I covered my mouth in utter shock, unable to believe what I just heard.“How could they do that?” I asked.“There are many reasons, the biggest being they believed the rumours and would’ve rather die at their own hands than be tortured at mine.”“What were the other reasons?” I asked hesitantly.This seemed to be something he didn’t want to answer, but there was no going back, he had already revealed this much, and I had so many more questions.“If possible, I’d like for you to make me a promise first,” he said.I nodded.“Promise me that no matter what I say, you will listen until the end.”“Of course, I promise,” I said and sat up straight on the bed to show I was all ears.Caspian got comfortable as well at the edge of the bed and surprised me when he grabbed my hand to hold as he prepared himself.“I was born with two older siblings, a sister and a brother. I was born the weakest of the two, but since I was the youngest, there was no chance I would be next in line for the throne.
Aurora. I tested the name in my mind and was surprised at how much I liked it.“What does it mean?” I asked.“It means ‘dawn aura’ which translates in my language to ‘evening beauty’.”I hid my smile in the pillow. “Thank you, I really like it.”“If you don’t mind my asking, why were you given that name? Did your family know it means ‘slave’ in most languages?”Before I could answer her, I felt her hand brush over where the slave mark was on my neck, and she froze. “What is that?”I contemplated telling her, but something told me she already knew.“It is the slave mark my family placed on me.”She scoffed. “Is that what they told you it was? This is no slave mark, my dear. This is a mark of the Fae, an insignia meant to act as a seal. Have you always had this?”I nodded. “For as long as I can remember.”“This is something only a member of the Fae can lift, I’m afraid. They went into hiding hundreds of years ago when their species was attacked by Orcs. Much similar to Sirens, the blood
Day of the BallI sat anxiously waiting for Caspian in the drawing room. I could hear guests arrive through the front door as the halls had become a bustle of noise and laughter. It seemed to have been a long time since anyone was last allowed into the Alpha King’s castle.That just made me all the more nervous. What if people didn’t like me? What if they thought I wasn’t worthy of all this praise and affection? I had already heard the rumours circulating that the Alpha King’s new wife was a witch in disguise and she had bewitched the king into loving her.How else would anyone explain how the cold-hearted Alpha King suddenly turned into a caring and devoted husband, after he supposedly slaughtered all his previous conquests?“Are you ready, m’lady?” the butler asked.I nodded and waited as he opened the doors. I joined Caspian at the bottom of the main hall stairs, and we walked together to the ballroom. I wondered how all the girls in the room would react once they saw how well Casp
“What are you doing here?” I asked him.He looked surprised. “Seems we grew a backbone in the short time you’ve become royalty. No hug? It’s been so long since you last saw your dear brother.” Magnus opened his arms and moved toward me.I ducked away from his touch. “Have you forgotten your place? Do not touch me without permission, or I can have your hands cut off.”His eyes darkened and he growled slightly.“I think you’re the one who has forgotten her place. Does your new husband know just who you are? How we pick you up from the slums and take you in? Now look at you, acting all high and mighty before me, the person who made you who you are.”I fought the urge to spit on him. “My husband knows well who I am, and he loves me all the more for it. He did not marry me for status or reputation, or he would never have chosen our family to begin with.”“You bitch,” he snarled. In the next moment, he launched himself at me and grabbed hold of my neck to wrap his other hand around my mouth
My blood turned to ice in my veins as I listened to his words.“That isn’t good, right?”Caspian sighed. “No, it’s not. She tried to convince me to break off the marriage.”“Wait, is that all?”He looked shocked. “What do you mean?”“I assumed she would want to have me killed off, but if all she is asking is to call off the marriage, isn’t that better?” It certainly was to me. So, why did he look so disappointed?“Is that really what you would want?” he asked.I bit my lip. “Well, I’d rather not die. If that is my only other option, would you not do the same?”He rushed to answer. “I would never want to put you in harm's way, but…” he paused. “I couldn’t bring myself to agree. I told my mother I refused to call off the marriage. I-I’m sorry, Aurora.”“Why are you apo
Caspian was out the door before I had the chance to stop him. I knew exactly where he was headed but I was much too slow to keep up with him. He stormed out the front door just as Magnus and the family were getting in the carriage, and he hurled himself at Magnus, shifting before he touched the ground. “What is the meaning of this?” my mother cried out. “Why don’t we ask your son?” I heard Caspian’s voice rumble deep in my mind. My mother gasped and suddenly knelt. “W-we don’t k-know what you m-mean,” she struggled to even breath. “Caspian, stop it, please.” To my utter surprise, he had instantly let go of Magnus and backed away. “Sevi – Aurora, what is going on here?” I gazed at my mother. “I believe this is better discussed at home.” “Let this be a warning. There won’t be a second,” Caspian growled at Magnus. Father picked up Magnus and pushed him into the carriage before they high tailed it out of there. Once they were gone I felt like I could breathe finally, but standing
“Wait, stop! You can’t just march over there, what do you expect to do?” I cried. “What do you think I’m going to do?” “There is nothing illegal about what he did, there is nothing you can do.” I grabbed his arm and tried to stop him, but he just dragged me along. “I advise you to listen to Her Highness,” Carlak said. Caspian growled and turned around. “Why are you stopping me? He deserves death.” “He deserves far worse than that, but there isn’t anything that can be done. Please, do not do this, it isn’t what I want.” “Of course, it is what I want.” “Your Highness…” Carlak muttered. Caspian closed his eyes and composed himself. “What would you have me do about it, my dear?” I held his hand again. “I want you to help me get over it if you will.” His face softened and he squeezed my hand. Although it felt the same, there was some reassurance I had never felt from anyone before. “I’m sorry, I acted irrationally.” He sighed and sat back down. “Please, let’s eat and continue ta
When I opened my eyes I was back in bed, no doubt Caspian succeeded in getting to me in time, which meant I had a lot of explaining to do. I blinked my eyes a couple of times and looked around the room before I locked eye contact with Caspian next to me. I nearly screamed when I saw his haggard appearance. The shadows under his eyes were large enough to make their own shadow. “You have a lot to explain for,” he muttered, his voice hoarse. I immediately got up and bowed my head on the bed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to deceive you with your mother’s request. I couldn’t say no.” He growled. “You could have come to inform me; I would’ve gone with you, and this could have all been avoided!” “The madam wouldn’t have allowed it, I’m afraid.” Carlak walked into the room with a tray of food and water. I gagged at the sight and smell of the chicken broth, reminders of earlier rise in my mind. Caspian rushed to m