T


    I opened my eyes, and I was weed by the familiar ceiling of my chamber. But as soon as I fully regained my consciousness, pain hit me like a thunderbolt. I feel sore everywhere. I''m surprised that I''m still alive. I lost count of how many times I begged him to stop. However, my plea seems like an invitation for him to go on and push me even harder. I don''t even remember when my O**m started or when it ended. He''s insatiable, and I''m not sure whether it''s a good thing or not. "Hmmm..." A silent groan escaped my lips when I tried to move my body. "Please refrain from moving for a while, mydy. You''re still weak." ra immediately came to my rescue.


    I started to panic when I realized what happenedst night. Did rae while Lord. Titus was still in my room? But knowing that I''m still alive now, it seems like that''s not what happened.


    I stared at her, trying to guess what was going on inside her head. But ra acted as if everything were normal, her demeanor calm and collected.


    "W-What happened, ra?" I asked bravely, needing to know what she knew.


    "You caught the flu, mydy," she exined briefly, her voice steady and reassuring.


    I felt a rush of confusion and suspicion. Was Lord Titus behind all of this? Did he arrange this story so no one would notice my absence? The thought made my pulse quicken. If he did, why would he go to such lengths to protect me? ra continued her work, fluffing my pillows and straightening the nkets as if nothing unusual had happened. But my mind was racing, piecing together the fragments of the previous night. Titus had been so intense and so possessive. Now, here I was, being told I was sick with the flu. "ra," I said, my voice more steady now, "did anyone else see me like this? Did anyone else know I was unwell?"


    She paused, considering her answer carefully. "Yes, mydy. I already sent a word to Her Majesty that you''re not feeling well; hence, you can''t attend yesterday''s morning breakfast."


    15


    Yesterday? How long have I been out?" I asked, my eyes widening in k


    ra paused in her work, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of concern and calmness. You''ve been resting sincest night, mydy. It''s nowte afternoon."


    My shock deepened. Nearly an entire day had passed. Wh had transpired during that time? What had people been told about my absence?


    "Did anyone else see me like this?" I asked, my voice wavering with the urgency of needing answers


    ra shook her head slightly. "No, mydy.


    I absorbed her words, feeling a strange mix of relief and confusion. Titus had gone to great lengths to protect me and keep my condition a secret.


    My mind


    mind raced, piecing together the events sof f the previous night. The intensity of Titus''s actions and the possessiveness in his demeanor came rushing back, making my heart pound. My hand instinctively moved to the bit mark on my shoulder, gently caressing it. It still stung a bit, but the pain was far less than it had beenst night.


    I closed my eyes, trying to sense any changes within me-anything that might indicate what had happened. I frowned when I felt nothing, as if everything were normal. Did that mean what he didst night wasn''t a true mark? still, the


    1 scoffed at the thought. Who was I kidding? I was one of His Majesty''s women, one of many. He wouldn''t mark me, even if he wanted to. The bite had been a moment of passion, nothing more.


    But


    memory of it lingered-a strange mix of pain and pleasure that left me feeling conflicted. Titus had gone to great lengths to keep my condition a secret and to protect me. Yet, his true motives remained elusive. What will he gain from protecting me? This will only put him in a tight position with His Majesty, especially right after what happenedst night. from the bed, my legs a bit unsteady. eded answers, and eded to confront


    I rose


    Titus.


    I rose from the bed, my legs a bit unsteady. eded answers, and eded to confront Titus.


    "Mydy, where are you going?" ra eximed in surprise.


    you please send a word to Lord Titus? I need to talk to him."


    Wed, Sep


    Lord Titus has a very important meeting to attend," she said.


    "Oh... of course." I tried not to sound disappointed. The thought of not being able to speak with him right away made my heart sink. "But I''ll send a word, mydy," ra continued, her tone softening. "I''m sure His-I mean, Lord Titus-will show up as soon as his schedule is clear." "Thank you, ra," i


    As she left the room to carry out my request, I felt a mix of frustration and anticipation. eded to see Titus to understand what had happened and what it meant for both of us. My mind reyed the events of the night, each detail more confusing than thest. I walked over to the window, looking out at the pce grounds. The sun was beginning. to rise, casting a warm glow over the gardens. The beauty of the scene did little to calm my racing thoughts. I had to be patient and wait for the right moment to confront Titus. But patience had never been my strong suit.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Minutes felt like hours as I waited, each passing second filled with unanswered questions.


    I sighed, turning away from the window. Restlessness gnawed at me, but I knew I had to keep myposure. The pce was a ce of power and intrigue, and I had to navigate it carefully. I would confront Lord Titus, and I would find the answers eded. But until then, all I could do was wait and prepare myself for whatever was toe.


    Though I hadn''t fully recovered fromst night, I felt a sudden urge to get some fresh air. ra hadn''t returned yet, but I couldn''t stay here any longer. eded to walk around and clear my head.


