21

21
Bellatrix lay on a red divan in the lounging area, by the orders of her mate of course. Even though this area was meant to be somewhat accessible to the public, at this moment, she was the only individual present aside from the employees. It was still the evening after Luna Katelyn's attack. Luckily for Bellatrix, she had come out of it mostly unharmed but the pack doctor had come to her residence to tend to her. She was about to doze off when she heard a knock. On opening the door, she found it was one of the Alpha's personal guards who had come to inform her that the Alpha wanted her at the Royal lounge. 

She wanted to decline but thought against it. She reasoned that the Alpha must be feeling a lot of emotions. She knew he didn't love her even though she was his mate. The one he loved was Katelyn but now the latter had messed up badly. Now the one he didn't love was the victim and the one he loved was in prison.
She had heard some pack members whisper about the Luna's imprisonment on her way here.
Now it's been almost an hour, she didn't know what drugs the pack doctor had given her but she sure couldn't escape the clutches of sleep today.
 forced her to take a long rest in her room while he dealt with Katelyn.

After five more minutes of a fruitless grapple, she decided to succumb. Her head rested softly on the pillow as she watched the leaves and trees sway past the windows. It was a fascinating sight that should have calmed her nerves, but she found herself glancing towards the door every few moments, expecting... well, hoping for a certain tall man to walk in.

She knew that, just because of what had happened with Katelyn, she shouldn't expect him to be at her side at all times, but she couldn't help but wish about it. It just a mere thought though, or maybe it was because of the bond...?

The Alpha had a lot to handle after the attack by Katelyn, after all, it wasn't just herself that was hurt, he was too.
Since they were mates, he had felt the pain she felt, and that meant that the Luna hadn't just assaulted a breeder, she had assaulted the king too, and that was a serious crime for anyone to commit.
A few minutes later,

Just as she was about to nod off, she felt an overwhelming presence nearly, causing her eyes to dilate.
This was the unmistakable aura of an Alpha. 
Her mate was here and as if on cue, Alpha Killian stepped inside, his eyes landing on her.

Bellatrix couldn't believe it, he actually came! She had entertained the thought that he would simply send a subordinate to relay his orders.
Though she was befuddled as to why he would ditch other matters and come himself, there was a little happiness in her heart. Was it the bond? Nah, everything shouldn't be blamed on the bond. Right?

"Bellatrix," he said in a voice that was both strong and gentle, "Are you feeling alright?"

Bellatrix propped herself up as a warm feeling bloomed in her chest at his concern. "Y-yes, Alpha, I'm fine. T-Thank you for coming. I didn't think you'd... well, I didn't expect you'd..."
She wanted to hide in any hole that could open now. Why was she speaking like this? Was it because of his aura? Or was it safe to blame the bond again?
His voice had done things to her body that she couldn't describe.
But she surely knew that she wanted his touch just once, no, twice... or a few more times.
'This isn't the right time to think of such stuff, Bellatrix. Get your act together. Don't look like pea-brained,' she upbraided herself internally.

Killian sighed, closing the door quietly behind him. He walked over and took a seat on the chair opposite her, watching her closely.
Then he spoke after what felt like a millennium, "About Katelyn... she indeed crossed a line this time but you have nothing to worry about. I've taken care of it."

Bellatrix offered a small nod, not entirely sure what to say. She had seen Katelyn's jealousy flare up before, and sure, she may have goaded her a bit, but never would she have actually expected such a foolish attack. "I never thought... I mean, I knew she hated me, but I didn't think it would come to this."

He murmured, his gaze intense. "You shouldn't have had to face that, you're only an Omega,"
She could only nod. It seemed her lips forgot how to open, besides it was for the best as she didn't think there was any words to say to him.
At his command, she came to sit on the same couch as him but deliberately kept some distance. 
Yes, they were mates but there was no love and he didn't seem like he was ready to even peck her forehead anytime soon.

He reached over, taking her hand gently in his, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "From now on, you won't ever be at risk of someone poisoning you again. I've arranged for a new maid. She'll be in charge of your meals, your quarters- everything."

