Chapter 3
1439 Words
Marvelous!
That was the only word echoing through my weary mind as I took in the wealthiest building I had ever laid eyes on.
We had arrived late last night after a long drive. I had collapsed into silken sheets too exhausted to appreciate my lavish surroundings.
But now in the light of day, I wandered the cavernous rooms and vaulted halls in awe, trailing fingertips over ornate furnishings worth more than most packs earned in a decade.
I peered curiously into what appeared to be a walk-in closet larger than my childhood bedroom.
Klaus's amused voice sounded behind me. "See anything you like, little flower? It's all yours now."
I stared, turning to meet his assessing gaze. He looked relaxed this morning, clad in a black silk robe that outlined his muscular form.
"I...this is too much for me," I stammered. Back home I had worn functional clothes handed down after my stepsisters were tired of them.
Klaus clicked his tongue, drawing nearer to trail gentle fingers along my cheek. "Nonsense. You are my bride and princess now. Want for nothing here."
His smile held a hint of wickedness. "In fact, I insist you take full advantage of your status and indulge."
My cheeks heated at his words, but refusal would offend my new husband. With quiet thanks I turned and moved deeper into the rainbow of luxurious fabrics.
Klaus pressed a kiss to my hair. "Choose well, little one. I'll be greatly anticipating your selections tonight." The promise in his voice sent a shiver skittering down my spine as he took his leave.
My maids fluttered around me eagerly, extolling the virtues of each dress in excited voices.
I ran my fingers over the buttery leathers and silken gowns, unable to fully comprehend that such finery was now mine to wear.
A sudden commotion in the hall drew my attention. I emerged from the closet in time to see Klaus stride past the door, a tall leggy woman with lustrous black hair draped on his arm. Her tinkling laugh echoed back.
My breath caught sharply. Somehow I just knew the refined beauty was some noble. Dry mouthed, I moved closer to the doorway.
"Come now, Klaus, won't you join me for a drink?" the woman simpered, trailing crimson nails down his broad chest. "It's been far too long."
Klaus gave a low chuckle, catching her hand in his own and bringing it to his lips for a lingering kiss. "Perhaps another time, Jen. I've important business to attend to."
The woman pouted prettily. "More important than me? I'm wounded." But her coy tone suggested the opposite.
She leaned up on tiptoes to brush a soft kiss to his mouth that he returned warmly. Then with a flutter of fingers she sashayed down the corridor, hips swaying.
I slumped back against the wall, bile scorching my throat as the sound of her heels faded.
Of course he kept mistresses. I was a fool to have thought otherwise. What man would be satisfied with only a timid newly acquired bride?
Dejectedly, I turned to retreat to the closet sanctuary. But quick footsteps sounded and then Klaus filled the doorway, unreadable eyes searching my face. I schooled my features to careful neutrality.
"Don't let Jenna's behavior trouble you, little one." Klaus tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his expression sober. "She is simply a foolish woman who never properly appreciated what she had before she lost it."
I blinked up at him in confusion. Before I could frame a response, he clasped my hand firmly in his own larger one.
"Walk with me, Rose. There are some things you should know for your own wellbeing here."
Mystified, I let him lead me along the ornate corridors toward a quiet balcony. The fresh air was welcome after the cloying perfume of the closet.
Klaus glanced down at me pensively before beginning in a low voice. "Jenna was my first mate five years ago. I thought we were happy for a time. I even hoped to have an heir with her." His jaw tightened at the memory.
"But my stepbrother, King Dmitri, was infatuated with her. When she refused his advances, he forced himself upon her in a fit of lust and jealousy. Jenna was never the same after that, she withdrew from me and rejected our bond utterly. My brother stole her light with his violence."
I gasped, hands flying to my mouth in horror. To suffer such cruelty at the hands of your own brother... Klaus had every right to hate women after enduring that trauma. My heart ached for him, suddenly warming towards him anew.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. "I should have killed Dmitri that very night for what he did. But what can I do? He is the alpha King."
His voice turned icy with long nursed fury. "So Jenna became Dmitri's woman by force, while I was left mateless once again. And my bastard of a stepbrother claimed my rightful place as Alpha heir in one vicious blow."
Klaus turned blazing eyes my way. "Make no mistake, little flower - Dmitri is a monster who will do anything to keep his stolen throne. You must never let your guard down while under our roof." He cupped my cheek almost desperately. "I could not bear for him to hurt you as he did my poor Jenna."
I covered his hand with my own, shaken by the venom in his tone. My earlier jealousy seemed shamefully petty now.
How could I resent this proud man for comforting a victim of such evil? "I understand. And I am sorry for your loss."
Klaus searched my face. "You do not fault me for still caring for her?"
I shook my head firmly. "You have a gentle heart beneath the warrior, my prince. I would never condemn you for offering kindness to one so hurt. I know you are honorable."
He relaxed slightly, gracing me with a small smile. "You are correct, little one. I strive to get justice for what was stolen and see my brother punished.
That is why Jenna still comes to me. I gain information to use against Dmitri." Klaus squeezed my shoulders. "Can you forgive an old wolf for his intrigues?"
"Of course. I want only to support you however I can." I lifted my chin. "And I pray you reclaim your stolen birthright. Any child we have will be raised to serve that purpose."
Klaus's gaze turned molten. "You are a gem, Rose. Come, let us retire to our room. Speaking of my evil brother has soured the day, but you can restore my spirits."
I swallowed hard but gave him my hand. As we walked, I silently vowed to help this proud, wronged wolf however possible.
Later that night I paced the lavish chambers I shared with Klaus, garbed in a black lingerie he had gifted me with this evening. My nerves jumped beneath the diaphanous material.
Soon I would share his bed. The intimacies we had engaged in before were merely playful nips compared to the joining of our bodies in the marriage rite.
As if summoned by my thoughts, warm hands glided around my waist from behind. "Exquisite," Klaus murmured, nuzzling beneath my ear. "I've been dreaming of you in this all day, little temptress."
Despite my anxiety, desire kindled low in my belly at the praise. I leaned back into him, craving the solid strength of his warrior's frame tonight. Sensing my need, Klaus turned me in his arms.
"Hush now, I've got you," he soothed. With aching tenderness he lifted me and carried me to our massive bed.
Klaus worshiped my body with hands and mouth until I was mindless and writhing. But when he moved over me, the size of him gave me pause.
He cupped my cheek, gaze searching. "We go slow, Rose. And if it's too much, we stop." Reassured, I drew him down into a heated kiss.
Despite the initial discomfort, I found fulfillment in his arms. After, I curled against Klaus's side. He smoothed my hair. "An heir will ensure my victory," he mused. "And seal Dmitri's fate."
I hummed agreement, already drifting toward sleep. We would create a child to wrest back a stolen throne and avenge past wrongs. My last coherent thought was that any sacrifice would be worthwhile to champion this just and noble cause.
I would play my role flawlessly as Klaus's Luna and cement his power.
Our heir would change everything. With that hope cradled close, I surrendered to sleep's embrace and dreams of the future.
- Writer
