The Viking Alpha

Enough

(Cassi POV)

Things got quiet as they strolled through the village. People just stopped and stared. They seemed to remember to bow after a few seconds. All quickly dipping their heads or bowing at the waist in respect. Women curtsied. Children waved.
'So far so good.' She thought to herself. Continuing to walk she smiled at the people around them. She was also reflecting on everything she just learned about James. Some Things she understood all too well. Like his parents. The loss on his face was something she felt every time she thought of her mother. His brother on the other hand. When he came forward and introduced himself, a feeling passed through her. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. But maybe she was being a bit paranoid. Given the circumstances, it would be odd if she wasn't hesitant on some things. A woman approached slowly from the side. She was wearing a gypsy style dress with a stained apron around her waist. Her hair was brown and in a bun that was slowly coming undone. She looked about the same age as Cassi. If not a few years older at most. Cassi couldn't help but notice the left fading black eye she had. She also had a small little girl on her hip and the woman then held out a colorful scarf for her. She dipped at the knees and bowed her head.
'For you, your majesty. I made it myself. We're very grateful our king has found you at last. My family and I would like to welcome you.'
Blushing she accepted the scarf. It was a sheer material dyed red. Gold thread embroidered around the edges.
'Thank you. What is your name?'
The woman's blue eyes looked at her startled. Then nervously looked at James.
'It's Magda, your majesty.'
'Well, Magda. I thank you. And who is this pretty little thing?' She indicated to the little girl sucking her thumb. She had her mothers eyes and they were staring at Cassi.
'This is my daughter, Dahlia.'
Cassi smiled. 'Hello, Dahlia.'
The little girl smiled shyly before hiding her face in her mothers neck.
'Not much of a talker, eh?'
Magda laughed. 'Not at first. But once you get to know she won't stop.'
A man came out of a shop behind them. His mouth fell open when he saw Cassi and James. He bowed quickly before rushing to his Madga's side.
'Good evening, your majesties.'
'Good evening.' James greeted, at the same time Cassi said hi.
'This is my mate, Elijah.' Magda introduced. Her voice trembled a bit. That also did not escape Cassi's notice.
Looking at Elijah then at Magda quickly before eyeing the little girl.
'Perhaps, Madga you could join me tomorrow? I'd...just…' Thinking quickly she held up the scarf. 'I'd just love for you to show me how you did this. It's remarkable.'
Madga's eyes widened. She looked at Elijah then quickly looked down. Her arms tighten slightly around Dahlia. Like a child squeezing a teddy bear. 'Your majesty, as...wonderful as that sounds maybe another time.'
'Nonsense.' James spoke up. 'My mate could use that skill for when I am away. Or for our future cubs.'
Cassi's eyes widened and her jaw went slack. Cubs? As in children?
'I think it's a very generous offer your majesty. My mate would love to.'
Elijah was smiling but Cassi wasn't fooled. She had been around enough men in her life to know what a controlling abusive one looks like. Growing up around truck drivers she would see how they treated some of the waitresses at the diner her mom worked at. Then later Cassi herself was on the other end. Leon was just the biggest asshole of them all. Until now maybe.
'Excellent. Then it's settled. Tomorrow at noon. I'll have one of my guards come get you.' Smiling softly at the little girl he added, 'Bring the little one. There are plenty of other Cubs for her to play with. Now if you would excuse us, I'd like to show my mate around more.'
James continued to lead her forward after a few steps he turned back and addressed Elijah.
'Oh, Elijah? Perhaps while our women are busy you could join us men for a little hunt?'
Elijah looked stunned before he managed to sputter, 'Oh yes, your highness. Thank you. It would be my honor.'
Nodding, James went on with Cassi.
They walked a few yards away. Looking back she saw Elijah take a hold of Madga's arm and firmly lead her in the opposite direction.
'Did you see what I did?' Cassi finally asked.
'I am not blind, Casandra.'
'Then why invite him on a hunt?'
He paused and looked down at her.
'Depending what you find out from his mate, he may not be coming back.'
Realization dawned in her. 'Oh.'
They walked up the street further.
'Do you...not have some sort of trial or jail in this place?'
James smiled wryly. 'For some things, yes. But when it comes to men abusing women and their children we do not forgive it.'
Sighing Cassi went on. 'I wish it was that cut and dry in my world.'
'As I said before, you'll grow to love it here.'
'Yes, well something I'll have to get used to. Like the idea of children.' She pressed.
Smiling he drew her closer still.
'One of many things we can discuss later.'
He showed her into a small shop. It was filled with books, candles, little bottles of what looked like perfume but knowing what she knew now it screamed potions. Scarves and jewelry were in cases on one side. A small counter where a young man stood. When he saw them he bowed.
'Hello, your majesties.'
'Hello. Do you have anything here that is as beautiful as your queen?'
Cassis' head shot up. What was he up to?