Bellatrix felt her cheeks warm slightly at his touch, its unexpected gentleness. She swallowed, trying to focus on his words. "Thank you, Alpha. I know this situation hasn't been easy for anyone... least of all you,"
The Alpha looked at her, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. He created some distance between them and took out his vibrating phone but didn't pick the call.
"There's no need to thank me. You are my breeder. You will bear me a child, so it's my responsibility to keep you safe,"

She managed a smile. She couldn't show his words had somehow pierced her heart. But she should have expected it. 
"So... um...who is this new maid you've assigned to me?"

"Xoey Flincher, one of the most loyal and hardworking maids in the pack," he said with a faint smile. "She's an Omega like you so I'm sure you'll like her,"
Bellatrix's smile almost fell.

This mate of hers couldn't wait to point out at every opportunity that she was an Omega, right? And just because the maid was of the same descent as her, both of them would hit off well?
The former maids she had were of the same descent but she almost died.
Anyway, complaining won't help in this situation.

Almost as if on cue, there was a light tap at the door, and a moment later, a cheerful face poked through.
It was her, the new maid.
 Xoey was ebony-skinned, had round cheeks, a quick, bright smile, and eyes that sparkled with a warm, genuine kindness. 
'Oh my, she's beautiful,' Bellatrix internally exclaimed. Her beauty was no less than the Luna's. 
"She's my wetnurse's granddaughter," the Alpha revealed as he saw Bellatrix staring at the maid with appreciative eyes.

"Good evening, Your Grace," Xoey said without stepping inside the place, but rather, offering a respectful nod to Bellatrix and a low bow to Alpha Killian. "I hope I'm not interrupting, Alpha. I... I just wanted to introduce myself if... if this is a good time?"

Killian looked to Bellatrix, his brow slightly raised as if to let her decide.
"Please, come in, Xoey," Bellatrix replied, her tone welcoming. "It's lovely to meet you."

Xoey stepped in with a wide grin, her posture straight and professional yet somehow relaxed. She was tall and slightly plump and that afro hair!
Bellatrix was fangirling inside. She liked this maid. The Alpha was right, they would hit off well.
"Thank you, my lady. The Alpha has entrusted me with looking after you, and I'll do everything I can to make sure you're comfortable."
Bellatrix couldn't help but smile back. "I can already tell I'm in good hands."

Alpha Killian nodded approvingly, standing and stepping aside to let the two women talk. "Xoey, I'll leave her to you now. Take good care of her."
Xoey's eyes gleamed with determination. "Yes, Alpha, you have my word."
With a final look at Bellatrix, he turned to leave.
As he closed the door behind him, Bellatrix let out a soft breath, feeling a strange mix of relief and... something else she couldn't quite name.

"So, Madam Bellatrix, if I may call you that?" Xoey asked, her smile a little mischievous.
"Just Bellatrix is fine," Bellatrix said, amused by Xoey's friendliness.
"Great! I don't usually get assigned to someone as important as you, so I'm very excited to get to know you," Xoey continued.
...
They were now in her bedroom.
"This is my bedroom,"
"It's beautiful. But..."
"But what?" Bellatrix raised a questioning brow.
"I just need to perfect a few things," the maid rolled up her sleeves and before long she was bustling around the entire residence, checking things and tidying up with quick, efficient movements. 
"Are you a perfectionist?" Bellatrix questioned, hands akimbo.
"Nope. But I'm almost there," the latter grinned and continued her actions, leaving her mistress to suspire in resignation.
A few minutes later, the maid had served the breeder a herbal tea.

"Don't worry about a thing, Bellatrix. Just like the Alpha said, I'll take care of all your meals, drinks, everything. No need to be looking over your shoulder anymore."
Bellatrix's smile grew a little softer. It was a relief to finally have someone around whom she could truly relax, without the constant worry of betrayal or sabotage. She settled back into the finely crafted chair at the balcony, feeling a calmness she hadn't felt in a long time.

Over the next few days, Xoey quickly proved herself to be more than just a capable maid.
She was cheerful, quick to laugh, and always had an interesting story to tell. It didn't take long for Bellatrix to feel really comfortable around her, especially as Xoey's friends, other Omega maids from the pack, would occasionally drop by during the day for quick visits.

