Chapter 32
Iris
The next morning came with a different kind of energy, one that drove the gloominess from last night to the farthest part of my mind.
I yawned loudly, silently appreciating the moon goddess for bringing me to a new day. Then I got up only to find Gradel's side empty with the rumpled bedsheet as proof that he'd left without caring about how I fared.
Last night had been an eye-opener, putting it mildly, it served as a reminder that his father would never accept me, and so would Gradel.
Once again, my reality slapped hard me in the face.
I was alone.
I shoved the depressing discovery aside and freshened up, eager to start my day. Then I left the room and turned to the guard who was continually by the door.
He bowed immediately he got a whiff of my presence. "Greetings, my lady." He said plainly.
I muttered a response and folded my arms. "Where can I find the prince?"
His expression cracked and lines of nervousness slipped through. "I don't know where he is." He forced out a lie.
My lips stretched with a knowing smirk. "You don't know or you don't want to tell me?" I pushed further, watching him battle within himself.
Indeed, I'd put him in a tight corner, but I was presently jobless and in dire need of some amusement. Since Gradel had decided to tie me down with the proposal, I might as well enjoy the benefit that came along with it.
Finally, he caved in, letting out a sigh. "He said that he doesn't want to be disturbed..." He paused and inhaled deeply. "He's at the training ground,"
I nodded and patted his shoulders. "Don't worry about the consequences, I'm to be blamed for whatever happens." I stalked off, heading to the training ground enthusiastically.
The training center was one place I'd never imagined to be in as I didn't think that one day I'd be given access to it. But day by day, I understood the opportunities that came with being a member of the Alpha family.
The guards standing by the door stared at me with apprehension but went ahead to open it when I fixed them my scariest glare. If there was anyone I wanted to punish so badly, it was the guards who treated me like a tramp when I was imprisoned.
I knew for sure that I'd deal with them, it wasn't just time for it yet.
The time stopped ticking when my eyes caught the sight of a bare-chested male, throwing punches at a wooden board. His back was decorated with beads of sweat and then he stilled as if he sensed my presence, twirling swiftly towards me.
His face held disapproval as he shook his head and patted his sweaty body dry.
"I clearly instructed those guards not to let anyone in," He grumbled and picked up a quiver.
I shrugged and advanced towards him. "Does that apply to your mate or do you want people to doubt the genuity of our relationship?" I teased.
His shoulders sagged in defeat and then he asked, "What do you want?"
"Nothing much," I replied quite cheerfully, "I just want to spend some time with my mate. Is that a crime?"
"It will become a crime if you don't know how to respect boundaries." He thundered.
I flinched in surprise as his outburst caught me unaware, but strangely I wasn't willing to let him ride over me. Not after he allowed me to bear the insults his father threw at me on my own.
"Of course, I know how to respect boundaries, you should come to me for classes. If you hadn't brought up this dumb proposal, I'd be in another pack or town enjoying my freedom but you assured me that I had your protection, yet you allowed your father to insult me like that. And when I needed you to console me, you ignored me like I didn't matter. Do I disgust you that much?" I ranted, my body trembling with deep rage that surged through me.
As usual, he fell silent, his eyes trained on the target.
"I'm talking to you!"
He still didn't say anything and then he picked up an arrow from the quiver and fixed it between the bow. His eyes were squinted as he focused on his aim and then he fired. My eyes watched the swiftness of the arrow which landed exactly at the target.
Bull's eye!
"You shouldn't be emotionally attached to me, remember?" He said quietly, dropping the bow.
He was right, I shouldn't be but I'd already lied to myself thinking that I could fake a relationship with him without catching some stupid feelings.
This is someone I crushed on at first sight!
"That's not the point," I argued.
"I saved you from those beasts, and currently I'm preparing a suitable place for you to stay. Your prestige is intact and you're already gaining respect from the pack. What more do you want from me?" He sounded frustrated.
For you to be a little more kind and loving. I never gave sounds to my thoughts or he'd kick me out and call off the proposal.
"I want to learn how to fight."
His eyes narrowed in irritation. "I thought I informed you that I wouldn't be able to do that?"
"Hegar is unavailable for now. Just do this for me, Gradel, I'm here already. You can teach me how to throw hard punches and aim at my targets. Gosh, I'm so bad at that... Teach me everything you know..." I was a blabbering mess, but it paid off because he agreed.
"Fine, I'll teach you, but not today. I'm already done training for today and I have an important meeting to attend. We can begin tomorrow," He announced tiredly.
"Yay," I jumped around, my body giddy with excitement. "Thank you so much, I'm officially your trainee. I promise you won't regret being my teacher,"
He snorted and wore his vest. "You'd better not make me regret it," He muttered under his breath but it was audible enough for me to hear.
Today was going to be a good day.