'I don't believe so, your highness. But I'm sure we can find something that her highness will find appealing.' He bent down behind the counter and took out a blue case. When opened it displayed rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even arm bands. All of them were fashioned from natural elements. No silver of course but other metals. Some had crystals, polished stones, and some were even fashioned with geodes.
James selected a delicate white gold band with a moonstone embraced by gold tree branches as the setting. It was the most beautiful thing Cassi had ever seen. Picking up Cassi's hand he slipped it on her ring finger.
She loved it but at the same time she could not accept it. Things were moving too fast for her. First he mentioned children, now he was putting a ring on her engagement finger. She agreed to try but this was too much. Taking it back off quickly she set it on the counter.
'Thank you but I'm very tired. I'd like to go back now.' With that she fled from the store. She hurried back they way they came. She didn't get far when she felt her under arm was grasped and she was brought to a halt.
'What's wrong?'
He looked confused and...a bit hurt?
'I...I just...want to go back. Please?'
He searched her face before nodding.
They made the trip back in almost silence. Not that he didn't try to talk to her. She just gave short answers.
'What did you think so far?'
'Fine.' She replied.
'Do you want to see anything else?'
'Not right now.'
'Do you feel sick?'
'No.'
She could feel his irritation on the surface by the time they reached the castle. Turning on her once they got back to the room.
'What is wrong?' The tone of his voice meant he wanted an answer.
'Nothing. It's just that.. things are going too fast. My head is spinning with everything today. I just need time to adjust and take everything in first.'
He studied her.
'Is there anything particular you want to adress?'
Sighing she undid her braid and tossed her hair, now in waves behind her. Slipping off her heels she sat on the couch.
'It's the children remark that you made. Then the engagement ring you tried to put on me. We went on one date, James. You dragged me here without my consent. I've been slapped with the title of mate and queen all in one day. Expectations are now settled on my shoulder. So forgive me if I'm a bit out of sorts.'
After her little speech he stood there frozen. After what had to have been ten minutes he Crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door.
'Alright, Cassandra. Maybe today has been a bit overwhelming for you. I'll give you that. But my advice is you get used to it. Because this is your life now.'
Standing, pissed off again.
'Yes! But did I ask for it? No! Did I want it? No! I am only twenty-one for God's sake! I had my whole life ahead of me. I agreed to try but don't push me. Or I will push back.'
'What does that mean?'
'It means I may be captive here. I may have no hope of escape. Hell, I may be stuck here for the rest of my life! But mark my words. Push me, and I will make it my life's mission to make yours hell!'
'Oh? Pray tell, how will you do that?!'
'There is only so much one person can take. I can get creative.'
She felt an intense feeling rush through her during her tirade. It was anger but ten fold. She'd swear her vision was tingeing red around the edges.
'I don't like people who try to control me, James. You know, at least men like Elijah and Leon don't try to cover up their true selves. At least anyone with a brain can see the true monsters they are. So tell me, are you like them? Or worse?'
Without another word he glared at her before turning and slamming the door behind him.
Finally being left alone she undressed. A nightgown was left out for her. It was black satin. It looked like something you may see in a 1940s film. Even in her state of mind right now she could still admire it as she slipped it on. Feeling mad as hell but so alone at the same time came crashing down on her. She curled up on the bed in a fetal position hugging a pillow. She clasped her necklace in her hand. Drawing from it comfort and strength. She let the tears of frustration, anger, sadness, and desolation out. Soon after what felt like hours of crying she finally exhausted herself.
Her dreams were colorful at first. But then they turned dark. She was in a dungeon of some kind. She was running down a dirt tunnel hallway. Someone was in front of her. Urging to keep going. Torches on the wall were lighting her way dimly. She saw an old man in one of the cells on her left and stumbled to a halt. He was sitting with his back to the stone wall. A fire torch was just outside the cell so she could see vaguely. The man looked horrid. He was wearing tattered clothes and his hands cut up and were caked in dirt and blood. His hair was long, stringy, and greasy. Dark from what it looked like and streaked with gray. He didn't have any shoes or socks on. His head was down. She looked closer. There was something about him that was familiar. He was a stranger but there was something she could sense. Who was he? All of a sudden his head came up. His face was filthy and sunk in from lack of food. He stared at her before he lunged for the gated door separating them.
'Help me!'
She jumped slightly awake when warm arms wrapped around her midriff and a face nuzzled into her neck. A sweet chaste kiss pressed on her cheek softly.
'Good night, love. Sleep well.'