FRUSTRATION

Kian gently pulled away from Hazel, his gaze lingering on her wide eyes, shining with curiosity. The soft peck they had shared sent a rush of warmth through them both, their hearts fluttering wildly in the quiet night air. He was careful not to push too fast, sensing that a gentle kiss was just the right way to spark a yearning flame within her.

"That was merely a taste of what I can give you, Hazel," he drawled, a teasing lilt in his voice that made her swallow hard before she looked away, her cheeks blooming a deep crimson as her heart hammered uncontrollably in her chest.

"So tell me, do you want more of it?" he inquired, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he awaited her response.

For a moment, silence enveloped them, and then she parted her lips to speak, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I... I think we should return, Your Majesty. The night is growing late, and I need to rest for work tomorrow," she replied, her gaze casting downward as she battled the fluttering emotions within her.

Kian raised his eyebrows in surprise, a soft sigh escaping his lips as he nodded in agreement, his fingers gently wrapping around her hand, startling her once again. She felt a jolt of electricity at the contact, and he began to pull her toward the castle, their footsteps muffled by the soft grass beneath them.

"You must truly love your work, for that is the only thing you ever seem to say to me," he remarked as they walked side by side.

"I have no choice," she replied, her tone earnest. "I must work to earn my keep; not everyone is as privileged as you, Your Majesty." Her words struck a chord within him, silencing his playful banter. They continued walking in a comfortable silence, his head held high with a regal air while her gaze remained lowered, their hands intertwined tightly, Kian clearly the instigator.

As they neared the castle, Kian stopped abruptly, turning to face her with a thoughtful expression.

"We should go for walks more often. What do you enjoy doing?" he asked, his voice rich with genuine curiosity.

"I'm afraid my work wouldn't allow it, Your Majesty," she replied softly.

Kian released a heavy breath, his frustration visible as he watched her. It was clear to him that pursuing her would not be a simple task. He had never wanted to chase a woman before; usually, they flocked to him, only to scatter away when he crowned Hera as queen. Yet, here was Hazel, stirring feelings within him that he had never anticipated. The jealousy that had ignited within him only fueled his determination to win her over. This challenge was unlike anything he had previously experienced, but he was resolute—whatever efforts it took would be worth it.

"I had an inkling you'd say that. But do try not to let me catch you doing nothing. If so, I may have to steal you away," he teased, a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips.

She swallowed hard at his words, knowing all too well the impossibility of that scenario; her work consumed her time, leaving little room for freedom.

"Goodnight," he said at last, releasing her hand. She curtsied in response, her heart racing as she uttered, "Goodnight, Your Majesty," before leaving him standing alone just outside the castle, the cool night air swirling around them.

****Hazel Snow****

As I walked away, I couldn't help but wonder why the king had chosen to remain outside while I ventured in. Was he trying to hide the relationship from prying eyes? Did he fear the mockery that might come from being with an omega like me? The thought settled uncomfortably in my mind.

If Kian was truly interested in me, he would need to be brave enough to show it publicly, not keep me hidden away like a secret.

Unbeknownst to me, Kian remained outside, lingering to clean the mud from his attire before he made his entrance to the castle.

After returning to my room, having already taken a warm bath to wash away the day's toils, I opened my diary.

Today, I was kissed by the king. It was an experience both exhilarating and unnerving, even if I don't want to admit it.

I recalled the sensation of having him close, the intoxicating scent of him lingered in my mind. The gentle way he clasped me by my neck as he leaned in, his lips brushing softly in a fleeting moment that felt like an eternity. His breath, warm and caressing against my skin, sparked a whirlwind of emotions that coursed through me.

As I closed my diary and tucked it away in a concealed spot, I succumbed to the pull of sleep. Yet, my eyes shot open when a soft flutter caught my attention. A bird had landed gracefully on my windowpane, and I leaned closer, my heart quickening as I noticed the small piece of paper clutched in its beak.

With trembling hands, I opened the window and retrieved the note, my heartbeat echoing in my ears as I pried it open.

'Be careful. Soon he'll ensnare you like he did one of us, and I fear he may have to kill you if that happens. You cannot die; you're our only hope.'

The words twisted in my stomach like a cold knife, and I leaned closer to a flickering candle, burning the remnants of the ominous paper before sinking back into my bed, the shadows of dread creeping around me. The whispered rumors had been true—Kian was no stranger to brutality. He had indeed taken someone's finger. An omega.

"Kian," I muttered, clenching my teeth in frustration and confusion.

The next morning, the door burst open with a sharp creak, and I was jolted from my half-sleep by the sight of Wren framed in the doorway. A confusion of shadows danced across the room as I scrambled upright, my heart pounding. My gaze darted instinctively to the window—had I overslept?

Wren shoved another person into the room by the arm. "This is your new roommate, Corrine," she announced with an air of authority, before shutting the door behind her with a quiet finality.

I turned my attention to Corrine, who stood surveying the room with a discontented frown. "Let me help you clear the bed," I offered, reaching over to straighten up Emily's old bedding that lay askew.

"There's no need, Hazel," Corrine replied curtly, her voice dripping with disdain. "I can handle things just fine. There's no reason for you to meddle in my space." She shot me a sharp glance, her annoyance palpable.

"Huh?" I stammered, taken aback.

Corrine pivoted on her heel to face me fully, her expression fierce. "You're the one who took Madame's necklace, right? Just a friendly suggestion: don't touch any of my belongings. I'd prefer to deal with this myself rather than report you to the king." Her tone was icy, and she flipped her hair defiantly.

"And from this day forward, you'll be the one responsible for everything in this room—from cleaning to washing dishes and doing laundry," she commanded, her voice unwavering.

I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "Why do you have to make it like this? We're all in the same boat!" I protested, but her glare pierced right through me, silencing my objections.

"Wrong. We are not the same,you're one of the lowest omega and should serve us that is above" she retorted, her voice rising with intensity. "I don't care what you believe; my decision is final."

Lowest omega, highest omega—what kind of nonsense was that supposed to be? Omega was Omega; this hierarchy was absurd.