“You’re not serious, are you?” Zander asked and irritation was clear in his voice.
“Do I look like I’m joking?” I raised an eyebrow, my tone sharp and unwavering. “The court is adjourned.” With that, I stood from my seat and turned to leave.
“Wait, mate!” he shouted, his voice desperate. “I came here for you.”
I froze mid-step, my heart betraying me as it clenched at the sound of his plea. After all, I loved him and he is my mate. My fated mate.
But Mother’s stern gaze from across the room and a subtle shake of her head reminded me of my duty. I forced myself not to turn back. Instead, I resumed my steps, reluctantly moving toward the exit.
I could feel his yearning gaze burning into my back until the doors closed behind me with a heavy thud.
I summoned the commander, and she appeared before me instantly. She was a tall and well-built woman, best in her fighting skill and awarded for bravery many times.
“The Alpha King cannot be kept in a regular prison alongside criminals,” I began in a serious tone. “Though he trespassed, we don’t yet know the urgency that drove him to do so. Treat him with respect and dignity. He will stay in the royal guest quarters, not the prison.”
The commander’s brow furrowed slightly, confusion flickering in her eyes at my unexpected instructions. I ignored it, knowing full well my motives were both selfish and protective when it came to my mate.
“Keep him under constant surveillance,” I continued, my voice brooking no argument. “Guards will be stationed around him at all times. He is not allowed to leave the room under any circumstances, but ensure that he is provided with everything he needs to be comfortable.”
She nodded briskly, though her uncertainty was still evident. I dismissed her with a wave of my hand. No one dared to defy or question the Queen.
The day passed like any other-offering rituals, visiting the temple, and completing my duties. Once I was finally free, I returned to my room, letting out a weary sigh.
‘Selena, are you really going to leave our mate in that filthy prison?’ Arena’s voice echoed in my mind, laced with frustration.
‘What else can I do?’ I replied with a helpless shrug. ‘He trespassed, Arena. He broke the rules, and I had no choice but to sentence him.’
‘He said he came here for us. I can’t bear to see our mate suffer like this!’ she argued fiercely.
I exhaled deeply, understanding her pain. ‘I don’t want him there either,’ I admitted. ‘But my hands are tied. Still, I’ll find a way to release him without breaking the laws.’
The thought of him being imprisoned gnawed at my heart, but even worse was the ache of being apart from our son. He was all alone-without his father, and with me absent from his life. Austin also didn’t remember me, but I missed my baby boy terribly.
However, I couldn’t ignore the selfish part of me that wanted him near, even if it was just for one day or a few hours. I longed to be close to him, to hear his voice and see him with my own eyes. I didn’t know when I’d get the chance again, or if I ever would. This might be the only opportunity I had to be near him, and I wasn’t about to let it slip away.
As if hearing my thoughts loud, Arena’s voice echoed in my mind with a knowing smirk. ‘I have an idea.’
The next moment, I found myself walking out of my chamber and heading toward the royal guest room in the west wing where Zander was being kept. My heart raced with excitement of seeing him again as I moved swiftly through the corridors. The guards at the entrance straightened when they saw me. The surprise was clear on their faces. They bowed their heads respectfully, but I could tell they were unsure of how to act at this unexpected visit.
“I want to ask some questions to the Alpha King,” I said, keeping my posture calm and composed.
“Do you want me to summon the commander, Goddess?” one of the guards asked.
“No need. I have some questions, not an interrogation,” I shook my head.
“But he can be dangerous,” one of them warned with concern.
“He’s no harm to me,” I replied with a knowing smile.
“Open the door,” I said, my voice steady. One of the guards unlocked it and pushed it open.
I held my breath as I stepped inside and immediately saw Zander Blake pacing, his brow furrowed in concentration. But as soon as he saw me, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes locking with mine, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still.
My heart skipped a beat. I forced myself to compose my thoughts, taking a steadying breath before stepping further into the room. I motioned for the guards to close the door behind me.
The frown that had been on his handsome face melted away, replaced by a knowing smirk.
“I knew you would come, mate,” he said in a voice low and full of a teasing edge, making me furrow with confusion.