Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter SAGE

15

We were back in my chamber. Elara started to prepare the for dinner. I watched her reflection in the mirror and noticed that she seemed bothered. "Is everything all right, Elara?" I curiously asked.

She was startled, as if she had been suddenly brought back to reality. "I'm fine, my lady" she answered before flashing a forced smile on her face. "Is something bothering you?" I continued..

She quickly shook her head. "It's really fine, my lady," she replied, even though it's obvious that there's something that's bothering her. "But..." She was about to say something when she changed her mind and decided to shut her mouth. "Go on. You can talk freely to me when we're alone, Elara," I told her.

"Actually, there's something that's eating me inside. I hope you don't mind me asking."

she

e said.

"Of course, I wouldn't mind. Go on, what is it?" I encourage her.

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"How long have you known Lord Titus?" she asked.

I was stunned for a moment. Why was she suddenly interested in my connection with. Lord Titus? Are we that obvious? Did she notice that there's something going on between us?

I tried to keep my expression neutral, but my mind was racing with questions. Wast there something in the way we looked at each other, or perhaps in our interactions, that had given us away? I couldn't help but worry that our secret was out. As I stood there, trying to think of a response, I couldn't shake the feeling that she had seen right through us. I can't afford for anyone to know what happened between Lord. Titus and me.

"He's among the few who welcomed me into the palace when I arrived," I briefly explained. I didn't try to add more details in order for me not to give away more than I should. "And you know him as?"

"As the king's Chief Minister, did I get it wrong? Was he not the Chief Minister?" I

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frowned in confusion.

"N-No! There is nothing like that at all I was just curious," she said in panic.

I was worried when I saw how she reacted. I was afraid that I would cause some

inconvenience to her.

"Did I somehow get you in trouble in any way? Is that why Lord Titus requested to talk to you alone after our conversation asked

Her eyes widen in panic, which makes me confused even more. It looks like she was afraid of something that I couldn't figure out

"No! You have to believe me, my lady. There really nothing wrong going on. It's fine.

"Hey, hey, calm down." I chuckled when she sorted to continuously blabber if she's trying so hard to get out of a mess Tm just worried that you get in trouble because of

So if you telling me that theres no trouble at all, then I believe you" 50.

She then took a deep breath before releasing a sigh of relief, an if a heavy burden had

ed I from her shoulders.

I'd

19ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Thank you my lady. And if you don't mind like to ask you a favor"

"Anything. Elara," I replied with a wide smile on my face

"Pardonator at Lord Tina. Imafraid that I might be saying anything thug wat support to be pleaded

Though I'm a litle confused as to why she was asking me this favor. I don't wre anything. wrong fagenes

in favore I cant afford for anyone to decover

my paal constants with Loved **ts

Imdb I responded "Of course, you can count on it."

smided better Smide book

se them started to relied upon hearing that "Thank you, my lady" she said as the continued to x my ha

A few hours later, it was already me for dona

Despite my reluctance to jom the rest of the women in the palace, I had no choice but to follow the rules. I would do anything to s**p this dinner, but breaking the rules wasn't an option if I wanted to stay under the radar I needed to bleed is and avoid drawing attention to myself, at least until I ngured cut hope to get out of this situation without losing my head. As I made my way to the dining hall, I felt a pot of anxiety in my stomach. The

Culjari 15.

thought of sitting through dinner with everyone, pretending everything was normal, was almost unbearable. But I had to stay focused. Keeping a low profile was crucial.

I entered the dining hall, trying to appear calm and composed. The room was filled. with laughter and conversation, but I felt like an outsider looking in. I took a deep breath and found a seat, hoping to remain unnoticed.

Throughout the meal. I kept my head down and avoided eye contact. I engaged in small talk when necessary but kept my answers brief. My mind was constantly racing. trying to come up with a plan to escape this place. I knew I needed to be patient and careful, but the urgency of my situation made it hard to think clearly. Every moment felt like an eternity, but I knew that staying invisible was my best chance. at survival. I just had to endure this dinner and keep working on my plan, one step at a

time.

"So, Lady Sage." Her Majesty caught my attention.

I quickly lifted my head and looked in her direction as she occupied the power seat.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Have you heard anything from the main palace?" she asked.

"Heard about what, Your Majesty?" I asked innocently. I have no idea what she means exactly.

Everyone at the table started laughing. They were acting as if they were trying their best to hide their laughs, but they were failing miserably. I don't know what they are laughing about. But it seems like I completely missed something. Her Majesty sneers, "I'm sorry. I forgot that you are still not very knowledgeable about how the palace works." It sounded as if it was filled with sarcasm rather than concern. "Did the main palace send a word whether His Majesty will grace your chamber with his presence tonight? "I muttered, understanding why they were laughing. In just a matter of days, I had already earned the reputation of a neglected concubine. "I haven't heard anything from the main palace, Your Majesty."

People in the dining hall began whispering among themselves. I didn't pay any mind to the gossip swirling around. They had no idea that what was happening was actually in my favor. I had never intended to spend the night with His Majesty. Because the moment I did, it Woul spell the end for me.

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I kept my head down, focusing on the food in front of me. The less attention I drew, the better. Still, I couldn't help but notice the sneering looks and barely concealed smirks from the other women at the table. They thrived on the perceived humiliation I was enduring, unaware that I was silently relieved "Lady Sage," one of the concubines sneered, leaning over with a malicious smile. "It must be difficult, being so... overlooked."

1 forced a polite smile, masking the annoyance bubbling inside me. "Not at all," I replied calmly. "It gives me more time to adjust to my new surroundings."

The concubine's smile faltered slightly, and she exchanged a glance with her neighbor. Clearly, they hadn't expected such a composed response. As they continued their petty gossip, I remained steadfast in my silence.

A s**t entered the hall, bowing deeply before approaching the queen, "Your Majesty, a message from the king."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning towards the queen as she received the message. Her expression shifted slightly as she read, but she quickly regained her regal composure.

"It appears His Majesty will be visiting someone tonight," she announced, her eyes flicking briefly towards me.

I held my breath, my heart pounding in my chest, as I waited for the queen to finish reading the message. Everyone in the room was silent, their eyes fixed on her, waiting for her to announce the name of the woman the king would spend the night with. "Lady Isabelle," she finally said.