Chapter 006

"Get off me!"

I struggled in his strong arms, but he didn't budge. His grip on me was solid, like I was going to take off if he let me go for even a second. Well, technically, I would. I had no intention of staying in this palace any longer than necessary.

He kept looking at me strangely, with a hint of amusement, surprise, and something else I couldn't quite place. I could also sense relief, although I had no idea why he would feel that way while holding a complete stranger against her will.

"Who are you, and what is your name?" he asked slowly, his voice very deep and husky. It was something I hadn't noticed earlier because I had been too busy trying to escape his grip.

"My name is El..."

I paused, my eyes widening with the realization that if he found out who I was to the Alpha King, I might be dragged back into that room again or punished for trying to run away.

"Penny. My name is Penny, and I'm a maid," I said with confidence.

After all, I was indeed wearing a maid's dress, so it should be pretty convincing. I just needed him to believe me long enough to let me go.

"You don't look like a maid... Penny."

He said the name as though it meant nothing to him. His eyes slowly travelled over my face before settling on my hands.

"Your hands are too soft, your skin is fair as the moon, and your hair looks like silk. You're too organized for a mere maid, in my opinion."

Each word landed like a blow before the next one followed.

I hadn't thought of that.

What was I supposed to say now?

"Well, I... I just started two days ago. That's why. I'm not used to it yet," I said, coming up with the first excuse that came to mind.

I prayed he would believe me because I was running out of ideas, and judging by the way he was studying me, I wasn't doing a very good job of convincing him.

"What are you doing in the east wing, Penny? As a maid, you should know the rules."

It sounded like he was desperately trying to catch me in a lie.

"I was heading to the maids' quarters, and I got lost, but I think I've figured it out now. So, if you'd just take your hands off me, I can continue my work."

I gave him my most pleading look, hoping he would finally take the hint. I had already wasted too much time dealing with him, and every second I spent here was another second I could be caught.

"No."

He pulled me closer to his chest, using both arms now.

"No? Who the hell do you think you are?" I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "You have no right to hold me against my will, and this is highly inappropriate."

I tried so hard to remain calm and reason with him, but I couldn't. There was something about his attitude that made my blood boil.

"If someone passes by, they might get the wrong impression," I added, hoping he would at least consider the consequences of his actions.

"Let them watch. I don't care."

Before I could respond, he buried his face in my neck, sniffing me as though I were some kind of food or an item he was considering purchasing.

My entire body stiffened.

What was wrong with this man?

His second arm slid from my waist down to my thighs, giving one of them a squeeze.

I tried to scream for help, but I quickly clamped my mouth shut after realizing the consequences. If the guards found me here, they would probably drag me straight back to the Alpha King's chambers, and I had no idea what punishment awaited me for attempting to escape.

Still, I couldn't let this man do whatever he wanted with me.

I struggled again, pushing against his chest and trying to create enough space between us to break free, but it was futile. He was too strong, and my efforts only seemed to amuse him further.

I was running out of options.

Afraid that he would take things further or, even worse, try to take advantage of me in this lonely hallway, I decided to tell him the truth.

"The King is going to have your head on a spike for touching his bride!" I declared, my voice carrying more confidence than before.

How ironic.

I was using the very thing I was trying so hard to get away from to save myself from the clutches of this strange man.

For a moment, he froze.

I smiled to myself, expecting to see fear in his eyes and on his face. Surely, no one in their right mind would want to risk the Alpha King's wrath, especially over something as foolish as touching his bride without permission.

But he didn't seem bothered in the slightest.

"Yes, I lied earlier. I'm Elara from the House of Voss, the next bride for the Alpha King, and you're touching what belongs to the King."

I lifted my chin, hoping my words would finally get through to him.

"If you let me go now, I'll plead on your behalf for your hands to be chopped off instead of your head."

That should do it.

I had heard enough stories about the Alpha King to know that the threat of losing his head was enough to make most people reconsider their actions. I wasn't entirely sure he would spare this man's hands, but it was the best offer I could make under the circumstances.

Instead of letting me go, he laughed.

He actually started laughing in my face, as though I were a jester at court trying to earn a living.

I stared at him in disbelief.

I wondered what part of what I said tickled him so much.

"What's funny? I'm being serious!" I said frantically, growing more irritated by the second.

I hated it when people took me for granted, and this man was doing an excellent job of making me feel like my words meant absolutely nothing.

His laughter slowly died down, but the amusement in his eyes remained.

Before I could say anything else, his hands returned to my thighs. This time, he tried to slide one of them under my dress.

That was when I completely lost it.

I raised my knee and drove it straight into his priceless jewels, silently hoping they were permanently damaged.

He immediately loosened his grip, grunting in pain as he bent forward.

That was all the opportunity I needed.

I pulled myself free and slapped him across the cheek as hard as I could. The sound echoed through the walls, loud enough that someone passing nearby might have heard it and wondered what had happened.

"You disgusting pervert!" I spat angrily.

I didn't wait for him to recover or see the expression on his face. I turned around and took to my heels, running as fast as my legs could carry me before he could get up and decide to chase after me again.

My heart hammered against my chest as I hurried down the hallway, barely daring to look behind me.

I didn't know who that man was, but he deserved every bit of what I had done to him.