07

TRIGGER WARNING: SA

Maybe this is a good thing, I thought taking a sip of the wine Otis had brought me. At least, it meant that I would be free of my mother.

"Althea, say something." He sighed running a hand through his red hair.

I finally looked at him. "What do you want me to say? I'm at an engagement party for my engagement which I only just found out about hours ago along with everyone else. Forgive me if I'm not feeling very chatty at the moment."

He reached out to grab my free hand. "You don't understand. I had to. You know that it's the only way I can reclaim my kingdom." 

"I have nothing against you wanting to reclaim your kingdom or whatever. I only want to know why you informed my mother and not me about this engagement. Do I not deserve to know that I'm getting married soon?"

"Princess Althea," Someone called. I forced a smile as I turned to the person. "A heavy congratulations to you.

"Thank you, Prince Ben." I could still feel that rage coursing through me.

"Prince Otis," He acknowledged the prince who stood slightly in front of me. "You're a very lucky man."

I knew what he meant. Now, Otis had Queen Avantika's resources at his disposal. He now had a personal relationship with the ice queen. If anything were to happen to my mother, if she stepped down from her throne for any reason at all, Taektum would go to my husband. I had nothing to my name.

I rolled my tongue as I came to that realization. More people came to give their greetings.

"You two suit each other perfectly well." Princess Arissa said sweetly before walking away with her mother. It wasn't a compliment and I knew it.

Otis looked around before leaning in to whisper in my ear. "Your mother came to me with a proposition. I'll tell you but not here. We need somewhere private."

"Your office?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Phillip and my uncle come in whenever they want. We'd be interrupted. How about your room?"

I thought about it.

"Althea, we only have a few minutes to ourselves before more people come looking for us. Don't I at least get a chance to explain myself?" He was already pulling me towards the door.

I pulled free from him. "You don't have to pull me. I know the way."

Going to my room with him didn't seem like a good idea. It would be going against the morals I'd been brought up with. But an upcoming headache coupled with the dizziness I was starting to feel made me realize that I should probably settle down.

I was so caught up in trying not to fall flat on my face that I was caught off guard when Otis pulled me against a wall before pressing his lips to mine. Shock was an understatement for what I felt. Instinct kicked in and I tried to push him back.

"Shhh," He murmured reaching out to his right to pull open a door. He pushed me inside before entering himself.

Had I not caught the edge of the dresser, I would've landed painfully on the floor. I stood up shakily turning to him. "Otis, what has gotten into you?"

He stalked towards me drawing my attention to the fact that I had been moving backwards. He pushed me onto the bed straddling me. He brought his face inches from mine. Up close, I could see the lust I'd once mistaken for admiration.

"I'm just taking what's mine." I couldn't even struggle as he cupped my breasts through the gown. My headache was growing to the point where it felt like my brain was pulsing.

As I opened my mouth to call for help, he brought a hand up to cover my mouth. "Relax and let me enjoy this." At some point, the headache clouded my mind to the point where I was sucked into darkness saved from feeling all he would do to me.