Chapter 09 - Neopolita's Shadow

– I can't just stay in this room my whole life. – I let out a huge sigh. My body ached, and I was in a terrible mood, especially after being thoroughly informed that I'd have to stay locked in that tower for a while. I didn't trust anyone except Yurick and Lara. I knew someone was trying to kill me, but thinking about it after spending the entire night receiving something big inside me wasn't one of the best moments. I lay back down on the bed, resigned.

– Why are you being so stubborn? You know your life is in danger. Until we find the traitor, I need to keep you somewhere safe. Maybe I'll move the room to one without windows. – Yurick was sitting on the bed, pondering the matter. He was only wearing loose pants, but I could see his chest; I had scratched his body and bitten him in some places. Looking at that certainly made me embarrassed. Doing that to my husband in such a way, as if I loved sex. Well, with the Alpha, it was different.

– I know you want to protect me, and I appreciate that from the bottom of my heart, but I'm the only one who heard the voice of this Akasian assassin. I'm the only one who would be able to identify him if I heard him just once. If you allow me to attend the war meetings, I could try to identify who it might be. If the culprit is discovered, an investigation into the circumstances could begin, and we could learn my grandfather's plans. What matters is that the plans were thwarted, but that doesn't mean they don't have other tricks. Making it look like you killed me might be just one of them. An assassination attempt could be another, using someone to tarnish your honor before everyone... I don't know, just guesses. – I tried to argue. The truth was, I also didn't want to stay alone in that place all day. I could help more if I were by the Alpha's side. Even if it was still hard to think about what we had last night, it was still the best option. I tried to be minimally rational, even if my heart and memories were trying to betray me, straying from the main topic.

The Alpha didn't have to think much about the matter; he just let out a frustrated sigh, turning his gaze towards me, reaching a hand to my face, stroking it gently. His cordial and kind actions confused me greatly. Sometimes it was hard to know why he did it. Was it just something to maintain the political bond? What were his intentions? Everything confused me, but at least Yurick listened to me.

– You're right, I don't know who I'm dealing with, and although we haven't seen their face, there's still a possibility of finding out who it was. – The Alpha stood up, asking Lara to come in. – But for today, you will rest. There's medicine and food. After yesterday, your body needs a day of rest. – His usual cheeky smile, irritating, but one I didn't hate.

The windows remained closed, locked with thick curtains covering them, giving an even darker feel to the surroundings, illuminated only by the candlesticks and chandeliers scattered throughout the room. Lara helped me apply the medicine to every marked part of my body. My nipples had bite marks and hickeys. I smelled strange from the medicine, but that didn't bother me. I only ate while listening to the girl's stories. Lara was trustworthy, so I could easily sleep beside her.

Even though I thought I'd have some erotic dreams, what I had was a demonstration that I might be subject to trauma and night panic. Someone was chasing me, their body bigger, terrifying, their face enveloped in a haunting mask, coming towards me, making my body freeze, my heartbeat racing, and fear taking over my existence. No matter how much I tried to run, I couldn't escape. I thought Yurick would appear at any moment to rescue me, however, it seemed the nightmare was even crueler than reality itself. I opened my eyes suddenly, my body paralyzed in bed, breathing heavily, noticing a shadow in the corner of the wall, waiting, lurking for any opportunity, slowly approaching with calm breathing, the cold being part of the environment. I opened my mouth to scream, but no sound came out under any circumstances. Why wouldn't my body obey me? The sordid approach only showed my vulnerability even more. Tears slowly streamed down my face until I felt something touch me, but it wasn't the assassin. The Alpha was beside me in bed, having just woken up, he looked at my body and my terror-filled gaze. He brought his hand to my face.

– Breathe slowly, Seyrim, inhale and then exhale. – The Alpha said while gently stroking me. I did the breathing exercises until my limbs started to obey me. Yurick hugged me, the shadow had disappeared. I dreamed of that creature even while awake. My body trembled a little, but I felt much better knowing it was just a dream. I got a glass of water which I drank eagerly. Everything was so cold; it was still the beginning of winter, there wasn't even snow around for the weather to be so intense like that. I took a deep breath after finally managing to calm down.

– I had a nightmare. – I didn't know if I should be telling him something so insignificant. It felt like being a child, running to my mother's bed asking for protection. These nightmares were more common in my childhood after the queen left. I started seeking solace with my father in vain, so I would open my eyes, and even awake, it seemed I was still submerged in the dream, unable to breathe. It was uncommon, but it happened. It had been over ten years since I felt anything similar to that, so why now? I let out a low grumble because of it, frustrated.

– You don't need to worry, Seyrim. We'll soon find out who dared to challenge the emperor's power. It's not like that bastard can hide for long. – The Alpha pulled me closer, hugging my body. I snuggled into his strong arms. His scent was intoxicating, but I had no energy to do anything at that moment. I just wanted to stay like that, thinking everything would be fine, when in reality I was too rational to consider such an optimistic possibility.

