THE LYCAN PRINCE AND THE SLAVE

Chapter 9

We both froze, as though a bucket of iced water was poured on us. This wasn't among the things Lizzy thought of, before making a trip here to satisfy the series of fantasies she had painted in her mind. Now, they were in a compromising situation.

Lizzy's hands started trembling as a result of fear. The passion, she felt seconds ago evaporated into thin air. Now, all she cared about was not getting caught. She knew the implications of this. A maid with a Prince? Only Prince? If she had her rank in social status, this would be the last thing on her mind.

She looked at the Prince, who could see fear in her eyes. It would have been better if it was the Queen, but this was the king!

"Nathaniel, open the door." The Queen asked softly.

Lizzy gasped. The king wasn't the only one present, the Queen was here too?

Lizzy felt warm hands wrap around hers in comfort. "It's okay. The doors are locked. Get to the inner chambers."

Lizzy nodded before running to his inner chambers, behind the set of drawers. She sat behind the bed and folded her feet, comforting herself with her energy. She heard a little bit of shuffling and footsteps before the door opened. At first, it was quiet, before the voices began to speak.

"Mother. Father. It's past time to retire for the night." Nathaniel stated, with bored tone in his voice.

"Where's Reynolds?" The Queen asked in a worried tone.

"Retired for the night. Just like I should. "

"His job is to protect your doors all night."

The Queen insisted. "You are not to dismiss him again."

Nathan was quiet. He offered no response to his mother. Even though Lizzy was in the other room, she could sense the tension between the king and his son. Lizzy wondered why the duo never got along. They were either not talking or at each other's neck, when they did.

"Your actions today was despicable. " The Queen began. "And an embarrassment to the crown. Your actions is unbecoming of a Prince's. "

A loud sigh could be heard. "In the best of my knowledge, I didn't act out of the ordinary. "

A loud bang was heard. "I won't sit on the throne and watch you cause a rumble in my reign." That was the king, roaring in an angry tone.

Nathan let out a loud laugh. "Rumble in your reign? Father, you're already known as a strict king, rather than being a compassionate one. You don't interact with your subjects, you dictate to them. Therefore, in my own opinion, you, are the rumble in your reign."

The Queen gasped, clearly surprised by Nathan's choice of words.

"Nathaniel! Do not speak to your king that way."

Silence took over again before the Prince spoke. "I will not be tied to Annalise against my wish. I do not desire her, neither does my Lycan. "

"You will desire her, after the mating ceremony has been performed. Your lycan will have no choice. Have faith." The Queen urged in a soft tone. "You, are the only Prince this kingdom has. You can't afford to fail them."

"Agree to Annalise. " The king coerced in a dark tone, almost as if commanding him.

"And if I don't?" Nathaniel dared.

"Then you shall spend the rest of your life, unmated and unbred. The lineage will stop from your own blood and shall become non-esistent. You have no choice but to take a woman willing to bear your children, even after.."

"Oh do not.."

"After the assassination of your mate." The king completed the statement.

Lizzy bit her lips in thought. Was this how the King was, uncaring towards feelings?

"Henry, don't. " The Queen pleaded. "It's obvious that he still hurts. It will take some time to heal."

The king didn't give a response. It became quiet all over again.

"Why are you here?" There was an edge to the Prince's voice, almost as if warning his parents about the next step they should take. Lizzy had a feeling that he was directing the negative energy to his father.

"Think about it Nathan. I do want you to be happy."

A loud screech of chair scrapping the floor. Lizzy assumed the crown were leaving.

"There is nothing to think about, Mother. I do not desire the lady. She doesn't appeal to me, not even impress me, at most. I despise her scent. How can I possibly be mated to her?"

"I told you there was no use talking it out with him. "

"Henry. Enough. We shall retire for the night, Nathan. I really hope to hear good news in the morning."

A loud scoff was heard. Lizzy knew it came from the Prince. "Goodnight mother."

"Goodnight."

Nathan didn't wish his father goodnight, neither did his father wish him. The duo could turn into strangers in no time. Why were they this bad to each other?

Lizzy could only shift in her position when she heard the doors close. She heard the sound of Nathan's footsteps approach the chamber before she rose from her position.

She didn't know how to react because of what she heard. And she couldn't just pretend she didn't hear it, because she did.

She looked up at the Prince, expecting to see annoyance painted on his face but his face was neutral. Lizzy gave him a small smile. "I should get back. It's very late."

Nathaniel simply stared at her, with a tiny glint in his eyes. Lizzy wondered what he was thinking about.

"What goes on in that mind of yours?" She decided to ask. It wouldn't hurt to ask, right?

"You and me against the wall."

Lizzy gasped. The words hit different when it wasn't words you expect to be thrown at you. She felt her body responding to the passionate words he offered her. Her mind was quick to paint an image of how good he would take care of her against the wall.

Lizzy struggled to fight the passion, that knew no boundaries between people. A flash appeared in her head, lighting up the haze of temptation in her head. She realised that, whether or not the Prince wanted it, he was going to have to give in to the mating ceremony. He, being the only Prince of the crown, was going to be the king, someday. He needed heirs. He possibly couldn't die old and alone.

