Chapter 81
Her smile faltered.
"Maybe you should focus on your own affairs," I added, my tone sharper now.
Elana leaned closer, her voice low. "You may be a princess, but don't think for a moment that I'll turn a blind eye to your schemes. I'm watching you, Arin. I am watching you closely and make no mistake I will be there when you fall. Do not underestimate me you Braamin scum."
I had enough. "And maybe you should mind your own business for once, Royal Concubine."
Her face froze, shock flickering in her eyes, but I didn't stop.
"You act like you're someone important," I continued. "But let's not forget—you have no real power here. You're not the Queen Dowager. You're not the King's mother. You're not even a royal advisor. You're nothing but a glorified mistress to the late Alpha King Cyrus."
Her mouth opened, but no words came out.
"Watch your tongue," she finally hissed, her voice trembling with fury.
I smiled, feigning innocence. "Why? Afraid someone might agree with me?"
Her cheeks flushed with anger, but she couldn't find a retort.
"Enjoy the ceremony, Royal Concubine," I said, turning away from her.
As the songs started, the room filled with a hushed reverence. Blanca, radiant in a pale silver gown, stepped forward with Princess Layla in her arms. She held her baby high as the high priestess led the prayer to the moon goddess.
I bowed my head like the others, but my mind was still on my confrontation with Elana. I had silenced her, for now, but she wouldn't forget my words.
"Be careful, Arin," I murmured to myself. "The wolves in this court are always watching."
Still, I couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at my lips. For once, it felt good to bite back.
..............
That evening, as I returned to my chambers after the ceremony at the temple, I found a private guard standing outside my door, his gaze sharp and secretive. He held out a small folded letter sealed with the Alpha King's crest.
"From the Alpha King," he said in a low voice, bowing slightly.
I took the letter, my heart racing. "Did anyone see you deliver this? Does anyone know of this?"
"No one, Your Highness," he assured me before leaving swiftly.
Closing the door, I leaned against it and stared at the letter. My fingers trembled as I broke the seal.
"Arin,
Meet me tonight. Discretion is key. Use the same passage.
R.
The simplicity of his words held a weight that made my chest tighten. I told myself I shouldn't go, that it was dangerous and reckless. But the thought of seeing him again, of being close to him, overrode my sense of caution.
I needed to see him. Badly.
Under the cover of darkness, I slipped through the secret passageway, my heart pounding with every step. The narrow corridor was quiet except for the faint sound of my breathing and the distant hum of the castle's life above.
When I reached his chambers, the hidden door creaked open, and I stepped into the dimly lit room. Rowan stood by the window, his silhouette illuminated by the moonlight.
"You came," he said softly, turning to face me.
"You knew I would," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
He crossed the room in long strides, his green eyes locked on mine. "I'm happy you did. I've been thinking about you so much lately. And you, well you have been avoiding me lately."
"I wasn't avoiding you," I lied, looking away. "I've been... busy."
He cupped my face, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Don't lie to me, Arin. I can feel it. You're angry with me."
I hesitated, the memory of Isabelle in his chambers flashing in my mind. "I don't know what you mean."
Rowan's brows furrowed, his hands dropping to his sides. "You're upset because of Isabelle."
"Maybe," I admitted, folding my arms. "But let's not talk about that. Tell me why I'm here. Why did you ask me to come?"
"I told you," he said, his voice firm but gentle, "nothing happened. She tried to manipulate me, and I turned her away. You have to trust me, Arin. Nothing happened."
I wanted to believe him. The sincerity in his voice tugged at my heart.
"I missed you," he added, stepping closer.
I exhaled sharply, the walls I'd built around my emotions starting to crumble. "I missed you too," I confessed, my voice barely audible.
The tension between us was unbearable, the space shrinking as he closed the distance. His hands found my waist, pulling me closer until our bodies were inches apart.
"Arin..." he murmured, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down my spine.
Before I could respond, his lips were on mine. The kiss was intense, filled with a passion that had been simmering beneath the surface for far too long.
My hands instinctively found their way to his chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt as he deepened the kiss. His arms wrapped around me, holding me tightly as if he never wanted to let go.
I knew this was dangerous, that it could destroy everything if anyone found out. But in that moment, nothing else mattered. It was just Rowan and me, lost in a fit of passion that neither of us could deny.
I pulled away, breathless. He was my enemy, at least he was supposed to be my enemy. "We can't do this," I whispered, my voice trembling.
"Why not?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.
"Because it's reckless," I said, stepping back. "If anyone finds out—"
"No one will," he interrupted, his tone firm. "I'll make sure of it. No one will ever find out."
"Rowan, we're already walking a fine line. I can't risk—"
"You don't have to be afraid," he said, reaching for me again. "I'll protect you."
I wanted to believe him, but the weight of our secrets pressed heavily on my shoulders. "I should go," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Arin," he called softly as I turned toward the hidden door, I paused, looking back at him.
Rowan closed the distance between us and dragged my arm, pulling me closer to him.
"I'm not letting you go," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Not now, not ever."
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