Seducing Mr. Jerk

Chapter 7

He leaned against the door frame with a smirk on his full lips. I gulped, as I stared at him. Cassian stood there, a figure both imposing and impossible to ignore. His black hair was a stark contrast against the pale walls, each strand perfectly in place yet hinting at a wildness beneath. His eyes, a piercing blue, seemed to hold the depth of the ocean, cool and fathomless, watching me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. His chisled jawline seems chiseled by the gods themselves. He was tall, young, forever young to be precise. He c****d his head to his side, his hair dancing with the movement.

I had done no wrong. But this position did not speak well for me.

I felt my breath catch in my throat as I pushed away from Dorian, the silk of my red robe whispering against my skin, slipping just slightly down my shoulders. Cassian's gaze followed the movement, and for a moment, everything else faded into insignificance.

He didn't move from his casual lean against the doorframe, yet the air around him thrummed with authority. He was the Lycan king, the king of Meridan. The world top billionaire. The most powerful man to exist.

People said the gods and the goddesses had favored him amongst all living creatures. Some worshiped him, some said he was a god himself. But when it comes to the hate, it's almost as the same as the praises he got. But no one can ever deny he was a good ruler, apart from the fact the women were treated like s**t, he ruled his kingdom well. To avoid poverty. Detrimental buildings. Starvation.

He was a man used to command, to having his presence acknowledged and his will followed. And yet, there was a question in his eyes, a silent demand for an explanation that I wasn't sure I could give.

In that instant, caught in Cassian's gaze, I felt a tangle of emotions;fear, curiosity.

"Should I be worried that my new arranged wife is more interested in f*****g her guard than she is with sleeping with me?" He said, his words coming out with a simple flow.

Dorian looked at him as he bowed, his silver armor clanking in response. "So not get the wrong idea your majesty, as you know Isadora's sister had just died."

"Step-sister...and from what I know shouldn't you be happy that she is dead."

I wanted to snarl at the king, why does everyone assume I would be happy because Lavina was dead? I wasn't cruel. Yet, I only lowered my gaze. Gosh what was wrong with me. I wanted to look him in the eye.

Cassian’s eyes narrowed, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. "Isn't that so, Isadora?" he asked, his voice low and dangerously calm.

I felt a flush of heat rise to my cheeks. It was true, Lavina and I had our differences, but she was still my sister. Blood tied us together, and her death left a hole in my life that I was still trying to comprehend.

I finally mustered the courage to meet Cassian’s gaze, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “Lavina’s death is a loss for our family, for Ardotalia. Regardless of our past, I mourn her.”

"Should I be concerned about your loyalty?"

I lifted my gaze, forcing myself to meet his piercing blue eyes. "No, your majesty," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I am loyal to you, and to Meridan. Lavina's death is a tragedy, not something I would ever take pleasure in."

He studied me for a moment, as if weighing my words. Then, with a slight nod, he seemed to accept my answer. "Good," he said, his voice softening slightly. "Because loyalty is something I value above all else."

The room suddenly felt smaller, his presence consuming all the space. “As for the… other matter,” he continued, his eyes flicking to Dorian before returning to me, “I expect my wife to share her bed with me, not her guard.”

I gulped.

Dorian, still kneeling, looked up at Cassian. "Your majesty, I can assure you, Isadora has done nothing wrong. I was merely offering her comfort in her time of grief."

Cassian's gaze shifted to Dorian, and for a moment, I feared for my friend’s safety. But then Cassian nodded again. "Very well, Dorian. You may rise."

Dorian stood, his armor clinking softly. He glanced at me, his gaze filled with concern. He was more worried about me than facing the wrath of Cassian.

Typical Dorian.

Cassian's gaze returned to me, and I felt the intensity of his scrutiny once more.

I guess I was expected to speak then.

I swallowed hard, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. “Your expectations are noted, Your Majesty,” I replied, my voice betraying none of the fear that danced in my veins. “But as you said, I am your wife in name. Our… marital duties can wait until the mourning period is over.”

He chuckled, “And you think that gives you the right to…cheat?” That lazy smirk was still on his lips. It made me nervous.

“I am not cheating. Your brother had come in here, Dorian had offered assistance and I had heard that my sister had died, so I think the last thing on my mind would be f*****g on my so called wedding night, don't you think your majesty?”

A woman shouldn't look at her husband. Shouldn't look at her king in the eyes when she as being spoken to. Words from my step mother to me. But she, my step mother had looked my father in the eye, had wanted the ability to rule.

I didn't want to rule but I didn't want to be look down on as I raised my own gaze and met those blue eyes of his.

His expression changed a bit before he smiled and said. “Alright then.”

“Tomorrow afternoon, there will be a welcoming celebration. I expect you to be there, and I hope your guard doesn’t stick to your butt all the time.” He mused before he turned and left me alone.

As Cassian's footsteps receded, I felt the tension in the room dissipate like mist under the morning sun. I finally allowed myself to breathe, deep and slow, trying to calm the rapid beating of my heart.

I didn't want to rule, but I refused to be looked down upon.

The door clicked shut behind him, and I was left with the echo of that smile, appearing in my minds eye.