12.

It was almost instantaneous, the change in their behavior and movement. The warmth and kindness that they’d shown toward me when the day started evaporated immediately, and it was replaced by an icy coldness that chilled me to the bone.

It was as if the air itself had turned frigid, and I felt exposed. Without another word, Pamela and Darcy hurried to finish dressing me, their movements frantic and disjointed.

It was clear that they couldn't wait to be rid of me, to escape the presence of someone marked by such a symbol of shame and disgrace. And I could see firsthand how everyone who was to come in contact with me from this point would react.

It was something I had to carry everywhere with me, and I completely hated it. They quickly excused themselves and practically ran out of the room.

I looked down at the branding on my wrist.

What would happen now? Is this the same reaction I would get from everyone I came across?

I knew that I was already married to Chase, and he assured me that I would be protected, that he would protect me, but what would happen when everyone else saw the branding mark?

I slumped into the chair in front of the mirror, hoping that Nia would say something, but she was eerily quiet. I could tell that she was also sad with everything that was going on, and it completely broke my heart. To be honest, I was so caught up in the moment that I had almost forgot that it was there and I’m realizing I cannot do that again.

The door suddenly opened, and Chase walked in. Nia began to bounce up and down as his scent filled us. I mean , he was a very attractive man, so I took a bit of time to take in his chiseled jawline, well-groomed beard, and green eyes.

A part of me wanted to run my hand through his hair and kiss him because, for some reason, I had no idea what kissing him felt like, even though we shared a wild night together. He took long strides towards me, finally pausing when he reached where I sat and kneeled before me.

“How did you sleep, my queen?” he asked, his voice gentle but firm. The way he called me his made my heart skip multiple beats.

I offered him a small smile, trying to push aside the turmoil that I felt within me. “Fine, thank you,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “And you?”

Chase nodded, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he spoke again. “It was… bland,” came his slow reply. I searched his face for more explanation, but got nothing. “Would you care to join me for breakfast?” he asked, gesturing towards the door.

Part of me wanted to resist, to retreat further into the safety of solitude and uncertainty. But another part of me longed for the comfort and reassurance that Chase offered, the promise that everything would be alright.

I stood up and faced him, pulling down the band of my shirt to show him my wrist. “They saw my band, and they practically ran out of my room when they did,” I blurted.

Chase's green eyes clouded with anger. “Who did that?”

I sighed. “It doesn’t matter, and it’s not their fault, Chase. They are sweet women, but anyone would ask questions or be scared when their queen shows up with a brand.”

“You don’t need to worry about that because…”

“But I do,” I cut him off before he could finish speaking. “I worry about it a lot because people will judge me based on the brand on my wrist.”

Before I could continue speaking, Chase spoke again, his voice filled with reassurance. “If we're going to make this work, Zara, we need to present a strong front to everyone,” he said, his hand reaching out to grasp mine.

“I’m scared my front is not strong enough, and I might blow our cover,” I admitted softly.

“You won’t.”

His warm touch enveloped mine, and a spark of electricity coursed through me, enveloping me in its wraps. He squeezed my hand in his, the touch foreign, yet soothing and warm. I liked it. I liked the comfort it came with. With a nod of agreement, I allowed Chase to lead me out of the room, trusting him with all of my heart.

He didn't let go of my hand as we trudged down the hallway. Not even when we came across some servants, whom I instantly recognized were wolves like Pamela and Darcy. Not even when we bumped into Shane and Ryan, his Alpha Beta and Alpha Delta respectively.

We got to the dining room and got seated at a table filled with so many meals. Chase sat at the head of the table, and I took a seat next to him while Shane and Ryan settled opposite us.

Shane, the beta, spoke first, his voice grave as he detailed the events that had unfolded in the kingdom during Chase's absence. There had been reports of unrest among the citizens, whispers of rebellion and discontent brewing beneath the surface.

I listened as I ate silently, wondering what the unrest could be about. I was also scared that the people finding out that they have a ‘whore’ as a queen would make it even worse.

As the conversation turned to the topic of the upcoming meeting with the elders, a sense of unease settled over me. I dreaded the meeting with the elders, but I knew it had to be done.

Shane cleared his throat, his eyes flickering towards me briefly before returning to Chase. “The elders have requested a meeting with you and the queen,” he said, his tone somber. “They believe that she must pass the ritual of becoming a member of our pack before she can be introduced to the rest of the pack.”

Chase nodded. “Very well,” he said, his voice firm. “We will meet with the elders tomorrow.”

I had no idea how he could be that confident and calm when all of this was going on. My status could mess with his place on the throne and lead to all sorts of mishaps. From what I knew so far, it was rare for the elders to request a meeting, but it was paramount since there was a new queen in the kingdom.

Chase turned to me, his eyes softening with concern. “We are okay,” he said gently.

I nodded, my heart beating fast in my chest.

“You’ll do great,” he assured, and I nodded with a smile.

‘I don’t think we’ll do great,’ Nia said almost immediately.

‘I don’t think so either,’ I replied.