Chapter 11: Yours To Take

Lyra's POV 

First, chambers. Now, court. I don't think anything worse could happen to me within the four walls of this palace.

I'm not supposed to be there, but how do I defy the orders of the Alpha? The only thing I find very disturbing is how concerned these women are about how I look.

“Don't you have anything decent? Not for work, something presentable?" Madam Rosalia asked. 

She's large and motherly, responsible for the Alpha's meals. She's always full of warmth and energy, but never slacks on morality and decency.

I shook my head in response to her question and lowered my eyes respectfully.

“How then do we go about this?" Miss Fae asked. 

Miss Fae was always in the company of Madam Rosalia. They were both omegas, but not like the rest of us.

They were constantly in contact with the nobles and somehow, nobility had rubbed off on them. They were like nobles to us, but still beneath the elite. She is the sister of prim and proper, her hair always pulled back in a neat low bun.

Madam Rosalia looked from me to her companion and sighed. I guess they had run out of options too quickly.

"We have to let her go this way. The Alpha will decide if she gets a change of clothes or not.”

"That's better,” Miss Fae agreed.

"When you get there, curtsey. Keep your head down, and eyes low, but do not lean forward lazily. Stay far off until you're asked to draw near. Do not breathe too loudly. Do not speak unless you're spoken to,” Madam Rosalia said rapidly.

Most of the rules went flying over my head, but one: do not breathe too loudly?!

How was I to control that? What if I had a cough? I had been close to the Alpha before without observing any of these rules. Why did they matter now?

Miss Fae patted some powder onto my face and straightened my dress with her palm one last time. 

Two guards came in to escort me to the court room. My heart skipped multiple beats, and I could feel the blood flowing in my head. For a moment, I felt dizzy.

The guards flanked me on either side, and we went up the stairs. When we got to the entrance of the court, the heavy wooden door opened to the inside. I tried not to gape in awe at most of the decorations. The guards left me off some five feet away from where Alpha Kieran sat majestically.

I curtsied and bowed my head as I'd been instructed.

I looked up when Alpha Kieran hadn't said anything. What my eyes met sent chills down my spine. He just sat there, his gaze fixed on me, piercing through my soul. I was agitated.

“You…you sent for me, my Lord?” I said and bowed my head again. Still, silence.

I hurried to straighten up as I heard him approach me. My heart began dancing to its own tune once more. When he was arm's length from me, he stopped.

“Leave us," he ordered in an even, firm tone.

As if on cue, all guards and courtiers at different duty posts filed out of the court.

This didn't look good to me. What did he need all that privacy for?

“My Lord? You sent for me," I repeated, just in case he had forgotten.

“Lyra, there's no need for all the formalities. I called you here to be sure you're fine." 

I searched his eyes and found a great ton of compassion in them. Could this be real, or just another act to pull me in deeper to this problem? Why was I the object of all this drama?

“My Lord, if there is no need for me to be here, I'd be on my way now. There might be chores waiting on me, and I won't be treated with mercy should I fail at them," I stated and raised my eyes to finally hold his gaze.

Something went cold.

“Do as you wish, Lyra. But there is only one person everyone in this palace must answer to. And you're standing before him," he cleared his throat and continued. “I command your going and coming; I command if you sleep or not! I've been too lenient in making demands on you, and this is what I get in return—contempt." 

I quickly fell at his feet, in a half-hearted attempt to make a plea that would change his mind.

“Mercy, my Lord! My life is yours to take!" 

“Silence!" 

I trembled as the sound of his voice echoed off the walls. Could this be him in his rage moments? My lips shivered in anticipation of what he might do next. I reached out and touched the toe of his boot. On reflex, he caught my wrist and yanked me up.

“It’s just us here. I could get rid of you, and no one will ever wag a tongue even if they had questions. You're a tiny insignificant nobody in this Pack, and I will not have you defy my orders just because I made a pass at you.” 

His breath felt hot on my face with rage. But his words confirmed everything I thought earlier on. I was really of no use to him. He just needed something to pass time with. I hate him with the hate of everyone in that council. He's just selfish, using others to satisfy his desires.

“Yes, my Lord," I tried to whimper.

“Good." The warmth and color returned to his eyes. “I intend to change your duties. That's why I'm informing you because you resume right away." 

I recoiled in disgust at his persona. One moment he's a monster giving orders and making threats; the next, he's a considerate angel. I won't play with this fire.

“I prefer to be out of the sight of nobles. My appearance may upset them. I'm filthy." I hoped these reasons of mine were convincing enough, and I tried to keep my temper in check.

"Your orders have been made clear. I wasn't seeking your consent.” He declared in a firm, but calm tone. My head spinned for a bit, and I felt giddy. He turned to head back to this throne.

"Alpha Kieran!” I had to do this. He turned and stared at me in bewilderment. "I can't be with you, please reject me now, and save your throne.”

He smirked.

"Is this treason?”

"This is your reality.”

Alpha Kieran's eyes lit up with fury. He charged at me and threw me across the room.

I grunted when my back hit the doors. Soon, he was squatting before me. He stroked my cheek and brushed my hair away from my face.

"Lyra, you're special to me. Don't make me regret it.”

Before I could understand what was going on, he sucked up my lips into his mouth, kissing me as if trying to establish a permanent connection.

I shifted against his rigid body, but he didn't budge. I accepted that this was my new life: be the stepping stone for all, at my expense. Hot tears flowed down my cheeks.

“Were you called in by the council?" 

For a moment, my heart and everything in me paused. Time ceased to go by.