lost in them.

“Okay then,” I mumbled, before offering my hand to him.

“Since all is forgiven… at least we can be friends?”

He paused.

I could see the struggle in his face.

He was overthinking.

“You’re thinking too hard,” I laughed, letting a wicked grin come onto my lips.

“Or are you still thinking about the kiss?”

I saw it.

A flash of something dangerous in his face.

A smirk.

It was quick.

But I saw it.

His lips twitched, and I knew—he had enjoyed it.

“Yes, My Lady,” he finally relented, taking my hand.

“We can be friends.”

I felt the warmth of his palm, strong and steady against mine.

Sparks.

Something electric pulsed between us, something unsaid.

And I refused to let go.

I gripped onto his hand, my grasp tight.

I went closer, my breath mixing with his.

Was this feeling mutual?

Did he sense this attraction too?

“My Lady…”

His voice sounded weak. Gentle.

But the sound of it made me shudder.

I couldn’t stop myself.

I kissed him.

Again.

But this time, I didn’t let him pull away.

I held him firm, cupping his face with both hands.

Xavier stunned me.

He didn’t pause.

He didn’t try to fight it.

Instead, he answered.

His lips parted, moving in time with mine.

His hands seized my waist, pressing me into him.

He whimpered into my mouth.

A deep, gruff sound that sent a shudder down my spine.

Oh, Xavier…

His fingers squeezed my hips, his touch burning against my gown.

His lips were hungry, his tongue desperate as it twisted with mine.

He was lost in me.

And I was completely lost in him.

“I haven’t been myself since the kiss,” he admitted between desperate breaths.

His face pressed against mine.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

Heat coiled low in my stomach.

He had been thinking about it.

About me.

“You enjoyed it, didn’t you?” I whispered.

His breathing was unsteady.

His eyes searched mine—desperate.

But then, he looked away.

His hands fell from my body.

“I’m sorry, My Lady.”

I frowned.

“I can’t explain why I feel this way,” he added. “Maybe because that was my first kiss… or perhaps the pain of rejection has confused me. I don’t know. But I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

I smirked.

“Of course it will.”

I moved closer, closing the space between us.

“The feeling is mutual,” I mumbled. “So please… indulge me.”

I grabbed his hand, moving it back to my waist.

“I love it when you kiss me.”

“I love how you look at me.”

His breathing hitched.

“I want you, Xavier.”

His fingers shook.

Then, slowly—he grabbed me.

Firm. Possessive.

I swallowed hard.

A smile crept onto my lips.

“Keep touching me like that…” I mumbled.

“And I’ll be forced to do things to you.”

Xavier’s control shattered.

He crashed his lips into mine again.

This time, it was rougher. More desperate.

His hands traced every curve, making me shudder.

We stumbled backward, my back hitting the wooden stand behind the stable.

His breath was hot against my skin.

And then— His hands moved lower.

His fingers curled around the rope of his pants.

I swallowed.

“My Lady—” “Call me Blythe.”

And then, I stole another kiss.