Chapter 2 #2
Cedric's brow furrowed. The next second, he grabbed my hand and forced our hands together.
Instantly, electricity shot through my nerves. My wolf rolled inside me, whimpering with excitement.
But my reason screamed: This is a trap! Just the bond reacting! He doesn't love you! I bit down hard, forcing back the urge to move closer to him.
"What's wrong with you today?" He lowered his voice, eyes narrowing. "Alice, isn't this what you always wanted?"
I looked at him coldly. "I'm fine."
He huffed but said nothing more.
The priest continued. "Then... under the witness of the Moon Goddess, I pronounce—"
"Your Majesty!"
A shrill voice cut through, interrupting the priest.
Here it comes, I thought. Right on cue.
Victoria's maid Carol stumbled forward, voice panicked. "Your Majesty! Please! Lady Victoria is gravely ill! Please come see her!"
The crowd erupted. I felt Cedric's body go taut. His hand still held mine, but I knew his heart had already flown to Victoria.
In my past life, this was when I'd desperately clutch him, crying and begging him not to go.
But this life... I released his hand immediately.
"Go ahead." My voice was even. "The ceremony's almost over anyway. You're not needed here."
Cedric froze. His eyes locked on me, voice dangerously low. "Do you know what you're saying?"
"I said go," I repeated. "Victoria needs you. What if she can't make it without you? Why are you still standing here?"
Go. Go to your precious Victoria. In my past life, no matter how I begged, you left anyway. Even called me selfish and heartless. Made me everyone's laughingstock.
This life, I'll let you have her.
"I had no idea," Cedric said through gritted teeth, "you were this generous. Pushing your mate away at your own wedding?"
"Generous?" I laughed bitterly. "No, I'm just realistic. Because I know even if I tried to stop you, you'd go anyway. Right?"
He opened his mouth but didn't argue. Because I was right.
"Your Majesty!" Carol cried again. "Please go see Lady Victoria!"
Cedric stared at me for several seconds. His gaze was deep. Too deep to read.
Finally, he said quietly, "Alice, wait for me to return."
Then he turned and strode away. Fast. Decisive. Not a second's hesitation.
Just like my past life.
The ceremony site fell into strange silence. Everyone watched the king's retreating figure, then turned in unison to stare at me. I stood on the altar, white wedding dress fluttering in the wind.
"She deserves this..."
"His Majesty must be suffering, having to marry such an ugly omega as queen."
The whispers rolled in like a tide. In my past life, I'd broken down when I heard these. Ran off the stage, locked myself in my room, cried until I collapsed.
But this life, I straightened my spine, slowly turned, and faced everyone calmly.
"The wedding is concluded," I said. "Thank you all for witnessing."
I lifted my skirts and walked down the steps with grace, back straight, pace steady. I passed through the crowd, walked the long corridor, and returned to my chambers. I pushed open the door. Flowers everywhere.
White roses. Lilies. Baby's breath.
New silk sheets on the bed. Pillows embroidered with union symbols. A bottle of champagne and two crystal glasses on the nightstand.
What ironic decoration.
"Your Majesty..."
I turned. Amy stood in the doorway, eyes red-rimmed.
"Are... are you all right?" she asked softly, voice full of worry.
When I saw Amy, tears nearly came. Cedric abandoned me. Victoria tried to kill me. In the end, Amy was the only one who cared. But I died too early in my past life. I never knew what became of her.
I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself not to cry. I tried to smile, to comfort Amy, and swore to myself: this time I'd protect her. I'd secure her future. At least after I left, she wouldn't be bullied. She could live in peace.
"I'm fine." I sat on the bed. "Could you take these flowers out? The scent's too strong."
"Yes..." Amy gathered them, stealing glances at me. Wanting to speak but holding back.
"If you want to say something, say it." I leaned against the headboard.
"I-I just think..." Amy bit her lip. "How could His Majesty do this? It's your wedding..."
"He has his reasons." I didn't care anymore.
"But you're his queen!" Anger crept into Amy's voice. "You're his wife!"
"Amy." My voice softened. In this cold palace, only Amy truly cared for me. "I'm really okay."
Amy's tears finally fell. "Then... is there anything you need me to do?"
"No." I closed my eyes again. "Go rest. I want to be alone for a while."
"All right... I'll be right outside. Call me if you need anything."
Amy left, closing the door gently. The room held only me. I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
I knew Cedric wouldn't return tonight.
In my past life, he stayed with Victoria all night. Didn't come back until the next morning, saying she was gravely ill and he had to care for her.
This life would be the same.
"Whatever," I murmured. "I'm not expecting him anyway."
My hand pressed against my belly. Still empty. But soon I'd be pregnant. Then I'd take my child and leave forever. I remembered in my past life, it was the third day after our wedding when he finally came to complete the mating ritual. I just had to wait patiently.
I closed my eyes. Drowsiness crept in. Eyelids grew heavy. Consciousness began to blur...
The door opened.
My eyes flew open. Moonlight spilled through the window. I saw a tall figure standing in the doorway.
Dark blue eyes glinting in the darkness.
Cedric!