Chapter 91

Varen appeared satisfied with my decision to align with him. Though I wasn’t entirely sure of the extent of his abilities, a flicker of hope stirred within me, lifting the heavy weight of despair that had plagued me since morning. He was right about one thing—I couldn't afford to remain idle. I needed to solidify my place in the vampire world, not just to be with Hadrian but to ensure my survival. Over the past few weeks, I had grown overly reliant on Hadrian’s power, and that realization unsettled me. It wasn’t that I doubted him, but I needed to reclaim control over my own life.

Keeping my alliance with Varen a secret from Hadrian didn’t sit well with me. I felt he deserved to know about our meeting and everything that had transpired between Keziah and me. With that resolve, I left my chamber and decided to take a stroll through the main castle building in search of him. As I stepped outside the east wing and approached the grand entrance, I was met by two guards stationed on either side of the door. Just as I reached for the handle, they blocked my path.

"Concubines are not permitted inside the central palace," one of the guards growled, his gaze piercing through me with an unsettling glare.

"W-why?" I stammered, taken aback.

"Only the King and Queen have access. They alone decide who may enter, and you are not on the list," the guard stated with a cold finality.

The words struck me like a slap. I stepped back, humiliation washing over me in waves. Glancing around in search of any onlookers, I found none—but that did little to ease my embarrassment.

Why wasn’t I allowed inside? The question echoed in my mind, accompanied by a sharp pang in my chest.

I desperately tried to rationalize Hadrian’s decision. He had been king for less than a day—perhaps he hadn’t considered the need to grant me access yet. Maybe he intended to address it later... I clung to those thoughts, trying to push aside the gloom creeping in.

Since finding Hadrian seemed impossible at the moment, I decided to seek out a familiar face. Icarus came to mind, but I had no idea where to find him. He was supposed to be assigned as my protector, yet it seemed that duty had not fully materialized.

With no clear plan, I turned my thoughts to the military training grounds. From my chamber’s balcony, I had often watched the soldiers train, and it seemed like a reasonable place to search. No one had told me where I could or couldn’t go, so I figured I might as well take my chances.

As I made my way down the muddy path leading to the barracks, I quickly realized that wearing a flared light-pink dress with a delicate jacket and high heels was a grave mistake. I longed for the comfort of jeans and sneakers. I silently berated myself for the recent change in my wardrobe. I had never dressed to impress before, but something about Hadrian made me want to look feminine and appealing for him. Foolish me. I considered turning back to change but found myself standing at the entrance to the training grounds.

Curiosity bubbled within me, an old spark reigniting. I missed the rush that martial arts training had once given me. I couldn't even recall the last time I had a proper session. Right now, I would give anything to unleash my frustration on a punching bag. I wondered how my newfound super-genes would impact my training.

As I passed a group of soldiers exiting the barracks, their black tank tops soaked in sweat, I guessed they had just finished their drills. They bowed respectfully but couldn't hide the perplexed expressions on their faces. I met their gazes with a confident smile, pretending I belonged there. Continuing forward, I spotted a large arena-like structure ahead. If anyone could point me to Gareth or Icarus, it would likely be someone inside. And if not, at least I’d know I was on the wrong track.

A growing crowd hurried into the building, murmurs filling the air as if an event was about to begin. I moved closer, aware of the curious and awkward glances directed my way. Some soldiers openly assessed me, their gazes lingering, but I ignored them. If I ever hoped to gain authority here, I couldn't afford to be intimidated by those sworn to Hadrian.

"Damn it, they’ve already started! Get moving, Zared!" a soldier called, holding the door for his comrade.

"Wait up, Leander!" the other shouted, sprinting past me.

As he caught sight of me, he froze, his eyes widening in recognition. He quickly bowed with a nervous grin, then motioned for me to enter first. The other soldier, now aware of my presence, swallowed hard and held the door open.

I let out a soft chuckle. "Thank you," I murmured, my voice carrying a seductive undertone that left both men blushing.

Their reaction amused me. Perhaps my choice of attire wasn’t entirely a mistake after all. As long as no one turned me away, I was determined to continue my exploration—no matter how hazardous it might be.

