Like a Queen, Like a Prisoner

Aria

The first thing I noticed was the cold. It was not in the room and neither was it in the air. But it was beside me. A full bed of silk and goose feathers, but only one occupant. I stretched my hands across the sheets only to find nothing but cold linen and distance. Kol hadn’t even touched the bed.

Not after last night he won’t.

I laid still with my arms tucked across my chest like I were a dead body. The memories of last night played behind my closed eyes—Kol’s hand wrapped around my wrist, his voice as cold as death when he threatened to kill my uncle and the most of all, the weight of my hatred sinking deeper into my bones.

I had vowed to kill him. And the terrifying part? I meant it.

But now, in the morning light, something sat beneath that rage. Fear. Not just of Kol but of me.

Could I really go through with it? Could I slide a blade through the chest of the Alpha who ruled half the region, who kissed me in front of hundreds like I was the only woman he’d ever see again? Could I watch him fall and not flinch?

I sat up slowly as the sheet slipped off my shoulder. A ray of sun came through the high windows and landed on a polished silver hairpin that rested on the vanity. I stared at it.

Thinking… How long would it take? To jam it into someone’s throat, if I aimed right?

I sighed and then pushed the thought away. Who was I kidding? A hairpin wasn’t going to bring the “almighty Alpha Kol” down.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted my murderous thoughts.

“Come in.” I said and a moment later, a maid entered with a silver tray that could have fed ten. Fruits, steaming eggs, fresh bread, honey, and a glass of something that looked quite expensive.

Breakfast like a queen…. Or a prisoner.

She said nothing. She just bowed slightly and placed the tray on the table near the window. I ignored it.

I didn’t touch a single thing. Not until the door opened again and Kol entered like nothing had ever happened. Like he hadn’t backed me into a wall and threatened the life of the only person I had left.

He was dressed casually. A crisp white shirt and his sleeves rolled up. He looked like man at ease. He walked over to the table, poured himself some juice, flipped open a newspaper, and sipped it with the calm of a man not housing a woman who was probably plotting his death.

“The elders were quite impressed,” he said without looking at me. “They think you’re my best choice yet.”

I didn’t respond.

“Though,” he added, turning a page, “you did keep them guessing last night. Makes you more interesting. A little fire never hurt anyone… until it burns the wrong house down.”

He looked up at me then. He smiled. I didn’t. Cause he burned the wrong house down… my house.

After the longest breakfast of my life, Kol made his little announcement.

“There’s a formal banquet tonight. Allies from the Northern Crescent pack will be attending.”

He paused to watch me. I blinked once and then twice.

“You’ll wear something appropriate,” he said smoothly. “And practice smiling like you mean it.”

I tightened my fingers around the edge of the sheet. I thought about suffocating him to his death with the two large pillows rested at my back, just to stop him from talking. But he’d catch up to that quick. So I just sucked it up and listened to him yap.

The gown chosen for me was emerald, deep and dark. The slit ran high enough to draw attention and the neckline dipped just low enough for seduction. The perfect Luna costume.

I stood before the mirror in my room, staring at myself. Painted lips, pinned curls. A woman that didn’t look like me. A reflection that might’ve been Lira.

I whispered to her through the glass.

“I am not her.”

But even I didn’t believe myself anymore.

Kol was still having his bath so I decided wander about while waiting.

The hallways of the Lannister estate were too quiet with the way the sound of my heels tapping against the marble floor was quite prominent. I walked aimlessly, thinking of my vow. “Make him die loving me.“

So I thought, tonight. I’d do something. Anything.

As I neared the west wing, I hesitated. Kol’s study.

I checked the corridor. It was empty.

I opened the door and slipped in silently. His room smelled of old whisky and cigar. His walls were lined with books and there was a chessboard that sat untouched by the window.

And on the desk—an album.

I opened it. There were photos. Dozens of them. Kol and Lira. Smiling. Lounging in gardens. Her in his lap, her lips near his ear. I flipped faster, cause it was hard for me to see my sister with this monster.

But she didn’t look afraid.

One photo had a note tucked inside, folded neatly in the corner. I pulled it free, careful not to tear it.

In Lira’s handwriting.

“You taught me to love power, and I never forgot.”

I stared at the words and I didn’t know what to make of them. Was it love? Or was this whole thing a game?

I was so lost in thought I didn’t hear him approach.

Liam, his beta’s voice came like a whip.

“Kol, the driver would be—“

I turned fast. He stood at the doorway, folding his arms and staring at me coldly.

“He has his limits. Kol won’t keep tolerating your stubbornness.”

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I could ask you the same.”

We stared at each other for a moment, not saying anything until I finally mustered up the confidence to speak.

“I know you’d love to see me gone, wouldn’t you?” I snapped.

Liam didn’t even blink. “Stay in line, Luna. Or you’ll end up like the rest of them.”

I stood still.

“Excuse me?”

He stepped closer. “I know who you really are. You’re not the only one playing a game here.”

My blood ran cold. What the hell did he mean by that?!

His eyes screened my gown and then my face. “Fix your face before the banquet. Always practice your smile.” He threatened more than advised.

And just like that, he turned and walked away, leaving me reeling.