Lilith’s POV
The loud knocking on my door woke me up. For a bit, I enjoyed the warmth of my blankets. The quietness was nice compared to the tapping. But the knocking kept going stronger and steady. Complaining, I swung my legs over the bed, my feet touching the cold wood floor.
“Okay, okay, I’m coming!” I said, feeling annoyed as I walked to the door.
Ronan’s friendly face welcomed me when I opened it. He was smiling with a confident look with three serious men in dark clothes behind him. They stood straight, their eyes wide and careful.
“Good morning, My Queen,” Ronan said, nodding a little. His voice was nice, but there was a quick need beneath it.
“What’s happening Ronan?” I frowned, my face showing confusion. “Why are you here so early?”
Ronan pointed to the three men with him. “The Alpha King sent these three to keep you safe.”
“I don’t need bodyguards, Ronan,” I said, my voice very mad. “This is silly.”
“Please, Your Highness,” Ronan said seriously. “This isn’t a choice. It’s what the Alpha King wants.”
“Adams-” My chest felt tight when I heard his name. “I’ll talk to him about this myself. I don’t want any extra focus on me. This isn’t needed.”
Ronan looked at me for a moment, then nodded a little. “I see what you’re worried about, my Queen. But on this I must insist. Please excuse me, I need to go back to my work.”
“Okay,” I said sharply, folding my arms. “Keep them away from me.”
Ronan nodded and stepped back as I closed the door hard. My heart raced. I couldn’t believe this was real the rumors about the assassination attempt on me yesterday were getting worse, making my life a tense game of chess.
I looked away from the door and said “They can only wait outside.”
I went to my mirror, splashing cool water on my face to wake up. The fresh water felt nice on my skin as I looked at myself. Dark curls surrounded my face and my green eyes, showing both strength and some softness, had a determined look.
After a quick clean-up, I fixed my dress a dark red fabric I loved and walked to the door. When I opened it, the three men stood like a wall, a strong line of unwanted guards.
“Follow me,” I said, going down the hall to Adams’ study. The men walked behind me, making me feel both safe and annoyed. Their faces were blank.
As I strolled along, my mind began to wander to thoughts about Adams. I couldn’t help but recall the wonderful memory of his arms wrapped around me just a few days ago. The feeling of his warmth and the gentle love we had shared during that special moment brought a soft and happy smile to my face.
I also thought about how he had given me his word promising to protect me no matter what happened. He said he would always have my back, even if it sometimes tested his patience and took a toll on him.
At last, I got to the big wooden door to his study. I took a deep breath and knocked softly.
“Please come in,” said Adams, my mate, the one I have come to love so much, his voice warm and welcoming, responding to the knock at the door.
I opened the door and went inside. A big desk took up most of the room, covered in papers, maps, and a half-full coffee cup that filled the air with a rich smell. Adams was sitting behind it and his strong face was lit by the morning sun coming through the window. His blue eyes brightened when he saw me.
“Lilith!” he said with excitement, standing up from his seat and walking around the desk to come over to me. He wrapped his arms around me in a friendly hug. “I must say you look absolutely stunning this morning.”
I moved closer to him, feeling safe with him near. He placed a light kiss on my lips. “Adams, we need to talk,” I said, stepping back to see him. “They sent guards after me.”
“I understand what you’re saying,” he answered, and his voice changed to sound more serious. “It’s just a safety measure.”
I shook my head. “I don’t want anyone watching me, Adams. I can look after myself.”
“It’s not really about that situation right now,” he said, speaking with a strong yet gentle tone. I could feel his hands resting reassuringly on my shoulders.
“You need to understand that there was an assassination attempt made against you just yesterday. No matter if you’re ready to accept this information or not, the truth is that you are in real danger.”
I pressed my lips together feeling upset inside. “I won’t live in fear! I don’t want to be stuck in these walls.”
He looked at me with kind eyes as he gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I really do understand how you feel, Lilith. However, I just can’t take the chance with your safety right now. You are incredibly important to me, more than anything else. I promise that I will call them off as soon as I am completely sure that you are safe. Just bear with me for a little while longer. I’m asking you please.”
“Promise me you won’t make this last forever,” I said, looking into his eyes.
“I promise that I am being completely honest,” he said with a serious look on his face. “It’s really important for me that you trust me about this, okay?”
“I believe in you, but I know my own abilities. I’ve been fine without guards before.”
“Things are different now, my dear,” he said softly, his eyes filled with a deep worry. “You have become someone that others are watching closely. I promise I will do everything I can to protect you and ensure you are safe. However, I really need your help and willingness to work with me.”
I sighed, feeling sad. “Why does it have to be like this? We should be having fun, not worrying about dangers.”
“I would do absolutely anything in the world to change this situation, sweetheart,” he said as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close again. “However, I just can’t put your safety at risk. It’s too important, especially not at this moment.”
“Okay.” I sighed, crossing my arms. “But I’ll watch them closely. I don’t want them feeling too at home with me.”
Adams let out a quiet chuckle that sounded warm and friendly, and it made me feel a little bit happier. He smiled and said “It’s a deal. And you know what? They’re likely just as puzzled and unsure about all of this as you are.”
Before I could answer, someone knocked on the door. We both looked at it.
“Please come in.” Adams said, standing up a little straighter and looking more serious than before.
A guard came in, his head up. “Your Highness, sorry to interrupt, but there’s a visitor.”
“A visitor again?” I said, lifting one eyebrow in surprise.
“Yes, My Lady,” the guard said, looking away. “He says it is urgent.”