Betrayed By My Mate, Claimed By His Lycan King Uncle
Chapter 147: You’re beautiful...

Chapter 147: You’re beautiful...

"Now relax. Enjoy the bath while I apply your medicine," he said, voice warm. "And by the way... I love that you’re not shy around me anymore."

Relax? How am I supposed to when you’re being this way around me? Just what the hell are you thinking now Dimitri? Acting all sweet when you’re dangerous. Sorayah thought to herself as she swallowed hard.

"Your Highness..." Sorayah mumbled, her voice soft and uncertain, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink. Embarrassment prickled her skin as she instinctively crossed her arms over her chest, turning away ever so slightly. Though she still wore her undergarments, a thin white gown. The fabric clung to her damp skin, outlining the soft curves of her breasts.

But Dimitri leaned closer, his gaze unwavering. Gently, he took her hands and moved them aside, his touch both firm and reverent.

"Told you to always call me by my name when we’re alone," he murmured, his breath brushing her lips before he leaned in and kissed her.....fiercely, yet with tenderness that made her knees nearly buckle.

The kiss stunned Sorayah. Her eyes widened, and her heart pounded violently within her chest. A jolt of raw, undeniable emotion shot through her spine, leaving her breathless.

She broke the kiss with effort, leaning back slightly in the bathtub. "Please, Your Highness," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please don’t do this..."

Dimitri’s eyes searched hers, his brow furrowed as he swallowed hard. "Still not calling me by my name? And don’t do what? Kiss you?" he asked, voice low and edged with restrained emotion.

Sorayah hesitated, then spoke again, trying to keep her voice steady. "Let’s not forget our goals. I’m only your concubine by title not by duty. There are over a hundred concubines in the imperial palace who once belonged to the late Alpha Emperor. If you don’t want them, you can easily dismiss them and bring in new ones instead."

She swallowed the lump in her throat, her voice gaining strength. "And besides... is it not time to drop this act of favoritism? Being favored in the harem brings nothing but danger. Now that Lupien is dead and you are the new Alpha, your attention should be on court duties. Let me focus on mine."

Dimitri arched a brow at her and let out a low, amused smirk. "You think you can survive in the palace without my favor?" he asked, leaning more closer. "Yes, being favored may bring danger to concubines but you are far more clever than the rest. You can see through their schemes and handle them. It’s not difficult for someone like you."

Sorayah’s eyes wavered for a moment, then she swallowed hard, lips parting but no words escaping.

Dimitri’s expression grew serious as he heaved a sigh, running a hand through his dark hair. "Regardless of what you think, you’ll remain favored by me. And yes, I know that will put you at risk. That’s why I’ve instructed Liam to always be by your side, to watch over you and ensure your safety."

He took a moment to let his words settle before continuing, his voice low and sincere. "And yes... you are my concubine, Sorayah. But I will not force myself on you...not now, not ever again. What happened the first time... it was necessary, but that doesn’t make it right. I know you regret that it happened the way it did. The one responsible for drugging us has already paid with their life."

He leaned back slightly and looked away for a brief moment, as if collecting himself.

"I’ll leave you to rest now," he said finally. "But since you’ve officially entered the imperial harem, you’re expected to visit the Harem Court to pay your respects to the Luna Empress. She is the head of the harem, and she doesn’t take kindly to newcomers....especially not ones favored by the Alpha."

He gave her a knowing look. "She’s cunning and dangerous. And she will make life difficult for you... and for Mira as well. It’s her way of reminding you both who truly rules the harem. She’ll test your patience, your pride, your boundaries. Step out of line, and she will punish you without hesitation."

"I understand, Your Hig... Dimitri," Sorayah said at last, squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin. A faint, warm smile formed on her lips. "I’ll handle her. I promise."

"Good. My true target is the Empress Dowager," Dimitri said, his voice low, yet filled with steely resolve. "Although Lupien was the Alpha Emperor, the Empress Dowager still acts as the regent. She’s ruling in his stead... for now." He let out a small, humorless laugh. "I’ll get the royal seal from her whether she likes it or not. It’s only a matter of time."

