Boundaries and a belated reunion

Upon walking into the large dining area that was ad everything else in the palace also decorated richly to fit its status, her mind was clouded with thoughts of Gal and her mission.

The dark serpent had been sent to follow the Prince around and shadow his every movement. It was the only thing they could do since attacking and killing him was completely impossible.

The table was long enough to contain at most twenty persons, but of course it was left for only the King and whosoever he chooses to dine with. She saw no need for this but couldn't point out all the many ways such frivolity could have benefitted a much lesser people. Her mind was instead trailed on the encounter with the sleazy man and what he may choose to do. If only she knew another problem would be set upon her…

She sat down donning a red lace dress whose material failed to cover the rest of her back and her bosom were thrust out as if begging to be seen by all. It used to be uncomfortable at the beginning of her stay but now she simply pays it no mind. Provocative dressing was prominent in Castle rock and she had made peace with the fact.

There was already an array of food set in front of her but still no trace of who she was supposed to be eating with. It was not right to eat before your host but she needed a distraction to keep her mind away, and what better distraction than to gnaw on a stewed piece of chicken lap. It tasted like bile to her but anything was welcomed at this point.

The dining room was built like a dome and made out of bronze transparent glass that reflected at every turn. There seemed to be a round gliding glass on the roof that could be opened to allow direct sunlight. She wondered the need for it or any of these crude show of wealth to begin with.

Right below the sun roof was an extended corridor that she was told led directly into the King's room.

A door by the side of her forced open and a sweaty Razhal strode into the room bare bodied with his dark hair wet. He must have taken his wolf for a run outside the borders hence she could smell the lingering scent of grass on him.

The King did not look at her as he deposited himself into the chair at the head of the table. Verona's mind briefly wandered to what happened between them at the courtyard and immediately felt her cheeks heat up against her will.

His hooded gaze looked towards her half eaten food and back to her face, and she could sense his questions.

"My apologies your highness, I was indeed quite famished." She tended coolly, hoping he wouldn't find something to say.

Razhal straightened. Lifted his cup filled with wine and drained it before slamming the glass down with more force than was necessary, and this forced her head to snap towards him.

"Really...is what you are doing necessary?" he asked out loud and she need not be told he was referring to her.

"What could possibly be wrong?" her question was foolishly genuine which forced a growl out of him.

His teeth were clenched tight when he spoke again "You should sit closer to your King, by my right hand or hell! Were you not also told this?"

It was then she noticed how far apart they were sitting. She on one end while he sat on the other. But then Verona refused to see what was wrong, in fact she may have done it without much thoughts but now it seemed reasonable. She didn't want to be anywhere near him nor would she allow her body pine for his.

"I don't see how that should be a problem" came her cheeky reply as she scooped a spoonful into her mouth. The King shut his eyes close as he tried to rein his anger in.

"Melima, before I open my eyes make sure your bottom is plastered onto the chair beside me…or I will sure have a guard move you with force" his tone low and brusque as against what she knows it to be.

The threat hung loosely along with the spoon of food which was on its way into her mouth. She very slowly dropped the metal back into her plate and clasped her two hands on her thighs. The strong need to revoke against his order burned in her chest but when a low growl came from him, she immediately stood up and went to sit where he wanted. His wolf was tethering to the surface and according to what she heard, it was better not to anger him.

What remained of her appetite disappeared immediately and all that was left was contempt. Somehow Razhal knew and relished in her anger, it was better than whatever pesky feeling Zeus was beginning to nurture.

A servant came into the room through the same side door and refilled the jug of wine that was before him. When he was about to leave the King spoke a few foreign words to him and the man bowed his way out of the room.

Razhal did not eat and neither would she. He simply drank wine while she mopped ahead like a mutt. And when it seemed like the silence may never end, he spoke up first.

"I was told you were out of the building earlier. Where did you go?"

"To the garden. For fresh air perhaps…"

"And after that…?"

"Nothing else. I simply walked back to my quarters"

"You are sure about that?" he asked again while drowning another cup. Verona wondered what he was fishing for, because this was certainly beyond merely trying to know what she did for the day. He wasn't the kind or man to do so…in fact he was no man at all, just a beast.

"Unless it had become a sin to loiter around the garden, I do not see why you would keep asking. But if you need more details I had a run in with Prince Jodiah, although it was a mistake but no hurt was done and somehow he asked for a meeting which i---"

"Did I give you the leave to address him as Jodiah?" he cut her off mid speech. She glanced up to look him in the eye. "Did I even give you any go ahead to speak to him at all?"

"I…" she hesitated. "He had willingly given me his name and I never asked for it."

"And I never asked for it. My King."

"And I never asked for it. My King" she repeated.

"So you also are able to follow instruction." He observed tepidly and she frowned.

He was setting a boundary between them. Using titles, commands and tones to tell her of the only kind of relationship that shall exist between them. Something has changed within the Lycan, he now seemed more guarded and aggressive towards her as if her presence irritated him.

"If you command it I would never speak his name again. My King."

"No. you shall not speak to him at all unless I permit you to do so, do you understand? He doesn't exist to you unless I say so, do you understand Melima?"

She tried to swallow down the snarky response at the tip of her tongue. Here he was treating her like some unnamed consort, reveling her with his many wishes and commands while all she had to do was obey.

The redhead bit the inside of her cheeks and prayed to the deities for self-control.

"Shall I take my leave then…?" she was careful while asking.

"No. wait, I may have a present for you so sit back and…" he suddenly looked towards the door. "Here he is"

The main entrance was pushed open and a middle aged man was escorted into the room by a warrior.

He wore a blue tribal one-way gown with a belt tied around his waist. His character looked strict and a certain kind of hardness hovered around him; the aura of a leader thick in the air.

Verona looked confusedly at the man but nothing was within reach. She could neither place his face nor find a name. This was her first time meeting the Alpha wolf.

The king noticed the confusion and slowly reclined back onto his chair letting his head rest on it.

He gestured to a seat that was directly opposite the Queen and the man sat facing her. He too was also confused.

Razhal's tongue stuck to his left cheek as he regarded what was supposed to be a reunion between father and daughter. He could bet on his left arm that these two were total strangers to each other.

"Now I would expect a much more different reaction from both of you, or would you rather want me to initiate an introduction hmm…can't you offer some greetings to your father Melima?"

The silence that followed was terse and chilling as the two sat staring at each other hoping for some kind of explanation. Or better still they all looked upon her for the explanation.