Chapter Nineteen

The Return

Lucien

I walked ahead of her as we crossed into Nightveil territory, my steps were slow because of my leg and because of the weight sitting on my chest. The gates rose before us, tall and dark, and the guards straightened when they saw me. Their eyes shifted to the woman behind me and I felt every stare.

She stayed close, with her hands folded in front of her. Her steps were careful. She looked like someone who expected to be chased away at any moment.

“Stay close,” I told her without turning. “Do not speak unless spoken to.”

“Yes, my lord,” she said softly.

Her voice made me pause for half a breath. I hated that and so I moved again.

The road into the castle was quiet. There was no music. No cheers. Only the sound of hooves from the guards behind us and the crunch of gravel underfoot. This was not how a bride should be brought home. I knew that. She knew it too.

I told myself that this was not a bride. And this was only  a shield.

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. Her dress was plain. Her hair was neat but simple and she looked scared, but she was trying to hide it. I respected that.

“You will be safe here,” I said, though I was not sure it was true.

She nodded. “I will do what you ask of me.”

That answer felt too quick and too practiced.

We reached the inner courtyard. The servants froze when they saw us. And whispers started right away. I ignored them and raised my hand to a passing maid.

“You,” I said.

The maid bowed fast. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Take her to a guest room,” I ordered. “A clean one. Close to the east wing. She is to be treated with respect.”

The maid looked at the woman, and then back at me. “At once.”

The woman hesitated. She looked at me as if she wanted to ask something.

“Go,” I said.

She bowed. “Thank you, my lord.”

As she walked away, I felt something twist in my chest. I pushed the feeling down. Attachment was a mistake and I had learned that long ago.

I turned and headed to my chambers. The hallway felt longer than usual. My leg hurt more than usual. By the time I reached my door, I was breathing hard.

Inside, the room was quiet. Too quiet. I sat on the edge of my bed and rubbed my knee. My hand shook.

“This will work,” I told myself. “It has to.”

I had just removed my coat when a sharp knock came at the door.

“My prince,” a guard called. “The Alpha summons you. Now.”

I closed my eyes for a second.

“Tell him I am on my way,” I said.

The walk to the Alpha’s hall felt heavier than the journey home. I knew what waited for me. I straightened my back and entered.

My father sat on his throne, his face calm and hard. Darius leaned against a pillar nearby, arms crossed, a small smile on his lips.

“So,” my father said, “you return with a woman.”

I bowed. “Yes, Father.”

“From where?” he asked.

“From outside the territory.”

My father’s eyes narrowed. “You thought to bring a stranger into my pack without notice?”

“She is no threat,” I said.

Darius laughed softly. “You sound sure for someone who barely knows her.”

I ignored him.

My father leaned forward. “Is this your answer to my command?”

“Yes,” I said. “I have found a woman to marry.”

Silence filled the hall. Then my father smiled. It was not a warm smile.

“At last,” he said. “You surprise me.”

Darius tilted his head. “Or disappoint us in a new way.”

My father raised a hand, stopping him. “Tell me, Lucien. Is she strong?”

“She is obedient,” I said carefully.

“Is she useful?” my father pressed.

“She will serve the pack,” I replied.

My father nodded slowly. “Good. Because you will need that.”

I stiffened.

“You know your position,” he continued. “Your body limits you. Your strength is lacking. And this marriage is your chance to prove you are still worth something.”

The words hit hard. I felt heat rise to my face.

“I am still your son,” I said.

“And I am still your Alpha,” he replied. “Do not forget that.”

Darius stepped forward. “Brother, you should thank Father. Not many would be given this chance.”

I clenched my jaw. “I did not ask for your opinion.”

Darius smiled wider. “You never do.”

My father stood. “Enough. The woman will remain in the castle. She will be watched. Preparations for the marriage will begin at once.”

I looked up sharply. “At once?”

“You move slower than others,” my father said. “We will not.”

“This was meant to be temporary,” I said before I could stop myself.

My father’s eyes hardened. “Do not test me.”

I bowed my head. “As you command.”

Darius laughed again. “How fast plans change.”

The meeting ended just like that. There was no room for questions. And no room for control.

I turned and walked out. My leg shook with every step. My thoughts raced.

This was supposed to buy time. Instead, it locked me in.

Once the marriage was complete, I would be harder to touch. I repeated that to myself. I would endure this. I would survive.

I stepped into the corridor and felt it.

Pain exploded in my chest.

I gasped and grabbed the wall. The world spun suddenly under my feet. My heart felt like it was tearing itself apart. I tried to breathe but the harder the tried it hurt more.

“What is happening?” I whispered.

The pain grew stronger, and sharper. And then my  knees buckled.

“Arggggg!”