Page 31 of Lycan King's Captives
I huddle in the corner, my teeth chattering, and I’m shivering uncontrollably from the freezing cold. My heart aches with the pain of betrayal, and the overwhelming feeling of helplessness washes over me like a tidal wave. The abandonment of my mate, the harsh treatment from his family, and the uncertainty of my future all weigh heavily on my mind, crushing me painfully.
My thoughts drift to Xandros, and I wonder if he feels any guilt about leaving me like this. Does the bond between him and me not cause him pain, as it does me? The unanswered questions and the lack of connection to him leave me feeling even more lost and alone.
As I curl up tighter, trying to preserve any remaining warmth, the cold seeps into my bones, leaving me shivering and weak. My soul feels shattered, and the depressing darkness of the dungeon only heightens the misery that has settled over me like a blanket.
15
The hollow look in Sienna’s eyes haunts me, the smell of her fear mocks me, and the state I found her in taunts and nags at me.
The weight of my impatience bears down on me as I pace the billiard room, awaiting my mother’s return. With each passing second, the walls close in around me, suffocating me with their extravagance, as my anger simmers just beneath the surface, a volcano ready to erupt.
The ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner grates against my nerves. Each tick is a reminder of Sienna’s suffering. The gilded furniture, the velvet curtains, and the expensive artwork all serve to remind me of my family’s wealth and power and the fact that with all that power, I’ve failed to help my mate, failed to help Sienna.
The sound of laughter from the other room serves as a reminder of how carefree the rest of the castle is while Sienna is enduring pain and suffering. The smell of cigars and brandy in the air further reinforces the disconnect between my life and the reality of Sienna’s condition.
Finally, the door swings open, and my mother and Carina stride in, their arms laden with shopping bags and chattering excitedly about the upcoming wedding. My nostrils flare as the scent of their perfume fills the room, a sickly-sweet reminder of the life I’m expected to live with that woman on my arm, a woman I do not desire to be with. Rage boils within me, and I storm forward, seizing my mother’s arm.
“Xandros?” my mother startles and drops her bags on the giant billiard table. My father walks in behind them and immediately moves to get between us.
“You’ve been starving her!” I snarl at my mother, my voice shaking with fury. My father steps back; shock etched across his face. “Adina, is this true?”
My mother’s eyes flash with anger as she defends her actions. “She should be grateful she’s still breathing! She’d be dead if I had my way!”
“How can you be so heartless? She’s not responsible for what her parents did!” I shout, the anguish in my voice palpable as those words settle around me.
“And yet, she is of their blood! Their sins are a part of her!” my mother retorted, her voice cold and venomous.
“I can’t leave her down there. It’s killing me! If she dies, I’ll die!” I plead, desperation clawing at my throat.
“Why should I care for her? She deserves nothing!” she snaps, her eyes blazing with a fire that matches my own.
“Enough!” my father interjects, his voice weary. “We cannot let our emotions dictate our actions.”
My mother pulls out of my grip.
Carina steps forward, drawing our attention to her. For a split second, I forgot she was even in the room.
“May I suggest something?” she asks, her voice dripping with what I can only call false sweetness. Everyone turns to look at her.
“Xandros needs his mate since he has marked her already. Maybe we should let her back into the castle. She can stay in Xandros’s old quarters.”
My mother shakes her head, her anger still simmering. “So, we just let her get away with what her parents did? Treat her like a queen! Let her carry on and be at his side?” I remain quiet. Part of me wants her—Sienna—closer, so I want to hear this so-called idea of Carina’s. That sweetness to her tone wears off a little when I see her lips quirk in the corners.
Carina shakes her head, feigning innocence. “No, put her to work. Make her earn her luxuries like food and a warm bed. Make her a servant. Better yet, let me have her as my handmaiden,” Carina suggests, and I scoff; I don’t want her near Sienna.
“No!” I snarl, my protective instincts flaring.
I turn to Carina, suspicion gnawing at me. “Why would you suggest that, Carina? What’s your angle here?” I narrow my eyes at her— scrutinize her— searching for hidden motives.
Carina’s face remains a mask of innocence. “I simply want to help, Xandros. It’s clear you need her close. I only thought this would be a suitable compromise for everyone,” she states, and I raise my eyebrows. I’ve known this woman for far too long and can tell when she is lying.
My mother cuts me off before I can argue further, her voice cold and unyielding. “No, I will accept this. You want her close? Fine, but on my terms. You can keep your mate, Xandros. She is Carina’s handmaiden, a servant, and nothing more!”. My mother snatches her bags from the billiard table quickly and storms out of the room. My father sighs heavily, following her which leaves me with Carina. I instantly turn on her gripping her neck. “What are you playing at?” I demand.
“You want your mate, and I want the marriage to go ahead. It’s a win-win for both of us. Your mother would not have let you keep her as your maid. However, she knows I hate her just as much, and therefore, you keep your mate, and the treaties between our kingdoms remain strong,” Carina tells me. “Now, love, I would appreciate it if you would unhand me before this turns into our first lover’s quarrel.”
I let her go, watching her for a second, she turns to the bags she brought in as if nothing at all just happened. She pulls out two pieces of silk cloth. “Which one? Cream or white?”
“Excuse me?”