The moment I stepped across the threshold, the sounds of the fight filled my ears. The interior resembled a massive gym, with fighting mats covering the floor. A large crowd of men formed a circle, their voices rising in a chaotic blend of shouts, curses, and cheers. It was clear that some kind of match was taking place at the center of that circle.

Curiosity piqued, I maneuvered my way through the throng to get a better look.

As soon as the soldiers noticed me— a 5'4" woman in heels and dressed in pink— they hastily stepped aside, offering me a clear view of the action. I acknowledged their courtesy with a faint smile and a nod, grateful for the access and amused at how my presence momentarily distracted them from the fight. But when my eyes finally landed on the scene before me, my breath hitched, and my jaw nearly hit the floor.

In the middle of the arena, two men were locked in combat. Both were all muscle, their sculpted bodies on full display— and shirtless.

Normally, such a sight would elicit nothing more than mild appreciation from me, but the real shock came when I recognized one of the fighters.

Icarus.

My adorable, ever-loyal, puppy-like bodyguard-slash-ex-assistant was currently engaged in an intense battle, a fierce fire blazing in his eyes as he ruthlessly took down his opponent. And to top it off, his six-pack was on full, unapologetic display.

I stood rooted to the spot, utterly stunned. As the initial shock subsided, I couldn't help but be impressed by his speed and agility. Damn, he was fast! My eyes managed to track his movements, but I knew there was no way in hell I could ever replicate them. Less than a minute later, his opponent lay motionless on the mats, and the crowd erupted in wild applause.

I joined in, clapping in admiration as Icarus basked in his victory. The sly grin that spread across his face made him even more attractive— not quite on Hadrian's level, of course, but still... I had to admit, he looked undeniably hot.

When his gaze met mine in the crowd, his grin softened into something sweeter, more genuine. Without hesitation, he jogged towards me, his face lighting up with surprise and joy.

"Lady Thalassa!" he called out enthusiastically. "What are you doing here?"

I offered him a nervous smile, my eyes involuntarily drifting down to his sweat-slicked abs that disappeared into that tantalizing V-shape.

As his grin widened, turning mischievous, I realized— to my horror— that he had caught me staring. My cheeks heated, and my smile faltered, turning awkward. My choice of words didn't exactly help me escape the situation gracefully.

"I... I just... needed someone to talk to and..." I stammered, my voice trailing off in embarrassment.

His smirk deepened. Where had my innocent, puppy-like Icarus gone?

"Sure thing, Lady Thalassa," he said with a teasing wink. "Let me just grab some clothes and—"

"Lady Thalassa?!" an angry voice suddenly thundered across the hall.

A man stormed toward us, his finger pointed at me like a weapon. Icarus instantly moved, positioning himself protectively in front of me.

"Back off, Fenris!" he barked.

"I just want to know if she is Lady Thalassa!" the man snapped, his furious gaze locked onto me.

Stepping slightly from behind Icarus, I met the man's eyes with a calm, unwavering stare. Though I had no idea what his problem was, he looked livid, his chest heaving as though he might start breathing fire.

"I am Thalassa," I stated firmly, forcing my voice to remain steady. "And who exactly do you think you are to call my name with such disrespect?"

Icarus moved aside but kept an arm extended protectively between us.

Fenris dropped his pointing finger, his lips curling into a cold smirk as his gaze bore into mine.

"So you are that bitch..." he sneered.

"Watch your mouth, Fenris!" Icarus growled in warning.

"No! I won’t!" Fenris roared, his fury escalating. "I challenge this bitch! I’m going to kill the whore who sentenced my sister to death!"

His voice echoed across the hall, drawing a wave of gasps and murmurs from the crowd.

"What the hell are you talking about, Fenris?" another soldier asked, stepping in to place a hand on Fenris’s shoulder.

Fenris’s dark eyes remained fixed on me, burning with hatred. I stood my ground, though his towering figure and seething rage made my heart pound. I swallowed hard but refused to look away, even as his sneer grew more vicious.

"She is Lady Thalassa, the King's concubine who sentenced my sister Keziah to death," he spat, letting the shocked gasps ripple through the hall. "Since it was her decision alone, I have the right to avenge my sister by challenging this wench to a fight!"

I closed my eyes for a brief moment, drawing in a slow breath and asking myself the only question that made sense:

"Is he for real?!"