    T


    I


    I dressed quickly, opting for a simple gown that allowed me to move easily. As I stepped. out of my chambers, the cool corridor air hit my face, refreshing and bracing. The pce was unusually quiet, the usual bustling of s**nts and guards reduced to a distant murmur. I walked through the ornate hallways, my thoughts swirling. My feet carried me to the garden, a ce of sce and serenity. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers offered a wee distraction. I found a secluded bench and sat down, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. Sage?


    breath


    I was startled upon hearing that familiar voice that has haunted me until now. It can''t Chapter 21


    be.


    He can''t be here: I stood up and turned to see where the voice wasing from. And I waspletely surprised to see thest man I was expecting to see. ""Holt..." I uttered.


    As Holt''s arms enveloped me in a tight embrace, I was caught off guard by the sudden rush of emotions. His warmth and the familiarity of his touch stirred something within me, sparking a flurry of conflicting feelings.


    "I missed you," he murmured softly, his breath warm against my ear as he held me close.


    My heart fluttered at his words, a mixture of confusion and longing swirling within me. I''m not actually surprised to feel this way. He has been the subject of my affection for the past few years, until he chose to abandon me. "W-What are you doing here?" I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper as I struggled to make sense of my emotions. "I wasn''t expecting to see you here.


    Holt pulled back slightly, his gaze searching mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. "I came here to see you. I wanted to check up on you," he said gently. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."


    Instinctively, I found myself taking a step back, creating space between us. Something felt off, though I couldn''t quite put my finger on it as I gazed at the man I used to cherish. I can still remember how I used to dream of spending the rest of my life with him. But the excitement I once felt for him had vanished. "I-I''m fine," I said as I gently removed his arm from my shoulder. "What are you exactly here for, Holt? I''m sure you didn''te all the way here just to say "hi," I said ndly.


    "What


    "Sage is it. Holt?" I urged, feeling a knot of worry form in my stomach.


    He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Dad got into some kind of trouble. We need your help," he said, his voice tinged with desperation,


    I couldn''t help but scoff. As expected, I thought bitterly.


    Holt''s frustration was palpable, his wordsing out in a rush.


    "I don''t know how I can help you and your dad," I replied, trying to keep my tone steady despite the rising tension.


    "What do you mean there''s nothing you can do?" Holt''s voice grew louder, his eyes.


    660 at


    12:56 Wed. Sep 11


    pleading. "You haven''t even heard what we need!"


    "What do you want from me, Holt?" 1 demanded, my voice rising with each word, "Do. you expect me to wee you with open arms after wh your family did to me? You sold me out, Holt! I wouldn''t be here if you only had the courage to defend me in front of your father." My words were sharp, edged with years of pent-up anger and betrayal. After all we did for you, this is how you repay us? Dad was right about you. You''re nothing but a leech, sucking the life out of everything good thates near you," Holt used, his voiceced with bitterness and resentment.


    Holt''s words hit me like a p in the face. The sting of his usations echoed in my ears, reverberating through every fiber of my being. Without thinking, my hand shot out,nding squarely on his cheek with a sharp p. A stinging sensation traveled from my palm to my fingertips. Before cou could regain myposure, I was startled by his sudden grip on both my shoulders. His nails dug into my skin as his hold tightened. "How dare you raise your hand against your future alpha?" he roared with anger, shaking my arm forcefully. "You think you''re some big shot now just because you''re wearing these fancy clothes? Do you think His Majesty will take your side, just another one of his, over the future alpha of one of his territories? I highly doubt it. Maybe it''s time for me to put you back in your ce," he threatened. My eyes


    widened in fear when he forcefully pulled me and tried to kiss me. "Get off me!" I struggled. I fought so hard to get out of his grasp, but he''s much stronger than me. I''m starting to lose hope after hearing a familiar voice behind us.


    As ra approached, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. She stood a few feet away, her presence a reassuring anchor in the midst of the chaos.


    "Is everything alright here, mydy?" she inquired, her voice calm and steady. Before I could respond, Holt interjected sharply, "Mind your own business, s**t."


    ra remained unfazed, her demeanor unwavering. "I''m afraid I can''t do that, sir," she retorted firmly. "I am Lady Sage''s personal attendant. She is a respected member of this pce, and any action taken against her is a direct disrespect to His Majesty, the king. Holt red at him. His jaw tightened in anger, but eventually he let go of me. "We are not done, Sage," he said before leaving.


    As soon as he was gone, I felt my strength escape from my body. I suddenly fell on my knees, and I felt my body weaken.


    000 Chapter 21


    "Mydy!" ra eximed as she came to my aid.


    My mind was still in shock when I heard a familiar baritone voice.


    "Lady Sage..." he uttered my name. s I raised my gaze, I was met with theforting sight of his piercing blue eyes. Without hesitation, I threw my arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight embrace His presence brought a sense of warmth and security, calming the tremors that wreake havoc on my body. He wrapped his arms around me in return, holding me close as if shielding me from the world. I buried my face in his chest, seeking sce in his familiar embrace. For a moment, everything else faded away, and it was just the two of us, findingfort in cach other''s arms amidst the chaos. 1 x 6


    D