Eleven
973 Words
RAPHAEL
"I'm sorry, sire!" Rhea jumped when she saw me by the curtain. I had made my presence known, and she hastily turned her back to me with her head bowed.
"I'll leave and return later. I didn't realize it was time," she said.
"No," I replied, my eyes still fixed on Cinzia's beautiful face. She looked back at me, but I could tell she didn't know exactly what I looked like.
"I'll be back," I assured. "Dress her in the finest attire, fit for a princess."
Rhea nodded and bowed. I walked to the door, stealing a final glance at Cinzia. I hoped she was worth my time, as I couldn't keep searching endlessly for signs.
"Goodness, who do people think they are? That they can simply walk into your private space and issue commands just because they believe they're superior or godlike?"
I overheard Cinzia mutter before I left the room. Without saying it, I knew she was trouble, and I wasn't sure I was ready for that.
As soon as I reached the throne room, Johnson stammered, "Sire..."
I looked at him, raising a brow. "What's the matter?"
"Lady Delicia is coming for a visit, and she..."
"Why on earth should I announce when I'm coming to see my king?" She exclaimed as she approached me.
I pinched the bridge of my nose and let out a breath.
"Raphael, please instruct your guards to be more vigilant!"
"Ma'am, you're not permitted in here." Jase and Jude, the twin guards I recently added to the pack, rushed forward.
Delicia snarled, "You're not keeping me out unless you're prepared to face the consequences."
She crouched low, and I could see her eyes flash. She was about to shift.
Even in her wolf form, I doubted she could take on Jude, let alone both of them. Both guards were part of the omega, the only omegas fortunate enough to be in the guard. I'd witnessed their skills and determination. They surpassed most of the Etas.
But I knew she couldn't best them.
"Stop," I commanded. "You may leave."
"We apologize, sire," the twins said in unison, bowing.
Delicia marched up to Johnson, kicking him in the shin before shoving him.
"You deserve far worse!" She yelled into his face.
"You may leave," I said, and he quickly stood up, hurrying out of the room.
"Raphael..."
"If you're here to throw a tantrum, I won't entertain it. Choose your words wisely."
Delicia scowled, arms folded across her chest, and she nibbled on her bottom lip.
"You're being unfair to me," she whined, pouting. "I heard you're going to meet that woman."
Delicia paused, her lips twisting in disgust. "Yet you've never made time for me. Always one excuse or another. Tell me, what's so special about her?"
"Delicia," I said, pinching the bridge of my nose, studying her intently as she approached me.
"You love her, don't you?"
"What nonsense are you saying this morning? Have you come to provoke me again?" I asked her.
"No," Delicia shook her head. "I was just wondering why you're so fixated on her. She only arrived yesterday, and all you can think about is her. To make matters worse, everyone is talking about her as if she's the moon goddess herself."
Delicia huffed. "I was right about seeing her as a nuisance. I didn't need to be a sorceress to foresee how she could be the pack's downfall if she continued to stay here. In less than 24 hours of her arrival, the stone at Delphi is stolen. I feel she had something to do with it."
"She's innocent," I insisted. "Let it be. I don't want to dwell on it."
Once again, my thoughts turned to the Omphalos Stone. Five of my best warriors were out searching for it. I didn't know who held it, but I knew I needed formidable individuals to retrieve it.
Whoever managed to steal my stone wasn't just an ordinary person, and that couldn't be underestimated. Even if they were ordinary, they must have been aided by some god or goddess. The stone was securely housed in a room, accessible only to the god Apollo since he was the god associated with the oracle.
Yet, I couldn't help but have a thought about a goddess who might have a hand in it.
Queen Hera... I grimaced. Perhaps, just maybe... My thoughts trailed off, and I tilted my head. I considered the possibility of her holding it just to spite my father, but I had my doubts. She was powerful, but not on the level of Zeus, and I was certain she wouldn't want to provoke the Lord of the Sky by stealing what was so dear to him.
"What's on your mind, darling? You look tense."
Delicia grabbed my hand and led me to the center of the room. She guided me onto the couch and straddled me. I tried to gently push her away, but she tightened her grip around my neck.
"Delicia..."
"I'm trying to help you relax," she whispered, her breath warm against my ear. "Are you going to push me away again?"
I sighed, letting myself relax under her touch, and closed my eyes. She was skilled, her fingers deftly working out the knots in my muscles. It had been a while since she last gave me a massage. After the first time when I kissed her, she'd always tried to go further, but it never succeeded. Despite her persistent nagging, I found solace in her presence. She had a calming effect on me.
"You're incredibly beautiful, Raphael. Too beautiful." Her lips drew close to mine, and I quickly turned my head. She frowned, and I did the same.
"What's wrong?"
"I should be asking you the same question. And why on earth are you barely dressed?"
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