CHAPTER 25
VALERIA POV
“No,” I said and laughed. The music stopped and everyone let go of their partner.
“You are the king's brother so you are different,” I said and he stood in front of me with his hands pressed to each other.
“You can just remove that title. I seem to have fallen for you more.” Vance said and I have come to the conclusion that this guy actually knew how to flirt.
“Oh. I…” the words cut short when I felt another hand on my shoulder and then I breathed in his familiar scent.
No one has to inform me for me to know it's Xyrus. “I think it's high time we leave,” Xyrus whispered in my ear and I looked at him, our faces barely apart from each other. His unwavering gaze was on me.
“Brother, it was actually nice to dance with Val,” Vance said to Xyrus whose expression was actually stoic.
“See you tomorrow,” Vance told me and I made my way towards the crowd.
I wiggle my arm out of his hold and step back. “You are hurting me” I said and he blinked as if he didn't know what he actually did. He actually gripped my shoulder hard but I doubt he knew.
“Excuse me.” He said and left my side. He walked towards the same route Vance used and I wondered what was wrong.
“You seem to be good at drawing attention.” I heard Adelina say, walking towards me.
She actually has something against me because she tells me why she keeps following me everywhere.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked and she sized me up from head to toe.
“Everyone could see how you and Vance danced. They might think you actually belong to him.” Adelina said, her eyes filled with malice.
“I don't think that should be your concern,” I said and tried to leave but she stepped in front of me again, blocking my way.
“I am actually glad to see you are not interested in the Lycan king. You can do anything you want with his brother. I don't care” she said before walking away, swaying her hips.
I scoffed and sat on the chair. The maids brought drinks with some cookies which I ate.
“Hey babe. I heard the custom demands you both sleep together tonight. To mark a beautiful reunion.” Beatrice said and I pondered on what she said.
Is that really how it's going to be?
“I doubt that will happen. We will be sleeping in separate rooms just like it has always been” I said but even I myself didn't believe those words.
However, I am sure the Lycan king wouldn't do that. He will want to be with his mistress tonight so I will just sleep in my room.
“Look, he is waiting for you and oh my God,” Beatrice said in a low whisper.
“The elders are already watching you guys. I guess they are anticipating it.” She said and I looked around. What kind of custom is this Huh?
“Come on Beatrice. It's not happening and today is not even our wedding night.” I said smiling before returning the glass of wine back on the table.
“So you guys will be doing it on your wedding night,” Beatrice said and my heart skipped a beat.
“No,” I said defiantly. “Unless that is what they want. I mean the elders.” I said and Beatrice nodded.
She looked around one more time to see if Eleanor was back.
“I guess she is having fun. Wherever she is.” I said and Beatrice noted.
“Okay go on. I think he is going to swallow me alive if I don't let you go….. shit. He is coming” Beatrice said with panic in her voice.
“I am actually afraid of him, Val,” Beatrice said and I couldn't dare blame her.
She is actually right about that. When I first came here, I got intimidated because of his look but who knew I would quickly adapt.
I heard the soft boot sound on the floor amidst the crowd, then a hand tugged me towards a firm chest through my waist.
“And you must be Valeria's friend.” Lycan king Xyrus said and Beatrice bowed her head in greeting.
“It's my pleasure, my king. I am one of Valaria’s friends.” Beatrice said and Xyrus nodded.
“I think I will be going now, Val. Have fun” Beatrice said with a wink and left my side.
I wasn't expecting Xyrus to actually fool everyone into believing that we are in love. He did it perfectly and I am afraid tonight holds more secrets than I can imagine.
“Come with me” Lycan king Xyrus said and I did. We walked past the crowd towards the king's chambers.
We climbed the stairs and I saw three maids coming out of the Lycan King's room. “Are you done?” Lycan king Xyrus asked.
One of the maids stepped forward. “We are done, my king,” the maid replied.
With a wave of his hand, the maid left and I stopped when he tried to unlock the door to his room.
“I will be going to my room now,” I said and took a step forward when I heard his voice behind me.
“Did you hear the Elder's announcement? We will be sleeping in the same room tonight.” Xyrus said and I nodded.
“I thought it was just a bluff and you will clearly not agree to that?” I said without holding back and he narrowed his eyes at me.
“And why? Did you even realise what you are putting yourself into? We will need to make everything perfect. And after our wedding, you will have no choice but to sleep in my room.” Lycan king Xyrus explained without any atom of pity.
“I know about all that but I didn't know it all starts today. I will just come in then.” I said because it somehow feels as if he is angry with me or something.
“They have eyes everywhere and one single mistake, you will get discarded and I will have to look for another woman again.” He said and continued.
“You will be shamed, broken and no one will want to get married to you again. They will always believe you are imperfect. So tell me, do you want that?” Lycan king Xyrus said and I don't know why his words hurt so much.
“I will come inside. I wasn't aware that it's mandatory.” I said and waited for him to open the door.
I am just as pissed as he is but
there is no point in crying over spilt milk. We already sealed our bond without the marking.