"I..Goodnight, my Prince."

She didn't give the Prince the chance to reply back. She flew to the door before he was able to digest her actions and words.

Nathaniel was confused. He knew she was fine, a second ago. What possibly could have sent her running off like a deer that has been caught in deer lights? Was it the conversation he had with his parents?

Nathan poured himself a glass of ale and drank it all up in a gulp, got rid of the uncomfortable breeches that hung low on his hips rank it up before jumping in bed. He didn't get much sleep that night, just like any other night. He slept for a quarter of the night and kept his eyes awake for the rest. This is how it has always been. He wasn't at ease, underneath all the arrogance and pride, he was a soft hearted person, craving care and affection. That would help him to sleep, or maybe, a presence of a mate.

The next morning, he awoke to light shuffling in his room. He knew who it was before he opened his eyes. Judging by the light lemon fragrance and scented soaps, it was the Queen. He slowly sat up before peering his eyes open.

"Mother." He called.

Sandra was by the window, appreciating the nature she could view.

"Nathaniel. You slept in today."

Nathan sighed. Only if she knew he was awake most of the night and not sleeping.

"We shall have breakfast together. Your father has gone hunting."

Nathan was happy by this news. He always appreciated his mother's compassion. She gave the right amount of love, not like his father.

The Queen clapped her hands thrice before the door opened, maids coming in with large trays in their hands, arranging the dishes on the medium sized dinning table in his outer chamber.

"Wash up son. Breakfast shall be served soon."

Nathan hurriedly went to take his bath, clearly excited that he would see Lizzy this early in the morning. He didn't take much time in washing his body and dressing up. Nathan approached the dinning and seated carefully. He avoided looking at the maids who were yet to serve them, lest he attracted attention to himself.

Immediately he sat down, the maids started serving them the various dishes they desired. He used that opportunity to check for Lizzy. Imagine his surprise when he noticed Lizzy wasn't in attendance.

On further observation, he realised that there was no freshly baked bread today, neither were there cakes. He scrunched up his eyebrows in confusion. What had happened? Was this about what made her act that way last night?

"No bread?" If he wasn't going to ask his questions directly, he would make sure he asked indirectly just to get answers.

"Arh, yes. Annalise requested that she needed to learn from Lizzy's culinary skills, so I had her go there today."

"What?" Nathan couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was his mother this clueless and pure not to understand what was going on?

"Oh hush. Just because you rejected to their offer of being mates doesn't mean good relationship can't dominate us."

The Queen was busy savouring the taste of her tea, with her eyes closed. If she had seen the look on her son's face, she would not certainly had made that statement.

Nathan gripped his cutlery, with so much strength the spoon twisted in protest.

"Mother, call for her."

"Nathaniel, this is nothing serious."

"Mother! I said call for her. She can't be there." Nathaniel never shouted at her. He could do it to his father and others, but he never dared to raise his voice at her. So, it captured her attention. She stared at him in surprise. This wasn't a Nathan she saw everyday.

"Mother, call for her. "

"But I promised she would be there for a day or two." The Queen protested in a soft tone.

That was it, Nathaniel stood up so abruptly, his chair feel back with a loud thud. "I shall excuse myself."

With that, he left his chambers. Reynolds was by his side immediately. "Get me my riding boots and gear. We shall go hunting."

"Yes sire."

He proceeded to the stables where he waited for Reynolds as the stables attendees brushed and watered his horse in preparation for the ride. He had never been this impatient before in his life. He had been friends with Annnalise since they were kids. He knew her well enough to point at her tactics, her special way of punishing people she didn't like. Lizzy's own would be worse, following the events of yesterday. Annalise would surely transfer all her pent-up anger at her.

The last string of his patience was about to cut loose when Reynolds appeared and geared his horse. Nathan dressed up quickly before swinging on his horse and riding off.

He had nothing to worry about because he knew Reynolds was riding after him. He trusted him. He knew he wouldn't speak a word to anyone. Nathan couldn't risk people knowing of his recent escapade. He rode faster than he had ever ridden before. He feared for what that heartless creature would do to Lizzy.

He knew Lizzy's lycan was strong, but she wouldn't be stubborn in this situation. This was a world of social status in addition to the powers they possessed.

Nathan ignored the looks the people in the town square gave them. He certainly didn't have the time today. He didn't even regard their bows or curtsy to begin with. For some reason, the people always recognised their Prince, even without the troops and lavish dressing.

Nathan only reduced the speed when he sighted the Jack's household. It was a fact that Reynolds would be surprised. This was definitely not hunting, but he had no choice but to obey. Nathan got off his horse before patting it and approaching the backyard of the Jack's household.

Nathan's eyes desperately looked around the backyard, looking for Lizzy. He knew for a fact that she would be here, for this is where Annalise sent the maids. She called it the doom. Nathan's heart skipped a beat as his eyes landed on a white material on the freshly dug muddy soil.

It was Lizzy, with her eyes closed, laying unconscious on that muddy soil, with visible red spots on her tanned skin.