Chapter 281: The Alpha King's Rejected Mate

Orian's pov

The coronation ball was gradually turning into a nightmare, one I never envisioned. I wish I could be pinched, I wish it was one of those night terrors where I get to scream and wake up but it wasn't and I had to watch it all unfold before me with the spectators crowding the ball room applauding the scene before them while I silently withdrew to the back to recollect my thoughts and process my emotions.

My heart was currently breaking into a thousand pieces that I wasn't sure could be picked up this time, the pain gnawed at my insides like a tiny thousand needles being inserted in my very being and poked harshly by the one I cherished the most and all I could do was stand behind and watch.

And it came to a point where I couldn't bear it anymore, I handed over my wine glass which I hadn't taken a sip from due to the bitterness clinging in my throat, and made my way out of the room hoping nobody would notice but I already guessed that they wouldn't for they were too engrossed with admiring the dancing couple to notice that their new king was fighting to keep himself in check.

I stepped out on one of the balconies, the loneliest of them knowing that I could be here for a while without anyone coming to disturb me. I braced my hands on the railing and leaned over with my lips slightly parted trying to catch my breath, my chest tightening with anxiety as I fought an impending panic attack.

Today had started tragically with Japheth's death but with the coronation which had gone well without disturbance, Ares returning and the person I knew as a mother succumbing and taking my side no matter how hard it was on her, the day proved to be one of the best.

We had a change of clothes and moved to the hall for the coronation ball.

Amara and I were formally introduced to the kingdom and with the stern gaze I carried, no one dared disrespect her as she stood by my side, she only got applauses and gazes of admiration amidst a few unwilling eyes.

I was glad that most of them were accepting of her which meant that I didn't have to cut heads for her to gain recognition and I gladly introduced her to everyone of importance that she had to know and they were easily charmed by her bubbly self, found it funny that she babbled when nervous and gushed over how beautiful she was.

She had mingled with the women having conversations with them like they knew each other forever, she nodded curtly at the men keeping them at arm's length while engaging in their small talk but overall it was obvious that I wouldn't have a problem trying to convince the whole kingdom to accept her.

It was time to dance later on and with me not knowing how to dance, she had the first dance of the day with Ares and then Nexus followed by a few other leaders. I stood aside watching, my gaze of admiration on her as she glided effortlessly across the dance floor swaying both her partner and the crowd.

It was all good till Cyrus came into the picture.

She danced with him at first and I tried to tell myself that I shouldn't overthink and it was a dance just like she did with the rest but I couldn't help but notice how overly close they were, how she smiled at his words as they made small talk that ensued into chatter.

I caught on how his hands wandered as he took her in his arms moving to the rhythm, her own hands clung to him tightly like she was all too familiar with this. He stared down at her as the tempo increased, he spun her too fast only to have her crashing against him with full force their bodies merging as he repeated the act with cheers from the crowd commenting on their dancing.

He had a second dance with her, a third, and then several other dances which managed to capture the attention of everyone and I tried my best to catch Amara's gaze while she danced to register my unease since I couldn't reach her through the mind link.

She had blocked me from mind linking her and avoided my gaze like I didn't exist, like I was some mere fable that had come to an end and she had moved on to the next with a fresh beginning and it was then, I walked out of the ballroom to seek solace.

I brought out the watch that had belonged to Akanther as I stared into the night, my fingers grazed at the old cracked grass and I hoped that where ever he was, he was proud of me. I also hoped Imelda could see how far I had come and be proud that I hadn't given up and tonight would have been perfect if not for the ballroom incident with Amara.

Don't overthink Orian, I tried to calm myself down, it's just you and her. It doesn't matter who she dances with, your heart belongs to her, and hers to you. You are her soulmate.

"There you are." I turned around to see Cyrus walking into the balcony with a huge grin on his face. He bowed slightly in my direction before stalking over to where I stood and positioned himself by my side while I returned to my former position gazing forward acting like he wasn't there.

