Lienna.
“Let go of her.” The words cut through the council room like a knife, and we all looked around, trying to figure out where they came from. I looked up at the throne room, and my eyes met Adonis’s gaze. He was glaring at me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat, a furious expression on his face. I flinched, feeling like I’d been punched in the gut.
The man who had been trying to have his way with me immediately released me, taking a step back as if he’d been burned. “Apologies, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice somber, his eyes cast downward in submission.
I tried to speak, but nothing would come out of my mouth. I was terrified, my mind racing with thoughts of what could happen next. I didn’t want to be the center of attention, didn’t want to be the reason for a scene in the council room.
So I turned around and ran, not minding the stares that followed me. I could hear the murmurs, the whispers, as I fled the room. I didn’t dare look back, fearing what I might see.
I didn’t stop running until I was out of the castle, gasping for air as I emerged into the cool evening breeze. I leaned against the wall, trying to calm my racing heart, trying to process what had just happened. Why had Adonis intervened? Though I was relieved that the man didn’t have his way with me, I also knew there was no way that would be free. He’d definitely want something in return.
I was in a state of panic till the meeting ended and the council room emptied out. Finally, the shifter kings emerged, standing side by side as they walked towards where all their wings intersected, ready to retire into their separate wings. I stood far away, watching them from a corner, my heart racing in my chest.
The three looked formidable standing next to each other, their faces set in determination, their robes swirling around them. I bit my lips, clasping my hands together in a quiet prayer. They should just go their separate ways and not disturb me.
But then, Adonis paused and turned his head, fixing his gaze on me. My heart skipped multiple beats as I stood there, transfixed, staring into his icy blue eyes unable to look away. I barely noticed that I was trembling, my knees shaking.
Finally, he pointed at me. “You, come with me.”
I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. Me? What did he want with me? I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. I nodded instead, my legs moving towards him as if of their own accord.
As I approached, the other two kings turned to look at me, their faces unreadable. I felt like a small prey caught in the gaze of three predators. Adonis turned and walked away, expecting me to follow. I did, my heart racing with every step.
We started to head towards his wing, and with every step that I took, my heart raced, millions of thoughts swirling in my head. It looked like he wanted to have me alone today, and honestly, I didn’t know what to make of it. I couldn’t help but wonder what he wanted to discuss or do. Was I in trouble? Did he want something from me?
We finally arrived at his chambers, the door getting opened by the guards standing next to it. Glancing back at me, he pursed his lips and walked into the chambers, prompting me to do the same. I hesitated for a moment, but my legs moved forward, carrying me into the unknown.
His space was a beautiful one; I was awed from the very moment I stepped in. The walls were lined with gold drawings, reflecting the pale evening sunlight that streamed through the windows. Everywhere was coated with the most expensive stones and materials known to mankind. It was truly a space fitting for a king.
But what surprised me the most was the painting of a beautiful woman on the wall, holding two adorable cubs, a tiny smile on her face. My steps faltered, and I turned to stare at the painting, my heart skipping a beat. Was that his family? Out of all the grand Kings, Adonis was the only one who had married and had children. He probably lost them all during the war. Is that why he’s so bitter?
A wave of pity crashed over me as I stared at him, standing by the window, his back to me. Grief could do unimaginable things to people. I couldn’t help but wonder what his story was, what had happened to his family.
He turned around, his eyes locking onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. Without a word, he walked towards me, his movements fluid and deliberate. I stood frozen, unsure of what to do, before he gestured for me to follow him into the bedroom.
The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a few candles scattered around the space. The bed was massive, with intricate carvings on the posts, and the sheets looked like they were made of the finest silk.
Adonis went to the wardrobe and began to shed his robes, his movements slow and deliberate. I looked down at the floor, wringing my fingers as my heart pounded in my chest. So many terrible thoughts were running through me, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake them off. Should I take off mine as well or wait for his order? I didn’t know what to do, so I just stood there, filled with fear.
By the time he was through, only a thin tunic and trousers were all he had on. He went on to grab a bottle of wine, settling himself on a plush couch before drinking from the bottle, his movements languid. “Take off your clothes,” he ordered, his deep voice cutting through the air.
I knew it, there was no way I was escaping this. I was too terrified, and he might be even more cruel since he was the only one this time around. Heavens, I didn’t know how much of this I could take. I flinched, biting my lips, but brought my fingers to my dress and began loosening the ropes till the dress slipped from my body, slipping to the ground.
I was soon standing naked in front of him, resisting the urge to try and shield my nakedness. That would be completely futile and might even incur more wrath. His gaze lingered on my body for the longest moments, and I could feel goosebumps rise to the surface of my skin as I bit back a squirm, my gaze still lowered.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and husky. “Lie on the bed.”