– He just needs to kill me, he doesn't need to be alive to return to Akasia. – I felt that this person would risk everything to fulfill their mission; after that, they could be killed, it didn't matter. The alliance was still too weak, too recent, it didn't have enough strength to withstand such an attack, especially because the people were still suspicious of Yurick. They wouldn't accept that someone from Akasia could assassinate the prince-regent; there were many of them living among us. My grandfather was just waiting for the Alpha to be the villain so he could enter with the army, saving Neopolita from Roham's clutches. I wouldn't let that happen; I needed to make everyone see that the union was strong, that Yurick was capable of governing, that we could bring prosperity to both peoples, so if something happened to me, they would support the king and not my grandfather. It was so frustrating, so stressful that everything was this way. I imagined that after losing a kingdom, I would either be on the gallows or planting in some distant farm, losing all my titles. Well, I had no idea how to work the land, so it seemed an even worse idea than my current place, which was in the arms of the one who conquered everything. Yurick tried to calm me, caressing my body, cuddling me close, trying to make his scent stop all those anxious explosions of ideas about politics and think that it was just the two of us in that empty room, no one else, not even a shadow.

– I won't let anything happen, Seyrim. I'll stay by your side 24 hours a day if necessary. – He said more gently, with his usual smug smile on his face as if nothing could hurt me.

– I know you don't want any chaos in the kingdom. And in a way, walking together would help. The more we're seen in public, the stronger the bond between nations becomes. Right now, your public image isn't the best. – I let out a tired sigh. It was still dawn; I felt like I hadn't slept at all, and my body was so sore. I lay down again, staring at the ceiling. Would I be able to sleep?

– It's not just because of the chaos in the kingdom that I'm doing this; I also don't want my husband dead by some cursed bastard, or by anyone, for that matter. – His conviction was touching, but it wasn't enough to convince me that Yurick genuinely cared beyond his usual conquests. I was a pawn in that immense chess game called war, where the future emperor moved his pieces according to elaborate strategies.

– Oh, my dear, let's agree that this marriage is a convenience, especially for your situation, Yurick. You wouldn't care about me if I wasn't the ruler and had no utility. – I sat up in bed, looking at him seriously. – You made it obvious when you considered killing me days ago that our union is just a thread that breaks easily, so don't come with pretty words. I know your concern, and frankly, I don't want to lose my life, let alone have people die because of such a low move by my grandfather.

– Do you always rationalize everything? – The other also rose, sitting up and looking at me with his piercing eyes, resting one arm on his knee. – I apologize for my actions that day; I was affected by the idea that you had betrayed me, even if you had the right to do so. I'm in a delicate position here; I can hardly trust any of my closest subordinates. Suddenly, I discover that war plans have leaked. It's simply impossible to remain calm. But that doesn't mean my concern for you is just about keeping the kingdom safe. – Could the Alpha convince himself of those words? I admit there was something between us that went beyond a political marriage, however, it had more to do with our desires, it had to do with my masochistic flesh than really emotions of friendship and empathy blossoming during the war. At least, that's what it seemed like.

I brought my hand to his face, stroking it gently. I wanted to believe his sweet words. But everything had been taken from me; when Yurick accused me, it hurt more than it should have. It was better to protect myself from feeling such strong emotions, because something could happen again—more accusations, deaths, and whatever else. It was a war. Even though we were allies now, it didn't mean that the next day couldn't change that. I didn't want to, it bothered me to think that at any moment something could reverse, but I couldn't cling to a faith and positivity that I couldn't afford. It would be too much trust in someone who didn't deserve my emotional dedication.

– Good night, dear. – I smiled sadly and listlessly in his direction. All of this was extremely tiring. I lay down on the bed again, turning my back to the Alpha. I felt that he took a little while longer to fall asleep, but soon his body rested on the bed. Was I being too harsh? I was just afraid. Since all of this began, I had been dealing with various problems, whether it was realizing the nuances of my desires, or realizing how easily my husband would think of eliminating me, or discovering that my grandfather wants to destroy me to dominate Neopolita. Yurick was in a delicate position, I understood that, of course, he could be betrayed at any moment, even by me, but I didn't have to just accept it, not feel hurt, when in fact my heart ached, despite my body being satisfied.

The next day, I could leave; I wasn't sore anymore. Lara helped me with some medicine, massaging my body. I walked alongside Yurick towards the war room. I had a plan, but for that, we needed to talk alone; however, there were some issues to resolve at that morning's meeting: the renewed strategies after the fiasco of the approach in Akasia's forest.

– Your Majesty, what is your spouse doing in this meeting? – One of the members sharply inquired. I just turned my gaze in his direction; most at that table were Alphas and Betas, there were no Omegas besides me.

– Is there a problem, Narcissus? Seyrim is Neopolita's representative. – Yurick pulled out a chair for me to sit. The Alpha then sat down.

