Genevieve's breath hitched as Edric carried her into his chambers, his grip firm and unrelenting. She had never been inside before, and under any other circumstances, she might have marveled at its grandeur. But now, she could only feel rage.
The room was a masterpiece of royal opulence, the very embodiment of power and prestige. Dark mahogany paneling covered the walls, illuminated by flickering candlelight.
Gold and crimson tapestries hung from the high ceiling, depicting ancient battles and the legends of past kings. A massive four-poster bed, carved from black oak, stood at the center, its canopy draped in heavy velvet curtains.
The air smelled of sandalwood and something distinctly Edric… something dark and intoxicating.
Genevieve's heart pounded in her chest as he finally set her down on the bed. She scrambled away from him, her body was tense with fury.
"You didn't believe me," she spat, her voice trembling with anger. "You were ready to let me die. And now what? You decide to change your mind, and I'm supposed to be grateful?"
Edric stood before her, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. There was no remorse in them, only something deeper, something possessive.
"You are my mate, Genevieve," he said evenly, as if that explained everything.
Genevieve's hands clenched into fists. "And what does that mean to you, exactly? Because to me, it sounds like an excuse. An excuse to keep me here, to control me, to… for heaven's sake what game are you playing?"
"I'm not playing any games. I just want to protect you," Edric interrupted.
She let out a bitter laugh. "Protect me? From whom? From the Queen Dowager? From your court? Or from yourself?"
His jaw tightened, his expression unreadable.
"I will not let you go," he said finally, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Genevieve's stomach twisted. "You didn't even hesitate to believe the worst of me," she said. "You stood there and let them sentence me to death. And now you bring me here, as if that changes anything?"
Before Edric could answer, there was a knock at the door. A guard entered, bowing.
"My King, Lady Evelyne has made an accusation against Lady Genevieve."
Edric's entire body tensed. "What accusation?"
The guard hesitated. "She claims Lady Genevieve bewitched you with magic to seduce you."
Genevieve's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"
Edric's gaze darkened. His wolf was restless, what was wrong with his daughter?
"Who else has heard this?"
"Enough for the rumor to spread, Your Majesty."
Genevieve's hands curled into the sheets beneath her. Evelyne. Of course, she wouldn't stop until she saw Genevieve ruined.
Edric exhaled slowly, turning back to her. "You will sleep in my chambers from now on," he said.
"Excuse me?" Genevieve's stomach clenched.
He stepped closer. "You will be under my protection at all times."
"You mean under your watch. You still don't trust me?" Genevieve narrowed her eyes. Edric didn't answer.
She lifted her chin defiantly. "And if I refuse?"
"You won't." His gaze burned into hers.
A shiver ran down her spine. Not giving room for argument he walked out and after a while Alice appeared with her belongings.
"Alice, you're here." She looked at Alice remembering how hurt she was.
"Are you okay?" She hurried to her.
"Yes my lady." She backed away.
"What happened? Are you angry with me?" Genevieve asked.
"I can never be angry at you my lady, I almost lost you today and I think my bad luck is rubbing off on you." Alice said and Genevieve laughed.
They had a long conversation and within the blink of an eye it was already nightfall.
Genevieve sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, her mind racing. She could feel Edric watching her, his gaze heavy.
She wouldn't let herself be weak. She had been betrayed enough times to know better than to fall for empty words.
"Sleep," Edric finally said, stripping off his coat.
She scoffed. "You expect me to sleep here? With you?"
"The bed is big enough. Unless you would prefer the floor." He smirked.
She glared at him, but he had already turned away, unbuttoning his shirt.
Genevieve swallowed hard. The sight of his bare skin, the powerful muscles shifting beneath the candlelight, made her stomach clench.
No. She wouldn't let herself feel anything.
She climbed into the bed, turning her back to him. But sleep did not come easily.
Hours passed. The room was silent except for the steady rhythm of Edric's breathing.
Then, in the dead of night, there was a knock.
Genevieve tensed as Edric moved to the door.
The Queen Dowager stood there, her expression cold.
"You overstep, my son," she said icily. "This girl, she will never be accepted as Queen."
Genevieve's heart clenched, but she kept her face impassive.
Edric's response was quiet, but firm. "She is my mate."
The Queen Dowager's gaze flicked to Genevieve. "And what good is a mate if she brings war to your kingdom?"
With that, she turned and disappeared into the corridor.
Genevieve let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Ignore her." Edric closed the door, his shoulders tensed but he didn't want to show it.
"Easy for you to say." Genevieve let out a sharp laugh.
He moved toward her and there was something dark in his eyes. "It doesn't matter what they say. You are mine."
"I don't belong to you." Genevieve bristled.
He stalked closer, his wolf dangerously close to the surface. "Say that again," he dared.
Genevieve's breath caught in her throat.
"I don't belong to you," she repeated, but this time the words came out softer, less certain.
Edric reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You feel it, too."
She did. The bond. The pull.
"No," she whispered, shaking her head.
Edric exhaled sharply.
"You may be human but the bond binds us together for life. We both feel it and that makes you mine and me yours."
"And my father? Do you expect me to stay and love you after everything? If you were wrong you'd have your revenge right? I just want to…" She ran her fingers in her hair.
"Kill me?" He asked and walked to the closest side table, grabbed a knife and put it in her hand. "Kill me then." She held the knife to his heart. "Here." He pushed the knife to the right side of his chest. "Stabbing me elsewhere won't kill me, it has to be here." He pointed at the spot and looked at her shaky hands.
"Why are you telling me this?" She asked.
"Because I'm willing to die at your hands. Get it done. Or you can also use me to get your revenge on those who framed your father." He said.
"I have lived too long anyway."