The Alpha King's Claim novel Chapter 54

The Alpha King’s Claim chapter 54 by desirenovel

Serena

Once King Aero left, I went for a bath. True that I would have preferred him with me, but of course, I couldn’t be selfish. The kingdom needed him and as their fake-now-turned-real queen, I got to practice sharing.

Looking at myself in the mirror afterward, I couldn’t keep myself from sighing. There were lots and I mean lots of hickeys all over my body proof that what happened to us last night was real. Proof that I yielded to him and to my desires. Finally.

Making love with him felt so good, so right. So complete. I could never regret giving in to him. He was more than I could hope for in a lover.

The hickeys too were proof that he submitted to me—a woman—and proof that he could change. I doubt he’d place the same respect and high regard for the rest of the women in his kingdom, but I was a promising start. He could change for the better.

In high spirits, I donned in a dress that didn’t scream royalty or wealth. I was planning to do some manual labor after all and wearing a queenly gown would defeat the purpose. Plus, taking the hickeys on my arms and neck into consideration, I chose the best one that would hide all of it. It would be embarrassing to broadcast my sexual life to the people of Phanteon through the love marks no matter how much they love to hear it.

Rhea was already in the receiving room waiting for me. With two other maids, they prepared breakfast on my coffee table. We exchanged morning greetings and I got to eating right away, absentmindedly realizing I was already feeling famished.

“As per the king’s orders, I will accompany you later to the south wing, Serena,” Rhea notified while she observed me.

I nodded. “Right, thank you, Rhea.”

I gave her a smile but she was too preoccupied to look at my back to even reciprocate the gesture. Her eyes were wide and full of wonder. I had to turn and check just what got her so mesmerized.

Chuckling, I lifted a finger in the air and one winged insect approached and nestled on the tip.

“They are beautiful right?” I said.

Rhea neared me, her eyes set on the insect’s glittering rainbow-colored wings.

“Yes, they are. Are they native here?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m not sure, but I had seen them many times since we returned from Lord Hale’s mansion.”

“Are they harmless?” She lowered her face and meticulously examined the insect like she as a professor would normally do.

I took a hold of her hand and pressed it close to my finger. The creature somehow understood my intention and dutifully transferred to her hand.

“Yes, they are and I find them very calming,” I told her, smiling.

She giggled and made a silly face when the creature climbed up to her elbow with its spindly legs.

“Hmm, with constant gaze, yes, they do give that kind of effect,” she agreed. “These are remarkable creatures.”

“They are,” I replied and went back to finishing my meal.

Half an hour later, Rhea and I marched up to the castle’s north entrance. William was already outside waiting for us with two stallions behind him: one black and one brown, all with shiny mane and slender limbs.

“Your Highness, good morning,” he greeted and bowed.

“Good morning too, William.” I took the reign from his hand and ushered the black horse in a safe distance for climbing.

“I prepared one for Lady Rhea too,” he informed.

With a thankful smile, Rhea grabbed the reign and positioned herself for mounting. “Thank you, William,” she said.

We both looked at each other and exchanged nods.

“Try to keep up, Sir Beta,” I cried out, grinning at him. “See you in the south wing.”

“I will try not to disappoint you, Your Highness,” he stated, bending his head.

Once our horses galloped forward, I heard bones crackling from behind, telling me he had shifted to his wolf form.

When we arrived in the south wing, there were already people lining up, holding with them empty plates. I spotted a male server at the start of the line, sitting under a makeshift tent with a big casserole laid on a table.

After disembarking the horse, I neared him whilst waving at the fire victims who were happy to see me.

“Do you need help?” I asked when I was a few feet away from him.

The server blinked twice before answering me. “No, Your Highness. Thank you for the offer but you mustn’t do any hard labor.”

“I’ll see what I can do with the books in the library,” she stated, showing enthusiasm suddenly. “Or if there would be none, I’m sure Cedric could help me out.”

“Hmm… are you sure it’s the insects you are excited about or the crown prince’s help?” I teased, jabbing her rib.

She blushed at my remark and looked away.

I wanted to laugh at this and tease her more, but my head immediately gave out a shooting headache. The exact same pain I felt before.

“Hmmmh!”

Wincing, I touched my forehead and squeezed my eyes shut. Rhea must have noticed this for she immediately grabbed my shoulder.

“Hey, are you alright?”

I shook my head, still with closed lids. “No, I’m having a headache.”

“You’ve been having those too since we returned from the vampire realm,” she pointed out, worry roping her voice.

“It’s a side effect of that vampire’s attack on me,” I told her, remembering that bold vampire who wanted me for revenge. The healers said they had already healed me, but why does this headache keep coming back?

“I think you should stop now,” she stated. “Relax. Let William and I, and the rest of the team take care of the distribution.” She guided me to a couch to sit. It was cushioned and it was enough for me to lie down and steal a short nap.

“Thank you. I’ll take your offer and rest for an hour or so,” I said, looking at her through my wincing eyes.

“I’ll make sure no one disturbs you and I’ll let the king know through a messenger.”

“No!” I quickly told her, pausing from lying down. “Don’t tell him. I’ll be fine. I just need some rest.” Honestly, I didn’t want the king to find out about this silly little headache. He’d probably overreact and get too worried about me and might cancel the meeting with the alphas. I couldn’t have that from happening.

“Alright, if you insist,” she said, giving me an understanding nod.

When she left, I eased down the couch. With this angle and with tables and boxes of goods in front of me, I was hidden from view, but the insects, they still managed to find me. They surrounded me, perching on the couch as if they were my little guardians. It didn’t take me long to lose my consciousness afterward and it also didn’t take me long to start dreaming.

Dreaming of a long distant past when I was but a teenager and a man who called himself Marius, introducing me to my adoptive family.