His Forsaken Luna-Chapter 34: Persistent

"Sire, Alpha Prince Eryx has returned-"

"Reject him." Alaric didn’t look up from the small coffee table in the parlour, scribbling away at some parchments.

On the other hand, I observed Rynak’s expression from the sofa where I’d been napping. His aide expected the King’s answer, and the stress-creasing lines on his forehead were most likely because of Eryx. He’d been enquired about me four times since I woke up two days ago. First in the morning, then at dinner.

I was quite happy lounging around here, away from Deyanira, the court and Eryx. Even Soren had been placed among the guards outside, though Theo was not accepted within these walls. Alaric said he would take care of me, and one of his maids arranged any of my other needs, such as bathing.

It was an awkward venture, and I felt a little violated. Hopefully, my slightly odd behaviour will not be reported to my brother. I actually like Margarette and would never want her to be without a job that can provide for her pup.

Unlike everyone else in the palace, Alaric’s servants did not treat me like dirt. Their kindness felt strange, and I always appeared curt, wanting to be gone from such strangeness. It was nice, but I couldn’t afford to be comfortable for too long—even if I had been rather lazy the last two days.

"Alpha," Rynak bowed his head and turned in the opposite direction.

There were a few raised voices from the other side of the chambers that even I could hear, but nothing more. I was surprised Eryx hadn’t tried to burst through the doors again. No, that didn’t surprise me; he needed to look like a concerned potential mate, not a maniac.

"You do not wish to see him?" Alaric asks as he pauses his quill and stares at me.

"I am enjoying your company, brother," I reply softly because I was. Even if he was working, I was comfortable around my big brother. "Or do you wish me to be gone for the evening so you can see Liva?"

Alaric chuckled and leaned back. "She can wait a few more days."

"Do you intend to make her your bride?" I ask, curious because Liva has been his mistress for four years. I was sure the nobles were starting to become restless, that there had been no changes in their relationship, and that no pup had been created between them.

Alaric lowered his quill to the table and rose. "She benefits from the position as do I. And so do you, might I add."

I tilt my head. "How so?" My brain was a little sluggish this morning.

Maybe a walk in the snow or a game of chess with Alaric will diminish the lazy fog surrounding my mind.

"Everyone is waiting for an Alpha Heir." He walked, thick arms behind his back as he studied some of the books from the dark-stained wooden bookcase, the structure adorned with a tree branch design, mini slender limbs reaching up along the sides until they almost touched the ceiling. "I have no intentions of choosing a mate and procreating until I know you are safe."

"That could be a while," I murmur with a frown. Alaric has been holding back because of me. He needs a strong mate, someone by his side who can play the political game, win over the people and surpass Deyanira.

I am grateful for my brother’s thoughtfulness, but it puts much more pressure on him. No one can rebel against him, though. Who would want the Forsaken Princess on the throne? Our cousins were also slaughtered once our father passed.

Clearing my throat, I rid my thoughts from those dark times. "What does Liva get from this?"

"Protection," he states calmly. "She was to be sold off to another."

"Goddess, this world is full of vile creatures," I note, shaking my head.

Perhaps I will befriend Liva. I am ashamed to admit that whenever we were together with Deyanira, I basked in the freedom of not having the Queen Mother’s attention. It was always directed at Liva.

"Alaric, I need to walk. Staying inside is hurting my head and body."

"Are you well enough to walk?" He asked straight away, returning to my side as I rose from the settee.

"The wounds on my back have healed." Alaric frowned and looked over my shoulder like he might see the truth beneath the new gown he had brought me.

"Very well. A walk is exactly what I need." He offers me his arm, and just as I take it, another knock at the door pauses our actions.

"Come in, Rynak," Alaric sighed, somehow already recognising it was his aide. Was it by scent? Sound? Or is it because Rynak is by Alaric’s side the most?

Rynak entered and bowed his head. "Forgive me, Sire. Alpha Eryx insists he joins you for dinner tonight."

A bewildered, breathy laugh leaves my lips as I watch my brother’s eyes narrow. "He is persistent. Tomorrow night, then," he replies sternly, and my lips drop open.

He caved so quickly!

Rynak bows and exits quietly. The poor man still looked like he needed at least one week of sleep.

My lips slam shut when Alaric looks at me. Unfortunately, I still have to act until I can form a plan against Eryx. "Are you happy with that arrangement?"

No. "Yes, of course. I feel as though I have gained my strength," I answer with a smile, slipping my arms into the white fur coat Alaric holds out for me. Then I change the subject. "What do you plan to do with Deyanira?"

Alaric looks conflicted and sighs as we step into his garden. It is cold, even with this thick coat on. Still, I welcome the chill. The snow has settled, and there is no wind today. "She will be sent to the Summer Palace for a month to reflect on her actions."

The Summer Palace was not summery at all. It was actually a palace far away where royals were banished. It took at least one week to get to by carriage, possibly longer if the weather conditions worsened.

Alaric would never allow Deyanira to leave if that was the case. It would be the same as sending her to her death. Abusing his half-sibling did not amount to a death sentence.

I expected the short banishment, though. It would be a cruel punishment for someone like Deyanira, who lives as the centre of attention in high society. There was nothing at the Summer Palace; even the interior was somewhat similar to my own accommodation.

I’d much prefer her blood spilling the ground, but I could not ask that of Alaric. It was already enough he had to punish his own mother.

At least I will have six weeks free without the Queen Mother. That was one less problem to worry about.

𓆩:*¨༺✧ ♛ ✧༻¨*:𓆪

Unfortunately, my little bubble of peace burst and the dinner with Eryx came far too quickly. Sitting at the long banquet table, a private dinner for just royals, I face my enemy, my brother, sitting at the top part of the table between us. The back of my neck doesn’t throb or itch like I expect it to when he is nearby.

Then I remembered that it had been over a week since we mated in the forest. The mark had healed over. Something else simmers beneath the surface though. I ignore it.

I’m feverish. Fortunately, my heat seems to be contained. My flushed cheeks, an unfortunate reaction to Eryx’s presence, merely add to my excuse of being too unwell to leave my brother’s quarters and entertain the Alpha Prince.

Eryx stares at me, his eyes striking and far too sharp this evening. He is far too interested in my looks, quite possibly trying to discover something else he could use against me for his gain.

"I must say," Eryx drawls after speaking with my brother about disinteresting subjects, or maybe I just didn’t pay enough attention. "You look radiant tonight."

Yes, the blue gown compliments my eyes, and the makeup adds colour to my face. Apparently, I looked a little too pale and weak—that was before I’d begun flushing like a fool.

"Thank you, Eryx. You look..." I say and stare at his clothes, which are now much thicker and better for the winters here in the North. "Great as well."

Alaric snorted at my poor attempt to compliment the Southern Were while Eryx arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, clearly amused by my blatant attempt to seem like someone falling for him.

Clearing his throat, he comments, "If you are well enough, I would like to go on an outing with you tomorrow."

"I’m not well enough," I answer too quickly and I feel a boot hit my shin. I hiss in a breath, and my eyes narrow at the Prince’s. "I mean... That depends on what you wish to do."

Alaric continues to eat quietly, allowing our conversation—or lack thereof—to flow, though he occasionally looks between us, observing.

"It will be nothing strenuous, I promise," Eryx smiles, those eyes mesmerising. The slight tone in his voice insinuates more than what he promises. Warmth pools into my lower stomach, and my heart skips a beat.