Chapter 11 - Let the Vows Be Fulfilled

— You really look pale, shouldn't we call the doctor? — Lara asked hesitantly, studying my exhausted expression. I only shook my head softly in denial. This was the third meeting with a nonexistent diplomat attending. It was draining me. Not because of the hours lost each morning every week, but the stress of waiting for an attack at any moment — having to stay alert even about the food I ate or the people I interacted with during the day. It was suffocating in a way hard to describe. My mind was heavy with worries, and my body showed it. I hadn't imagined that these sessions of uncovering the castle's spy would be so exhausting.

— I'm fine, just need a few minutes in the garden and some warm drink. — I sat on the garden bench, though the weather was not exactly made for enjoying spring leaves, since there wasn't a leafy tree nearby yet. Still, I liked the cold wind touching my face and the snow slowly filling the royal gardens. Obeying my requests, two servants brought hot tea with freshly baked cookies. It felt so comforting. Besides everything, I was craving attention; my body seemed to long for Yurick's touch more than ever. Yet, we were pretending not to understand each other well, avoiding walking together or even sharing the same room often, so the assassin would think I was more vulnerable. I admit pretending was taxing, especially for my yearning heart. More than once, I dreamed of Yurick with a strange tenderness that stirred like youthful longing.

Not feeling his presence for two weeks was harder than I imagined. I never saw myself as a sensual person, yet now I wished I could open fully to my husband — to be claimed without hesitation, without doubt or restraint. I sensed Yurick felt this strain too; servants whispered about his bad moods, worsening day by day. The distance did no favors. He still had to manage the castle, complaints from the people, nobles gaining and losing titles and lands, the soldiers, the supplies — the daily burdens weighed heavily.

Changing politics only worsened my daily tasks. I had to be the people's voice for this to work, to make them trust me, and that trust would reflect in Yurick's acceptance as sovereign king. It still stung me a little, but I had learned that if not for this war, Akasia would have done much worse — using the people as bargaining chips or massacring without remorse. I didn't want to imagine the kind of disasters that could come if things slipped out of control.

I sighed again, feeling a headache pulse. Maybe I really should see a doctor? But I knew it was only stress from the circumstances. I wouldn't waste resources on that. I ate trying to calm myself — another meeting was coming the next day, for the next target. Could I be next? What if it was the last? What if the plan failed? All this weariness would be for nothing. I tried not to think negatively, but it was inevitable with no progress before me. I went to my room to rest. Lara helped by placing a damp cloth on my forehead to soothe the pain.

— I'm just exhausted, you don't need to look like that — I smiled at the girl to calm her, holding her hand for a few moments. — I'll just sleep a little.

Resting the afternoon didn't help; besides nightmares, my head felt heavier. I took a painkiller, drank tea, ate little, and woke the next day for the next meeting feeling like I had barely rested at all. We had already ruled out three suspects, four remained — not counting the general, who was Yurick's most trusted man, and I wouldn't argue about that. The next target was a man named Airon, the new chief of the city militia. He wanted to persuade Yurick to replace every soldier protecting the streets with men and women from Roham. I disagreed; people needed to feel safe and familiar with their protectors. Besides, where would all those displaced soldiers go? I didn't like the man. But Airon was a powerful alpha in influence and land, having earned his noble title through tournaments that proved his strength.

I had assessed the situation somewhat, but it didn't really matter if not for the traitor. Airon was only an enemy because of his radical ideas about the city. He wanted to soften the tone and give the citizens some freedom, but his suggestions were about preventing "civil wars." If he acted with violence, he would only incite revolt. Yet, the man seemed blind to the fact that reprisals wouldn't work in the current climate. Leaving these thoughts aside, I had to go to the meeting place. As always, I was anxious; every encounter was an immense worry. Feeling unwell, sweating, head aching, body trembling faintly. I asked Lara to stay at the castle; I didn't want to worry her or have her gossip to Yurick about what was happening. Although it wasn't wise to leave her alone with Yurick wandering around, potentially sharing everything. I promised myself I would see a doctor as soon as I left the meeting.

I sat down, my body aching softly, choosing not to eat. When warmth started rising, I realized I'd made a grave mistake. I was entering heat. But the symptoms felt different than usual — normally the warmth came first, then the surge of desires hard to measure. I had first felt truly unwell with headaches when I was just a boy of fifteen. I stood up, asking a servant to prepare the carriage immediately; I wouldn't spend more than fifteen minutes there. I pressed my hand to my temple. Would I have time to return to the castle? Perhaps I could just lock myself away in a room and wait for the first wave to pass.

