5
1049 Words
Madeline’s POV
The gates of the palace stood before me with an inarticulate menace.
I stood out a little longer than I should have done, my hands clenched in my sides, my heart fast beating. The guards who had been sent to get me were a few steps back, standing quietly, yet I knew their eyes were on me. I always seemed to be noticed by everyone.
I inhaled deeply and made a step.
The palace was more chilly than I recalled. The floors were shiny, the walls were high above my head and were covered with the symbols of power and authority. I trailed the guards in long passages till we came to the throne room.
The doors opened.
Killian was already there.
So was his uncle, Raymond.
They were standing on the elevation, behind the twin thrones. Raymond was calm, composed and his keen eyes were watching me as I came in. Killian, however, gazed,... strained. His lips were closed, his shoulders were rigid, his gray eyes glaring at me the moment he looked at me.
I compelled myself to continue walking.
“Madeline Ryan,” said Raymond evenly. “Thank you for coming.”
I dipped my head slightly. “I didn’t have much of a choice.”
Killian’s lips twitched, and made no reply.
Raymond pointed at the empty place before them. “There is something we should discuss with you, about last night.”
My throat went dry.
“Tell us dear, what happened?” Raymond asked, his gaze never leaving my face.
I gulped as I tried to force my brain to come up with words.
“I had attended the ball because my aunt had insisted,” I said. “I drank and drank more than I ought to. I became confused and attempted to get away. I got lost.” My voice was shaking even though I tried to remain calm. “I opened a door that was not the right one, and saw Killian in there.”
“He was…” I continued. “Sweating. In pain. Two ladies outside were talking about finding him, so he could have s*x with one of them.”
Raymond darkened his face.
“I know I should have left,” I admitted. “But he was suffering. The drug…the drug would harm him unless he had help.”
Silence filled the room.
“I chose to stay,” I finished. “I thought I was helping.”
Raymond nodded slowly. “And afterward?”
“I woke up before him,” I said. “I panicked. I left. When I went back home, I… I was confused. I vow it I never meant it to end up this way. I only wanted to help him.”
Raymond took a long look at me. “You are telling me he did not compel you? You two agreed to have s*x? Feel free with me young lady, Did Killian press you or was it with your complete permission?”
“It was with my full consent.” I responded, looking down the ground with my cheeks flushed with shame.
Raymond exhaled. “Can I ask you for something?”
“S-sure.” I stuttered.
He looked directly at me. “Show us your neck.”
My stomach dropped.
I glanced at Killian. His eyes opened only a little, something inexpressible flashed over his face.
It made a chill run down my spine , and I raised my hands and unbuttoned the collar of my dress. I drew the cloth slowly aside.
The air in the room shifted.
Raymond moved up and his eyes were keen as they settled on the mark.
Killian sucked in a breath.
“There it is,” said Raymond after a while. “Clear. Undeniable.”
I adjusted the fabric and buttoned my dress and my heart was racing.
“A mate mark, a true one,” said Raymond. “Appearing on both parties.”
I looked at Killian. His hand was clenched at his side, his jaw was tight.
“I am sorry,” he said abruptly and his voice was low. “For what happened. For marking you.”
The apology was a surprise to me.
“Ok, it is alright,” I said, but it was not. “You were not in your right state of mind.”
Raymond watched us closely. “Well, now that it is established, whats the next step, Madeline?”
I could feel that question sink into my chest and for some reasons it felt like a trap.
What did I intend to do?
“I do not know,” I said frankly. People have always accused me all my life. They say I killed the Luna. They say I killed my parents.” I tried to contain my voice but it broke. “I know I didn’t. But no one believes me.”
Neither man interrupted.
“And now,” I kept on, “this mark is here. Binding me to Killian.” I let out a shaky laugh. I do not know the reasons why the universe should do this. Why does fate make me join with one whose mother I am accused of murdering. People would think I orchestrated the whole thing.”
I shook my head. “I can’t make sense of it.”
Killian stepped forward. “Madeline—”
“I would better reject the bond,” I said hastily.
Killian stiffened.
“No,” he said firmly.
I looked at him, startled.
“I won’t accept that,” he said. “You’re my mate.”
“I don’t want this,” I whispered. “I do not want to be your mate.”
“I do,” he replied immediately. “I want to be your mate.”
The eyes of Raymond, which were interested, flitted between us.
“You do not know what you are asking me,” I said. “This relationship can only cause me an increase in hatred. More blame. Everyone thinks I have bad luck, if I were to accept and the moon goddess forbids something bad to happen to you, I’ll be held responsible.”
“I don’t care,” Killian said. “I won’t let you reject me.”
- Writer