– With all due respect, Your Majesty, but after the fiasco of the Akasia venture, it might have been your spouse who warned them. I don't think it's wise to keep him informed about our war strategies. – Everyone seemed to think that way, including the general sitting next to the Alpha. The atmosphere was tense; everyone started arguing among themselves, discussing my role in the kingdom. They didn't consider my presence there while discussing these matters in front of me.

– The role of Neopolita's regent is merely representative; I don't believe he truly needs to participate in more secret plans. He can simply take care of the people's daily lives and improve his image. – One of the representatives said as if it were absolute truth, not even looking at me as he spewed his malicious words.

– Furthermore, having an omega here can bring bad omens. – Angelina, the head of soldier provisions, said, eliciting laughter from the others. It was an unfounded belief widespread in Roham; I had heard it from Lara, but she assured me it was quite antiquated.

– Enough. – Yurick stood up. There were no smug smiles on his face, only the seriousness of a leader. – Seyrim is the representative of Neopolita. He made his vows before the gods and pledged his life to me, his loyalty and trust. Furthermore, his intelligence is recognized throughout this country and in other parts of this continent. Why don't we learn a little from these people? Starting with not underestimating the omegas here? Many soldiers, male and female, who died in battle were omegas; many of them took the lives of our brothers honorably as well. So, let's just continue the meeting. The objective of this meeting is to strategize for war. Why don't you present me with something worthwhile and show Seyrim that you are capable of presenting something that won't fail. – The Alpha sat back down. I watched from the corner of my eye. Not that I needed defending, but the other seemed very serious about defending his partner's honor.

I finally returned my attention to the meeting, still a bit nervous.

– And it's worth remembering that any offense to my honor can be considered a crime punishable by death, flogging, or loss of a limb according to Roham's own law, which is being implemented in Neopolita. – I said only this, because I knew that everyone in that room was below my authority, with the exception of Yurick. Everyone owed me due respect. There were eight people besides the two of us, three of them Betas, four women and four men, all strong, even if their functions were not linked to war, their muscular and often robust and intimidating bodies did not faze me at all, even in the face of the most severe gaze in my direction. I knew they didn't want to receive retaliation from a prisoner of war. However, my status had changed; I was no longer a mere cloistered enemy, I was the king's spouse, the representative of my people, my nobility was still legitimate like my authority, everyone in that room should conform to that, for it was their emperor who sentenced them to that situation.

When that torture finally ended with few of my considerations—basically I only talked about geography and possible ways to invade Akasia, omitting one of them, as I didn't think I should speak in front of a potential traitor—we were finally alone. I watched them leave one by one, then went to the door and locked it. Turning back to the Alpha, who was massaging his irritated temple.

– I have a plan to find out who the traitor is. – I sat beside the Alpha, facing him. – We need to disseminate some strategies individually, tell each of them a different plan, one convincing enough for whoever is behind this to act. – Unfortunately, it seemed impossible to identify the voice; the assassin had probably disguised their tone to confuse me, or it was too traumatic to associate their words with anyone on the council.

– And let me guess, you're going to be the guinea pig in all of them? – The other seemed quite hesitant about it. I just let out a sigh. I understood the Alpha's concern at that moment, especially when he was stressed, but it was the best way to end a possible threat within the palace. We didn't know the extent of my grandfather's influence in that place, how infiltrated he was. I believed that since my mother had left, some people willing to risk their lives for Akasia had been communicating with that tyrant.

– It's our only choice. It may not seem like it, but I can minimally defend myself and use a sword to protect myself. I'm not so sensitive and fragile, Yurick. I'm not doing this just for me, but for these people who at any moment can throw themselves into a war and die for an unjust cause in the name of something they think makes a difference. – I was more serious. The Alpha approached, kissing my lips for a few moments; it was soft, prolonged, just with the touch that he allowed me to do. It was hard to deny those sensations. I thought that now the Alpha was willing to convince me to give up that plan.

– You're right, we can take the risk now, otherwise we'd be even more vulnerable. – Yurick touched my hair, caressing it with his fingertips, tucking some strands behind my ear to expose my face even more. – I never thought of you as sensitive or fragile, but I also never had the feeling that I should protect someone this way. – I didn't expect those words, which made my heart race frantically. I tried to maintain my composure and focus on our ideas of subduing the culprit, however, his proximity, our scents, and his breathing made me feel that sudden warmth rising through my body. I gripped the Alpha's clothes, pulling him against me, kissing his lips with more desire, more eagerness than that simple one Yurick had intended to give me. Sliding my tongue over his.

The Alpha held my waist, pulling me onto his lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck, enjoying the sensation. We had to do this, put myself in danger so that the shadow hovering over Neopolita would finally dissipate, but how could I think of anything substantial when we were in that session of hot, erotic kisses smelling of promiscuity? Yurick would still drive me crazy.