— Sir, everything is ready — I heard a familiar voice that made me freeze for a few seconds, just enough for the door to open. The strange masked man was there, surprised to see me alone. After all, it was supposed to be a meeting with a possible diplomat; the empty salvo hinted at a trap. Without hesitation, the man held a dagger in his hand. But his plans were interrupted when two alphas suddenly entered the room, pushing his body against the wall. The two brutes wore friar's robes and were connected to the temple worshipping the gods. It wasn't exactly luck — if they were there, it meant they had sensed my scent.

The masked man noticed what had happened, plunging his dagger into the neck of one of them. I wouldn't be horrified now; I passed by the other man who was at my side trying to reach me, only managing to grab my wrist. I drew my own sword, cutting his arm clumsily, yet enough to make him release me. I ran down the empty corridor, unable to return to the carriage now. Even though the temple wasn't crowded, it would be reckless to parade around releasing pheromones on the main street. Still, I descended the stairs from the second floor, breathing heavier than usual—just needing to ensure they wouldn't kill me. That man had failed again and now caused the death of an innocent person in the church, the greatest symbol of faith for the people of Neopolita. Of course, something would come of the attack. Accusing Akasia was essential.

Yurick was far away; if something happened to me, his reputation must not be completely tarnished. I went to the lowest area of the place, dodging the betas I bumped into on the way. I locked myself in the basement. There were no windows, no way in except the heavy front door. I pulled a table with difficulty because it was large, made of dark oak; this structure would prevent the door from being easily opened.

The floor was dirt, the smell of wine was strong, along with some huge wheels of cheese stacked to the side. It was a kind of large pantry. I threw myself on the ground, gasping more intensely; it was not the best place to be in heat. I felt so foolish at that moment, my body slowly burning as if about to explode. I opened one of the wine barrels and drank continuously, letting the sweet liquid slide down my throat to diminish the heat, spilling it over my clothes without concern, gulping it down in large swallows. I didn't want to die in that place; I was afraid, the scent might attract the man to me. I would die on that dirty floor with some rats passing by toward the cheese. Why did I always get myself into these situations? Well, that was exactly the idea, but I needed guards. The problem was some of them were alphas—I couldn't summon them, it would cause problems and scandals. Life in royalty needed to be discreet to carry out most plans.

The wine helped ease the urge to touch myself, but it did nothing for the heat coursing through my body. I wished I could throw myself into a frozen river. Somehow, I passed out at some point; I don't know how many hours passed. My mind was dulled by the alcohol, but when I opened my eyes, my sheets were damp at the bottom—I could feel it inside, even wetting the floor. It was so embarrassing. I was dizzy from the sudden hours of sleep; my scent had diminished—I knew because the symptoms of heat had lessened, the second wave was likely near. I slowly raised my aching body, when I heard loud knocks on the door.

—Seyrim! — Yurick's voice thundered through the room. I dragged the table weakly and then unlatched the inner lock. I saw him enter with some soldiers, but when he saw my state, he signaled his men to stay in the hallway. He took off his cloak and wrapped it around me. Holding my face for a few moments, I felt so dazed that I couldn't fully focus on his gaze.

—I'm fine, just drunk. — I gave a sheepish smile, leaning into the alpha, rubbing myself like a feline.

—Let's get you back to the castle. — The elder sighed, enveloping me in the cloak and pulling me into his arms. I closed my eyes while breathing in the scent so intoxicating that came from his body. Throughout the entire journey, I lay in his arms, comforted in that place. I had survived, yet I knew a stern lecture awaited once I was well—I'd hear how reckless I was for not seeking a doctor before the meeting or even not calling the guards. But this was our chance; we found clues, and we could root out that evil from the city. I wouldn't live every day in crippling fear of dying at any moment.

When I opened my eyes again, it was from the sensation of warm water around me. I was completely naked with Yurick still holding me, gently lowering my body into the bathtub. I felt dizzy from the alcohol, though the effect was slowly fading.

—I don't know if you can understand, but I requested the detention of General Airon. — The elder said seriously as he cleaned me, and I could only lean on his body. The second wave of heat was coming; I felt the warmth growing.

—No, you're wrong... — I turned slowly toward him. There was no way to explain this now. I needed the alpha within me. My scent spread softly throughout the room, sweet and inviting. Yurick realized the explanation wouldn't come now; he just kissed my lips with a yearning that was impossible to resist, drawing me closer with a possessive tenderness, desiring every part of me. I surrendered to my most primal instincts, pressing myself gently against him, needing him without hesitation or preamble. The desire that consumed me demanded no preliminaries—only his strength filling me, soothing the fire within.

