30 Days with The Ruthless Alpha King

The Feast of Consequence

I walked beside Elara down the dirt path into the village. The guards stayed a few steps behind. The air smelled of fresh bread and wood smoke. Sunlight felt good on my skin.

Elara pointed ahead. “We need ribbons and herbs. Stay close.”

I nodded and touched my necklace. It felt nice to have it back.

We stopped at a stall with bright cloth. Elara looked at red ribbons. I stepped away and looked at silver charms. A wolf pendant caught my eye.

Suddenly, old woman with gray hair stepped close to me. “You should not be here, girl.”

I turned. “I came with Lady Elara.”

She leaned in and whispered, “The king carries a curse. Blackstone blood eats him from inside. Blood and shadow. If you stay near him, it will take you too.”

I blinked, confused. A curse? It sounded strange. I turned to ask what she meant but the old woman had disappeared.

I did not think much about it and soon forgot her words as Elara called me.

Elara took my arm. “You look lost. Stay close to me and let’s keep moving.”

We walked through the market. Elara bought a few dresses and perfumes for me.

Suddenly, I smelled Zara.

My wolf tensed as I moved toward a narrow alley tracing the smell and Zara stood there, hood low. When she saw me, her eyes narrowed.

“Cressida,” she said, voice sharp with jealousy. “Look at you, walking with lady Elara like you belong. Do you think you are better than the rest of us? We are all slaves, but you act like a queen because he gave you special treatment.”

I glared at her. “Exactly Zara! He gives special treatment so know your place”

She laughed bitterly. “Oh, please. He let you have your necklace back so think you have won? It was easy to have Kael wrapped around my finger. Soon Lucian will be the same. I will make sure of it.”

Anger inside of me. My wolf growled in displeasure and soon my hand connected to her face, the sound of the slap echoed enough for a few heads to turn in our direction.

Zara held her cheek, shocked. Her eyes were full of hate and she was ready to retaliate when Elara walked into the alley. She looked at Zara and scoffed. “This is the b***h that stole your necklace, huh? And stole your former mate.”

I felt heat in my face. “Yes.”

Elara smiled coldly. “I have the perfect way to punish her.”

She called a guard over and whispered something in his ear. The guard nodded and smiled back. Elara turned to me. “I will take care of it. Do not worry.”

Zara’s face went pale. “Please, Lady Elara. Have mercy. I did not mean—”

Elara laughed. “Mercy? After what you did?” She grabbed my arm gently and led me away. “Come, Cressida. Let’s go back.”

As we walked, I thought about Elara. She seemed kind and lovely most times. But when pushed, she could be just as ruthless as her brother. I made a mental note not to offend her.

Back in the fortress, I stood in front of the vanity and stared at my reflection. The guards had told me to prepare to meet Lucian tonight. My wolf felt excited and restless inside me.

I picked one of the new dresses Elara bought for me. It was soft blue and fit well. I brushed my hair and wondered how the night would go. Part of me still fought the pull, but my wolf wanted him badly.

I made my way to Lucian’s chambers. The guards let me in without question.

Lucian stood by the window. He turned when I entered. His eyes darkened with desire. “Cressida.”

He crossed the room fast and pulled me close. His kiss was hungry. I melted into it. The desire burned strong between us.

He lifted me and carried me to the bed. Clothes came off quickly. His hands were rough but careful. We mated hard and fast. Pleasure washed over me again and again. My wolf howled with joy inside. For those moments, nothing else mattered. Not the past, not the pack, not anything.

When it ended, I lay beside him, breathing heavy. I started to get up and dress.

Lucian watched me. “There is a big feast coming in three days. You can attend if you want to.”

I paused, surprised. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yes. Think about it.”

I finished dressing and left his chambers. My body felt warm and satisfied, but my mind spun. A feast? Would I go as his slave or as his kept woman and did he take his other contract woman to feasts?

I reached my room and sat on the bed. What would happen to Zara now? I did not feel sorry for her. She had taken Kael from me and tried to bluff about doing same with Lucian and my wolf could not take it. Why though? He was not my mate or anything so why the fierce jealousy?

The next morning came quick. I woke to a knock. A servant brought breakfast and a note from Elara. It said she would check on me later. Nothing about Zara. I ate slowly and wondered if I should ask about the feast.

Two passed in a simple rhythm. I stayed in my room most times. Sometimes Elara took me for short walks inside the fortress walls. She talked about pack matters and asked how I felt about Lucian. I always gave short answers, being careful not to reveal my growing feelings for him.

On the fifteenth day of my contract and twentieth day of being in the enemy’s territory, the fortress buzzed with preparations for the feast. Servants carried tables and flowers. The smell of roasted meat filled the halls.

Elara came to my room that afternoon. “The feast is tonight. Lucian said you can come. Will you?”

I thought for a moment. Part of me wanted to hide but the greater part felt curious. Besides I was tired of being locked up in here all day “Yes. I will go.”

She smiled. “Good. I will send a dress. Wear the silver one. It will look nice on you.”

That evening when the dress arrived, I put it on and It hugged my body and shimmered when I moved. I looked in the mirror and hardly knew the girl staring back. She looked stronger. More like she belonged.

Guards came to escort me to the great hall. It was a sight I hadn’t seen in a long time.

The hall was beautifully decorated and long tables held food and wine. Pack members laughed and talked. Lucian sat at the head table, looking powerful in black clothes. His dark hair fell over his shoulders.

Elara waved me over to sit near her. I felt many eyes on me. recognizing some as my former pack members who were now slaves serving the king and noblemen. Some looked curious while others looked jealous.

Lucian’s gaze met mine across the table. Heat rose in my cheeks. Memories of our nights flashing in my mind.

The feast went on. I ate little and drank even less.

Zara was nowhere in sight among the slaves. Knowing her, I knew she would give everything to be here and I couldn’t help but wonder again what Elara had done to her.

Halfway through the night, someone came and whispered in Elara’s ear. She smiled knowingly. Then she cleared her throat and stood up.

“Can I have everyone’s attention for a moment please?” The hall went quiet as everyone turned to face her.

“I have a surprise for my brother and for my new friend Cressida,” she said loudly.

Lucian raised an eyebrow.

Elara opened one hand and pointed to a side door. It opened. Chains dragged loudly as a haggard-looking Zara was pulled into the hall. Her clothes were dirty. Her face looked thin and bruised. She could barely stand.

Elara smiled wide. “Slaves that don’t know their place ought to be punished. What is worse is a rude slave that cannot bridle her tongue. But today her punishment will serve as the entertainment highlight for the evening.”

Elara chuckled and turned to wink at me.

My heart beat fast the shock was evident in my face. What in the Moon Goddess’s name did Elara plan to do with Zara?