chapter 4

“It's a great day! My son would be tying the knot on the next full moon!” Alpha Carson boomed with pride as the hall erupted in excitement.

Lucas managed a smile without sparing me a single glance even though I was seated next to him. My throat tightened at the realization that Lucas hated my guts and for a reason that could have been simply explained if he had given me a chance instead of avoiding me as though I was a bearer of diseases but that wasn’t the reason for the pit in my stomach.

I was carrying his baby, at first, it was the discoloration of my fingers and then my eye color and how it became brighter but after peeing on two separate sticks, it was confirmed.

I was pregnant and he didn’t know. I knew that if I told him then, he would hate me and my child twice as much.

The party continued until Alpha Carson stood up again after a guard left a message in his ear. His face was beaming with pride and my heart was thumping in my chest.

What if he knew? It's not as though the castle was far from eavesdropping or spying.

He clinked his glass with a spoon and the crowd started to quiet down.

“It has been years since and I am the proudest person here today, Give him a warm welcome. My son, Lucius Carson” he said and the double doors kicked open A man who bore an uncanny resemblance to Lucas walked in and from where I sat, I saw Lucas’ jaw tense.

I looked back to see that Lucius was by far more muscular and had an air around him compared to Lucas. As he approached, his gaze settled on me and he winked at me.

I smiled and waved and tried to clasp Lucas's hand, to let him know that everything was okay but instead, Lucas freed his hands from mine and stood up to shake the hands of his brother.

A brother that I had only ever heard of but never seen until today.

“What a feat! My son gets married in two days and my other son returns victorious with yet another trophy, a tooth from the enemy!!” The crowd roared in excitement and Lucius raised his hands in appreciation as he gestured his hand to me and I placed mine his, while he brought my hand to his lips.

“My lady” his husky voice called out and I felt Lucas tense more, embarassment swelled in me, and soon, the crowd continued their feast.

Lucas used the opportunity to leave the table and I followed him, determined to find out what exactly was the issue.

“Lucas” I called out and he stopped his movements. This was the first time since that he had made any attempt to acknowledge my presence.

“Is everything alright?” I asked him, concern welling in my voice but I heard him snicker and scoff.

“why? So you can look for more witnesses?” he asked and continued his journey. I felt stupid and heartbroken that Lucas would suddenly think of me that way.

I didn’t realize anyone was behind me until I turned around, about to go back to the party when I hit rock hard chest.

“Oh, I am sorry” came the response as I managed to still my head and quickly stepped away from him.

Lucas’ brother was the definition of handsome by unforeseen trauma. Lucas still excelled in the department of being handsome but there was something about Lucius and Aneesa hated his guts.

“Are you lost, baby girl?” he suddenly asked and I stilled.

Baby girl? Did he not realise that I was betrothed or was this a prank?

I frowned slightly and released a chuckle.

“I am fine, thank you,” I said and attempted to move past him but he stretched his hand and clamped them on my shoulder so gently that I felt the weight and was immediately rebuffed.

“Excuse me,” I said, irritated but he sneered and moved closer to me, his hand still clamped on my shoulder as he started to surround me like prey.

It suddenly reminded me of the night that Lucas saved me.

“Who said Lucas could have all the pretty ones?” he said and I immediately flinched from his touch.

“I belong to Lucas” I hissed but he gave a small laugh

“All that is Lucas’ will be mine” he whispered close to my ear and I immediately stepped out of his ring and walked away without looking back.

I was not going to go through that nonsense again, Lucas needed to hear this and hear it soon. I walked to his new chambers, and even though a part of me knew that he despised me, he would believe me.

I met his double doors slightly ajar and as I pushed it, his doors gave way and I walked in.

My eyes widened in shock as I saw Lucas with not one but three different women, all entangled, My hearing caught their moans and I gasped.

Lucas stopped his movements and looked at me with so much anger “Lock the door on your way out” he said and I stilled.

“Get out!” he shouted and my feet that had been glued to the floor suddenly unscrewed and I ran to my room, with the realization that not only did Lucas hate my guts but also hated my presence.

I got into my sheets and cried as though there was no tomorrow.

* * *

“ ma'am ”

“Ma'am!”

Someone shook me and I jolted awake. My hair was on my face and in my mouth as a pair of blazing autumn eyes came into contact.

“Good morning, Your Highness” she curtsied politely as I sat and rubbed my eyes.

“I am here on the behest of the queen, to have your royal fitting for the wedding, I am Melanie Aster and I am about to become your best friend!” she chirped happily.

I smiled despite myself, suddenly liking the kind and happy air that she brought along with her.

I decided to try to make the most of the day, spending it with oMelanienine who helped me with the planning and the wedding dresses and the flowers.