I writhed in his arms. It was the most exquisite sensation I had ever felt, a blend of fierce ecstasy and deep yearning, making it impossible not to reach my climax in mere seconds as my body responded to his touch. It was as if I had never almost been killed by an assassin of Akasia, forgetting every worry that might have burdened my mind. I heard the alpha say something, but I ignored it—I simply couldn't focus on his words. Seeing that I was lost in my own world, Yurick gave up on trying to speak and surrendered to his own instincts, holding me firmly.

I don't know how long we stayed in the bath, but at some point, we were in bed, with him above me—my body arching, knees brushing my face as he pressed himself gently yet insistently within me. I welcomed him without hesitation, surrendering to the depth of desire between us. My mind drifted through the haze of that overwhelming moment. Somehow, I found myself riding him with growing intensity, feeling his hands tighten around my neck, pulling me closer to his lips. I was turned away from him, gasping and moaning without shame, until his teeth grazed the nape of my neck. It was as if something inside me shattered into pieces. Reason struck me like a fierce storm; the heat that had consumed me abruptly faded with that fierce bite. I felt both pain and exquisite pleasure, crashing into a profound release. My body collapsed onto the bed with gentle tremors, unable to control my limbs.

I was sweaty, exhausted, and breathless. Was this what it meant to belong to someone? I brought my hand to my neck in a sudden motion of strength, barely able to move, staring at the fingers stained with blood. But Yurick showed no signs of stopping; the mark he left didn't seem to satisfy him. He opened me with a fierce tenderness and claimed me again. All I could do was whimper softly as his hands gripped my waist and filled me with his essence. I could no longer find the strength to move or to respond; it had been intense, overwhelming—pleasurable beyond words. It was my final heat, and it was the most delicious and extraordinary of all. I tried to say something when Yurick kissed me passionately, but I simply faded away.

I woke up startled, staring around for a few moments. The elder was sleeping beside me, his arm resting gently over my stomach. I reached to my neck and felt a bandage wrapped around it. I lay back down, sore and aching, then glanced at Yurick who seemed peaceful—but I blushed deeply when I noticed his body, marked with scratches and bites.

I touched his face, brushing back the brown strands from his forehead, trailing my finger lightly over his beard, down to his lips, caressing so softly he didn't stir. So this was it? I didn't feel much difference; I had thought it would be something special. Why wasn't I surprised that all those fanciful, romantic stories were nothing but foolish palace myths? And I felt even more frustrated for having read such nonsense. The bond was strong, of course—I felt a connection between us—but nothing I hadn't felt before. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about heat ever again. That kind of situation would be properly avoided from now on.

—Good morning. — Yurick broke my train of thought, making me quickly withdraw my hand from his cheek. My face flushed completely. The alpha had wiped away my sweat and all the lingering traces of passion left on my body after our union. I saw him slowly rise after my weak "good morning," sitting with his back to me, brushing his hair away from the nape of his neck.

—What does this mean? — I asked, genuinely surprised.

—That you need to bite my neck for the bond to be fully sealed. — He said calmly. I could tell by his tone there was a smile on his face. For a moment I thought he was joking, though obviously he wasn't.

—We will be bound forever. — My voice came out thick and hoarse after all the intense moans I had given the day before.

—I know. The bite I left on your neck will remain forever, too. This is the bond of marriage. Even after conquering the entire continent and becoming Emperor, you will rule by my side. — His voice was firm, showing this was no playful morning myth. He was serious about our future together. That made me uneasy and nervous. I crawled toward the elder, staring at his neck for a few moments. Would the bond be mutual? I remembered once again the silly palace stories, which always spoke of a mutual bond. The alpha wasn't obliged to do this, but he understood the gesture as a token of trust between us. This would draw us closer than ever, marking a new era of intimacy. I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Pressing my lips to the sensitive spot, sinking my teeth into the soft flesh, tasting the metallic tang of blood under gentle pressure. I pulled away when I had fulfilled the act.

—Done. — I murmured uncertain if it was real. Yurick turned to me, holding my chin, kissing my lips despite the taste of blood. He embraced my aching body against his own. It was strange to think I was no longer disposable. I had thought I would keep the bond only until Yurick decided Neopolita was no longer important enough. Mutual meant Yurick could have no one else for the rest of his life, could be marked by no one but me. Of course, some kings had lovers, but the alpha's marriage was with me—only me—and in the midst of all this war, I felt my role was even more essential. My senses were dulled, unable to fully grasp the warmth spreading through my body as we kissed—a warmth so tender and comforting, as if my body accepted him, fitting perfectly. I knew the elder felt the same. I was relieved—more relieved than I had ever been.