Page 5 of The Kraken's Queen

Erin Goodwin will marry the Kraken King, Allarick Eldridge, in order to strengthen his kingdom.

Those words meant little to me when I signed the contract. Desperate to escape and having no otheroption, I would have signed anything if it meant I could finally get out.

But now those words are reality, which means the man standing before me is…my husband? Or, rather, will be my husband soon enough. He doesn’t look like a kraken, though I can’t say I truly know what one would look like. This large, dark-skinned man with locs would not be my guess, however.

“I didn’t know how long you’d be asleep,” he says, oblivious to my inner turmoil. “I brought food in hopes it would rouse you. I’m going to approach you now, Erin. Just going to set the tray down.”

I tighten my grip on the pillow and hold my breath as he walks forward to place a large tray of food on the bed. I brace myself, waiting for his fist to connect with my body, but he doesn’t linger or try to touch me. The man—Allarick—steps back to the door, putting a respectable distance between us again.

My stomach growls at the smell of a garlicky soup. I can’t remember my last proper meal, one that didn’t come out of plastic packaging. Breads, fruits, and cheeses also occupy the plate. A mug of what looks like hot tea catches my attention, and I immediately grab for it, taking a sip.

The hot liquid warms my aching throat. It doesn’t take away the pain, but it helps manage it.

“There are a few healing herbs crushed into the tea. Your throat—” Allarick’s gaze drops to my neck, and I find myself shying away from his scrutiny. What must I look like? How visible are the scars? I haven’t looked atmyself in the mirror, and I’m afraid to see the reflection staring back at me.

Allarick must realize he’s staring because he quickly averts his gaze, clearing his throat. “It should help soothe some of the pain you are experiencing. I’m afraid I can’t do much more until my healer arrives, but they will be here shortly.”

I’m half tempted to tell him not to bother, but when I open my mouth, no sound comes out. My voice is gone, at least momentarily. God, I hope it’s only temporary. James has strangled me before, but never to this degree. He fucked something up inside me, temporarily taking away my ability to speak. Damn him.

No,fuckhim.

Allarick remains by the door, and my unease coils low in my belly. He’s a tall, muscular, and intimidating figure—and shirtless, which, admittedly, is distracting as hell. His body is chiseled to perfection, lean like a swimmer’s. My eyes slowly travel up his umber-brown skin to his full, pouty lips. His long locs are pulled back behind his shoulders. Gold flecks catch the light and shimmer in his otherwise black hair. Honey-brown eyes meet mine, and he stares curiously upon me, studying me like I’m a new, rare species he wants to discover.

This man is gorgeous.

But from my experience, those men are some of the most dangerous. They use their beauty as a weapon.

Suddenly, the cozy room feels stifling.

I hate that I feel uneasy around a man who is obviously trying to help me. But I’ve lived my life in survival mode for far too long; it’s not something I can turn off.No matter how much I want to. Years of trauma, abuse, and neglect don’t just go away with a kind gesture.

The truth is…those things will never leave me. They are part of my story. Part of what makes me,me. Maybe one day I’ll be able to manage them better—god, I hope so—but I’m a long way from healing.

I almost feel bad for Allarick. I don’t think he realized his future wife would be so…broken.

The silence between us grows more uncomfortable. Allarick looks like he wants to say something, but before he can, there’s a knock on the door. Something a lot like relief crosses his features as he vaguely gestures to the door.

“That’s my sister, Atina. I need to speak with her, so I’ll leave you to your food. I’m just outside the door if you need anything.” Allarick’s eyes scan over me, but he says nothing as he exits the room, leaving me alone to question if I made the right decision when I signed the contract.

I didn’t want to trade one monster for another. But maybe I have.

Chapter 4

Allarick

Iclose the door behind me when I leave Erin’s room. There were many ways I pictured our first meeting going, but none were like this. I’m not sure what to make of the human or our current situation. Half of me wants to demand Ender come back and take Erin away. It’s evident she’s unsure about being here.

But on the other hand, Erin isminenow. I recognize my time with her won’t be easy, but I’ve never been a man to give up. What type of king would I be if I gave up when things got too difficult?

A weak one, I imagine.

There’s also another reason I don’t want to let Erin go, but it doesn’t quite make sense. There’s a certain rightness about her presence. I feel the need to protect her and an even bigger need to make sure those who hurt her in the past can never reach her again.

My sister knocks, louder this time, before opening the front door. “I don’t know why the hell I’m knocking; this is my damn house,” she spits, storming inside. Atinatosses her black tricorn on the couch and runs a hand through her curly hair. I notice her bruised knuckles and do my best not to roll my eyes.

My little rebellious sister. Always looking for fights and finding them around every corner.

“So? Where is she?” Atina looks around the room as if Erin will suddenly spring up from the floorboards. “I even dressed up and everything.”

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