I Rejected My Mate, The Prince

Chapter 4

**Clarissa’s POV**

"Lowly scum!" The Prince's growl reverberates through the library. "How dare you lay your hands on my property!"

Desperation fills my voice as I rush towards the Prince, tugging at his arm in a frantic attempt to halt his wrath. Matthias is wheezing, fighting for breath as he struggles to escape the vice-like grip around his throat. "Your Grace, he was trying to help, it's not what you think! Please let him go, you're killing an innocent Your Grace! Oh, please! I tripped over, and Matthias was only trying to save me from hitting my head on the floor! He was doing his job, protecting the princess!"

With an abrupt motion, Prince Cone tosses Matthias to the floor. The guard gasps for air, wheezing, and I can't help but feel profound sympathy for him. I wish I could rush to his aid, apologize for inadvertently causing his suffering. But I know all too well that such actions are forbidden, and showing any form of care for a guard or servant is strictly off-limits.

I feel his pain, though, and my eyes remain fixed on Matthias.

Prince Cone, however, grabs my arm, hauling me out of the library without a word of explanation. I offer no resistance as he drags me back to my apartment, forcefully pushing me inside and slamming the door shut behind us. He continues to grip my arm as he guides me from the living room to my bedroom.

"What were you doing in there?" The Prince's nostrils flare as soon as we enter, his icy glare pinning me in place. "You're a princess! Learn to act like one! How could you allow a royal guard to touch you like that!"

"Your Grace, it was an accident," I stammer, attempting to explain.

"Go down on your knees, Clarissa," he seethes through clenched teeth. Trembling, I quickly drop to my knees. "Now, you'll explain to me. How did you know his name?"

"I...I was the one who asked him," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Why did you?"

I'm caught in a quandary, unsure of how to respond. I possess an answer, but the implications of revealing the truth would place Matthias in jeopardy. The Prince would undoubtedly discover that the guard had ventured near the forbidden shelf, shelf number three.

My silence appears to exacerbate his irritation. He yanks me up by the arm and pushes me onto the bed. Swiftly, his hands undo his belt, and a wave of fear washes over me. For a moment, I fear he intends to rape me, but he merely removes the belt and leaves his trousers on. He orders me to lie flat on the bed, and I reluctantly comply.

Prince Cone wraps the belt around his hand, leaving half of it straightened and dangling. The first lash lands on my backside, and I scream out in agony.

"Your Grace, please!" I sob. "Forgive me, I won't let it happen again! Have mercy, I beg you!"

"Because of your wretched failure to behave as a princess," he delivers another lash, causing me to cry out in pain, " some of the servants have grown lax in their duties!" He continues to strike me while I sob and writhe in agony, " all because I was cursed with a feeble, witless Mate!"

He ceases after the final blow, his voice cold and unyielding. "If you engage with a royal guard or repeat this folly, I will ensure you pay the price for disgracing your station."

With that, he departs, leaving me to sob on the bed. I had anticipated dealing with the Prince's indifference and disregard, but I never imagined I would be enduring abuse from my husband.

I'm ensnared in a marriage with an abusive Lycan prince, and though escape seems impossible, I refuse to surrender to this wretched fate. I must begin plotting my escape.

I stayed awake through the night, my thoughts consumed by anger and resentment. Morning comes, and Athena enters my room to prepare me for another day in this luxurious hell of a home.

I'm so furious that I choose not to go out for breakfast. I instruct Athena to palace. I should get you ready."

"I don't need to go," I retort, my irritation palpable.

"But it's customary, My Lady. The Prince will be—

"I said no!" I snap, throwing Athena a look. She appears taken aback by my sudden outburst. My anger wanes as I gaze at her face. It's not her fault; she's merely performing her duties. "I'm... I'm just so tired, Athena. Is it compulsory for me to attend the celebration?"

"No, My Lady, it's not compulsory," she responds gently. "I just thought you wouldn't want to miss the ceremony because it's outside the palace."

"Wait, the ceremony is taking place outside the palace?"

"Yes, My Lady. There will be music, dance, and traditional display of horses. There will be all kinds of street food and snacks! I recall that on the second day you arrived here, you asked if the palace cooks knew how to make sweet dumplings."

"Are you saying there will be sweet dumplings too?"

"Yes! I know a cook who includes them in her menu. Her shop opens only on special occasions like today's."

After some persuasion from Athena, I reluctantly agree to attend the Victory and Conquest day celebration.

As I get ready and dress in a simple yet elegant gown, a part of me hopes to catch a glimpse of something beautiful amidst this wretched life.

Moments later…

Stepping out into the bright daylight, I'm taken aback by the festive atmosphere that envelops the area outside the palace. Colorful banners adorn the streets, and the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food.

The highlight of the celebration is the traditional display of horses, and despite my resentment towards the Kingdom, I can't deny the grandeur of the spectacle. Soldiers parade on magnificently adorned horses, their uniforms immaculate and their movements synchronized. The precision and skill on display are truly admirable, and I find myself momentarily forgetting the troubles that plague my life.

Prince Cornelius, too, is part of this display, leading the procession with an air of regal authority. Despite my dislike for him, I can't deny that he looks every bit the commanding figure on horseback.

As I watch the horses trot, their hooves striking the ground in unison, I can't help but be captivated by the grace and power of these magnificent creatures. It's a moment of respite from the turmoil that has become my existence.

I also remember Athena's mention of sweet dumplings, and my curiosity gets the better of me. I make my way to the food stalls and indulge in the delectable treat. The sweetness and warmth of the dumplings bring a brief but much-needed moment of joy to my day.

Though my life remains a complex web of obligations and abuses, for a brief moment, I allow myself to revel in the simple pleasures of the Victory and Conquest day celebration