Chapter 42 Catherine wants me in her bed.
Daevir’s POV
How could she?!
Doesn't she know how much I've fought to protect her from this monster in me?!
How much I've hurt myself so Ezriel wouldn't show up and touch her.
How much I swore no wolf must hurt or touch her.
I stormed out of the outer courts to my quarters. The guards who had walked me in earlier flanked me on all sides. Despite my anger, all I could think of was that strange bracelet in her hand.
Why am I repelled by that thing? What even is that bracelet?
All my senses around that thing were strong magic. Magic that reminds me of no one but Alpha Theron.
It couldn't possibly be. Theron hasn't been in the village lands for years now. My men have ensured he remains in hiding where he belongs.
Yet something about that bracelet stirred up an uncanny jealousy in me. Jealous that someone might just be competing for my Amarien. Someone might just want her as much as I do.
The thought of it almost drove me crazy. I hated when I didn't have my answers.
I whipped my gaze to the guards who flanked me. “I’m heading to the library,” I said. They nodded and kept walking.
Yes, I need to know what this is all about. What is that bracelet about? I know Amarien said it's from her Grandma Chichi. But what if there's a conspiracy or some mix-up?
Yes, I know I sound paranoid right now.
Only Amarien makes me feel this way. Only she can twist my mind and emotions. Only she could bring me to my knees.
I love her so much.
I think I'm addicted to her scent.
I lust after her body. I want more of her. I want her alone.
When I got into the library. My eyes trailed books on Southern werewolf magic. I threw all the books on the table, running my hands through the leaves, flipping through the pages.
There should be something about that bracelet in here!
One moment, I wondered if I could get Zephyr involved. He knows all the answers to whatever questions I have to ask. But Zephyr could be too nosy and intuitive for my liking.
It's only a matter of time before he'd be able to guess through my question and know I'm talking about Amarien. It's only a matter of time before he knows I kissed her. It's only a matter of time before he knows I made love to my father's concubine.
I shut the books. My mind is roaming with a thousand questions about that bracelet on Amarien's soft hands, which drives me crazy.
And then, I felt a touch from behind.
My gaze whipped around, and it was Catherine.
I turned away disappointed when I saw it was her. I somehow had high hopes it would be Amarien.
Despite leaving on such angry terms, I wanted to see her again. I still do.
“Your highness.” Princess Catherine bowed. “You seem pretty busy…” My eyes trailed the books before me.
I grunted a response and kept flipping through the pages.
Catherine's eyes trailed the books.” Oh, I see you search for the werewolf magic of the South, particularly in jewellery and charms like bracelets.”
Catherine is pretty smart. I'm grateful for that. But the last thing I needed was her nose in my business.
“You were trained in ancient magic and spells. You don't need books to know these things.” I said, trying to be as civil as I could. “I, on the other hand, only need a refresher.”
Catherine looked at me and smiled. She looked like she could guess what your thoughts were. Like she knew I had other plans with someone else that wasn't her.
Honestly, I don’t care. All I want is to get Amarien to be mine forever.
Catherine stepped forward, clinging to me from behind. I froze. Unsure if what she was up to.
“The Prince has spent long days in wars. Now he seeks books. He won't even spend time with his betrothed in her quarters.” She held me tighter.
“We are not even married yet.” My side eyes whipped to her.
“Does it matter? We are engaged already. We will be man and wife in a few days. It won't hurt to spend one night with your wife-to-be.” I felt her lips against my back. She kissed me tenderly.
I turned around to her, “Catherine.” My eyes matched hers
“Yes, your highness.” She leaned in and gave a coy smile, her eyes on my lips, reaching for a kiss.
“You are beautiful…”
Catherine licked her lips gingerly. I felt her breath in mine. We were so close we could kiss at any moment.
“...but you're not what I want.”
I saw Catherine’s eyes morph from desire to pain. She froze, tears simmering in her eyes.
“What do you mean, your highness. I'm your Queen-to-be.”
“Not anymore. I have someone else I love. She matters to me more than any alliance or any beauty. She's the one I want to sit as queen with me.”
Catherine opened her mouth like she wished to respond in protest, but she shut it almost immediately. Tears dripped down her face.
“You can't possibly mean that, your highness.” Catheirne leaned in to kiss me, but I carefully shoved her off and walked away.
I had no time for the frivolities of any other woman who isn't Amarien.
Catherine’s POV
I felt my knee buckle as I watched him walk away.
It can't be.
It felt like a cruel dream.
I knew that lowly concubine had his eyes, but I had no idea she had so much power over him.
A power to revoke me as his Queen?!
How did she do that? No woman I know wields such powers over a man, let alone a powerful prince.
Amarien. You wrench!!!
Surely she won't get away with it. I swear on the tomb of my gods that I'll make her suffer if she doesn't let him go.
I swear on the gods that I'll fight till what is rightfully mine is handed to me.
I am the Empress of this Realm, and no lowly dirt rag will take my place.
I chuckled to myself.
I won't rush it. I won't even fight for it. Everything will just fall right into my lap.
They don't call me the daughter of the Witch of the West for nothing.
Amarien has no idea what is coming for her.
I wiped the tears off my eyes.