by Zoey Ellis
The queen leaned forward and touched his arm. “It is well known Ryden is her mate. We cannot separate them.”
The king exhaled heavily and nodded.
For the next hour, the king and his royal court discussed his continued reign, how they would take Ana back, and the effect of the current circumstances on the houses relationship with the crown.
Maddoc listened to their plans, and formulated plans of his own, trying to push back his disgust at the way they were intending to continue using Ana. He would be glad to finally get her away from them—they’d already damaged her enough.
By the end of their meeting, the king decided to take her back after she married Ryden, and force Redcrest to fall in line, and that suited Maddoc fine. He planned to take her before she married. If possible, he would take her tonight and leave these warring men to their own devices.
Finally, the court dispersed to prepare their plans, leaving Orick and Atara alone in the room.
"We will get her back, Atara," Orick murmured as he took her hands in his. “And she will understand. We just need to explain things to her, that's all."
"She is rebelling." Atara’s voice was raspy. "She knows that we haven't been truthful with her and this is her way of lashing out. She has always been so calm and so obedient… It was bound to happen eventually."
"It wasn't," the king growled. "She never would have had any of these reactions or tempers if it wasn't for that bastard. He is the one who upset the balance here, not us."
"And you have to wonder," the queen murmured thoughtfully, "if that's what he had always intended to do."
Maddoc held his breath as a long silence filled the room. It wasn't possible for the ruling couple to figure out his plan, but they knew by now that he was not stupid. If Ana had truly told them some of the things she had spoken about with him, they would know that he was leading her toward topics that they would not approve of. If they stopped thinking about their throne so intensely and instead thought about why he’d done what he had, they might figure it out. But he knew they wouldn't.
"No, he said he had nothing to do with the attack on me," Orick said finally. "If that truly was a random occurrence, how could he know to be there in order to intervene and be owed a promise?"
The queen was silent for a moment. "That is assuming a lot, Orick. Those men may not have been from Allandis and they may have had nothing to do with Maddoc, but he took advantage of the situation and benefited from everything that happened. It’s too much of a coincidence. I don’t know how he was involved, but he is. Do not underestimate him."
Maddoc's beard twitched. It was too late for that.
It took a while to leave the palace undetected. When he returned to the safe house, Maddoc was pleased Ana had not yet returned. According to their spies out in Allandis, it seemed she was spending a couple of hours at each house and still had two more to go. They wouldn’t be back at Ryden's mansion before dusk.
Maddoc discussed the king's plans with his commanders. Most of his men held the required skills needed and were already on the mainland of Allandis, but there were a few specialists he would have to call upon, and it would be a rush for them to get there. He would also need a way to disappear into the ’shire without being followed.
“We can’t do it tonight, Doc,” Bram concluded finally.
Maddoc growled his displeasure, but Bram just shrugged.
“It’s impossible.” He popped one end of a twig into the corner of his mouth. “We won’t have the manpower ‘til tomorra’, we won’t have our herd of guild ’orses or the right weaponry ’til then neither. And the way that mansion is protected, we won’t get far if we try for ’er tonight.” Bram used to help farmers with ailing crops turn their stock around, but when the crown deemed him nameless, he lost everything he owned. Now, he was Maddoc’s most experienced and trusted strategist, and though he had his quirks, Maddoc had learned it was wise to listen to him.
Bram squinted and looked at the map again, chewing his twig. “I say we get ’er at the weddin’ gardens. Easy to get in, easy to get out, easy to get lost and stay lost.”
“The king will try to get her then too,” Griff reminded him. Griff, another nameless man, was an older Alpha who’d once been a knight. He was Maddoc’s second-in-command. “We have to prepare for that.”
“Yeah, but afterward,” Bram pointed out. “We are snatchin’ her before.”
“And they will be expecting something—”
Maddoc turned away and let his commanders talk it over, returning to the window to struggle with his growing irritation. If it had to happen tomorrow, that was just one more night without Ana. And another night with her in Ryden’s possession.
“Are you all right, Maddoc?”
He glanced over to see Raine. “I’m going to the mansion.”
Raine stiffened. “That’s not a good idea. Even if you’re not caught and detained, you’re too conspicuous.” She waved her hands at his body to make a point about his size. “They will know you’re nearby and planning something. It will make things harder for us tomorrow.”
“I want to know what’s going on in there,” he demanded.
Raine pursed her lips and was silent. Too silent.
Maddoc frowned. “What is it?”
“Elizabeth was able to go in and report back to us since they have been out all day.”
Maddoc turned to her. “And?”
“They are sharing a room, Maddoc,” she said reluctantly. “And a bed.”
A growl blazed from his throat and chest as his fury reignited.
“But there was no indication of…” Raine stumbled over her words. “She changed the sheets and it doesn’t seem like anything happened.”
Nothing happened? There was no doubt Ryden had touched Ana if they were sharing a bed.
Raine’s voice was soft when she spoke again. “Maddoc, if you want company tonight—”
“Leave.”
Maddoc grabbed his magnifying lens and turned toward the window, toward the mansion, back on the brutal edge of his rage. He only had to control it for one more night.
