Marriage Alliance With The Lycan Monarch
Chapter 34: A Threat

Chapter 34: A Threat

Sloane’s words sank deeper than I expected. A cold chill seized my body, but I remained still, determined not to show her how much this affected me.

"This marriage is an alliance," I said. "That ensures my safety."

To some extent, it should.

"Yes, but both parties have already gotten what they want, right?"

She was right. Father had the freedom to expand the kingdom as well as protection from the Lycans. They won’t be pressured by the vampires anymore, which means it doesn’t matter if Drevon gets bored with me or I die. One way or the other, I had one foot at death’s door.

I looked briefly at Talia—both of us.

But there was one issue I had: I don’t trust Sloane. What does she have to gain by giving me protection? I was the random woman her childhood sweetheart brought home as a wife, a human no less, a lowlife.

I do not believe she was simply a nice person to come to my aid. She’s a Lycan, a predator, and what do predators do? They prey on people like me.

I was weak, alone, with no protectors, nothing. Caged in this castle for as long as my miserable life lasts. I have only been here a week, yet dangers lurked on all sides.

The Dowager.

Sloane.

The Houses.

And...possibly Drevon.

I smiled. "Thank you, Lady Sloane, but I must decline."

This is the only answer I could give. I’m not about to hand the fate of my future into her hands.

Sloane chuckled softly. "I thought you might say that. They always spoke of how dumb humans are; they were right after all."

Excuse me?

I scowled, but I didn’t say anything, just listening to her giggles as if everything was suddenly funny when she had just insulted me.

"Take my advice, it’s the least you can do. Don’t attend the ball, who knows something unfortunate might happen." She rose to her feet, smoothing her gown. "I had a wonderful time with you. We should do this more often with the little time you have left."

Sloane stepped down the stairs, walking away with her maid following behind.

Talia came to me and asked. "What did she want?"

"This is worse than I thought, Talia," I said, placing my arm on the table, my fist clenching tightly. "She may have come to warn me about what my future entails, but this is a threat."

"What will you do then?"

"What will I do?" I snapped. "We’re in a nation filled with Lycans. What can I possibly do? I don’t think hiding myself in my room will help either."

Talia took a seat in front of me. "You’ve got the monarch."

"Do I? He’s going to marry that snake!"

"Did he tell you himself?" she questioned.

"What do you mean?"

"Did the monarch tell you he was going to marry her?"

"N-No," I replied. "But that doesn’t mean I should trust him."

Sloane was his betrothed, the chosen bride for him, and I was just a random person he picked.

A look flashed in Talia’s eyes, and I could strangely feel like she was keeping something from me.

"What?" I demand. "If there’s something to say, then say!"

Talia hesitated, and a thought hit me. She was afraid of Drevon. I admit that once upon a time, I did too, but after several encounters with him, I realized he wasn’t like the rumors, just a gentleman with tricky traits, and a very teasing side.

"Talia?"

"I think the monarch has feelings for you," she declared.

I blinked. "Have you gone mad now?"

"Or maybe not, but he does care for you. I know he’s a lycan, but think about it. Somehow, you have his favor; he nursed you back to health. How many of his kind do you think would have done the same thing?"

I placed a hand beneath my chin, thinking through her words. She made sense. If Drevon truly did care for me, then he might be the only supporter on my side.

Now more than ever, what we need is someone on our side. If Sloane’s words are true, then I smell danger, plenty.

And then, like a flick of a flame, an idea came. "The Monarch’s Ball!"

"What about it?" Talia asked, puzzled.

I leaned back on my seat, a smirk on my lips. "I’ll attend."

Talia gawked at me like I had sprouted two heads. "Doesn’t that put you in danger?"

"Yes," I replied shakily, it was an extreme decision. "But that is the only way I can test the monarch. If he does truly care for me, what do you think will happen?"

Talia shrugged, a confused look on her face.

"I won’t be in danger’s way, and the day might not be stepping into the beast’s claws."

Talia snapped her fingers and finally caught on. "They all expect you not to show your face that day. They wouldn’t even believe you could, but if you do, it proves that..."

"I hold the monarch’s favor," I sneered. "But it’s a gamble, though."

"A perilous gamble."

"When I attend the ball, it means I’m not just an ornament the monarch brought back home; it means I’m his wife, and I hold great importance. I’ll secure my position."

Talia smiled. "You’re going to stun them with your public appearance."

This could work, but to do that, I must plan everything perfectly.

"Hmm..." I mumbled. "If only we had someone who could roam the castle freely. I’ll need a specific jewelry too."

"E-Excuse me."

Talia and I turned to the voice. A girl approached the gazebo, she had short chestnut hair stopping at her shoulders, and honey eyes.

She bowed low, offering her respect. "Y-Your Grace." She trembled almost like she was nervous. "M-My name is Osha Virel, your handmaid assigned personally by the monarch. I’ve been trained before his arrival. I’m dedicated to you and only you for as long as I may live. I hope you accept me."

Trained?

That means when Drevon mentioned a handmaid, it wasn’t out of a whim? He was actually waiting for that moment.

That cunning beast! How thoughtful of him.

Talia and I shared a look and then, like the devil incarnate, we grinned.