Chapter 2: The Price of Defiance

Sovia's POV

Whack!

The force blasted my neck to the side, a sharp sound ringing deep within my ears.

A metallic taste flooded my mouth. Blood. I swallowed it down, along with my pride.

“By the moon!”

“Did the Alpha just hit his Luna Queen?”

“Be quiet. She deserves it.”

With trembling hands, I held my face until I met Janova’s eyes again.

He, more than anyone, should understand how I felt about being hit. Janova knew my past better than anyone.

My lips parted, unable to form words as a tear slid down my cheek.

“Apologize to Blossom. Now,” he said firmly. From the way he stood, he was giving me no choice.

“Janova Lockham…” I gritted my teeth together. “I didn’t expect you to be so ungrateful—after everything we’ve been through together. I even lost my wolf…”

“I am your Alpha, and you address me as such.”

Every fiber of my body trembled. I tightened my fist; it was the only thing keeping me grounded.

“Your Majesty.” A soft voice cut me off, her footsteps light as she skipped a few steps.

Janova quickly wrapped his hand around her waist, steadying her. “Be careful so you don’t hurt yourself.” Tenderly, his hand brushed her hair past her cheeks.

“I told you, you don't have to address me so formally.”

I could hear the crack in my jaw as I pressed my teeth together. So he could be gentle—he simply chose not to be, not with me. Before the tears rolled down again, I swiped them away with my palm, taking a deep breath. “I didn't hurt your little rogue. I'm not going to apologize. Ever.”

“Sovia Henric, I’ll ask you one last time. Admit you're wrong.” His red eyes shimmered again, and the wolves around us scurried back with low whimpers.

“No.” I forced a strained smile, matching his gaze. “I. WILL. NOT.”

He blinked as if he didn’t believe what was happening. He raised his hand again, but I stood there unmoved.

My dignity was the only thing I had left, and no one could take that from me.

Janova smirked, pulling Blossom closer. “You never talked back to me before. Do you have a death wish?”

When I didn’t answer, he waved his hand, signaling the betas guarding the hall.

Swiftly, they came over, forming a circle around me. My pulse spiked as two of them snatched my arms.

“Take her away. Forty lashes,” Janova ordered and then drawled, “Use a silver whip. My Luna needs to be disciplined.”

Everyone gasped, and my breath hitched. “Janova! You…”

“Kneel and beg. I'll take my words back.”

He smirked while Blossom snuggled closer. I felt the pain as the betas started to roughly restrain me.

I should have just admitted it, and all this would be over. But that would make me a fool. Maybe I was one, because deep down I hoped he didn’t mean those words.

But searching his eyes, I knew he did, and it broke me.

A low chuckle escaped my lips as I smiled.

“Fine. You want to punish me. Go ahead—Alpha King.”

Janova’s brow furrowed, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. “Why are you being stubborn?”

“Isn't it obvious yet—Queens don't kneel. They don't beg.” Tears blurred my vision as I fought to keep the smile on my trembling lips.

Janova turned his face away, his shoulders softening but only for a moment. “Fine. Take her away. Let everyone see what happens to those who defy me.”

My own mate watched as his betas hauled me outside, a heavy chain clanking at my feet and wrists, and tossed me down once we reached the palace courtyard.

Janova was seated at the end, one leg crossed over the other, gaze fixed on me like he was waiting.

Hushed whispers filled the air as everyone gathered around.

“I can't believe the Alpha King would punish his mate because of a rogue.”

The cold evening air bit into my spine. The guards had ripped off my gown, leaving me exposed in just my inner wear.

I hugged myself, trembling at the pain, the shame, the humiliation—and my mate just watched.

When the whip cracked across my back, my heart skipped a beat. I lifted my gaze at Janova.

Was he really going to let them do this?

He stood up, and my breath caught as he closed the distance between us. “I… I didn't do this. I'm innocent.” My voice came out shakily.

““My dear Luna—” he started smoothly as he brushed my hair. “Just apologize. The people don't need to see us stand divided—how are we better than the rogues? You opposed me in public and that is a serious crime. You tried to harm Blossom because of your jealousy…”

“My jealousy?” The tears slipped past my cheeks. And this time I let them fall. “I'm your fated mate—even in jealousy I don't have the right to be? But I didn’t do anything.”

“As Luna, you're supposed to be accommodating—and whatever this is.” Janova exhaled as he shoved his hand into his pocket. “I'm sorry, Sovia, but you need to learn your place. Law and order must be maintained. I spoiled you too much.”

“Janova! You’re going to stand there and watch me get hurt.”

Janova’s face hardened as he turned away. “For the pack—yes.”

I scoffed. “For the pack? You’re doing this for yourself. Your ego.”

“Sovia!”

“Screw you and your pack!” The next words died in my throat when the first lash connected with my back.

I hissed, catching the scent of burnt flesh, blood, and silver.

He wanted me to beg—I wouldn't.

Another lash ripped through me. I screamed, tasting salt inside my mouth.

“Admit your fault.”

“I'm not wrong.”

“Fine. Suit yourself.” Janova waved his hand, signaling the guards to carry on.

I shut my eyes, trying to block out the pain, but it forced them open again as I tightened my lips.

When it ended, I could barely feel my body except for the ache. The blood dripped from my back.

Janova told the servants not to help me, as he said I needed to learn my place.

My feet felt heavier as I dragged myself through the cold hallways. Blood marked each step.

Just before my room, I saw Janova—his door slightly open.

I froze when I saw him gently caressing that rogue’s hand as he smiled at her. “Don't feel guilt. I had to do it—for you and the pup.”

My head burned hot, thoughts churning like lava. My hand found the wall before my body sank to the floor.

Pup? What did he mean, pup?

I got the answer when Janova leaned in, placed his head against her stomach, and caressed it.

My breath shook as I cupped my mouth before I could make a sound. Five years since we got mated, I hadn’t been able to conceive—the healers said it was because I didn’t have a wolf.

Janova had whispered that it didn’t matter then, but now… I didn’t know what to think—what to believe.

“Jealous?” My skin prickled when a smooth, deep voice whispered behind me.

The scent hit me—dark musk curling around my senses like fingers around my throat.

I turned quickly and locked eyes with the last person I expected.

Janova’s older brother—Prince ZadeKiah.