Bye, My Ruthless Alpha
Chapter 34: The Queen

Chapter 34: Chapter 34: The Queen

Tori’s POV

Sophia had been put under house arrest for a month after offending King Rowan, and I finally had some peaceful days.

After that outburst of anger, King Rowan cancelled an important cooperation with Sophia’s father, which made Alpha Marcus extremely furious. Later, the king went on a business trip again. Just when I thought we would leave this place, Queen Olivia came back unexpectedly.

“I don’t know if this is a good idea.” I glanced toward Kas, unsure.

Another dinner... Why did they keep forcing me to be in their presence? The last time I went to dinner, it was a disaster.

She smiled, gripping my hand. “It’s going to be fine. Stop worrying so much.”

“You said that last time,” I replied. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

Kas had outdone herself again while dressing me. My long hair had been curled and pinned up in a partial updo. My makeup was done to perfection, with small bits of blush highlighting my cheeks and giving me a more innocent look.

Even the long formal gown she picked was beautiful. Its deep blue color was a contrast to Cayden’s light colored eyes. Those same eyes that I fixed in my mind’s eye every night before I went to sleep. A part of me felt safe and protected with him around.

But tonight something felt off. Something about this dinner didn’t feel safe, and I wasn’t sure what it was...but I knew I was going to find out soon.

By the time Kas and I reached the doors to the grand hall, Jace was already there. He greeted us with a smile, and I couldn’t help but notice how dashing he looked in what he was wearing.

“Jace, you look amazing,” I said, smiling politely at him.

A chuckle fell from his lips as he smiled. “I could say the same about you as well. Radiant as always, Miss Tori. Shall we go inside?”

Nodding, I took his offered arm and followed behind him with Kas at my back. She had tried to be highly reassuring, but I wasn’t feeling as confident as I had other times. All the rumors I heard about Queen Olivia, and the woman she was, flooded my mind, and my nerves refused to allow me to ignore my fears.

The boisterous laughter of the people filled the massive hall and bounced around the large vaulted ceiling, as if happiness was the only thing on their minds.

The men and women in front of me all turned and offered their smiles. I didn’t recognize any of them, and I supposed I should just assume they were various other allies.

As the talk continued, I realized I was almost invisible in their conversations, and that was something I was pleased with. I didn’t want to be part of the discussion.

I noticed Cayden’s gaze sweep over me as we got closer to the front of the hall. A dark, lusty look seemed to fill it.

The men all stopped in their tracks to look at us. Kas and I both bowed in respect to the Alphas and Queen Olivia.

“Cayden!” The queen’s hearty chuckle filled the room once more. “You didn’t tell me she’s so lovely.” I was taken aback by her statement. Quickly, she made her way toward me. “Stand, let me look at you.”

My eyes remained on the floor as I waited for her to approach me. Slowly, she lifted my chin and commanded my gaze to fall upon her.

She was truly a vision of elegance and beauty. Her features were delicate and refined, and there was an air of grace that surrounded her. The soft curves of her face and the gentle sparkle in her eyes made her look even more enchanting than I had ever pictured a queen to be.

“You picked well,” she commented, looking at Cayden with a satisfactory smile.

As Cayden stepped closer to me, the queen nodded and let go of my chin. She turned around and rejoined the conversation with Marcus’ group.

“Tori...” Cayden’s low voice pulled my attention back from the queen to face him. “Let’s take a seat.”

Nodding, I took the next few steps at Cayden’s side toward the large table, where I was seated upon the most lavish golden chairs I had ever seen in my life.

There was only one thing my eyes fell over that I had hoped wouldn’t be present–Sophia.

A subtle smirk was plastered on her face as she stared at me, and it left me beyond confused the entire time I was eating dinner. Every time I looked up, her eyes were on me, and a grin of pure pleasure was etched on her face.

“So, Cayden, I have to admit that you were lucky to obtain such a beautiful breeder.”

My eyes shot up and straight toward the queen, shock written across my face.

Cayden frowned at his queen with narrowed eyes. Apparently, he didn’t expect to hear what she had just said either.

