Chapter 99 Forgive me

Chapter 99 Forgive me
“My Queen,” Leia said dramatically, bowing slightly, “when shall thou grace me with thy marvelous medical skills?”

Aria burst into laughter.

“Stop it,” she said, wiping the sweat off her forehead with a handkerchief. “If I don’t prepare this properly, I will have to go back to the stream for more.”

“Hm.” Leia leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Who’s to say that isn’t what you truly want? You know… more time with Lucien.”

She whispered the last words, earning a shy giggle from Aria.

“Leia!” Aria scolded, but Leia wasn’t done.

“Oh my,” Leia continued teasing, poking her lightly. “Look at how flushed your face is. Our Aria here is in love.”

“Luna.”

The sudden voice behind them made both women turn.

“Yes?” Leia stepped closer to the man who just appeared, her laughter fading.

“The Alpha requests that you dine with him tonight,” the man said. “I can escort you to his room once you are done freshening up.”

Leia and Aria exchanged surprised glances.

“Well,” Aria smirked, seizing the moment, “looks like someone’s already missing you.”

Leia shook her head. “Tell the Alpha there’s no need for that. I will be dining here with my friend. Thank him for the thought.”

The refusal earned shocked looks from both Aria and the man.

“Really?” Aria asked, turning fully to her.

“But, Luna…”the man began.

“I am done talking,” Leia cut in firmly.

He hesitated, studying her face for a moment before bowing his head. “Yes, Luna.”

Once he left, Aria immediately grabbed Leia by the shoulders.

“Why?” She demanded. “Did you two fight? What happened in the room earlier? What did he say? You didn’t tell me anything.”

“How do I answer all of that at once?” Leia joked weakly, trying to deflect.

Aria shook her. “Don’t dodge my questions. Did he do anything?”

Leia sighed, realizing there was no escape. “He said Violet would be his Luna in the North. And that I would have to step out of the light for her.”

Aria’s expression darkened instantly. She opened her mouth to rant, then paused. “Did he say why?” She asked.

“I am guessing it is for the pack though he didn’t outrightly say so. Something about internal issues he has to settle,” Leia replied. “That has to be the reason.”

Aria hummed softly. “So… what are you going to do?”

Leia studied her, surprised by how calm she sounded. The Aria she knew would already be furious. Why was her best friend behaving today? 

“What can I do?” Leia said quietly. “We don’t owe each other loyalty. It is what it is.”

She smiled, but it didn’t fool Aria. Without a word, Aria pulled her into a tight hug.

“I know it hurts,” she said softly. “But no matter what happens, I have got you. And that stupid, dumb chick could never replace you. She’s dumb as fuck.”

Leia laughed, the sound breaking through the heaviness as she hugged her back.

“It feels good to have you by my side,” Leia said softly, closing her eyes.

“Oh! oh!” Aria suddenly exclaimed.

Leia frowned as Aria released her, confused at her friend’s sudden reaction.  “Okay. I will take a break now,” she said, slipping past her and disappearing before Leia could protest.

Confused, Leia turned and froze. Two cold, dark eyes stared back at her with an intensity sharp enough to steal her breath.

“Why did you refuse my call?” Casimir asked, his voice cool, detached.

She heard the annoyance beneath it and strangely, it pleased her. She wanted him to feel the anger she was also feeling. The way it stung.

“If Violet is to replace me,” Leia replied calmly, holding his gaze, “then we should act accordingly. I was only making space for her. Just like you wanted.”

In the blink of an eye, he closed the distance. Before she could react, Casimir lifted her and set her down on the nearest table. Leia gasped, instinctively gripping his arm for balance as she glared up at him, startled and breathless.

“Are you angry?” He asked.

Her expression softened immediately, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing her affected. She straightened, schooling her face into calm.

“Why would I be?” She said calmly. “You are the Alpha. Whatever you decide is final. Who am I to oppose you?”

His low chuckle grated on her nerves.

“My friend is waiting,” she snapped. “I need to leave.”

He caught the edge of her anger and though part of him wanted to push further, another part hesitated, afraid of hurting her more than he already had.

“You said it yourself,” he murmured. “I am the Alpha. If I insist you stay… Can you oppose me?”

He leaned in, forcing her to lean back. One hand slid to the back of her neck, drawing her closer until only an inch separated their lips.

Leia swallowed hard, her gaze betraying her as it dipped to his mouth. Desire flared before she could stop it. Just as immediately, she tore her eyes away.

“You may be the Alpha,” she said firmly, “but I own my life. You don’t control my movements.”

“Do I not?” He teased. “You seem very controllable in bed.”

Her eyes widened as she slapped a hand over his mouth. “Casimir!” She glanced around sharply. “Lower your voice.”

He pulled her hand away slowly, his lips brushing her knuckles as he whispered, “That’s as impossible as making you stay quiet in bed.”

Her heart stuttered. Heat rushed to her face, her thoughts turning dangerously unfocused.

“Anyone could walk in,” she said, her voice unsteady. “You have to let me go.”

“I don’t know how,” he admitted softly. “I have missed you too much. Letting go feels impossible.”

She stared at him, words failing her.

“Can you forgive me, just for tonight?” He asked, his voice rougher now. “Once we reach the North, I won’t be able to see you the way I want. It will be torture.”

Her mind screamed no but her body whispered yes. She might be able to admit it as loud as he could but she missed him just as much.

Taking her silence as permission, Casimir pulled her closer and captured her lips, his hand tightening around her waist as the world around them faded.