Chapter 3
1211 Words
Lyra’s POV
“No, I’m really okay,” his soft laugh reached my ears as I walked closer to them.
There he was. My beautiful Kael, chatting sweetly with a woman he’d just bumped into.
“I’m really sorry. I didn’t see you right away. I ended up bumping into you,” the woman apologized.
My jaw tightened. What an eyesore.
Kael shook his head and smiled politely. “No worries. I’m not hurt,” he said, waving his hand.
I paused my steps, lips pressed together as I glared at the woman. Her eyes widened when she saw me and she quickly bowed before excusing herself. Hmph. Coward.
I continued walking toward him, clearing my throat to get his attention. He looked around and immediately bowed when he saw me.
“Greetings, Your Highness,” he said respectfully.
Crazy thoughts filled my mind running my fingers through that hair, kissing those lips. No get a grip on yourself, Lyra. Lusting after a 16-year-old boy is wrong. He’s not ready, yet. I shook my head and sighed.
“Your Highness? Are you alright?” he asked worriedly, that soft voice of his tugging at my chest and pulling me back to reality, I nodded. “Yes.” He looked at me curiously, waiting.
I smirked inwardly. What if I told him he was my mate? I wonder how he’d react. Too bad he’s only 16. He wouldn’t understand. And I can’t claim him now.
“Is there something you wish to say, Your Highness?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.
“Nothing in particular.” His lips parted slightly in surprise. Cute.
“Then, may I return to my duties?” he asked nervously.
I studied him for a moment before nodding.
“You may.”
He bowed and turned to leave. Someday, you’ll be mine completely, Kael. I turned and headed to the private library.
“You’ll be joining the delegation in three days, right?” Mira asked me.
I nodded. “I need to.”
It wasn’t mandatory, but I had to go. If I stayed, I wouldn’t be able to control myself. The bond was too strong.
I never thought I’d find a mate. Most nobles didn’t care about it anymore. I assumed what I felt was just attraction. I was wrong. It grew deeper over time. Obsession, maybe.
I couldn’t stand to see other girls around him. Flirting. Laughing. Why was he so damn irresistible? I wanted to lock him away, where only I could see him. And yet he had no idea. He wasn’t cold or distant. Just… oblivious.
“I thought you hated court duties?” Mira asked.
“I do. I need the distraction,” I replied, replacing a book on the shelf. I walked to the window, his voice floated in from outside.
Kael was doing laundry, humming a tune, enjoying himself. Mira followed my gaze. “It’s him again,” she murmured.
I arched a brow. “What are you talking about?”
She chuckled. “If you like him, take him and get it over with.”
I glared. I didn’t want to be like my father, taking what he wanted with no regard. If it were just lust, I’d have claimed Kael long ago. But I wanted all of him not for a night. For always.
She smirked. “You’re obsessed, Lyra.”
I didn’t deny it. In two years, I would return and claim him. His heart, his body, his soul. Mine. All mine.
“When I leave, make sure no girl gets near him,” I warned Mira. “If they do, I’ll make sure you lose a hand.” Two years passed in a blur. I had returned.
While the palace welcomed me, I spotted him hiding behind Elda.
Why is he hiding? Doesn’t he want to see me? I wanted to grab him, kiss him, whisper how much I missed him. He hadn’t changed. Still handsome. Still mine. And soon he would be an adult. He would learn I was his mate.
His reaction was everything I imagined.
“You’re destined to me,” I told him.
He shook his head. “Destined, but not meant for each other.”
My chest tightened. Not meant for each other? No. Even if the gods themselves try to keep you away from me, I’ll find you. Even in death, we are bound, Kael.
“Just reject me,” he whispered. My vision blurred. How could he say that?
Doesn’t he know he’s the only one I’ve ever wanted? No one makes me feel this way. But now he wanted me to let go? He said we weren’t meant to be, yet his body had already given itself to me.
And now he was running. Is this how he plans to hurt me?
“Your Highness, are you awake?” Mira burst into my chambers, face pale.
“Yes. What is it?” I asked, hiding the chaos in my heart.
“Queen Thorne is dead.” Really?
“She was assassinated,” she added. And?
Am I supposed to mourn? That woman treated me like a burden. Like her puppet. It doesn’t bother me that she’s dead. Frankly, someone should’ve killed her sooner.
I sat up. “When?”
Mira blinked at my calmness. “This morning. A servant named Hera poisoned her.”
Hera, the same girl mother took as a mistress? Figures. “She died by your mother’s hand,” she added.
Mother? Why get involved? Queen Thorne disrespected her at every turn.
She was nothing but a power-hungry tyrant. Honestly, it’s surprising she lasted this long.
“Who else are they after?” I asked.
“Five other servants: Fiona, Harry, Elda, Violet, and Kael.”
Two names made me freeze, “Elda and Kael?”
She nodded. “They worked at your palace. Kitchen and laundry.”
Kael.
“Did they escape?” I asked, dread sinking into my bones.
“No one’s seen them.” He ran? He left me… for good?
“You think so?” I asked, voice low.
“Yes. Maybe he was part of it.” No. Not Kael. He was pure. Gentle.
But then again, appearances deceive. “Find him,” I ordered as I got dressed.
“What?”
“I said bring him back. Alive.” She hesitated. “Why?”
I didn’t answer. If Kael thinks he can vanish after last night, he’s wrong.
“You know what? Bring all of them back.”
“You’re going to help the nobles investigate now?” she asked.
I nodded. This isn’t just about Kael. It’s also political. I’ll catch the traitors. Take the throne. And reclaim what’s mine.
“But I thought you didn’t care..”
“I don’t care about the dead queen. Just do what I said. Put a bounty on their heads if you must.”
“Is this about him?”
I met her gaze. “This is for me.” Because I will never let go of what’s mine.
“Where’s Mother?”
“In her chambers.” I nodded and walked out. Hide all you want, Kael. The moment I find you… 0I’ll give you the punishment you deserve.
- Writer
