SONIA'S POV.
I heard a knock on my door. "Go away," I yelled, hiding under the covers. But the knock did not cease. After a while, the door opened, and someone went to open the curtains, letting sunlight flood in. I whined, reluctantly opening my eyes to see who had disturbed my beauty sleep.Turning, I saw an older woman standing a few inches away from my bed."I want to be left alone," I hissed."Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I am afraid I can't do that. The Lycan King requests that we be of service to you," she answered politely."Uhn? What do you mean?" I asked, blinking sleepily as I sat upright on my bed.She clapped her hands once, and like clockwork, several maids entered the room, each carrying an array of items. One held a basket filled with bottles of essential oils, while another carried a bundle of soft, fluffy towels. The rest brought trays of carefully folded clothes, fresh linens, and various other amenities fit for royalty.They wasted no time, dragging me out of bed and starting to strip me of my clothes. I tried to protest, telling them that I could do it on my own, but they insisted that their Alpha had asked them to give me the best treatment.I resigned to the experience, allowing the maids to lead me to the bathtub.The warm water was infused with fragrant essential oils, enveloping me in a cocoon of relaxation as I eased into its depths. The maids wasted no time, expertly scrubbing my skin with luxurious soaps and exfoliating scrubs. They paid meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring that no spot was left untouched."How long have you been working in this castle?" I asked the older lady, who appeared to be the chief housekeeper."For over thirty five years," she answered."So you have known the Lycan King all his life?" I inquired casually, hoping to glean some insight into Michael's life."I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but we do not speak about our king. It's against the rules," she replied firmly.The other maids promptly pulled me out of the bathtub, wrapping me in soft towels.They dressed me in a fine outfit perfectly tailored to my size. When I asked how they knew my measurements so accurately, they informed me that it was the Lycan King himself who had personally selected all my new clothing. I don't know if I should be flattered that he got all the details of my clothing size right, including the shoes, or I should be creeped out."Thank you," I murmured as I studied my reflection in the mirror."It's my pleasure, Your Majesty," the chief housekeeper replied with a respectful bow.I frowned. “Why do you keep calling me that? I’m not a queen, nor am I from Lycan blood,” I protested.Among werewolves, those born of the Lycan bloodline were the only ones referred to as “his majestic,” as they held the highest position of authority over all the Alphas in the werewolf world. It was a title reserved for royalty within the pack hierarchy. As an ordinary werewolf, I found it unsettling to be addressed in such a manner, especially considering I had no connection to Lycan lineage.“The Lycan King says you are his mate and the future Luna of his pack,” the chief housekeeper explained. “So it’s only right that we treat you as such.”“But I’m not. I’m not his mate,” I insisted.“The Lycan King will be waiting for you downstairs,” they informed me, leaving no room for argument. **********I opened the dining room, revealing a large table adorned with various food, and the Lycan sat at the far end, exuding charm and glory. He stood up and walked towards me, his eyes never leaving mine.“You are so pretty, my cherry,” he said, gently caressing my chin. “I knew I made the right choice when I picked out this gown.”I frowned, pushing his hands away. “I do not appreciate you keeping me here. I'm not your doll,” I hissed.For a moment, he looked saddened by my harshness. “You mean much more to me than that,” he murmured.“Please, take a seat,” he urged, pulling out a chair for me with a courteous gesture. He waited for me to sit down properly before taking a seat himself.“Is this your typical dining arrangement?” I inquired, gesturing to the lavish spread before us. “Seems a shame to let all this food go to waste every day.”He chuckled softly, flashing a charming grin. “No, I usually stick to smaller meals. This is just for special guests ,” he replied.‘I'm guessing being a prisoner also counts as a special guest, right,” I said, putting some food on my plate.“You could say so,” he winked back. “Besides, stop acting like it’s a bad thing. There are far worse prisons than mine.”