"What a night." He let out a sigh, "Care for?"

I turned to see him offering me a cigar, one was already placed between his lips and I politely declined watching as he kept the pack aside and lit the one in his mouth, "You used to smoke at times if I remember clearly."

"That was then and it was on occasions." I couldn't remember the last one I lit one. A bad habit I had picked up in prison I only did it then when I was stressed and trying to calm my nerves. It was when I freshly got out of prison and burdened with responsibilities not knowing how well to handle them, "Besides, I can never indulge anymore, my mate dislikes certain abhorrent scents."

"You sure?" He let out a chuckle and leaned over the railing, "She seemed very fine with it when with me."

My fists tightened in my pocket and I fought to keep my cool as he let out those words slapping me in the face across them, "Why are you here?"

"From a scrawny demon kid to the king of the underworld, quite the story isn't it?" I could hear the sneer in his words as he tried to deliver his statement with a light tone.

"Yes, it is." I decided to play along and bask in my fortune, "It feels good to possess all the power you could get with every other thing beneath you."

"Too bad your days on the throne are numbered." Cyrus pointed out puffing out a cloud of smoke with a grin on his lips, "Enjoy it while it lasts."

"Planning to overthrow me so soon?" I joked leaning closer to the railing.

"I mean that will be more tedious but it would have been fun." A bitter sound that was to be laughter escaped from him, "But you are the most powerful yet your life lies in my hands."

I had nothing to say knowing in the instant that he was referring to the blood oath and the punishment that they had to mete out on me.

"Japheth's death was a shock and must have had you laid back but you should remember that Octavia and I are still alive and with the council, the verdict on you would be carried out soon." He gave me a wry smile and began putting out his cigar, "Picked out a funeral shroud yet?"

"Watch your words." I faced him, my eyes were narrowed slits as I stared him down.

"I don't think you are in the position to tell me what to say, your majesty. Your life lies in my palms, you should be on your knees begging for your life to be spared."

I let out a bout of laughter as the words he said were the funniest I had heard in a while. My amusement doubled seeing the cross look he had on, "What are you doing leading the gryphons? You would make a good stand-up comedian Cyrus."

"Your ego really wouldn't deflate even in the face of death." He sneered stepping closer to me with a threatening glintin his eyes, "Just remember that when you die and leave a fucking pretty widow behind, I would be by her side with a shoulder to lean on and an open bed to soothe her needs and you can watch me have her from wherever you end up in hell!"

"Cyrus!" I barked startling him, my anger growing and fists drawn from my pockets, the urge to punch him rose within me as he threatened to have my mate. I moved towards him and he panicked taking steps back seeing the menacing gaze I shared, "Get lost before I lose my cool."

"You wouldn't dare harm me! You are already not in the good books of the council."

He was right, I couldn't harm him. It would only contribute to my faults and worsen the issues with no chance for redeeming myself, "Stay away from Amara, if you dare-"

"She seemed pretty willing to do all we had done, I didn't need to dare anything. Start counting down the days to when she would finally be mine but too bad you wouldn't see it knowing your body would be rotting beneath the earth." He walked out on me after his final words leaving me dumbfounded as I tried to wrap my head around what he had told me.

I wonder what had gone on between him and Amara, the scene I saw with them dancing and her attitude towards me yesterday made my thoughts wander to infidelity but I steered them back on track knowing she would never betray me like that and with a firm resolution to ask her questions later on instead of bothering myself with overthinking, I went back to the hall with the intent of enjoying the rest of the evening with her.

Tonight, we shall celebrate our success, the questions can wait for another day and when I got to the hall she was already looking for me, relief washing over her face as she found me and walked up to me throwing her hands around me.

I accepted her hug despite, the unsettling curling in my insides as she reeked of Cyrus and I let her lead me to the table with pastries while she talked I reminded myself that I had decided to enjoy the evening with her and I wouldn't let anything get in the way, not even the scent of another man on her or the man's threat to have her after my demise.

