Chapter 96 Chapter 95
Evelyn.
I meant... We are yet to mark each other and... All that stuff." I rushed out, feeling embarrassed for bringing up that topic. Alpha king Keiran's gaze grew dark and he subtly pulled away from me. Confused, I gazed at him worriedly. "What's wrong?" I hurriedly asked, feeling panic seize my chest. Does he not want to?
"You're not ready yet." He finally muttered, and I flinched at the cryptic edge in his voice.
"I-i don't understand, why would you say something like that?" I asked, gazing at him incredulously. He caught the look and sighed, sitting up. I followed right after, drawing the tiny sheet that was wrapped around us earlier up my chest.
"Your body will not be able to handle it. Handle everything." He growled once more, growing disconcerted by the minute. I pushed down the worry and fear I felt from his tone and asked the next question.
"Why would you say such a thing?" I asked, feeling aggrieved.
"It's not a risk I'm willing to take." He stated, frowning. "At least, not yet." Running a hand through his hair, he glanced at me, some gentleness returning to his face. "I really don't want to talk about this now. We should get dressed."
With that, he ended the conversation, calling on the guards to summon maids and have our bath ready. The next moments passed in a blur, with me getting washed by the Alpha king himself, to him feeding me and finally, helping me get dressed. Finally, he placed a kiss on my forehead, telling me had to get ready for his duties and finally led me out of his chambers, closing the door after me.
I stood at the hallways, still thinking through everything he had said and getting more confused the more I thought about it. Giving up, I started to go back to my crib when I saw Duke Ethan, walking around for a while. Stopping for a moment, I stared at him before rushing to meet him, cutting him halfway.
"Hello, Duke Ethan. Is this a bad time?" I asked as I got in front of him, slightly breathless. He glanced at me for a moment before quickly shaking his head.
"Not at all, Princess Evelyn. Is there anything you would like to ask me?"
"Yes, actually. It's... It's about the Alpha King." I revealed and I saw him stiffen, a grim look crossing his face but he blinked and it was gone.
"What would you like to ask me?" He finally asked, his voice dropping a few octaves. I took in a shuddering breath, moving closer to him as I lowered my voice as well.
"So, today... I tried to talk to the Alpha king about the prophecy and the marking but he immediately rebuffed me. Why is that?"
"He rebuffed you?" Ethan repeated, his voice raised slightly. "Why would he do something like that?"
"I honestly don't know. He saaid something about me not being ready for it and it wasn't a risk be was willing to take. At least, not yet. I was hoping you'd know what he meant by that."
Ethan seemed lost in thought for a moment before he spoke again. "If I may ask, what are the details of the Moon goddess prophecy?" Duke Ethan asked and I narrated it to me. He stared at me for a moment, his eyes slowly widening in understanding.
"So, do you know why he said it?" I asked, almost impatient. He gently nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"I don't think it's in my place to reveal such things to you, princess Evelyn." He finally revealed and I let out a huff of frustration.
"Oh, please, Duke Ethan. You and I know how fast time is running out for the Alpha king. If it's something I need to know so I can be of help faster, I'd like for you to tell me now." I insisted, my voice stern.
"Well, it's because the Alpha King will be doing more than just marking you, princess. For the curse not to take effect and for the bond between you to be finalized, he'll have to knot with you as well." Duke Ethan revealed.
"Knot with me?" I repeated and he nodded. He would knot with me? I've heard about the knotting but I've never been privy about the details. Duke Ethan saw the confusion on my face and proceeded to explain it to me.
"Unlike the marking where it just entails the two of you bearing each other's scent and aura, 'the knotting' is a lot more intense." Duke Ethan began and I listened attentively. "It involves not just the man imprinting on your body, but on your wolf and soul as well."
An involuntary gasp escaped my lips and the Duke expression grew grave. "That's not all. If you're unable to bear or handle all the trauma you'll be sharing from him as a result of the knotting, it could kill you." Duke Ethan revealed and I felt my heart drop to the ground, all the color draining from my face.
"What!?" I gasped out and he shrugged, still speaking.
"He has to be on a half-shift when and while he's doing it and everything could go wrong in the process. It's why a lot of werewolves don't bother with it due to all the dangers involved. But it seems compulsory for him to do it with you based on the prophecy. It's probably why he said you're not ready yet. He personally doesn't think your body will be able to handle all that trauma."
"B-but what about him!? Isn't time running out for him as well! It's almost a month since the prophecy which means we just have two months left!" I cried, feeling desperate.
"I don't know what to say, except... If you're very concerned, just keep telling him you're ready for it. Maybe he'll change his mind and knot with you. Otherwise, we have to wait. And I don't know how long it will take. Because, indeed, time IS running out."
I swallowed, feeling my back prickle with cold sweat. Oh dear....