Chapter 113
*Freya*
I stood in the grand courtroom, my eyes fixed on Rafe as he commanded the room with his presence. The whispers of the crowd faded into a dull hum as I focused on his every move. He looked every bit the Alpha king, proud and regal, his posture exuding authority and strength. My heart swelled with love for him, and I silently prayed that nothing would come between us again. I took a deep breath and raised my head up to meet his waiting gaze. He was so far away but it felt like he was right in front of me. I didn’t want him to do what he was about to do but I knew that he had to. He was the king and it was his responsibility.
The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and the murmur of the crowd grew louder. Two guards marched in, dragging Kelly between them. Her hair was disheveled, her usually sharp eyes now downcast and filled with shame. She looked like a shadow of her former self, the weight of her actions pressing down on her shoulders.
“Bring her forward,” Rafe commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber. The guards pushed Kelly to the front, and she stumbled slightly before regaining her balance. For a moment, our eyes met, and I saw a flicker of something-regret, perhaps?-before she quickly looked away.
Conflicting emotions churned within me. Should I feel pity for my stepsister, who now stood on the brink of her downfall? Or should I be relieved that justice was finally being served? After all, Kelly had tried to kill me not once, but twice, driven by her insatiable jealousy over Rafe’s affections for me.
Rafe’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Kelly Hadid has committed grievous acts against Lady Freya Hadid, attempting to harm her on two separate occasions.” His words were measured, yet they carried the weight of finality. “For these crimes, she is hereby expelled from the competition and banished from the palace.”
Gasps and murmurs erupted around me, the courtroom buzzing with shock and speculation. The air felt thick, and I struggled to breathe, feeling an oppressive weight settle over my chest. I watched as Kelly’s face crumpled, her defiant exterior shattered by the reality of her punishment.
“Take her away,” Rafe ordered, his gaze never wavering.
As the guards stood beside Kelly, ready to drag her away, she turned and looked at me, her eyes pleading. But I couldn’t find it in myself to return her gaze. Instead, I turned my head, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.
The room seemed to close in on me as the murmurs grew heavier, the air growing heavy and stifling. My vision blurred at the edges, and a wave of nausea crashed over me. I pressed a trembling hand to my mouth, willing myself not to faint or vomit right here in front of everyone.
“Freya, are you okay?” Addy’s voice broke through the haze, her concern evident. She placed a steadying hand on my arm, her touch grounding me momentarily.
I managed a weak nod, though the queasiness remained. Addy quickly handed me a glass of water, guiding it to my lips. “Drink,” she urged softly.
I took a few sips, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. Gradually, I felt some semblance of calm return. “Thank you,” I whispered, grateful for her presence. Without her, I wasn’t sure how I would have managed this overwhelming situation.
As I glanced at Addy, memories flooded back-of how we’d met during the competition and immediately clicked. It was rare to find such a genuine friend in a setting filled with rivalry and ambition. Yet, Addy had been my rock, my confidante. Even after the competition would be long behind us, I knew our bond would endure.
“Look,” Addy whispered, drawing my attention back to the present.
Kelly was on her knees now, desperation etched into every line of her face as she begged Rafe for mercy. “Please, Your Majesty… I beg you,” she sobbed, clutching at the hem of his robe.
Rafe’s expression hardened. He raised a hand, signaling the guards. “Take her to the dungeons,” he commanded, his voice devoid of emotion.
“Freya! Help your sister!” Kelly’s voice cracked as the guards hauled her to her feet. Her eyes were wide with panic, searching for any sign of clemency in mine.
But I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t meet her gaze. Instead, I turned away, my heart aching. Tears welled up, but I blinked them back furiously. This was justice, I reminded myself, even if it didn’t feel like it.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I made my way towards Rafe. He was discussing something with Connor, both of them standing tall and radiating authority. As I approached, Connor caught sight of me first.
“Freya!” he greeted warmly, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Always a pleasure.”
“Hi, Connor,” I replied, returning his smile despite the tension in the air.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to it then,” Connor said with a wink, stepping aside and disappearing into the crowd.
Rafe’s eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, the entire courtroom seemed to fade away. His gaze was intense, filled with unspoken words and emotions that made my heart race. He looked like he wanted to kiss me, and I found myself wishing he would, even though it would cause an uproar in front of everyone.
“Freya,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.
“Rafe,” I replied, struggling to keep my voice steady. “I’m… I’m glad justice was served today.”
“Justice,” he echoed, his eyes never leaving mine. “It’s a double-edged sword, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” I whispered, feeling the weight of his words. We stood there, inches apart, the tension between us palpable.
“Are you alright?” he asked softly, his concern evident.
“Just… overwhelmed,” I admitted, biting my lip. “But I’ll be fine.”
“You’re stronger than you know, Freya,” he said, taking a step closer. “And I-”
“Freya!” Daniel’s voice cut through the moment, breaking the spell. I turned to see him approaching, a warm smile on his face.
“Daniel,” I greeted, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment.
“May I have a word?” he asked, glancing at Rafe briefly before turning his attention back to me.
“Of course,” I nodded. Rafe gave me a reassuring look before stepping back, allowing Daniel and me some space.
“Thank you for everything, Daniel,” I said earnestly, wrapping my arms around him in a hug. “You’ve been by my side through so much.”
“You’re welcome, Freya,” he replied, holding me tightly. When we pulled back, he looked at me with a gentle smile. “I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you about that. I need to return to my family. They’ve been worried, and it’s time I go back to them.”
“I understand,” I said, nodding. “I’d never be upset with you for that. Family is important.”
“Thank you for understanding,” he said, relief washing over his features. “But if you ever need me, I’ll come back in an instant.”
“Thank you, Daniel,” I said, hugging him once more. “For everything.”
As I held onto him, I felt another wave of gratitude wash over me. Daniel had been my protector and friend, and I knew I owed him more than words could express.
***