3
ANA
Ana remained in an unsettled state of confusion for the whole day.
The more she pondered what Ryden told her about the houses, the more things made sense. It was why certain families were always seen together and others weren’t. It was why the rife gossip and speculation that high society thrived almost always centered around members of the houses or the nobles associated with them. This new awareness shone a bright light on everything Ana had originally thought, and as she toured each house, it was like she was seeing them for the first time.
At Goldfrost and Thorneshaw, she met privately with Everard, Theodore, Darcel and Rhoslyn to confirm she was in full agreement with the alliance. They were all visibly relieved, but the uneasy feeling that she was letting down her future children never left her. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only thing on her mind.
During their tour, Ryden was very affectionate. He held her hand, brushed her shoulder, pressed his hand against the small of her back, rested his hand on her hip and even kissed her forehead, and each time Ana expected her body to flourish and ripple with pleasure the way it had with Maddoc—to tingle and tremble in all kinds of delicious ways. But it didn’t happen with Ryden, and over the course of the day she grew concerned.
Was she under too much stress because of what had happened recently? Maybe Ryden was under a lot of stress too and his pheromones couldn’t affect her the way they were supposed to. But the more excuses she came up with, the more she remembered her parents. Regardless of what was happening around them, they remained attracted to each other; in fact, during times of stress, they sought out each other for comfort. More than once, she’d seen her mother curled in her father’s lap, with him rocking her as they talked about various problems that they were dealing with—the contact comforting them both. It couldn’t be stress affecting her response to Ryden.
&
nbsp; The knot in her stomach grew as the day progressed, particularly when she realized she only had one more night until their wedding night. What if her physical response to him didn’t change? Even though she had been forced to spend nights with Maddoc, she had been aroused each time, even when he had grabbed her roughly and touched her however he wanted. The idea of Ryden touching her made her want to shrink away, and that confused her. Something was wrong.
While those thoughts revolved, Ana went through the motions of the announcement with the houses; gifts were given, compliments were made, and empty promises were hinted at. She kept the smile on her face the whole time, playing the part she had been brought up to play by her parents. Except this time it felt… odd. She felt different and out of place. Only two nights ago she’d spread her legs for one of the most feared and despised men known to the kingdom, found bliss humping on his cock and screamed for more. Since then, it felt as though something inside her was broken, and the rest of her reality was fracturing too.
As they arrived at the final royal house on the tour Ana pushed all other thoughts out of her mind. The knowledge that House Sterling was so combative with the house she was marrying into made her nervous. Even Ryden was quiet in the carriage on the way there.
Once inside, the visit didn’t feel like the other houses. The display of wealth was almost obnoxious, and though everyone made all the right noises and said the right words, a hint of something unsavory tinged the air. Gazes lingered on her too long, and conversation stopped or changed when she moved into earshot.
Keeping an eye on Ryden for a signal of when they would be leaving, Ana forced herself to sip her wine and smile at the women standing around her pretending to be polite, but her mind drifted back to Maddoc, and her nipples began to tingle. She had to wonder whether Betas had the same experience of sex as Omegas and Alphas. Could anyone in the room even understand that kind of intense feeling—uncontrollable, raw, carnal, distinctive?
Then she remembered. There was.
Ana glanced around, looking for the Omega that lived here. She couldn’t recall her name, though she could remember what she looked like when she attended the Omega session a few years ago.
“Let’s not crowd the princess, Ladies,” a smooth voice called out
Ana turned to see Duchess Heloise approaching her, and she froze in place, her whole body tensing. Heloise was known to be one of the most outspoken, rude, and ruthless members of the entire royal assembly. Her eyes were quick and her tongue sharp, even though she seemed unassuming and always held a smile on her face. In court, Ana always winced when Heloise stood to debate or discuss anything—she’d even been rude to Father more than once.
“Congratulations, Princess,” the duchess said, flicking her hand to dismiss the other women standing around Ana. “It’s so rewarding to see our perfect princess on the eve of her wedding day. You have so much to look forward to, but I’m sure you are tired of talking about the wedding.” Her eyes sparkled. “I am curious about why it has suddenly been moved forward. Nothing to do with the Royal Promise, I hope.”
Ana’s heart began to pound, but she kept herself relaxed. She had been expecting something like this. “My wedding has been planned for years, Duchess. Bringing it forward a few weeks is nothing remarkable. I would simply like to enter my twenty-second birthday as Ryden’s wife and mate.”
“I can believe that,” the duchess said, pursing her lips. “But I’m not as foolish as a commoner.” Her eyes narrowed slyly. “Tell me about your nights with the outlaw. I’m sure they were very… interesting. A big, hulking Alpha like that, I’m sure much happened in that room.” She leaned forward. “And I’m sure Duke Ryden is upset about it? Is that why the wedding was moved forward?”
For a moment Ana couldn’t speak. What was she supposed to say to such direct questioning?
The duchess lowered her voice. “You didn’t say the outlaw’s name while you were with Ryden did you? Alphas can be so territorial.”
