Chapter 3: Marked

POV: Lyra Ashbourne

I turned slowly around. I could hear my heart racing and beating so loud he must have been able to hear it.

“I… I was just getting everything ready, Alpha,” I lied, but believably. “I observed the wine had been poured but the least placed back on properly , and I adjusted the cup, I’m sorry for touching your belongings without your permission.””

He didn't say anything for a long while.

“No need to apologize,” Alpha Kael said in a soothing tone.

“Thank you, Alpha.” I said meekly.

He moved into the room before pointing to the open doorway behind him. “Come with me.”

I opened my eyes in a surprised way. “Alpha?”

“Let's go out to dinner first.” He replied.

I just stood there, staring at him.

Dinner?

I thought I would get asked questions. Rather, he was asking me to sit for dinner with him.

I quickly lowered my head again.

“Yes, Alpha.”

I accompanied him down a few hallways, but somehow into a quiet room where there was another beautifully decorated room.

A trio of musicians stood near one corner, serenading soft songs as several dancers gracefully danced over the glistening floor.

The air was peculiar, normal.

Almost peaceful.

A servant pulled out a chair for me.

I sat carefully.

Another servant poured wine into both silver cups.

I was silent, and Alpha Kael noticed.

“It looks like you're on your guard,” he said.

I said, “I have never been in the palace of the king before.”

His face relaxed a little. “That is understandable.”

One maid  started to put various dishes before us. We didn't speak for a moment or two. I was more of a nibbler than a eater.

As the dancers danced around the room with more energy, the musicians started to play a more lively tune. It was easier this time.

I was asked by Alpha Kael to write about my favourite hobbies. I answered shyly.

I asked him what it was like in the palace.

He answered patiently. The more I talked to him, the less he was to be feared. He wasn’t arrogant.

He wasn’t cruel. Even if my answers were rather simple, he listened when I spoke. The time had gone by and I was still not aware.

At some point, the servants stealthily removed the dishes. They all went out of the dining room one after another until we were only two.

This time, there was silence between us, which was different. Comfortable.

Alpha Kael approached her nearer. His gaze was on my eyes. He said softly, “You’ve been gazing at me all evening, haven’t you?”

I turned my head at once, and I looked away. “I’m sorry.”

“Why is it that you're still apologizing?” He asked in a gentle voice.  “Don't be afraid of me.”

His touch was warm.

Gentle.

It was nothing like I'd expected.

Our eyes met.

That night I forgot about sleeping potion for the first time. I couldn't remember my family.

I had no recollection of the reason for my visit to the palace. I couldn't see anything other than the man in front of me.

Gently moved closer, allowing me every opportunity to move out of his way.

I didn’t. He gently kissed my lips. He was careful and slow in the kiss and he didn't want to scare me.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked his voice filled with concern as he broke the kiss.?

A tear dropped from my face again, I shook my head. “No.”

“Then why are you crying?” He asked quietly.

I couldn’t answer.

How can I say that I've never been treated so patiently? How could I tell him that I wasn’t crying because he kissed me… I cried because someone looked at me for a change and treated me like I was important.

I didn't say a word, he just wrapped his arms around me.

I cried and cried, clinging to his chest, letting years of loneliness pour out in silent tears.

I slept in his chambers that night. I opened my world to him, and I let him in, I opened my world to him, literally. Finally, he was sleeping but I couldn't fall asleep.

I brushed my hair back from my neck and felt a very sharp sting and recoiled. “Ah.”

The freshness of what seemed like two little puncture marks was traced by my fingertips.

My breathing caught.

Slowly…

I got out of bed and hastened towards the large mirror across the room.

I looked into my reflection and saw my own face staring back at me.

Just below my neck… A new mating mark lay on my light skin. My eyes widened. My fingers shook as I carefully placed them on it again. My tears filled my eyes.

“…I am the alpha’s mate?” I whispered in utter disbelief.