“You should consider yourself lucky I let you dine with me. In some places, you’d be dressed for beheading by now,” he smirked, but I didn’t find it amusing.“My uncle would never do that,” I said firmly.He leaned back in his chair. “Are you sure? Because you would be surprised at the lengths men would go for power.”I swallowed. I could not argue. After all, my uncle was never going to make me Alpha.“Let’s just eat,” I said.Michael reached out to touch my arm. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,”“It’s okay,” I said dismissively.After a while of awkward silence, Michael looked up, staring at me.“What?” I asked, feeling a bit annoyed by his scrutiny.“I just wanted to let you know I will be traveling for a few days, so that you won’t see me around for a while,” he explained.“Oh,” I muttered, shrugging my shoulders nonchalantly as I continued to eat.He looked at me in disbelief. “Aren’t you going to say anything? I thought you would be sad that I will leave you alone for a while.”I swallowed my food before responding with a bored expression. “Why would I be? I’m going to enjoy the time apart. I could use a break from you.”“Ouch!” he exclaimed, placing his hand over his chest dramatically. “And here I was thinking you wouldn’t be able to survive without me. I was even considering canceling my trip for you.”“Please don’t,” I said dryly. “Your presence is very much needed there.”SONIA’S POV. It has been the most ten long, agonizing days of my life since Michael left, and I'm starting to feel like I'm going crazy. The castle walls are closing in on me, and I'm desperate for some fresh air and freedom, just like every prisoner would. I've spent most of my time cooped up in my room, reading books and chatting with almost every maid to pass the time. But today, I decided I'd had enough. I needed to get out and explore the territory. I finally got out of bed and headed straight to the kitchen, hoping to find something to eat before going out. "I want freshly made apple juice." "Yes, ma'am," the head maid replied, bowing her head. Miranda reminded me of a childhood friend, although they were nothing alike. Candice was much younger, for one, tall, voluptuous, and blond. But it went beyond the physical differences; Candice was softer, gentler. It didn't matter; I got the same warm feelings from Miranda that he got from my childhood friend. It was very upsetting,
SONIA’S POV. It was already so late in the afternoon, I drew a pair of brown leather trousers up over my legs and settled them on my hips where they molded to my body. Leathers help prevent injuries during battles so my grandpa told me and ever since, it has been my favourite. Not that I was always ready for a battle, but for the fact that I feel safe in what I wore. As I pulled the black corset, I glanced around my room. It was a mess but I did not have the time to clean up, hoping one of the maids will do that before I return. I began to slip a few weapons into the specially made compartment and loops in my leather pants. Throwing stars with razor sharp edges. Several knives. A little something for my training later in the day. And just then I finally put on a very long skirt. The long skirt not only hid the leather pants, but also helped me to blend into the local population. Satisfied I looked as much like a local as possible, I stepped out of my room. I rested my hands on the
Michael's pov I watched Sonia from afar, she stood in the midst of everyone. Taking a deep steadying breath, she lifted her arms gracefully above her head, waited for the first note of the flute and prayed the guys accomplished their mission. I couldn't believe she would do this all in the name of entertaining herself, this only indicated I should be more strict with her.As the music began, the bells on her ankles tinkled in the cool summer night, a delicate suggestion of exotic seraglios, of submissive women and carnal pleasures. And she moved across the small stage in a gentle swaying rhythm, her smile promising heavenly delights, every man's attention riveted on her. Her lashes lifted seductively, she twirled to clamorous applause and over the heads of her audience she saw me slip through the back door of the house.She danced then, an age-old dance of seduction and allure, her body offering intemperate passion, her small bare feet gliding over the rough lumber as if it were the