“My queen—” he started to reply, but she interrupted him.

“Cayden, it isn’t a big deal. Many people have used breeders before.”

She looked around the table, but for some reason, not at me. I had a feeling that although the queen mentioned me, I wasn’t going to be her topic.

“However,” she continued, “we do need to talk about something.”

I watched as Cayden’s fist clenched under the table, and then very quickly relaxed on his lap. He still had a decent smile on his face. If I hadn’t been so close with him over the past few months, I wouldn’t have recognized the anger lurking beneath his slightly furrowed brow.

“What does Your Majesty need to speak with me about?” Cayden asked in a low voice. “Couldn’t it wait till later, in a more private venue?”

“Nonsense.” The queen didn’t raise her voice, but she was displeased with Cayden’s request. “We are all allies here. Friends, if you will. Plus, this involves Alpha Marcus, and to be honest, I think you will be magnanimous with what I have to say in the long run.”

“Indeed,” Marcus chimed in softly with a smile. “Wonderful news.”

My eyes took in the men around me, and there was no way whatever they were going to say was wonderful news. Cayden knew it, I knew it... Even Kas looked at me with worry and concern. Something bad was about to happen.

I knew I shouldn’t have come down for dinner.

“Cayden, it’s about time you take a Luna for your pack,” the queen said.

Everyone fell silent. My eyes went to Cayden’s, but there was nothing written in them.

“I don’t need a Luna, Your Majesty. I have a breeder to provide me with an heir.”

I had heard many times that he didn’t want a Luna, or to be with anyone. Maybe subconsciously, it led me to think that I would be the only woman that he had a relationship with, even if that relationship was just a master-breeder one.

However, he was an Alpha, and of course, he would find a mate or Luna one day, and settle down with that woman, forever.

This realization hurt me way more than I expected. Not only because that would mean I would have to serve her as well–or I would be cast out, and never able to see Cayden again–but to think he would be intimate with someone else...

My fingers clenched in my dress.

“I am not asking you anymore, Cayden,” the queen intoned loudly, and I instantly felt the crowd’s attention on me. “While your breeder is lovely, she isn’t Luna material. Marcus has offered his daughter to you, and you will make her your bride and Luna. Do I make myself clear on this?”

“Your Majesty...that wouldn’t be fair to Miss Sophia,” Cayden said through gritted teeth. “I won’t be able to love her or show her the affection she deserves.”

“One can never say ‘never’. Things can change. Miss Sophia comes from a good bloodline, has been raised with gracefulness, and can produce strong children. I’m sure such a fine lady will change your heart over time. ”

The queen raised her glass to Sophia, who was smiling back at her and Cayden.

“And with my daughter, you will no longer need your breeder,” Marcus added with a smile. “I would have no problem giving her a home with me. She would be well taken care of in my pack.”

Fear swept over me, and my breathing came in more fiercely. As Marcus glanced over toward me and I saw the sinister, lust-ridden heat that was filling his eyes.

“No,” Cayden replied firmly. But he seemed to run out of justifications, and could not argue any more. “I need time to think about this, Your Majesty,” he demurred. “Is that okay?”

The queen’s eyes looked at me once more, and a sigh left her lips. “Very well. You may have tonight to learn to accept this, but as of tomorrow, you are engaged to Sophia.”

She was done discussing the situation, and quickly moved on to other topics.

It felt like I spent the rest of the evening in a state of numbness. I couldn’t remember much, and when I was excused, I couldn’t wait to get away from them fast enough.

Cayden–the man I had foolishly pretended was only mine during the time I had spent in the Black Shadow Pack–would have a bride.

I couldn’t breathe. I knew how ridiculous I was for thinking this way, but I just couldn’t help but feel heartbroken and...jealous.

Would he accept to marry Sophia? Despite her overbearing presence, she was young and beautiful. And they would have the queen’s blessing.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I pushed open the large wooden door to our room and stepped inside.

I just wanted to be alone, and given that Cayden hadn’t come up after me, I knew I would be.