Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 449

Chapter 449

Natalia’s POV

My legs shook as I lowered myself into the scalding hot water. It burned my skin, especially that between my legs, but as my body adjusted, it helped to ease the pain.

I began by scrubbing off the blood that had crusted between my legs. It took some effort to get it all off, but eventually, I managed to scrub myself completely and felt marginally better. Then, I dunked my head below the water and began massaging my scalp with my fingertips.

The water blotted out the silence of the empty palace. For a moment, I could think.

One thing was for certain: I had to get out of here. Tonight. Before the King returned to claim what he thought was his.

But my baby was sleeping in a makeshift bassinet I’d fashioned from a drawer and some dusty linens. She was so small. So fragile. How was I supposed to escape through miles of dark tunnels with a newborn in my arms?

Still, I didn’t have a choice. If I stayed, the King would rape me. He would force me to bear more children, and then he would age them all into soldiers or servants. I couldn’t let that happen.

Once I was clean, I climbed out of the bath, dried off, and pulled on a nightgown that had been left folded on the bed. It was too big, clearly meant for someone else, but it was a little better than the dirty, blood–covered gown I’d been wearing before.

Then I went to the wardrobe and started digging. There had to be something useful in here—a cloak, a pair of shoes, anything. But all I found were more dresses and a few moth–eaten blankets.

I grabbed one of the blankets and tore a strip from it, then used it to fashion a sling around my chest. I carefully lifted my daughter from the drawer and secured her against me. She stirred but didn’t wake.

Next, I searched the room for anything I could use as a weapon. A letter opener. A fireplace poker. Even a candlestick would do. But the room had been stripped bare of anything remotely dangerous. The King wasn’t stupid.

So I’d have to rely on the element of surprise.

I climbed into bed like that, pulled the blankets up to my chin, and waited. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure the King would hear it the moment he walked in. I forced myself to breathe slowly, evenly, like I was asleep.

An eternity crawled by. Finally, I heard footsteps in the hallway. A moment later, The door creaked open. I kept my eyes closed, feigning sleep.

“My love,” the King said softly. I heard him cross the room and come to stand next to the bed. “Are you asleep already?”

I didn’t respond. Didn’t move. Maybe he would go away, I thought, but of course he didn’t. I could feel his eyes on me, could smell that stench of rot and dust that clung to him. Then I felt the mattress dip as he sat down.

My skin crawled, but I forced myself to stay still.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. His cold fingers brushed against my hair, stroking it gently. “Even now,

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Chapter 449

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after everything, you’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”

I wanted to vomit. I wanted to scream. But I stayed still.

He continued stroking my hair for what felt like forever. Then he shifted, and I felt him climb onto the bed beside me. The springs groaned under his weight. His hand moved to the blankets, slowly pulling them down. I felt the cool air hit my shoulders, then my chest.

Now.

I opened my eyes and lunged at him, slamming my fist into his face. He cried out in surprise and stumbled backward off the bed. I didn’t wait to see if he was hurt. I clutched my baby and ran.