Sonia's pov "Michael, I need to leave this castle. I can not breath in here!" I said for the seventh time, hoping he would at least respond.With uttering a word he kept on walking. He didn't stop, or even slow down. He just kept walking away as if he hadn't even heard me.I was shocked. No man had ever ignored me that way before. Amazed, then with a rush of determination, I lifted my skirts and stumbled after him. "Wait! Please wait!"That stopped him. He turned, thrusting out one hard hip and resting his weight on the wall. He waited.I paused when I was still a good distance from him. There was no expression on his face. Nothing. And the way his hips were cocked, so arrogantly. Frowning, I came forward so I would not have to shout, but remained far enough away to dodge him if need be. "Excuse me." I tried out a brilliant smile, but there was no response."Could you at least just let me out of the castle?" He stared.When he did not respond, I grew uncomfortable and began to have s
Chapter 15Sonia's pov When I looked closer, my heart skipped a beat. It was truly Joe , my father’s loyal guard, now apparently serving my uncle. The sight of him in his familiar uniform, though slightly worn, brought back every goddamn flood of memories that were not so pleasant.“Sonia,” Joe said the moment he got close to me, “I can hardly believe it’s you.”I marked my page and set the book aside, eyeing him warily. “Joe, what are you doing here? How did you even find me?”He took one hesitant footstep, unsure of how I'd react if he got too close. “I know you have every reason not to trust me, but please, hear me out.”I knew in my guts that he was being sincere and that kept me from turning him away outright. Nodding slightly, I gestured to a pair of rickety chairs by a dusty shelf. We both sat, the old wood creaking under our weight.Joe cleared his throat, looking around before leaning closer. “I’ve been working undercover in the Dark Moonlight pack. The owner of this booksto
Chapter 16Sonia's POVIt was the biggest shock of my life. Seeing Michael standing there was a terrible shock. Just then I felt so uneasy, what if he had figured out my escape plan with Joe? Somehow I felt the need to be very worried.I came into moonlight pack, confident of my victory, confident that I had seen a new part for myself. My victory hadn't come cheaply, but my secret was more important than money. I knew I should be ecstatic. But I wasn't. My mood was restless. That entire night I could not sleep. Reading did not help. I kept seeing him as I'd last seen him in the Governor's Suite, his face handsome even when enraged, his body with its sheen of sweat as carefully and perfectly sculpted as a Michelangelo statue. I began to eat imported chocolates from the neighbouring pack, but they failed to satisfy me, too, and I gave them to the tiger-striped cat. I could not sleep. I lay on my bed, determined not to cry. Never had I been so abused, and I was thoroughly shaken from a
Chapter 17Sonia's pov The first thing I felt was pain. My eyes and jaw felt like they were about to pull off. And then I started hearing voices. The voices became louder and began to sound as if they were from this part of the world. I instantly became aware of the hard wood beneath me, and several insects biting against my skin. I felt sticky wetness on my head, and when I licked my lips, I tasted blood, that was when I realised I was bleeding."I think we are under attack," someone was saying. "She set us up, I knew we shouldn't have trusted her!""Yeah, I told you'll we should set up our men just incase!"""Calm down," an authoritative voice said. "The two of you should put an eye on her."I fought to regain consciousness as I felt myself being lifted carefully. I tried to protest. I felt great panic. I was entirely helpless, and I knew what kind of danger awaited me. I desperately tried to get a grip on my world. I struggled to open my eyes, but I thought about it since I didn't
Sonia's POV Not until we had ridden to the outskirts of the forest did we stop. The moment we got back to the castle, Michael pulled up the steaming stallion. I abruptly slid from his lap, took two steps, and sank onto the ground. Michael leaped down after me. "Are you all right?"I was no longer trembling, but my breathing was shallow and very fast, I felt my heart threaten to explode. I thought about almost being killed in that forest and I shuddered. Then I turned my gaze to Michael.He was scowling and grim, and his eyes were sparking with anger. He was sweating, his grey cotton garment half open and clinging to his hard torso. His legs were braced apart hard, straining taut the fabric of his trousers as he loomed over me. "Dammit, what the hell were you thinking? Are you that stupid?"I forgot about my near brush with death. All I could think of was that I was back here in this castle with Michael. I should be happy he saved my life. On the contrary, I was furious. Slowly, I go