Alpha's Regret After She Kneels novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

(Siena’s POV)

The music has ended; the dance comes to an end.

We split apart.

A wave of reporters surges toward us like they’re storming a castle. Flashing lights, eager questions, demands – I brace myself for the inevitable storm.

Before I can move one step, Raiden’s arm snakes around my waist, pulling me close.

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The warmth of his body presses against mine. The gesture is a far cry from the frigidness captured in his golden eyes. It’s all for show, of course.

The perfect, devoted King standing by his Queen’s side.

A microphone is shoved in my direction. “Your Majesty, Queen Siena of Silverfang Pack, how does it feel to attend your first banquet as King Raiden’s wife?”

A hundred responses flash through my mind, some bitter, some laced with truth.

Rage–induced. Nauseating.

But I smile as if nothing in the world can shake me. “An honor, of course.”

My voice is smooth, warm, the perfect balance of sincerity and elegance. “It’s the height of my royal experience so far, and a true night of celebration for the kingdom and for our Alpha King, Raiden.”

The reporters shift closer, emboldened by my false sense of calm.

“Your Majesty, there are rumors that the King intended only to arrive with his Delta, Lila. How do you feel about that?”

A sharp knife, precise, right where it hurts the most.

I barely blink. “His Majesty, as you well know, is a deeply admired man,”

“It’s natural that the people would speculate. But as you can see, I am here by his side.” I reply lightly.

Raiden stiffens beside me. It’s subtle, but after all the years of this marriage, he cannot fool me.

More questions fire off, like an automatic weapon–like I am at war.

“Queen Siena, is it true? Have you taken your father’s position as Alpha? Was he forced by the King into retirement?”

That was one way to put it.

I meet the eyes of the antagonist. “My father has served our pack for many years. And as with all great leaders, a time comes when they must confront the mantle of retirement and what’s best for the pack’s interests. Alpha Zeno is no different.”

Is. As if he is still alive.

My heart could explode with sorrow, but I bite back the tears that struggle against my throat.

“I am honored, as always, to fulfill his dreams for the Windhowl Pack and honor his legacy in doing so.”

The reporter isn’t satisfied. Before another word, another intrepid question can be asked, Raiden steps forward.

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Sun, 20 Apr

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Chapter 9

His voice is low, smooth, and dark. A single warning wrapped in the finest silk. “That will be all.”

A shiver runs through the air, and just like that, the questions cease. The crowd steps back. The control he wields over them is as effortless as it is absolute.

I exhale silently. Not in gratitude–never that. Just relief that the interrogation is over.

I can take my liar’s hat off for the time being.

The moment the last camera is lowered, Raiden removes his hand from my waist. I feel the absence of the additional weight on my form. My touch burns him, the distance between us immediate, the temperature dropping back to ice.

“You know,” he mutters, “I’m not doing this to help you.”

I glance up at him, then let my lips curl into something that isn’t quite a smile. “Of course not,” I say softly. “This is just a transaction, isn’t it? And I have made my deposit.”

A flicker of something crosses his golden eyes…annoyance?

And then-

“Raiden?….Raiden, where are you? Ah!”

The voice is akin to nails on a chalkboard to me. But for him, it is clear–a sweet, trembling little thing, manufactured to perfection.

I needn’t turn to know who the voice belongs to.

Lila stumbles into view, eyes wide, a delicate hand clutching at the fabric of her dress. And then, just on cue, she falls.

Raiden moves instinctively, catching her before she can hit the ground. His hands settle on her arms. He’s concerned, perhaps worried.

“Lila!” he soothes, his voice softer than I’d heard all evening.

Silently, I watch, unmoving. This is ammunition I can use, as painful as it is to witness. The scene plays out before me as it always has.

“Oh, Raiden,” she breathes heavily, blinking up at him, eyes glistening. “I–I was looking everywhere for you. I felt so alone, I couldn’t breathe, then… then I…”

Raiden exhales. He looks guilty.

“You should have stayed at the table.”

“I… I wanted to, but my injuries… they still haven’t fully healed.”

Lila looks me square in the eye. She sniffles. “It’s why I fell. Ever since Siena pushed me, I-”

A masterstroke.

Truly, well played.