His expression darkened. "And as for the Gamma Lord, the Empress Luna’s father...he’s another bone in my throat. But I’ll deal with him too, in due time."

Sorayah lean forward, a sly smirk curving her lips. "Then do what you have to do. I’ll take care of the inner harem. I won’t allow myself to be tampered with." Her tone was firm, her eyes gleaming with sharp intelligence. "To gain some power over the inner court, I’ll need to get closer to the Queen Dowager though. With her favor and yours the Empress Luna won’t dare act rashly."

She clasped her hands in front of her. "In case you’re too busy with your palace duties and can’t always come to my rescue, I need someone else with enough influence to protect me in your absence. The Queen Dowager may no longer rule the harem directly, but she’s still a senior member. Her commands carry weight equal to the Empress Luna’s. And unlike the Empress Luna, the Queen Dowager won’t easily lose an argument."

She took a breath and added with quiet confidence, "If I have her support, and yours, I’ll be able to stall for time whenever I’m under pressure until you arrive."

Dimitri’s expression softened. "I’ll always support you, Sorayah," he said, his voice steady and sure. He turned toward the doorway. "Now, get out of the bathtub and dress. You should retire early if you want to wake up in time tomorrow."

"I will. Thank you," Sorayah replied with a graceful bow, her tone respectful but warm.

Dimitri nodded once before quietly stepping out of her bathing chamber.

***

Meanwhile, deep in the forest...

Kisha and Rhys sat on the grass while Anaya lay on a duvet beside them, sleeping. A few loyal servants and guards stood nearby, on high alert, their eyes scanning the woods for any sign of danger.

They had been on the run for two days, fleeing from Anaya’s aunt...the queen who had already uncovered the truth behind Rhys’ disappearance. Now, she had sent her elite warriors after them.

But somehow, Anaya and Rhys always managed to stay one step ahead.

Rhys stared out into the forest, his expression tired and pained. "Are we going to be running forever?" he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. He released a heavy sigh. "The queen wants the princess... no doubt and If the princess parents parents ask what happened to her, she’ll simply say she died during the journey."

"Thank the moon goddess that you’re aware of what she’s planning," Kisha chimed in, her tone weary but resolute. She heaved a sigh and glanced around cautiously. "We can’t afford to get tired. We must keep moving until we find a safe place to rest for good. The queen is so heartless. I wouldn’t have believed if someone told me she’s like this. All those love shown towards princess Anaya were fake."

Rhys nodded grimly and heaved s heavy sigh. "Anyways, fnding a safe place feels nearly impossible... but you’re right. We’ll leave again at dawn. We can’t afford to stay in one spot for too long."

"Understood, young master." Kisha stood and brushed off her skirts. "I’ll be right back. Please look after my princess. I’ll prepare her tent and bedding."

She moved away swiftly, leaving Rhys alone with Anaya, who was still sleeping peacefully. The duvet still covering her frail form, rising and falling with each soft breath.

Rhys turned to her, his gaze softening. He leaned over gently, brushing a few loose strands of hair from her face. His fingers lingered for a moment on her delicate cheek.

"You’re beautiful..." he whispered with a warm smile. He then leave over and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I’ll protect you... no matter what. Even if it means dying. But I won’t go until I know you’re safe."

He exhaled deeply and turned away, only for his eyes to catch movement in the distance...flickers of torchlight weaving through the trees. Shadows of figures crept toward them with deadly intent.

His eyes widened. No doubt... the queen’s men. They had found them.

Moving quickly and without a sound, Rhys scooped Anaya into his arms in a bridal carry. He made his way toward Kisha, who had just finished arranging the tent.

"What’s wrong, young master?" Kisha asked sharply, alarm flashing in her eyes as she saw Anaya limp in his arms.

"The queen’s men are here," Rhys whispered urgently. "We have to leave. Now."

But before another word could be spoken, the sky was pierced by the sharp whistle of arrows.

They came flying through the air....swift, deadly, and aimed directly at them.