Alexa

“Gah!” I jerked awake, heart racing, my body drenched in sweat. My gaze darted around the unfamiliar environment I was placed in.
Gigantic chandeliers and lavish curtains.

“Where was I?” I said under my breath.
“Where is this?”

The scent hit me. Him.

Just then, a door beside me creaked open, and Nana, my best friend, stepped out, holding a basin that gave out steam.

“Oh dear moon goddess,” she exclaimed, her eyes flashing in surprise as she hurried to me. “You are awake!”

My racing heart beats to a calm as relief washed through me.

I watched her put the bowl to the ground before hugging me. “Oh, Alexa, you don't know how scared I was.”

“I am sorry,” I choked, hugging her back only to groan in pain.

“Hey, easy.” She quickly let go, helping me back on the bed. “You have been asleep for a while now.”

“Pardon?”

She pursed her lips, hesitating before she sighed. “Alexa, you've been asleep for days. Three, to be exact.”

“What?” I quivered. “How come? That's impossible!”

“Do you not remember?” Nana asked in disbelief.

I shook my head slowly. “What did he do to me?”

She went silent for a moment, staring at me and contemplating what to say.

“Tell me,” I urged with a beg, “please.”

“He marked you.”

I froze.

“No...”

I gripped the duvet tightly, paling at her words and shaking my head.

Memories flooded my head, and scenes of passion and pleasure all mixed in.

“Impossible!” I breathed.

“I couldn't have let that beast mark me.”

I stood to my feet, ignoring the pain that zapped through my aching joints.

Running to the full-length mirror by the side of the bed, I shoved the nightgown I was wearing to the side.

“Please tell me it is a lie!” I cried.

On my neck was a huge blood-like scar that still throbbed even as I looked at it. Despite it being three days old, it was still unformed.

No! No! No!

This can't be!

Bringing my shaky hands to my neck, I hesitated to touch it, my eyes staring at the mark in horror.

What have I done?

I covered my lips as I sobbed.

This person was my sister's murderer. How could I let him mark me? How could I let him mate me?

Nana came to my side, bringing me into her arms as I wept.

She understood the plight I was in, but she didn't know how deep it was.

I had come here to kill the beast.

How was that still possible if I was mated to him?

I know!

Brad! He will wash off the mark.

He was excellent at voodoo. Maybe he'll help me.

I stood to my feet, ignoring the questioning gaze Nana gave me.

“What are you doing?” she inquired, seeing as I dragged my body all the way to the door.

“I have to leave,” I answered, grabbing the handle. “I cannot stay here, Nana, and you shouldn't too!”

“Alexa, stop.” She clasped my palms. “You can't.”

“Why not?”

Nana lowered her voice, shaking her head. “He won't let us.”

Who? I wanted to ask, but then I realized who she was talking about.

I balled my fists, refusing to give up, but she stopped me again.

“There are guards outside the door, and all over the palace. How do you expect to leave? Even your body isn't fit.”

She had a point.

If I were given an opportunity, I would be captured in one fell swoop.

Nana held my hand, guiding me back to the bed. “First, recuperate and then we will make up a plan.”

Sitting on the bed, my body ached dully in relief, and I couldn't help but close my eyes.

Since waking up, my wolf had been silent, and I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

Just as I opened my mouth to talk, a knock came from the door, making our heads turn.

“Your highness, may I come in?” a lady's voice filtered through, startling me further.

Did she just refer to me as ‘your highness?’

I looked at Nana for help, but she was just as confused as I was.

Seeing as there was no reply, the person knocked again.

“Come in,” I said, fixing myself at the edge of the bed.

The doors opened, and to our surprise, the stern old woman from when we came to the palace walked in.

Her head was held high, with her trademark cane in her hand. Behind her were two maids who each held dresses and accessories on pillows.

“Your Highness,” they bowed before stepping in to place the things on the bed.

The old woman stood before me with a bow. “Allow me to introduce myself properly, your Majesty. My name is Rose Von Miller. I am the second head guard, and unfortunately, the only one present.”

“Why?”

The old woman sighed. “I am sure you've met Francis. He is the one who was to inspect the maidens before they were brought to the palace.”

Again, bitter memories of how we had been stripped, and Francis’ lewd hands on my body surfaced.

My face fell at the memory, and I hummed to let Rose know I remembered.

“Because of his actions, the king, His Majesty, has relieved him of his duties. Permanently.”

“Permanently?” Nana and I repeated simultaneously, fear laced in our voices.

Rose nodded.

I knew werewolves were possessive, and that he was the king, but this… was this right?

Could he get away with doing that?

But deep down, I tried to suppress the butterflies that fluttered in my belly.

Norman had never treated me like that before. He had never defended me.

I lowered my head, picking at my nails as I unconsciously compared the two, my wolf agreeing, hearing her mate was involved.

Wait… what am I doing?

Why would I be feeling butterflies for something as trivial as that?

Shaking my head, I snapped out of the thoughts with a frown.

It's the bond.

It's messing with my head again.

I pinched my fingers, looking at Rose. “I am guessing you came here for something more important than this.”

“Yes,” she said. “His Majesty would like to have lunch with you. He is waiting at the dining hall.”

“Lunch?” I raised my brow at Nana.

When I woke up, I did not bother to check the time.

Nana smiled faintly in apology before looking at the clothes on the bed. “Is this what she is to wear?”

“Yes,” she replied, her eyes flashing briefly, her body stiffening as she communicated through the mind link.

Blinking, she relayed whatever had been passed through from the link. “Please, Your Highness, His Majesty’s patience is running thin.”

Not wanting to put her in trouble, I stood up. “What should I do first?”

The maids at the side, who had been acting as wallflowers the whole time, suddenly moved.

I was taken into the bathroom and given a bath. I had no idea when the bath was set, though.

In record time, I found myself standing in front of a huge door to the dining hall.

Nana and Rose were behind me, silent but waiting for my move. They weren't following me in, though.

I was dressed in a royal blue lace gown and adorned with jewelry that matched the gown.

The guard at the door waited till I gave the signal, and he opened the door.