_________

Our hands were joined, fingers linked with wide smiles on our aching faces as we bade our final goodbyes to the cheering crowd. The footman opened the door to the carriage and I help Amara in, tucking in the excess length of her ball gown after her and with one last wave, I got into the carriage and let out a sigh as the door was shut.

The carriage began to move across the street lined up with people on each side with their hands in the air throwing roses at the carriage as we moved with jolly looks on their faces. We had to turn to each window waving at them, matching their light hearted expressions as the carriage pulled away taking the path to our new castle.

After a while, it rode through the huge gates that led to the expanse of land where the castle was situated and I watched with glee as Amara's eyes were never torn from the window as she admired the scenery of our new home.

As we drew closer, I could already see Ailleen waiting outside with the team of house staff standing behind her awaiting our arrival, and in front of them was the crown holder and her assistant equally waiting for us.

The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the castle and the coachman got down to open it for us.

"Your majesties." Aileen and the rest bowed before us as soon as we alighted and after we acknowledged them, she began to introduce the staff to us with their names and posts.

It was already agreed that they wouldn't be live-in staff as we very much respected our privacy. Aileen had the liberty to stay as she wished since she was trusted, the rest would come for the day and depart after their duties. The only chance for them to stay over shall be when we had an important function and needed their help.

"It's wonderful meeting you all." I cleared my throat finding words to address them with, "I hope you would work as diligently as expected and respect the sacredness of serving the crown while you are with us."

"Yes, your majesty." They bowed again before Amara and me with promises of them fulfilling their duties towards us.

The crown holders came forward next relieving us of our robes and crowns, they took them inside for safekeeping and came back out for dismissal. Amara did the honors of thanking them for preparing the castle for us and bade them farewell, permitting them to return to their homes.

"Do you both need me to stay over?" Aileen asked as the rest began to depart the castle grounds.

"No Aileen, we are good for tonight." I nodded at her, "Thank you very much."

"There isn't need to thank me." She gave us both a smile, "There's food in the kitchen if you are up for it. I prepared your favorites. Your rooms are cleaned up and well prepared. Your luggage remained untouched as per your orders. please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."

"Thank you, ma'am." Amara expressed her gratitude.

"I shall be going now." She gave us one last smile before turning around and then she turned back to us, "I wish you a beautiful beginning and more happiness than you ever wished for." And with her last words, she departed with the coachman as I had instructed him to take her home leaving just Amara and me alone.

"Well," Amara turned to me, her hands brought before her, fingers rubbing together like she was nervous, "What next?" She gave me her usual bright smile but this time, I could tell it didn't reach her eyes despite her beautiful greens sparkling with delight which indicated something troubling her.

"What next?" I repeated her question and stepped closer to her, so close till there was but a hair's space between us, "What next?" I whispered subtly and relished at her sharp intake of breath when the fabrics of our clothes brushed together and even through the clothes, there were sparks reminding me of what we shared and how much effect she had over me.

She didn't smell of him anymore, she smelled more of me now having spent the rest of the ball with me after she had finished a secret conversation as she called it with Octavia, Queen of the Gorgons who also happened to be Imelda's mother, and after that, she had spent the night by my side, having sweet moments with me making me forget about her time with Cyrus.

I reached out my hand to brush a lock of hair that fell over her face, I grazed the pad of my finger down the curve of her cheek and she let out a sigh almost melting against me, "First, I will carry you over the threshold." And with that, I swooped down lifting her in my arms with ease, her squeals filled the air as I threw her up and caught her in my arms when she fell back down.

"Grump!" She shrieked, green eyes widened with fear as she wrapped her hands around my neck clinging tightly onto me, "Don't ever do that again! You scared me."

"Oh, you are scared?" I teased cajoling her to remove her arms from my neck, "Come on, I won't do it again."

"Promise?"

"Da." She eyed me suspiciously as she removed her arms and brought them down to my chest I stepped forward making her believe that I would keep my word but immediately she let her guard down, I threw her up, laughing as she screeched with my arms wide open to catch her as she descended.