Ana took a slow sip of her wine, ignoring the heat that flushed her cheeks. If she said the wrong thing, her words would be twisted out of context and Ryden’s reputation would be affected. She thought back to her father and his time in front of the court. How would he deal with it? She just didn’t know. Taking a breath, she thought back to her conversation with Ryden that morning, and a sharp realization came to her. “I don’t know that I’ve ever given the impression that I engage in idle gossip, Duchess,” she said, keeping her voice light. “I don’t. And I don’t appreciate any mention of the outlaw in my presence, for obvious reasons.”
The duchess’ smile faded, and a fierce glare bloomed in her eyes.
“I thought that, this being my wedding announcement, the houses would try to endear themselves to me, not offend me and have me find any reason to exclude them from favorable treatment by the crown when I am queen.”
The duchess’ glare hardened, and her body stiffened, her hands clasping her glass tight enough to make the tips of her fingers white.
“Is that what you wish for? Are you trying to find ways to offend me, Duchess?” Ana asked the question purposefully slowly like she’d seen Father do, then she tilted her head as if pondering her own words.
“No, Your Majesty.” The duchess spoke with formality but through gritted teeth. “I apologize.”
Ana smiled. “Good.” She glanced around. “I’m looking for the Omega that lives in this residence, do you know where I can find her?”
At that, the duchess’ smile returned. “Yes, of course.” Raising a hand, she called over a servant. “Take Princess Ana to see Leoma.”
Ana gave the duchess an obvious fake smile. “Until next time,” she said in farewell.
The duchess returned the smile, with one just as fake. “I look forward to our next talk, Your Majesty.”
Ana followed the servant through the crowded room to double doors on the other side. They headed up a wide, winding staircase until they reached the floor above, then traveled through another wing before coming to a halt outside cream doors with golden handles.
Knocking loudly, the servant waited for a call before opening the door. “Introducing Princess Ana,” he announced before stepping back and allowing her through.
Highly decorated with plush seats, chandeliers, furniture, and golden fittings, the room was an extravagant show of wealth. In the center a young woman sat on a wide soft bench, dressed just as elaborately as the women downstairs. Leoma was outfitted in a maroon gown, heavy jewelry, and her curly cinnamon-colored hair was wound up in a sophisticated plait. Ana was surprised how mature she looked from when she’d last seen her, but they had all been younger.
Excitement burst onto Leoma’s face as soon as she saw Ana, and she jumped up from her seat. She paused, as though she had only just remembered she was wearing a dress and then lifted her skirts so she could walk quickly.
“Princess Ana,” she almost squealed. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again. I cannot believe that you requested to see me!” She stopped in front of Ana, seemingly unsure what to do. She curtsied and then held her hand out awkwardly, but Ana smiled and took both of her hands in her own.
“Of course I’d want to see you,” she said. “Why wouldn’t I?”
Leoma grinned and squeezed her hand. “You are the princess who is going to be queen. What use would you have to see me again?”
Ana laughed. “You’re one of the only two Omegas I know,” she said. “That’s why. We have something unique in common. It’s a shame we don’t get to see each other more often.”
Leoma turned and gestured to the chairs. “Would you like to sit?”
Ana shook her head. “I’m not going to be up here very long,” she said apologetically. “I’m sure someone will notice I’m missing.” She glanced around the room again. “Why aren’t you downstairs with the rest of them?”
Leoma pushed out her lips. “I am to be brought down to greet you in about an hour. I’m not allowed to mingle too freely.”
“It so restricting. I cannot even imagine how it must be for you.”
Ana shrugged. “I got used to it from a very young age, it’s normal to me now.” Her voice lowered to a murmur as she spoke, remembering all the times she had sat in her bedroom waiting to be announced to some official or important member of yet another house. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody that I’ve seen you beforehand, though Duchess Heloise is the one who asked a servant to bring me here.”
Leoma rolled her eyes and then tensed as though caught doing something wrong. “I don’t mean to be disrespectful toward Heloise,” she said hurriedly. “She is my aunt, after all. It’s just… I have been disagreeable with her of late, and she doesn’t appreciate it.”
Ana almost laughed, but the sadness settled in her stomach. Ana had been fortunate that she didn’t have to deal with royal house politics as she grew up. And even so, she’d still had the same demeanor as Leoma—afraid to offend and eager to please.
“So why did you want to see me?” Leoma asked. “I’m not very experienced in wedding announcement ceremonies. I cannot believe you get to marry Ryden! He’s the best-looking Alpha in the royal assembly.” Suddenly her face dropped and she slapped her hand over her mouth in shock, her eyes wide on the princess.
“It’s all right,” Ana laughed. “I’ve known Ryden for a long time now; it doesn’t seem like that much of a big deal.” She ignored the sinking feeling in her stomach that she shouldn’t be starting her marriage with such a lack of excitement about her husband.
“Oh,” Leoma breathed, relief on her face. “Sterling women would be upset about me saying that about their betrothed—I think it’s because I’m an Omega and they think every man wants me.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s just Ryden does seem really nice and kind. And he deals with Heloise in a way I’ve rarely seen anyone do before, so that has to count for something.”
