The Prince's Gift

Chapter 21.

Zane's POV

It took every ounce of control I had to let go of her as we walked out through the front gates of the castle. I squeezed her delicate hand one last time before letting it go, knowing I wouldn't be able to touch her again. I could hear my mother complaining about her true worth if she was who we thought, and my father dismissing it as myth. If only he'd known how true it could all could actually be.

The second Lilith got out of the car my chest tightened. I knew what I'd agreed to, but I never could have imagined it'd feel this way. I'd prepared myself for my responsibility as the future of this kingdom. I'd accepted the arrangement my father and King Maddox had made. I knew what was expected of me. But then she came along, and everything changed.

How could I join with this female, knowing Ana was the one I truly wanted? I knew she was hurting. I could sense it even without the mark. I could hear her heart beating hard within her chest, her breath shaking as I took Lilith's hand in mine. pressing my lips against her thin fingers. I could smell the salty tears threatening to spill as they filled her eyes.

Lilith smiled a small smile at me as she took my arm. We slowly began to walk into the castle when I heard a gasp from behind me. I turned to look over my shoulder and saw the young girl from my mother's servants being brought out to the truck. She trembled as they lead her toward the group of slaves being loaded into the truck. What stopped me was the sight of Ana's emerald green eyes catching mine, sparkling in the morning sun. Tears fell down her cheeks as she was being lead toward that same group.

My body froze. I'd known they were going to take her, but I hadn't imagined it would be like this. Not now. Two large males stood in front of her, placing shackles around her wrists and hands and connecting them to her collar around her neck. She shifted under the heavy weight as it pulled on her, but she stood tall, her chin up as her eyes held onto mine.

"Eyes down bitch." One of the males sneered at her.

She remained calm, but her eyes instantly dropped to the ground. The larger of the two stepped closer, hovering inches from her as he ran his hand over her shoulder and collarbone before dropping down between her breasts.

A low growl escaped my lips but she remained frozen in place. How dare he touch her. I took a step toward them but I felt a tug on my arm, pulling me back. My head snapped around to glare at Lilith. I didn't care who she was. In this moment, I could only think of his hands on Ana.

"There's nothing you can do for her now. She's in the group going directly to my father. They won't harm her. They're under strict orders to deliver all the prime slaves to him as received. He wouldn't accept anything less." Her voice said smoothly, as if she was talking about the groceries being delivered.

My lip curled back over my fangs as I whipped around to catch sight of them again. She was right. They'd moved on to another girl as they placed her shackles on further down the line. Ana's green pools caught my gaze again as she reached back for Braelyn, stepping towards the back of the truck. The poor girl clung to her as she trembled. Ana gave me a sad smile as fresh tears fell down her face and I felt a stabbing pang deep in my chest as I saw a hand reach out and pull her up onto the truck, disappearing from sight.

How could I let this happen to her. How could I let her be taken to be used and forced into a life she never deserved? Who knows what they'd do to her when they got there. Maddox's kingdom wasn't know to treat their slaves well, but then again neither was ours.

I felt another tug on my elbow and I sighed, turning again to face Lilith. "We need to go." She said quietly.

I grunted and reluctantly turned as I heard the last of the servants being shackled and loaded onto the truck. A fierce wave of sadness hit me and I realized it was Ana's. The door slammed shut and the truck slowly pulled away.

"Lilith, could you just give me a moment? I'll meet you just inside." I knew it was improper to leave her, but I just needed a few seconds.

She hesitated but nodded and walked inside the doors. I turned to watch the truck as it drove down the long tree lined drive before disappearing. The aching sadness faded and was replaced with my own.

I slammed my fists into the wall, crumbling pieces of stone as they fell to the ground around my feet. My heart wrenched in my chest as an overwhelming feeling of anger slowly began to fill within me. She was mine. How could I have let her go? How could I have given in? I should have fought harder to protect her, to keep her safe.

I would make good on my promise. I would come and get her as soon as I had the chance. If I had to purchase her away from him, I'd do it. No amount of money was too much. And then I'd get her free. She deserved a life beyond these walls. Away from the one she'd been forced to accept. Even away from me. She deserved the world she'd dreamt of, and I was going to get that for her.

I straightened my jacket and ran a hand through my disheveled hair. I tried to slow my breathing back to normal. It was time to play my part whether I liked it or not. I walked into the castle to see Lilith waiting to the side of the entry. I stepped to her side and stuck my elbow out for her to take. She flashed me a smile and willingly accepted as she fell into step with me, her head held high.

"Shall we?" I asked plainly.

She nodded and spoke quietly as we made our way down the main hall. "I can see that she meant something to you. Milo was right to speak with my father about her. This will be better for us in the long run, but I understand the pain you're feeling now."

My eyes widened and I stopped, her head turning to look at me. "What the hell do you mean?"

She sighed and shook her head. "Milo had seen the way you two interacted and called my father with concerns of your commitment. He knew if she stayed that we may not have a successful ceremony. That we may not conceive. He was doing what was best for our futures."

I stepped closer, my voice dropping menacingly low. "You have no idea what he's done in your name. One day, I'll be sure to enlighten him, but until then, don't expect me to be thrilled about this. I'm doing this for my kingdom only."

"I hope you'll come to change your mind. You'll see I'm not as bad as I'm sure you've built me up to be in your head."

I scoffed and turned to walk forward once more, following the hallway as it lead to the grand atrium. I tried to release some of the fury that was slowly building back up inside of me. I had to put on a good front. I had to seem ok with this or it would create unease within the ranks. I took a calming breath as we approached the large double doors that would open to the crowd. It was time to introduce our people to their future Queen.