Page 36 of Lycan King's Captives
Carina’s expression softens as she reaches up to rub her throat. “Xandros, I know this is all difficult for you,” she says. “You’re betrothed to me. It’s not fair for you to be carrying on with Sienna behind my back. At least not publicly.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Is that what you think this is about? Me cheating on you?”
Carina hesitates before nodding slowly. “I mean...yes. Isn’t it? I don’t care that you are fucking her, Xandros, but don’t make it so fucking obvious. I don’t need my father asking questions, sham marriage or not!”
I shake my head and take a step closer to her. “No, Carina. This isn’t about cheating, or anything like that. It’s about me wanting someone who isn’t you.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I know they are the truth. This marriage will be the death of me. Despite hating Sienna, I love her. This is torture of the worst kind. She is the forbidden fruit.
Carina looks taken aback for a moment before recovering herself. “And what about our engagement? What about your duty to our kingdom?”
“To hell with duty, Carina! I can’t spend the rest of my life with someone who makes me feel so suffocated and unhappy.”
Carina snarls, baring her fangs. “And I am not going back to my father. Keep your mate. This wedding is going ahead!” she spits at me.
“You really still want to parade around like some… loving married couple! I don’t want you!”
“But I want you!” Carina screams at me.
I scoff. “Really? Because you weren’t so sure when I first met you!”
“Things change,” Carina states, not elaborating. I rub my temples in frustration. This entire thing is a mess.
“Your mother will never approve of her. Think about this, Xandros. It is a win-win situation for both of us and her. You get to keep your mate. I am not stopping you from being with her, just don’t flaunt her where people can see!”
“You think it’s that easy?” I ask her.
“You have no choice!”
“You’re up to something. I fucking know you, Carina. What is it you want from me?”
Carina grins, a wicked glint in her eyes. “Don’t act so innocent, Xandros. You know exactly what I’m doing.”
I frown, unsure of what she means.
“I’m manipulating this situation to my advantage,” she continues. “I want you to remember you belong to me. We are already legally married! Sienna is just a plaything, nothing more. She will never replace me.”
I grit my teeth, feeling the fury building inside me once again. I’ve had enough of Carina’s games.
“You dare speak of Sienna like that? She’s my mate,” I growl.
Carina scoffs. “Your mate? Don’t be ridiculous. You think I would let some commoner come in and take my place as queen?”
I step forward menacingly, but Carina doesn’t flinch.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my place as queen,” she says coldly.
My heart sinks as I realize the depth of Carina’s goals. I know then that it won’t be easy to break free of her grasp.
“Just remember, Xandros, unless I sign those papers, Sienna has to challenge me for your hand. You and I both know that is not a fight she’ll win,” Carina snarls. I clench my fists in frustration.
Carina is right.
Sienna would never win a fight against her, especially if it comes to the throne. And Carina will go to any length to make sure she stays in power. But I won’t let her hurt Sienna, either. Carina wanders off to the bathroom, stopping at the door.
“Don’t risk your mate, Xandros. Most women would have told you to get rid of her. I haven’t asked that. But don’t push me to do something we’ll both regret.”
“I won’t let you hurt her!”
“I never said I would, but for her sake, and mine, you can’t be cuddling your mistress, especially in front of your mother or father, she is to be my maid, and I will treat her as such, just ensure she crosses no boundaries.”
