NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: A SECRET
"Yes, I know! I heard you!" I shot back, frustration slipping through my defenses.
"It's not me you will kill!" she spat, her tone laced with desperation. Grabbing my wrist with surprising strength, she tugged me toward the barn against my will. I struggled to break free, aware that her safety hinged on my compliance; if I refused, it could mean dire consequences for her.
Reluctantly, we arrived at the barn—a large, rustic structure that smelled of hay and earth. "She is here, Your Majesty," the maid announced, bowing deeply, her voice filled with trepidation. I hung my head, unwilling to meet the king's gaze, knowing that his presence commanded respect and fear.
"You may leave," he commanded, his voice low and authoritative. The maid nodded quickly and scurried away, leaving me alone in the imposing barn, the air thick with tension. My senses heightened as I heard the frantic neighing of a horse, a sound laced with agony. A knot twisted in my stomach; I had always possessed the uncanny ability to sense pain in both humans and animals, and this horse was suffering.
Slowly, I lifted my head, and my heart ached at the sight before me. The horse was struggling, its powerful body writhing as it fought against its distress. "You're hurting her," I said softly, my words a gentle plea.
The king turned towards me, a scowl etched deeply into his features, his dark green eyes darkening. "Oh yeah? Come try holding her down," he retorted sarcastically, his tone dripping with contempt, before returning his focus to the frantic creature.
Swallowing my fear, I made my way cautiously toward them. He had permitted me, after all. "Please, Your Majesty," I murmured, reaching for the reins just beneath his hands, my heart racing. After a long, piercing glare, he finally relinquished his grip, stepping back to observe.
I gently ran my fingers along the smooth coat of the horse, whispering soothing words as I tried to calm her restless spirit. I needed to approach her with patience and tenderness, allowing her to sense that I posed no threat.
The soft cadence of my humming filled the air, mingling with the occasional neigh that escaped her mouth, signaling her discomfort. Yet, as I continued to stroke her flank, I noticed a remarkable decrease in her labor.
"That's it, good girl," I murmured encouragingly, even as the man watching from behind me rolled his eyes in disbelief.
My attention shifted to one of her hooves, where I spotted a jagged piece of wood embedded deeply in her flesh. I leaned closer, my heart aching for her pain. "I'm going to help you, stay calm," I reassured her gently before crouching down for a better look at her injury.
The horse let out a weary sigh as I caressed her once more, offering comfort before I placed my hand gently over the spot where she had been injured, I felt a surge of urgency.
With a grunt, I pulled the wood free, watching as she instinctively raised her legs in reaction. My eyes widened in surprise, adrenaline rushing furiously for a fleeting moment, but fortunately, no further harm came because I felt a powerful hand seize me, yanking me into a strong embrace.
My skirt fluttered around me as I rolled into him, the soft fabric swirling with the movement. My lips parted in astonishment, and my gaze locked onto his face, penetrating deep into his striking dark green eyes, which seemed to hold a world of mysteries within them.
"Y-your Majesty," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper as my eyes widened in shock at his unexpected closeness.
The warmth of his arms lingered on my lower back, sending my heart racing like a wild stallion. It was as if time had paused, and I could feel the weight of his gaze upon me.
In an instant, he released me, and I struggled to regain my composure, lowering my head in an attempt to mask my flustered state. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of him meticulously brushing off invisible dust from his regal attire, adjusting it with a practiced elegance.
He cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped us. "Today seems like a bad day. Get going," he commanded, his eyes narrowing at the horse that had wandered away from us, as if it were a symbol of our unexpected turmoil.
Confusion bubbled within me, prompting me to question, "What about the reason you called me?" It was the very question that had been gnawing at my mind since he first summoned me, yet he deflected it effortlessly.
His brow arched in surprise, and his shoulders squared with determination. "I initially wanted to take you..." His voice faltered, nearly lost in disbelief, "Never mind, just get going." The sternness of his order sent a shiver down my spine. I nodded, a curtsy following instinctively before I turned to leave.
As I walked away, I glanced back to find him facepalming himself, a look of frustration etched across his features. He seemed lost in thought, pondering the myriad of ways our paths could have intertwined. A hand ran through his tousled hair, betraying his inner turmoil as he grappled with the intensity of our mate bond.
This encounter was far from unique; he seemed to trail me like a shadow through the halls of the castle, his presence lingering in the air. His deep green eyes haunted me, and I could almost detect his intoxicating scent wherever I moved. My heart was a tempest of confusion and longing, caught in a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't fully comprehend.
When night finally draped the world in darkness, I mentally prepared myself for sleep, but first, I needed to immerse myself in the soothing embrace of warm water. The public bath was quiet, the moon casting a silver glow through the misty air as I entered, the gentle sound of flowing water creating an inviting atmosphere. I made sure to lock the door behind me, sealing myself away from prying eyes.
With a deep breath, I stripped off my garments, each piece falling away like the burdens I carried. I removed the wig that concealed my identity, revealing my naturally white hair cascading down my back—a secret I had guarded fiercely. This revelation was something I wanted to protect at all costs, especially from him, my mate.