Her Cursed Alpha

CHAPTER 10 - DERICK'S POV

I reluctantly left my mate to get dressed for her party and ran into her maid.

"What's your name?"

"Merin, your majesty." She bowed.

"My mate has asked that you and your mate come with us. You do understand the risks involved in this request, do you not?"

"I... My mate told me, and we're prepared for what could come."

I examined the girl. Was Damien trying to plant a spy in my city?

"I will speak with Damien but now this," I leaned down closer, "If you are disloyal to my mate or are a threat to her. I will not hesitate to kill you both."

The girl gulped nervously and stepped back, "I have been taking care of the Princess for years. I love her. She is the sweetest royal I've ever met. I would never hurt her."

I frowned and stood up straighter, "Very well. Pack and be ready to go the day after the wedding."

"Yes, Alpha, thank you."

"Make sure my make looks stunning tonight. I haven't really seen her wear a lot of jewelry. I want her to stand out."

"The Princess.. Um.. the Luna," She corrected, now that she was going to be apart of my pack, Cora wasn't just her Princess, she was Merins Luna, "She often fights me whenever I want to dress her up. She might not let me."

"Tell her it's my orders and that she can't refuse."

"I will try." She bowed and walked towards Cora's bedroom, while I continued after Damien's scent.

I stopped outside his study, and before I could knock, the door sprang open and Ryker stood there.

"Derick," He greeted me and I frowned.

"Last I checked, you weren't King yet," I pointed out as I past him, "Since when were we on equal footing?"

"I apologize, King Derick," He corrected, but I ignored him and went over to an empty seat opposite Damien.

"What do I owe this visit?" Damien asked. "I hope you haven't changed your mind about Coraline."

"Never," I said firmly, "I came to discuss her maid, Merin. She and her mate will come with me when I leave. Cora is reluctant to give her up."

Damien stiffened, "I am afraid that won't be possible. The girl belongs to me. You will have to get her a new maid."

"Surely you can understand the predicament I'm in," I said as non-confrontational as I could, "I can't disappoint my mate so soon after she's accepted me, and it's just a maid. Surely you aren't short of them. Come on Damien, name your price. How about two extra gold bars."

"Two?" Ryker said with greed, as he sat down, "Just for a maid and solider who isn't even that great."

"I often find that soldiers are only as good as those that train them," I said as I looked him over, "Perhaps that's why your father lost more troops than me in the war."

I saw Damien tense angrily, but I knew he'd never call me on my comment.

"If you want them, then take them," Damien waved his hand, "But for three gold bars."

"Done," I clapped and stood up, "Payment will be made when we leave. Now if you'll excuse me. I have a party to get ready for."

"Yes, we will see you this evening."

As I walked out, I wondered how my mate turned out so great with a father and brother like this.

"We should wipe them out and expand our territory." Dash suggested.

"No need. With Ryker taking over for his father. The kingdom will be broke in a year, maybe two. I'll just buy the territory and no one will have to die."

"Sounds good," He said, and settled back under his tail for a nap.

"Noah," I linked my brother.

"Yes?"

"Cora's maid, Merin. Did you investigate her?"

"Yes." He repeated.

"Do you know her mate?"

"The solider. Yeah. I actually met him during the war. Why?"

"I've just bought him and the maid. Put guards on them to keep them protected until we leave."

"You're taking a maid and a solider? Why?"

"Cora wants her. The maid wants her mate. So I have to take both, just do it."

"I'm on it, but taking a royal maid. What if the King kills her?"

"I've warned her it's dangerous, and I've told Damien he doesn't get payment until we leave. Hopefully that'll stop him from doing anything foolish."

"And if he does kill her?"

"I'll cross that bridge when I come to it." I said, and cut the link.

I returned to my suite, and dressed in black robes, for the party. I'd only packed these in case of a formal occasion after the war, I never thought I'd be wearing them to my mate's coming of age ceremony.

I smiled at the thought. I'd come here to discuss a treaty, and I was leaving with my mate and a whole new future. I'd forced myself to never dream about.

What a blessing my girl was. She was the fresh air I didn't know I needed.