One warm afternoon, after finishing a meal that Xoey had arranged, Bellatrix stretched in her chair, glancing toward the beautiful orange sky, relishing the feel of the evening breeze.
"Would you like to take a walk, my lady?" Xoey asked, noticing her gaze.

Bellatrix's eyes brightened. "Yes, I would very much love to,"
Xoey nodded enthusiastically. "I'll join you if that's alright. There's a new patch of wildflowers that just bloomed. It's breathtaking, especially this time of day."

The two strolled through the gardens, Xoey pointing out different plants, each with a story of its own. "That one there," she said, nodding toward a tall blue flower, "was planted by the last Luna queen, that is the Alpha's mother. She used to say it reminded her of the ocean."

Bellatrix glanced at the flower thoughtfully. "You seem to know a lot about the pack's history."
Xoey shrugged with a grin. "Only what I've been told. I love hearing all the stories, though. Makes me feel like I'm a part of something bigger, you know?"

Bellatrix nodded, feeling a strange kinship with Xoey. Since the Alpha bought her from the auction, she had never had anyone she could talk to like this, who made her feel so... normal.
As they walked back, pack members they passed began to nod in recognition, even bowing slightly, murmuring greetings of "Your Highness." Bellatrix returned the gestures, her heart swelling a little with each one.

She could see now that people's attitudes about her had begun to shift. Now that Katelyn was imprisoned and awaiting judgment, it was as if a cloud had lifted, allowing the pack to see her for who she truly was- the Alpha's mate.
...

Another evening, after dinner, Bellatrix took another stroll through the garden with Xoey, who was full of stories as usual. "So," Xoey said one evening as they walked, "did you know that the Alpha was considered the most stubborn young alpha in this region when he was just eighteen?"
Bellatrix chuckled. "Oh, I can believe it! He certainly still has that stubbornness about him."

"Right? And it's not all bad, though," Xoey grinned. "He's determined to do what's best for the pack, even if it means putting himself on the line. That's one reason he's so... well, respected, I wonder if your children will inherit that trait from him."
Bellatrix froze at her words. There it was again, another reminder of the only reason she was here.

She paused and looked up at the darkening sky, her mind wondering if the Alpha would ever choose to be with her in a more intimate way and if he would ever see her as more than just a vessel for his heir.
But that wasn't the only problem now, the problem was that the Alpha hadn't even visited her private bedroom, not to even think of touching her yet.
She wondered when he was ever planning to do so. And what was she supposed to do if he never actually touched her? Would she still be expected to produce an heir then?

Or was she expected to have the child all by herself without being intimate with the Alpha? And how was she supposed to do that?
She was relentlessly haunted by these uncertainties, which never allowed her to find calm.

One afternoon, while Xoey was teaching her mistress how to crochet as the latter had taken a sort of liking to it, Bellatrix finally allowed herself to voice a thought that had been circling her mind. "Xoey... have you ever known anyone who was able to... well, have a child without..."
Xoey raised an eyebrow, catching on quickly. "Without... sharing the same bed?"
Bellatrix nodded, her cheeks warming slightly.

"Well," Xoey said slowly, "there are ways, certainly. But... if I may say so, it seems like the Alpha doesn't really see you that way. I don't think he'd... want you to have his heir through some distant method. I believe he'll prefer to fulfil his duties more intimately."
Bellatrix sighed, nodding. "I hope you're right. But sometimes... it feels like he's keeping his distance as if there's something stopping him,"

"Maybe he's just waiting," Xoey suggested, her tone thoughtful. "Or maybe he's trying to be patient for your sake. Men can be complicated sometimes, especially alphas. They don't always express things the way we'd like, I'm sure he'll come around soon enough."
Bellatrix hoped Xoey was right because she couldn't dare to forget the terms of their deal.
The Alpha had purchased her, expecting her to bear his child, an heir to secure his bloodline. It was what she was brought here to do, after all.
But Bellatrix nodded at her maid, feeling a sense of quiet acceptance settle over her. Maybe Killian was simply taking his time, letting things unfold in his own way. The thought brought her a small comfort, even if it didn't erase the worry entirely.