Chapter 28

After a few minutes—or maybe hours—of trying to make sense of things, I can say without a doubt that I’m mad. Not just mad, but furious, and maybe a little shell-shocked.

Since my dad’s gone off to prepare for the upcoming fight in three days and I can’t exactly go off and kill the king myself, I’m currently on my way to give Roman a piece of my mind.

Not literally, of course.

I push the front door open so hard it swings back at me. I kick it back again and quickly step in before it can close behind me.

I cast a little dampening spell on myself because, well, I don’t want to set the bed on fire again. Then I stomp up the stairs.

I throw open the door to our bedroom, but it’s empty. I open every other door with the same fury.

Honestly, it’s ridiculous how many guestrooms one person can have.

Finally, I reach Roman’s office. I kick the door open, but with less force this time.

His eyes are heavy as he looks at me. His mouth opens, his eyebrows furrowed, but I raise my hand to stop him.

I mean, I literally cast a silence spell on him.

“I got whipped for you. My body was on fire, the pain from the whips paralyzing yet throbbing. I defended you against your father, looked him in the eye—the king’s eye—and basically told him to shove it.

“My father’s actions are not mine. I didn’t ask for this, and I’m fully aware that in three days one of us will be without a father, and the wolf world might collapse if my father wins.

“I’m scared and broken. I’m terrified. I don’t know what to do. I feel like the world is crumbling at my feet, and I’m not ready for it. I need my mate, I need you, and I think you need me too. So stop being a jerk and hold me.”

Tears are now streaming down my cheeks.

My heart is in my throat and my head is throbbing with stress.

Roman opens his mouth, but no sound comes out.

I look at him in desperation before I remember that I’ve silenced him. With a flick of my wrist, I give him his voice back.

His face is twisted in pain.

“How will you be able to ever look at me again if my father kills yours? If you’re forever trapped by my side without the chance to get to know your mother? What do you think my father will do to you if he defeats yours?

“Maybe he’ll hang you or lock you away forever just to keep me alive. Or maybe he’ll disown us both, we’ll be rogues with no pack and go insane.

“I’m not blaming you for your father’s actions, I know you disagree with them. But one way or another, I will lose you. I will lose you...”

A single tear slips down his cheek. I run towards him and jump into his open arms.

I bury my head in his neck, his scent filling my nose.

After a few minutes of crying, my heart starts to calm down.

Roman pulls back a little. He looks me in the eyes, and a small teasing smile touches his lips.

“You marked me without my consent. Such a disgrace.” I chuckle at his words.

“How dare you laugh, m’lady?! This is a very serious matter. How oh how am I going to punish you?”

His eyes twinkle as he looks down at me, and I giggle again.

“I’m bound to you for life. Isn’t that punishment enough?” One of his arms moves from under me, and he starts tickling me.

I squeal and try to break free, but Roman has moved his supporting arm around my back, holding me tightly.

“OKAY, PLEASEEEE. I’M SORRY, I’M SORRY.” I can hardly talk from all the laughing.

Roman finally stops tickling me.

I brush the hair out of my face and look at him with a huge smile. We gaze at each other, and suddenly the air changes around us.

His eyes fall to my lips. My grin slowly fades as I look at his, lust taking over me.

He slowly leans in, and just when he’s about to kiss me, the door to his office is flung open.

I snap my head to the door so quickly a jolt of pain shoots up through my neck.

Lucian stands in the doorway, a sinister smile on his face.

I instantly tense up.

“The king has ordered for the new princess to be held in captivity.” His head tilts to the side as if to challenge me.

Roman’s grip on me tightens.

“No.” His voice is dominant and almost a growl. I can feel his anger coursing through me because of the bond.

“Are you going against the king’s orders?” There’s another challenge in Lucian’s voice. Panic fills my heart as I think about Roman and Lucian getting into a fight. Lucian is ruthless.

“I’ll go with you.” Both men are surprised by my words. Roman’s grip on me is so tight it’s starting to hurt.

“I’ll go with him. It’s going to be okay. You can’t go against the king’s orders.” I whisper to Roman. I see the battle in his eyes.

I give him a soft kiss while I loosen myself from his hold. He kisses me once more and lets me go.

“If she is hurt in any way, remember that one day I will be the king. Pray to the Goddess I’ll have mercy on you.” Lucian’s growl is the only response to Roman’s threatening words.

I give him one more soft smile before I walk towards Lucian. I gesture for him to go first.

“Let’s go, jerk.” His face shoots daggers at me, but he says nothing. Leading us out into the hallway that’s also filled with warriors. Six of them in total.

“A little too much for a little girl, isn’t it? Must hurt your precious ego.” Anger flashes over Lucian’s face before his sinister smile returns.

“I’m sure my ego will be restored once I throw you in the dungeon.” Of course. The dungeon. I say no more as I follow him willingly towards my prison. I really need a new damn life.