CHAPTER 5: Octavius Rage

OCTAVIUS

As the ruler of this kingdom, I am always expected to act with authority and strength. So when I first laid eyes on Arabella, I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance. She was undeniably beautiful, with her delicate features and soft, doe-like eyes, but she appeared so fragile, so weak. I couldn't fathom the idea of having such a delicate flower as my mate. It would be a stain on my reputation as a fierce and powerful leader.

However, despite my initial reservations, I couldn't deny the pull of her beauty. It was a delicate balance, and I found myself torn between my pride and my desire. I had ordered the guards to deprive her of food and water for three days.

I was in the middle of a routine meeting with my right hand men when I received the news that Arabella had fainted. My first instinct was to dismiss it as a mere inconvenience, but something within me compelled me to take action. I ordered the maids to tend to her and bring her to the royal dining hall for dinner. I needed to at least ensure her well-being even if I hated her.

When the maids brought her in, I was taken aback by how frail she looked. Her skin was as pale as the moonlight, and her eyes were clouded with exhaustion. I felt a surge of protectiveness towards her, despite my earlier reservations. I commanded Vanessa to stand up so Arabella could take her place next to me at the dining table.

Vanessa's eyes widened in shock at my request. "But Your Highness, I always sit at this spot during dinner. It is my place," she protested, her voice laced with defiance.

I fixed her with a steely gaze. "I did not ask for your opinion, Vanessa. I am the Alpha of this pack, and I have made my decision. Now, stand up and allow Arabella to sit."

Vanessa's jaw tensed, but she reluctantly rose from her seat, casting a venomous glare in Arabella's direction. Arabella, for her part, appeared equally surprised by my gesture, but she seated herself next to me fearfully.

As the meal progressed, I noticed how Arabella's delicate frame barely made a dent in her plate, while Vanessa's eyes bore into her with blatant disdain. I was growing increasingly irritated by Vanessa's behavior, and I knew I needed to address the situation before it escalated further.

"Vanessa, I would like a word with you in private," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. I rose from my seat and gestured for her to follow me as we made our way to a more secluded area of the dining hall.

Once we were out of earshot, Vanessa wasted no time in expressing her displeasure. "Alpha, I do not understand why you would deign to treat that weakling with such favor. She is unworthy of your attention and certainly unworthy of my place at your side."

I frowned, my patience wearing thin. "It is not your place to question my decisions, Vanessa. Arabella is my mate, and she will be treated with the respect and courtesy she deserves. You will extend the same courtesy to her, or there will be consequences."

Vanessa's eyes narrowed, and she opened her mouth to protest, but a simple raise of my hand silenced her. "That is enough, Vanessa. You will return to your duties and refrain from any further displays of disrespect. Is that understood?"

She lowered her gaze, her anger simmering beneath the surface. "Yes, Alpha" she muttered begrudgingly before turning on her heel and heading back to her post.

After eating, I ordered the maids to lead Arabella to a room.

In the dimly lit room, I entered with purpose. Arabella sat on the cold floor, her eyes puffy from tears, a stark contrast to the fragile beauty that had once caught my attention.

"Arabella," I sneered, relishing the vulnerability in her gaze. "Do you honestly believe a pitiful display at dinner changes anything? You're nothing more than a burden, an inconvenience to me."

Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "Alpha, please, Just tell me what I've done wrong."

A cruel smile played on my lips. "Wrong? You exist, Arabella. That's your crime. No amount of groveling will change the fact that I despise you. You're weak, and weakness is intolerable."

She clutched at her chest, stifling sobs.

I circled her like a predator reveling in its prey's desperation. "You'll always be a stain on my pride, a reminder of what I detest."

Arabella's pleas grew desperate. "I beg you, Your Highness, I can't bear this. I'll be whatever you want. Please just stop."

I observed her from the other side of the bars, her tear-streaked face mirroring the vulnerability she tried to conceal. 

"Pathetic weakling," I stated coldly, my voice cutting through the air. "Fate seems to have a cruel sense of humor to bind me to someone like you."

"Why? What have I done to deserve this treatment?" she pleaded, confusion and hurt evident in her trembling voice.

"Deserve? You don't deserve anything, especially not to be here. You're just a burden, an unwanted presence," I retorted, my disdain unmistakable.

 "I didn't choose this. I didn't ask for you to be my mate."

"The feeling is mutual. I want nothing to do with you. You're a stain on my pack, a disgrace," I spat, my eyes narrowing in disgust.

Her pain was palpable, and I reveled in the power my words had over her. "Why are you being so cruel? Can't we find some common ground?"

"Common ground? There's nothing common between us. You're a liability, and I won't waste my time on someone like you," I scoffed.

My indifference intensified her pain, and the tears flowed freely. "Why are you doing this? Mates are supposed to care for each other."

"Mates are supposed to be worth having. You're just a burden, a mistake," I replied coldly. "I won't let you taint my pack with your weakness. Weakness is ingrained in you, and I have no patience for it."

As she wept, I remained resolute. "I didn't choose this, but I can't change it."

"Save your tears. They won't change a thing. I don't want you, and I never will. You're on your own," I declared, turning away.

As I walked away, Vanessa came to hold my hand 

"Alpha, should we go have fun?" She asked with a malicious smirk.