Chapter 74- Never The Plan

Arabella Toussaint:

Standing at a distance, I watched the warriors train. My days had become strangely empty. I couldn’t go to the kitchen or Helena and her staff would get into trouble once I was out.

I couldn’t stop and chat with Omegas either, or Lucien would take out his rage on them once I was gone.

I let out a quiet sigh. It had been days since I’d seen my big furry friend. The huge Lycan who saved my life. He stayed beside me when I was at my lowest. He had shared my pain and somehow made me feel less alone.

A small smile tugged at my lips. I wanted to meet him before leaving this palace. I wished I could take him with me, but that was not possible. Now I knew he was someone important.

I wondered where he had gone.

My gaze lingered on the warriors as they trained when a familiar voice came from behind me, "Bored?"

I straightened and turned around with a smile pasted on my lips. The King stood a few steps away, his hands tucked inside his pockets.

He is so handsome! The thought came out of nowhere.

"Yes!" I admitted sheepishly. His face seemed to soften.

"Come on. Let me show you around," Before I could respond, he caught my hand and gently pulled me along.

"Don’t you have another meeting?"

He shrugged, "I did. But I told you I’d be free after this week. And now... my time belongs to you," His fingers tightened around mine.

My heartbeat stumbled, and I felt a knot forming in my stomach. The way he said those words.

But oh, Goddess. Wouldn’t that make escaping even harder?

I pushed the thought aside as we reached the middle of the training ground. Lucien kept me beside him as a warrior hurried over and bowed. His badge read Aron.

"Your Majesty."

Lucien gave a small nod, "How is the inspection of the eastern patrol coming along?"

"We’re almost done, Your Majesty."

"And the security report?" He asked the warrior, and I felt a little awkward because of the way he let his warriors see me standing beside him.

"Jasmine!" Aron glanced over his shoulder, calling the former head warrior.

My heartbeat accelerated at the mention of her name, but I didn’t want to let the king become suspicious.

Control, Arabella. Get a grip!

Jasmine strode towards us in the training uniform. She didn’t even spare me a glance. Her entire attention remained on the king, "Your Majesty!" She bowed.

Lucien’s thumb was now drawing slow circles at the back of my hand, "When can you submit the report on my desk?"

For the briefest moment her eyes lifted and met mine, "Tonight..." She then cleared her throat, "Tonight the report will be on your desk, My King."

Tonight.

The word echoed in my head. It was a message from Jasmine.

Tonight.

A few months ago, Maya also whispered the same word. Back then we couldn’t do it. Lucien had marked me before I ever got the chance. I swallowed hard.

This time, would I finally make it out?

A sharp sting flared on my neck where Lucien’s mark rested. I resisted the urge to touch it. Ever since I had started applying the liquid Jasmine had given me, the mark had become too sensitive. Sometimes the pain was so intense that I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from wincing or crying.

The last thing I wanted was for Lucien to notice something was wrong.

***

I stared at the deep red gown spread across my bed. Beside it rested a delicate gold bracelet adorned with tiny ruby stones, a pair of matching earrings, and golden sandals.

Who am I? Cinderella? And why is this dress even here?

It seemed like the King heard me, "Sweetheart. Tonight, you’ll attend the family dinner with me," He cupped my cheek gently, "I know my family will be there. You’ll also meet my extended family tonight. And I want every one of them to understand one thing," He leaned closer as his voice dropped to a whisper, "You’re not alone anymore."

I watched his face as I realized that it would be my last dinner with him.

"And one more thing, Princess," he pressed a gentle kiss against my forehead, "Can you start speaking up for yourself? How many times do I have to remind you that you don’t have to fear anyone?"

I managed a weak chuckle, "Yes, Your Highness."

"Urgh!" He let out an exaggerated groan, "Didn’t I ask you to call me Lucien?" A small smile tugged at his lips.

Biting my lower lip, I stared down at his chest, "Get ready. Take your time. I’ll be back in an hour to pick you up."

When he left, I stood there for several seconds, "Goddess..." I said under my breath, "Stop being good to me, My King," I asked him silently.

***

The dress fit me like a glove. After fastening the bracelet around my wrist, I decided to braid my hair instead of leaving it loose.

Once I got ready, I gave a once-over to my reflection in the mirror. And just then someone decided to knock.

"Yes," I answered while checking the clasp of my bracelet.

The moment I looked up, my breath hitched. Jasmine stood in the doorway wearing a small smile, "I need to brief you on tonight’s security arrangements, Lady Arabella. As tonight’s special guest, the King wants me to make sure you stay safe," She announced it, clear enough for the guards outside to hear.

I understood immediately.

"Thank Goddess you’re here, Jasmine," I replied just as loudly, "I was starting to get scared. What if someone decided to attack me?"

The moment the door shut behind her, the smile vanished from her face. Without wasting a second, she slipped a small syringe from inside her sleeve and placed it in my hand.

"Three drops," She whispered.

I eyed her in confusion. Three drops? What was she saying?

I have already got two potion bottles, girl. Now you’re handing me a third liquid.

"What does it do?" I asked her in a bored voice.

"You need to put it into his drink or food. It’ll make him lose consciousness," Her voice was barely above a whisper, and I felt a chill running down my spine.

This was never part of the plan.