Chapter 3

Morwenna's stance.

They dressed me like a queen but made sure I knew I was nothing more than a prisoner.

The corset was too tight.

I sucked in a shallow breath, feeling the fabric dig into my ribs as the palace maids adjusted the bodice of the dress they'd forced me into. The gown was a deep crimson, its silky fabric clung against my skin. It was an omega color, a reminder of my place, my purpose.

A breeder.

The thought made my stomach burn.

“I'd rather wear rags than this.” My voice was cold, but the mains barely spared me a glance as they continued pinning my hair into beautiful twists. Their hands were steady, efficient, and uncaring. They served the King, not me.

“The King desires his consort to be presentable,” one of them muttered.

I clenched my jaws, my nails pressing against my palms. Consort, another glider term for prisoners.

When they finally finished, I stood before the mirror, my reflection almost unrecognizable. I looked powerful, but I was being led to slaughter.

The crimson gown clung to my body, the neckline scandalously low, designed to draw eyes and whispers. My hair was pinned high, exposing the slender curve of my throat. My lips were painted a deep red, like a flower blooming before the slaughter.

I hated it.

A knock at the chamber door made the maids scatter, and a moment later, a guard entered. His eyes flickered over me before he gave a curt nod. “The King awaits.”

Of course, he does.

Without a word, I followed him through the winding stone corridors of the Palace. The scent of burning torches and spiced meats filled the air as neared the grand banquet hall, the low murmur of conversation growing louder with each step. When we reached the towering doors, two guards pulled them open, revealing the opulent room inside.

Chandeliers dripped with candles, casting a warm, flickering glow over the polished wooden tables laden with food. Nobles and Great Warriors filled the hall, their laughter, and conversation halting the moment I stepped inside. Silence rippled through the crowd like a stone sinking into water, and I felt every pair of eyes turn to me.

I lifted my chin, forcing my face into a cool indifference. Let them stare.

Whispers slithered through the crowd like snakes.

“An Omega? At the King's Banquet?”

“She's just a breeder, dressed up like a Queen.”

“Does she really think she belongs here?”

“So this is the Omega,” Someone murmured.

“The King's latest plaything.”

“She won't last long.”

“He will replace her soon with another.”

I gritted my teeth and forced my steps to remain steady. I had been called worse before, but something about tonight made the words sting sharper. Maybe because, deep down, I feared they were right.

From the far end of the room, seated upon a throne-like chair at the head of the table, was Lycan King Leofric, my captor.

His gaze met mine, dead, golden eyes darkened by something I couldn't make. He lounged in his chair as if utterly at ease.

A maid pulled out a chair beside him, motioning for me to sit. I hesitated for only a second before moving forward, feeling the hushed whispers trailing after me like ghosts.

As soon as I settled into my seat, a goblet of wine was placed before me. I didn't touch it.

“Drink,” Leofric's voice was low. “You'll need it.”

I turned to him, meeting his gaze with a quiet smirk. “To dull my senses?”

“To keep your throat from drying when you speak.” His lips curled slightly. “You're not to sit in silence tonight.”

Across the table, a noble cleared his throat, drawing my attention. He was a broad-shouldered Alpha with brown hair, his smirk dripping with condescension. “A fine choice, Your Majesty. Though I must admit, I never expected you to take an Omega for more than breeding purposes.”

Laughter rippled through the hall.

“An Omega seated next to His Majesty in a Royal gathering? That's such an eyesore!” Another cussed through his teeth, drinking his fill, while laughter rippled through the hall again.

I curled my fingers around the stem of the goblet, my nails biting into the metal. A calculated insult.

“But what did they mean by saying an Omega wasn't supposed to attend such gatherings? Why did Leofric bring me here?” I thought, narrowing my eyes as I glanced at him.

They expected me to lower my head, to accept my place in silence.

Instead, I smiled. “And I never expected nobles to be so interested in another man's bedchamber.” I tilted my head. “Or are you merely envious, Alpha Liam? Lord Oric?”

The laughter that followed was different, laced with amusement at Alpha Liam's expense. His smirk faltered, eyes rolled in irritation.

Leofric's eyes flickered with excitement, he must be enjoying this.

Alpha Liam's expression darkened. “Mind your tongue, Omega. You may wear a fine dress, but you're still nothing more than…"

A deep growl rumbled through the hall, cutting him off. It was from Leofric.

The weight of his voice pressed against every soul in the room. The laughter died, the whisper stilled, and even Alpha Liam's breath hitched.

Leofric didn't raise his voice, but the warning in his tone was steady. “Careful, Oric.”

Alpha Oric swallowed, then gave a stiff nod before lowering his gaze. He wouldn't challenge the King, at least, not tonight.

The moment passed and conversation hesitantly resumed. The way the nobles now regarded me with something different.

I should have felt triumphant. Instead, my hands curled in the lap, my skin still burning from the intensity of Leofric's gaze.

His fingers drummed against the table. “You handled that well,” he murmured, his voice just for me.

I took a sip of my wine, keeping my face void. “Disappointment?”

His smirk returned, dark and knowing. “Not yet.”

As the feast came to an end, I stood, eager to escape the suffocation ceremony. But before I could take a step, a firm grip closed around my wrist. It was Leofric.

His touch was warm, his fingers pressing just enough to hold me but not enough to hurt. When I looked up, his gaze was intense and void.

“You think I protected you for your sake?” His voice was a low rumble. “No, Morwenna. You are mine, and no one touches what's mine.”

To ignore the way my pulse betrayed me, I forced myself to hold his gaze. “I'm not yours, Leofric.”

His smirk deepened. “Then prove it,” he murmured.

Before I could respond, a messenger rushed into the hall, panting. He bowed swiftly before speaking.

“My King,” he started, his voice strained. “There's news about Omega's former mate.”

A cold rush of dread swept through me.

“Speak,” Leofric uttered.

The messenger hesitated, then met my gaze.

“Alpha Aedric is nearby.”