Lorien's POV
"I can't mark you, Isolde; I'm sorry." I pulled the blanket over her body and felt the urge in me gone.
The honey portion could make one make love to or rape anybody. I got lucky as u controlled it.
I began feeling sleepy, but I couldn't sleep in the same room as Isolde; she might try to take advantage of me. I walked out of my chamber, trying my best not to sleep.
"Queen Isolde is inside; guard her well," I commanded my guardsman, and they bowed as I left, fighting the effects of the cure with every ounce of strength I had left.
I needed to see Seraphina, I managed to get to her chamber and the guardsmen saw me.
"Are you okay?Alpha?" one of them asked.
"Help me get to her," I replied, pointing at Seraphina's chamber, which was near, but I was getting weak.
They helped me up and took me into Seraphina's chamber. They walked out and closed the door. I climbed up to her bed and saw her.
She looked so peaceful and beautiful.
I lay beside her and smiled silently. She might be different, but she gave me so much joy. Eventually, I slept off.
~~~~~~~~~~
Seraphina's POV
I stirred as I stretched my body widely. I felt something beside me then opened my eyes.
I became startled and got off the bed, I rubbed my eyes to check if I was not dreaming.
It was real! The alpha beside me?
What was he doing here? How did he get here?
The maids came in for my daily dressing and they immediately turned back as they saw him on my bed.
They giggled as they left and I wondered what was funny. I looked at my body and realized I had only my underclothes on.
What if? I checked and heaved a sign of comfort as I detected nothing had gone wrong with my body. It was intact.
He had his cloak and his pants on. Was he here to reveal his broad chest to me? Or was he here to apologize for last night?
I moved closer to him to wake him when Isolde stormed in. The guards tried to stop her, but she was determined.
"Leave her," I said to the guardsmen and they obeyed and then left. She looked as if she had a rough night.
Her long hair was on her shoulders, scattered and rough. She still had her yesterday attire on I wondered what was going on.
"So the alpha came to your place after we had a pleasurable night together?" She said grinning.
Her gown was torn from the neck to her chest but she covered it.
"Oh…you should have seen him, he was so aggressive and clingy yesterday." She added as she gave Lorien a peck on his cheek.
I felt a pang of jealousy and anger but I controlled myself.
"I don't mind if both of you spent the most miserable night together; get out of my room," I commanded, and she walked up to me.
"I'll be leaving for my kingdom today, make sure you come and see me off," she said as she chuckled and went away.
I needed a break from all of them!
I walked up to Lorien and tapped him gently.
"You have to leave my chamber," I said quietly and he yawned lightly.
His exposed chest explained everything that happened between them but nothing concerned me.
I moved away from him as he sat up staring at me.
"Isolde, have you seen her today?" He asked.
No greetings just Isolde! I was furious but stayed calm.
"She was here a minute ago."
"Oh… that's great." He replied as headed to the door and then stopped.
"Thanks for letting me sleep over."
"Fuck you," I murmured as he left the room. How dare they! Why do they always trouble me?
I got on my knees and cried silently, why Isolde of all people! Why would he spend a night with her and come to my chamber to sleep peacefully? I should have stabbed both of them!
Isolde? She would tease me nonstop! She might be leaving for her kingdom now but she'd send letters. Will she get pregnant? Just a night won't make her pregnant, will it?
I needed to ask someone. I cleaned my eyes and got up as the maids walked in. With no shame, I asked.
"Can a woman get pregnant after a nightstand?"
They looked at each other, smiling then turned their heads to me.
"It depends." one of them replied.
Well, Lorien might be infertile. Isolde should not get pregnant at all, or I'd be a laughing stock, and I'd be chased out.
I needed a break. I headed to my bathroom and my maids followed.
"The Alpha has marked his mate." One of them whispered to the other.
Whoever he marked was not my concern, he shouldn't come close and mark me. I'd chase away both the marker and him. Why would they even have a marker in this era?
I had my bath and got dressed up, I stayed in my room examining the ancient make-up when a guardsman came in.
"Queen Isolde's maid is here, should I let her in?" He asked as he bowed.
"Let her in," I replied and turned to the door.
She walked in and then bowed her head. "My queen wants you to see her off…..
"Oh please, I won't do that." I interrupted her rudely.
"She said she won't leave duskbane until she sees you."
I heaved a sigh and turned back to my makeup. That snake!
"You can leave, give me a few minutes." I retorted and she bowed and then left.
She wanted to tease me but I was ready for her. My maids followed me as I walked out of my chamber. The guardsmen told me she was outside the ancient court and we went there, maintaining my aura.
Lorien, his brother, and the other nobles stood at the entrance. While Isolde was standing in front of her carriage, waiting for me.
Her eyes glowed as she saw me and she embraced me tightly. I wondered what she had up her sleeve.
"So you did not want me to stay in duskbane forever?" she whispered.
"You….
"My beautiful Seraphina is here! Thank you for sending me off." She said aloud.
"You're welcome," I replied sarcastically.
"Look at my lips." She said as she released me.
I looked at her face reluctantly and saw a bruise on her lower lip.
"The alpha did that to me," she added quietly and I became more furious. She spent the night with Lorien.
I moved away from her and stood beside Alistair. "Farewell Queen Isolde," I announced, hiding the bitterness in my voice.
She giggled and then waved to us. "I'll miss you all, but I'll make sure to send letters to you daily. Bye Lorien," she stated as she entered the carriage carefully.
"Take care, Isolde," Lorien replied, and her soldiers on the horse led the way, followed by the walking guardsmen. Isolde was in the middle and her maids were behind her carriage
Alistair turned to me, his head bowed.
"I'm sorry for coming into your chamber last night, Seraphina; I was too drunk."
"It's fine Prince Alistair," I replied and watched with disdain as Lorien came to us.
"I will take my leave now," I added and walked back to my room. I wanted nothing to do with him. I knew his eyes were on me as I left.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Days passed and I lived a normal life as a lady in the castle. I made every move to avoid Lorien, and it worked; we did not see each other for days.
Isolde did not send any letters to me and I was glad
I've never felt so peaceful.
I was in the garden, examining the beautiful flowers, when I heard footsteps behind me, I felt a strong arm on my shoulder, and it turned my body swiftly.
I was speechless as I stared at Lorien angrily.
"What are you doing?" I snapped at him.
"No, what are you doing?"
"I'm in the garden, is anything wrong with that?"
"Ignoring me? Spending time outside of your chamber? Is there nothing wrong with that?"
I became speechless and immediately gained my posture.
"There is nothing wrong if I spend my free time outside of my chamber."
He rolled his eyes.
"Did Isolde tell you anything?"
"She does not need to tell me anything Alpha. I know everything….
"You know nothing!"
My head reeled with anger. How could he lie to my face? After everything I saw?
"I don't want to talk to you," I yelled and turned to leave, but he grabbed me. I yanked his hand off me, but I lost my balance. He watched as I fell the parterres of flowers.
He chuckled softly and offered his hand to help me up.
I stood up brushing off his hand as I dusted my body.