Chapter 8

Chapter VIII

Freya

I had just finished putting Theo to sleep after dinner. I didn’t want to go to any grand dining hall, so I requested that our food be brought straight to our quarters. Tasha had offered to bathe Theo and help care for him, but I refused. I didn’t trust anyone here yet.

I glanced down at myself. The palace had provided me with a silky blue nightgown that felt like a soft caress against my skin. The material was luxurious, far finer than anything I had worn in the human world. I walked over to the large window and stared outside. The palace grounds were still somewhat lit by glowing lanterns and strange crickets that emitted soft golden light in the dark.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

Was it because of him? Theo had calmed down so quickly in the grand hall earlier, faster than any of my herbal concoctions had ever managed. I checked the marks on his back again after dinner. They were still the same patterns I had seen in the human world, no improvement yet but it didn’t grow like it normally did after his outbursts.

My wolf stirred restlessly inside me, pushing and whining. She wanted to feel something more…

Fine, I sighed internally. Lead the way. But don’t put us in trouble.

I made sure Theo’s blanket was tucked securely around him, then slipped quietly out of the room. Surprisingly, there were no guards stationed directly outside our door. There was no one at Scarlet’s door either. My wolf guided my steps down the long hallway and out of the main palace toward the royal gardens.

The night air was cool and fragrant with blooming night flowers. When I reached the garden path, my wolf suddenly stilled. I rolled my eyes. Really? You dragged me all the way out here just for fresh air?

Before I could turn back, fingers wrapped around my wrist gently but firmly and spun me around.

“I was expecting you.”

My heart leaped into my throat. My knees nearly gave out. His scent hit me like a drug.

Damon.

He stood inches away from me, towering and imposing. His strong, chiseled jawline was shadowed with stubble, giving him a rugged look. Piercing dark eyes that seemed to glow faintly with alpha power stared straight into mine. His broad shoulders and powerful, muscled frame filled out his black tunic perfectly, the silver embroidery of the Blackmoon crest catching the moonlight. He was devastatingly handsome, the kind of beauty that made my breath catch and my wolf purr with want.

We were far too close. I could feel the heat radiating from his body. I quickly regained control and shoved him back, turning away from him.

This is what you wanted? I scolded my wolf. Desperate.

“Come,” his deep, velvety voice called from behind me. “Let’s sit and talk.”

I almost refused. But after a long moment, I sighed and walked over to the stone bench where he had settled. I sat on the far end, staring straight ahead in tense silence.

“How are you?” he asked.

I nearly laughed out loud. After everything he had done, that was the first thing he wanted to say?

I stayed quiet.

Damon shifted slightly. “Is something wrong with the boy?”

“Nothing is wrong with my child,” I snapped.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” he said, sounding almost tired. “Is the child healthy?”

“Why must I discuss anything about my child with you?” My wolf whined, urging me to move closer to him. I ignored her.

“He is also my son,” Damon said, his voice turning cold. The final word carried a sharp edge that made my chest tighten.

I swallowed hard. No matter how much I resented him, he was Theo’s father.

“He has powers his small body can’t handle yet,” I said quietly, staring at my hands. “I’ve been giving him herbal concoctions from old pack remedies to suppress the outbursts, but it’s only getting worse. The marks spreading across his skin… the fevers… they’re destroying him slowly. I just want him to be free… to be safe.”

Damon was silent for a long moment. “The way he responded in the grand hall earlier, is that how he normally reacts?”

“Yes. It happens when his emotions get too strong.”

“Then why didn’t you come sooner?” His voice grew colder, laced with barely contained anger. “Why hide him from me and allow my son to suffer for five years?”

His words hit like a slap. Anger surged through me, hot and blinding. Tears stung the back of my eyes.

“Goodnight… Your Majesty.” I said, standing up and walking away without looking back. My wolf growled in protest inside me, but I shut her down. I was furious with her too.

I thought about checking on Scarlet, but it was late. Instead, I returned to my quarters, locked the door, and crawled into bed beside Theo. His peaceful breathing eventually lulled me into a sleep.

The Next Morning

I woke up with Theo curled warmly against my side. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. I stretched quietly and walked to the window, peering out at the vast palace grounds. How many people lived here? How many eyes were watching our every move?

A little yawn broke the silence. Theo was awake.

“Mom?” he called softly.

“Yes, Sweetheart. Come here.”

He crawled into my lap, rubbing his eyes. “Am I going to school today?”

The innocent question made my heart clench. I brushed his dark hair back gently.

“No, baby. Not today.” I took a deep breath. “Theo… we need to talk about why we’re here.”

He looked up at me with those bright blue eyes that he got from me. “Is that man my dad? He called me his son and he smells like me… he made the bad shaking stop.”

I held him closer, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “It’s complicated, my love, but I promise I’ll keep you safe. We both will.” Hopefully.

Theo nodded slowly, though I could see the questions swirling in his young mind. Outside, the palace was already coming alive with activity. I had a feeling today would bring more tension, more confrontations with Damon and whatever danger this kingdom held.

For now, I simply held my son tighter, praying I had made the right choice by bringing him here.