"I hate you!" She giggled burying her face in my chest. I could tell her cheeks were flaming red in embarrassment.

"Those aren't proper words to say while your husband is about to take you over the threshold, are they, darling?" I teased as I climbed the steps leading toward the open castle doors.

"Husband." Amara lifted her head and gave me a sweet grin, "I love the sound of that."

"Yes, wife." I cooed ascending the stairs while her fingers played with the fabric of my outfit, "Ready?" I asked about getting to the door.

"Yes." She let in a deep breath as she peered up at me with stars in her eyes, "Just you and I from now on Orian."

"You and I," I repeated crossing it and stepping into the castle with her in my arms and her shouts of joy filling my ear and right there, seeing how happy she was despite not knowing that I would soon meet my demise, I made a promise to myself to make her happy always, to make the days count from now on till the verdict of my death is pronounced.

I vowed to be the man she deserved and worship the ground she walked on, not letting her lack or want for anything, providing her every need and protecting her as much as I could.

I swore to fulfill my duties to her as the king to his queen, a mate to his chosen, and a soulmate to his destined so that at the time of my death, I would be able to forgive myself for leaving her behind this young but knowing that I have cherished her the way no one ever would and she would remember for the rest of her days.

"What are you thinking about?" I inquired as I dropped her, her heels clicking on the ground and she let out a pained sigh.

I dropped to my knees and immediately went to her feet, prying the shoes off and massaging them with the tip of my fingers to give her relief.

"I want to dance with you." She remarked bringing out her phone from her purse, "I didn't get to dance with you today."

"I can't dance."

"I know."

She opened her phone and scrolled through it, clicking on a tune after she had found the perfect one and then she dropped it on an ornamental table, "Take off your shoes."

"Yes ma'am." I raised my brows and bent to take them off and she walked away from me to the center of the huge room that was to be the ballroom and I followed her.

"This is our first dance." She brushed her hands against her dress, "Right here, in this unused ballroom."

"I can't dance Amara."

"I don't care." Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she spoke and the lights of the chandeliers shone, illuminating her already angelic appearing making her more serene than I had ever seen, "Take me in your arms and go with the tune, I shall go with you as you stumble but it doesn't matter as long as I am with you."

"Well, I don't think I have a choice here," I grinned bowing slightly and offering her my hand, "May I have this dance?"

"This is where I fan my face and appear shy but I have no fan." She placed her hand in mine, beaming at me as I took her in my arms just like she said, "You did great today, I am proud of you grump."

"You were wonderful as well." I bent over kissing her on the forehead.

"Dance with me." She whispered and I began to move slightly as she clung to me with her in my arms.

"You know this first dance of ours wouldn't be perfect right?"

"That's what makes it special." She giggled looking up at me, "Move more, stumble like I said, we have many more dances ahead of us."

We might not, I reminded myself not to say the words out as I began to move more like she said, stumbling across the room as the tune played on. Sometimes, I stepped on her feet, other times, I held her too tight and she almost fell over me when I stumbled but it didn't matter to her because she always came back in my arms whispering how we had many other dances together and I had more time to practice.

"I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you, this is just the beginning." She wrapped her arms around me linking them at my back and drew me closer as we swayed silently, "Many more days, more months, years till eternity."

"Yes." I agreed with a bitter feeling lodged in my throat as I felt a wound at my back crack slightly with trickles of blood rolling down my skin reminding me that I had neither years nor eternity with her, "We do." I whispered the lie clinging tightly to her as we continued to sway with me reminding myself that i had no time to be sad over my predicament and I was going to make every moment with her count from now on, creating memories for the near future, memories which she would never forget and I bent over whispering the words in her ear watching as she gave me another dazzling smile.

"tol'ko ty i ya, moy malen'kiy lunnyy svet, poka ya ne sdelayu posledniy vzdokh"(just you and I my little moonlight, till i take my last untimely breath)