Chapter 9.

Hyacinth's POV

“So, how has your life been without siblings to torment?” I asked, watching Kael who had his legs crossed, arms folded, and his eyes closed like he couldn't wait for time to pass so he'd just leave. We had finished eating about thirty minutes ago, but he still wasn't leaving.

The table was no longer between us, so we were in close proximity, but I wasn't even bothered.

“Answer me?” I added when he wasn't responding.

“Why are you bothered about my childhood?” Kael asked without opening his eyes or moving an inch.

“Because I deserve to know whatever has traumatized you this much.” I said, about to fold my hands when he suddenly sprung up on me.

I gasped loudly, jerked fearfully, and was about to land on the floor until he caught me by my back and pulled me back up.

“Scared much?” He scoffed, with his hand still on my back. It felt oddly familiar, and comforting.

“No, thank you.” I hissed, shaking his hand off my body. “Why would you creep up on me like that?!”

“I keep forgetting that you're just a human with no reflexes, no way to protect yourself, no way to heal… tsk! Must be a terribly sad life.” He hissed.

I scoffed, shaking my head.

“You really believe that you werewolves are high up there, and humans are nowhere deserving of your… What do I call it now? Your majestic presence on the goddamned planet?”

“Pretty much.” He said without looking at me. He was still well rested.

“I don't like you one bit. You annoy the shit out of me.” I hissed, feeling actually angry.

“Don't make me have to tie you and tape your mouth. I will have some peace .” Kael insisted, and I sat down there, watching him resting, having the urge to strangle him.

“Looking at me like that wouldn't do a thing to me.” Kael said without opening his eyes. I felt so embarrassed, and I eased into my chair to rest.

***

By the time I woke up, it was so bright. I had been sleeping for longer hours. Liora was just right outside the door.

“Liora?” I called a few minutes after I woke up.

“Your Highness.” She came in, beaming with smiles as she looked at me.

“What is it again?” I asked, as my shoulders dropped.

“Aren't you wondering how you got to the bed from the chair where you slept off?” Liora asked, and my eyes widened as the only possibility struck up in my head.

I gasped, covering my mouth with my right hand. “Kael carried me?”

“No, I did. But yeah, I'm thinking of starting a rumor that he did.” Liora said innocently.

My shoulders dropped even more, and I chuckled, shaking my head.

“Liora, you can't start a rumor.” I muttered. “We should have already had sex, so this shouldn't be anything to people we're trying to make believe something else.”

“Oh…” She mumbled, and I nodded, tapping her shoulder.

“When's breakfast?” I asked as I got off the bed to start my usual daily routine.

“In an hour, the King Regent wouldn't be able to make it today.” Liora stated.

“Ugh… thank goodness.” I moaned joyfully . Liora just laughed.

“Wait, why is that?” I asked.

“Because he's going to see the Aldrics.” She said, and my eyes widened.

I looked at her with the same facial expression, and I think she caught on to what was going on in my mind.

“We can easily kick-start our plan by going with him.” I said, and she nodded.

“The only problem is that he must already be on his way there.” She said.

“Well, there's nothing bad about your beautiful Queen arriving late to a meeting. After all, a lady needs her beauty sleep, and that's what took up all my time.” I smirked, and Liora nodded in agreement.

Liora made my hair into cornrows after bathing, and I hurriedly got dressed. I had always hated royal dresses back at home, but the ones here were more comfortable and fitting.

Liora got a carriage, and we were escorted out immediately. Mikah and Mikael went with us, flanking the carriage like they were expecting anyone to show up.

“We're here , your highness.” Liora stated as the carriage pulled to a stop. I had been fearless from the conception of this plan up until the carriage stopped.

What would I say to her when I go in? What if she doesn't like me? What if she's just as mean as the others?

Several thoughts consumed my mind, but there was really only one way to find out, so I walked in.

“A bloody human.” One of the guards in the house cursed as soon as I walked in. He almost sounded fearful.

“No, your bloody Queen.” Liora corrected, and his eyes widened in fear. He immediately bowed, shaking mildly.

“I'm sorry, your Highness.” He apologized.

I turned to Liora and bent over to whisper to her.

“In reality, I'm more of a Queen Regent, right?” I asked, and she nodded.

“But we do prefer ‘Queen’, because no one can displace King Regent Kael.” She assured me.

Two more workers in the mansion ran out from nowhere, and bowed.

“You're Highness, the Queen Regent.” They said, calling me by my title. “Would you like to join the King?”

“Err… no. I'd prefer to see the lady of the house.” I requested, and they swallowed hard.

“She's with the King also, your highness. They're having a closed door discussion.” The man responded.

I bit my lower lip, trying to weigh options I didn't really have.

“Well then, take me to them.” I said, and he immediately led me there.

The mansion was even more beautiful than I could have envisioned. It was big enough to be called a small village of its own. It made me realize how much I underestimated the factions in terms of wealth. They already looked half as rich as the Vaelthorn family.

“Your Highness, the Queen is here.” My presence was announced, and the door was immediately sprung open. Lord Thomas Aldric and Lady Charlotte Aldric were standing by the door immediately, bowing to greet me.

The iconic woman had a small stature. She was petite with very long hair, and a pretty face. Her face was composed into something that looked permanently unimpressed. She had sharp features and the kind of eyes that measured everything and found it slightly lacking.

“Oh please, you didn't have to.” I chuckled, walking inside the room with them.

Kael was sitting, obviously fuming angrily.

“We didn't know you'd be coming.” Lady Charlotte revealed.

“Aww… my dear husband didn't tell you?” I teased, taking a seat.

There was a gentle growl from Kael, but I totally ignored it. I might do things like this often, just for the fun of it.

“So, what were we talking about?” I asked as Lady Charlotte excused herself to the kitchen.

“Erm… we… Err….” Lord Aldric stuttered.

“How about you give us a moment, Lord Aldric?” Kael asked , and he left the room immediately.

“Why are you here?” Kael barked as his face turned red. His eyes met mine, and I could see the fire burning in his eyes.

“It has nothing to do with you. I'm here on business of my own.” I assured him, keeping my heartbeat steady. I stood up, and took a walk round the room, checking out the vintage works of art hung up on their walls.

I was in fact trying to get away from Kael, but he wouldn't let me. I didn't realize he had crept up on me. I staggered out of shock, and hit my back against the wall.

I wanted to slip out smoothly, but he slammed the wall with his hand, above my head, leaning into the wall as he stared down at me.

“What?” He growled, tilting my head to look at him. “You can't look at me now, can you?”

He only stopped tilting my head when our eyes met.

“You came all the way here to annoy me, so why not get on with it?” He asked, leaning in more than he should.

My breath hitched, and for the first time, I was actually speechless.

Something shifted in his expression. Just for a second. Gone before I could name it.

“You're a brute…” I finally found my voice.