Bound in Sin

Chapter Three

ZUMI

I can’t help but be mad at everyone I once trusted.

How long has my marriage been a topic of discussion at the Kingdom Palace?

If it has gotten to such level, it means everyone at the top is aware of it and by everyone, I know fully well Reese and Riot are not oblivious to the decision their father has made.

It hurt the most to think my own brother would hide such a thing from me.

It’s one thing to be a sacrificial lamb but it’s another to be the fool in court.

While I lay quietly on my bed, Diane’s angry voice feels the air even though her room is across from mine. I can hear every word she’s uttering amidst anger. She is beyond angry on my behalf and silly Reese is at the receiving end of her anger. I’m surprised Deane has been spared.

I would be lying if I say I knew how angry and betrayed she feels towards Reese right now because I certainly can't relate. They have been together for nearly two years now and he didn’t trust her enough to tell her that her only sister will be offered as a peace offering to the Terror Empire.

Everyone dreads being associated with the Bloodcrest Empire. As the name implies, the nation bleeds. No one dares go against them and their Royal family is nothing to write home about. Rumour has it that they ate flesh for a living. They took being werewolves to another level, something we, the members of the Full Moon Sovereignty, despised.

A knock sounds on my door followed by a creak. I raise up my head to see Deane standing at the door. His hands, folded above his chest just like earlier. I give him a dirty look and turn my face to the opposite direction.

“I’m sorry Zee.” he breathes. “I tried all I could to break this off but King Roth was adamant about it. Father too. Nothing we said was enough to change his mind.”

I say nothing. Instead, the wave of anger that subsided comes back with full force. I feel worthless. Everyone makes me feel worthless. Even my own brother. I thought he adored his sisters. If he couldn’t tell me back then, I want nothing to do with him now.

“Zee?” he calls out. He knows I am angry at him so why can't he he just leave?

My so-called wedding is in two months and I just found out about it. Who even is the forsaken groom? I have absolutely no idea.

“I know I should have tried harder to stop this but I must let you know, do not believe everything the rumour says. Roman is a nice guy. You’ll like him eventually.”

The door creaks close after that and the sound of footsteps retreating confirms Deane’s absence.

“Roman” so that’s his name.

I’m not surprised Deane him. As boys, all the heirs are required to attend a private training academy during the holidays. A place non-heirs aren't allowed into. Especially females.

My Alpha-born powers are probably dying since I don’t use them like I’m meant to.

TWO MONTHS LATER

Two months have passed since I was informed about my wedding. A lot happened within those two months. For one, the alliance was announced publicly and now everyone knows the last daughter of Alpha Redd is getting married to Roman Yakov of the Bloodcrest Empire.

Everywhere I go, I’m met with piercing stares. Many are full of pity while some, especially from the she-wolves of neighbouring packs, are full of jealousy and contempt. According to them, I stole an Omega’s chance of becoming a Luna. They read too many novels if you ask me. If only they know just how much I dread my future right now.

The wedding is in a week and the official engagement is in two days. Crazy to say I haven’t seen the groom yet. I have refused to look him up on social media because I can't be bothered. Our marriage is going to be transactional and nothing more.

He will never gain my love and I know I will never gain his.

The car drives into the Palace as the gates opens for us and the driver makes a turn to the Royal Infirmary before coming to a halt.

Since this is a political marriage, the Alpha King and his Luna have commanded that I do all the necessary tests within the palace premises. Not even our family doctor has been allowed to lay his hands on me. I’m constantly fed and feel like a lab rat every blessed day but truth be told, I have been enjoying the food a little too much these days.

Mother and I alight the car and a servant walks us into the clinic. Mother made sure to accompany me anytime I come here. She never left my side and makes sure I know she’s with me. We would have done these damn tests earlier but for some reason, I have been really sick. Falling in and out of excruciating headaches that have refused to go away.

“Are you sure you’re okay” mother inquires. She’s been asking the same question since we left the house.

“For the twentieth time, Mother, Yes. I. AM. FINE.”

She shakes her head and takes hold of my hands. Then, she cups my face. “You look pale to me.”

“When have I never been pale?” Not only did I inherit her hair colour and looks, I inherited her skin colour as well. My mother is ine of the palest person I’ve ever seen and that makes me number two on the list. My freckles don't just stop on my face, I have dust of freckles on my arms as well.

“Tell me if there’s anything I need to worry about.” she continues as we walk into the doctor’s room.

I roll my eyes.

A nurse comes in to draw out my blood.

It hurts but I don't flinch. If I can't withstand this little pain, how on earth do I withstand the sufferings that are to come?

For some reason, I feel like calling her back as she turns to leave.

“Wait please.”

She turns and greets me with a dirty frown. How rude.

“Yes?”

Mother’s brows meet.

“Ummm…” I start, “May I know what tests my blood will be run through?”

“It’s a full blood test. We’ll check to see if you have any diseases that can and cannot be treated.”

“Diseases?”

“Yes. Pregnancy test inclusive.”

“A what?” mother exclaims. “My baby is not pregnant.”

I froze in my seat.

“We’ll see about that”, the nurse smiles, giving mother a taunting grin.

Mother grunts.

“I don’t make the rules.” the nurse adds as she excuses herself.

Mother falls on her chair, frowning. “My God, these Royal staff are rude!”

My eyes grow wide in thought.

Mother is perturbed by the situation. “Did you hear that Zee?” she scoffs. “They are basically running a chastity test on you, Zee.”

She goes on and on but at this point, everything she utters falls on deaf ears. All I can think of is the night I lost my innocence to Riot. In the spur of the moment, we got carried away and had unprotected s*x.

Right now, my mind drifts back to the constant headaches and hunger I’ve been experiencing as of late. My period hasn't been late to be honest but even late if I’m being honest but I know something is off.

Amidst the constant complaints from mother, I shoot Diane a text.

Me: Dee, I think I’m pregnant.

My phone buzzes.

Diane: What????

Yeah… Even I am questioning myself.