Sixty one
*Freya*
Connor and I stood before the roaring crowd, our hands intertwined, my heart pounding with exhilaration and disbelief as Rafe’s deep voice rang out:
“The winner of this year’s royal hunting games, the one who tracked and captured the elusive golden rabbit… is none other than Connor Turner and Freya Hadid!”
Cheers and applause surged around me. I felt my cheeks flush and a shy smile spread across my face as Connor and I made my way up to the podium where Rafe waited, his eyes fixed intently on me.
As I curtseyed before him, Rafe extended his hand, holding a crimson wax-sealed letter. “Congratulations, Connor, Freya. You’ve proven your wits and skills today. This letter holds a special message for you – but patience. It will unseal itself come midnight.”
My fingers trembled slightly as I accepted the mysterious gift. “Thank you, King Rafe. It’s an honor.” Connor and I said in unison. I raised my head up and our eyes met and held. I searched his gaze, trying to discern his thoughts, but his expression was inscrutable. He still had this aloof expression that I couldn’t understand. What was going on with him? We had been good with each other earlier before the hunts started but now it seemed like Rafe was distancing himself from me. Or was I being paranoid?
Back in my chambers some time later, I collapsed onto the plush sofa, the events of the day swirling through my mind. Connor and I had worked seamlessly together to win the games, yet a sense of unease pricked at me. I recalled how Rafe had seemed cool and aloof when I approached him afterwards to express my thanks. His jaw had tightened, eyes flashing with some repressed emotion before he turned away.
“What could I have done to upset him so?” I wondered aloud to the empty room. “Everything was perfect… until it wasn’t.”
I knew I needed to talk to Rafe and clear the air, to know what troubled him. Pushing myself up, I strode to the gilded mirror to make myself more presentable. As I met my own worried blue eyes in the reflection, I needed to get to the bottom of this for my own peace of mind. I had to know what was in Rafe’s thoughts and if I was the cause of his seeming displeasure. I wish I could go to his chambers but I didn’t want to disturb him. what if he didn’t want to see me?
“My lady?” Grace’s gentle voice interrupted my jarred thoughts as she walked into my room. “Is everything alright? You seem troubled.”
I sighed, turning to face my friend and maid. “Oh Grace, I don’t know what to make of it. During the hunt, Rafe chose Kelly to be his partner instead of me. I can’t help but feel that he did that for a reason.”
Grace’s brow furrowed with concern. “But why would he do such a thing? I thought you two were growing very close.”
“I also thought so..” I confessed, wringing my hands. “But now I’m not so sure. maybe I misread his intentions.”
Grace approached, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Lady Freya, you mustn’t let your doubts consume you. The only way to know for certain is to speak with Alpha Rafe directly.”
I nodded, knowing she was right. “You’re right, Grace. I need to confront him and uncover the truth, no matter how painful it may be.”
With renewed determination, I moved to my wardrobe, selecting a gown of deep emerald silk that complemented my dark hair. Grace assisted me in dressing, her skilled fingers lacing up the bodice.
As I studied my reflection, I hoped my appearance would boost my confidence for the difficult conversation ahead. Squaring my shoulders, I took a deep breath.
“Wish me luck, Grace,” I said, my voice wavering slightly. “I think I may need it.”
Grace smiled reassuringly. “You are strong and brave, Milady. Trust in yourself and in the bond you share with Alpha Rafe. I have faith that all will be well.”
With a final nod, I exited my chambers, my heart pounding in my chest as I made my way through the winding corridors of the palace towards Rafe’s quarters. Each step brought me closer to his chambers, and I steeled myself for whatever awaited me beyond his door.
My hand trembled as I reached for the brass handle of Rafe’s chamber door. Steeling my nerves, I pulled the knob and stepped inside, only to freeze in shock at the sight before me.
Kelly, my stepsister, was straddling Rafe’s lap, her hands tangled in his dark hair as they seemed to embrace each other passionately. The intimate moment shattered as they sprang apart, startled by my intrusion. Kelly’s eyes narrowed in irritation, while Rafe’s expression flickered between guilt and surprise. He looked like he was not himself. As the stench of old alcohol assailed my nose, I knew he must have been drinking before I got here. He looked like he was drunk.
Pain lanced through my heart, sharp and searing. First Jessica, now Kelly… how many more women would I find in his arms? I fought to maintain my composure, refusing to let them see how deeply their betrayal cut me.
“Freya! I… we weren’t expecting you,” Rafe stammered, hastily adjusting his rumpled clothing.
Kelly smirked, her gaze triumphant as she draped herself across Rafe’s muscular frame. “Clearly. Don’t you know it’s rude to barge in uninvited, baby sister? leave us alone right now.”
Ignoring her barb, I focused on Rafe, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me. ” Rafe, I apologize for the interruption, but I must speak with you urgently. In private.”
Kelly scoffed, tossing her glossy black hair over her shoulder. “Anything you have to say to Alpha Rafe, you can say in front of me. I’m not going anywhere.”
Rafe shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between us. “Kelly, I think it would be best if-”
“No,” she cut him off, her tone sharp. “I’m tired of Freya always coming between us. She has always had her moments with you. It is my turn now.”
Rising gracefully to her feet, Kelly stalked towards me, her expression cruel. “You heard me, Freya. Get out. Rafe and I have unfinished business to attend to, and we don’t need you here playing the jealous little sister.”
My heart clenched at her words, the sting of rejection mingling with the bitterness of betrayal. I glanced at Rafe, silently begging him to intervene, to choose me over her… but he remained silent, his gaze fixed on me as he glared at me. He was openly endorsing Kelly’s horrible behavior towards me.
*****