Forest of Lies

Chapter 18-A Beautiful Prison

🥰Whoop, another successful update and a bit of news. So, I published the Prequel to this Book, Ghost of the Alpha on Kindle as an Ebook. Still working on the stuff for the paperback. 🫣

💀I won't be taking it off Wattpad, I plan to add a bonus chapter for it. The Kindle version is $3.99 and needs some formatting fixes but otherwise should be fine. (Complain to me later if y'all want). Anyways thank you guys for sticking with me, enjoy this new chapter! 🍀
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I slept very little after the camp feast of stag and boar. As was part of my deal with the Alpha King, I had to sleep beside him. In his tent. Mere inches away from his slumbering bulk. I did have one reprieve. He did not force me to be held by him. Allowed me the barest amount of room that  did not consist of his warm hard body.

The barest rays of dawn peaking beneath the tent flaps. Birds chirping distantly in the breeze. Covering the sound of the silk canvas parting for two familiar pale faces. Aloutte and Celeste already dressed, eyes sparkling with daring challenge. I knew exactly what they wanted.

I did not try to be stealthy. Did not care one whit if he heard. It was impossible at this moment for me to escape. Not with the continuous trade of watches throughout the night by his soldiers. Wolves that seem to jump and twitch at every sound of animal or falling limb. My movements are fluid. Tossing aside the fur coverings, throwing on my robe, and tying back my hair into a secure braid. The strand falling down to the middle of my back.

The camp bed creaks. Urging me to turn around to face the bare chested king. A dusting of hair spread along his chest and torso. Dangerously trailing down to his hips and to the places the blankets barely cover. Heated annoyance floods my cheeks. The palms of my hands clammy with sweat.

"And just where are you going at such an early hour my mate?" He asks, lounging against the cushions and pillows piled around him and the empty spot where I had once been. "Not even the grooms have awoken to prepare our mounts and wagons for the remainder of our journey."

"Like you Evander," I supply, turning to the wooden bowl and pitcher nearby, filled with fresh river water. Splashing the cool liquid onto my face and neck, before myself with the edge of my robe. "A solider must practice daily to keep his skills and reflexes honed to perfection. As a hunter must practice tracking his quarry, I must also do this. I may be your queen, however we are in times of uncertainty and far beyond the safety of your protective castle walls. It is best that I stay in perfect fighting form. Wouldn't you agree, my dear mate?"

His deep unwavering gaze catches my cautious one. Ice blue eyes deepening to the darkness of azure and midnight as his brows furrow in silent contemplation. A moment of silence only disturbed by the noises of the camp beginning to awaken.

"Many of the Iron Court would not approve of their queen having to practice the art of combat," he begins, extending out his, fingers curling in a beckoning motion for me to take his offered hand. I dare not ignore his request, walking back over to the bed, letting his large palm encapsulate my thing fingers and small hand. He pulls me forward, urging me to sit down so he may stroke the top of my head with a gentle possessive caress.

"It would offend the honor and strength of the noble houses' younger sons who pledged their lives to serve the Royal line as the King and Queen's Guard. It is their role to protect the royal family. As queen, you will have no need to worry about threats of harm to you or your companions. Your job as my mate, is to lead. To bare the next king, the next line of princesses and princes. But, unlike my forefathers, I would not mind you to do as you are accustomed to. However, you may only practice with your female companions, under the watch of the Scythe, and the only male you shall ever spar with, shall be me."