Sloane

Every morning for the last few days I'm awoken by Isa bringing me fresh flowers for my vase. The sound of her coming into my room, switching out the flowers, opening the curtains—all reminds me of the hell I'm constantly waking up to.

"Good morning, Sloane." She's always so energetic in the morning. At the very least it soothes me. It reminds me of Kane—he was also a morning person. Granted his methods weren't as delicate.

Rise and shine, kids. Kane would sprinkle water on us. We're going to run two miles.

We haven't had breakfast, Joshua would groan.

Well don't pass out. Kane would pull the covers off our individual beds. If we were in sleeping bags, he would drag them away from our feet. Or Sloane is going to have to carry you the rest of the way.

Now I'm waking up to a cushy bed. With fluffy pillows. The first night I was able to fall asleep out of pure exhaustion and shock. Since then, I've tossed and turned. It's just so soft and not nearly as stiff to what I'm used to. It feels wrong. Even my wolf can't find comfort. She's constantly on overdrive now.

King Aiden hasn't really talked much since the other day in the library. I told him I like to be left alone and that's exactly what he's been doing. Leaving me alone. Except, every night he'll come into the library. Watching me idly from the counter where Joanna works.

Every time he walks into the library, I instantly feel...unsettled. My wolf angsty, my emotions a bit more difficult to control. I thought I was doing well keeping distance but even I can't deny that whenever the King is around there is a stupid pull. My wolf and I tugging it back like a terrible game of tug-of-war.

A part of me is surprised that the King hasn't tried speaking to me again. Then my wolf reminds me, You were a bit harsh you know.

I just can't be bothered to be around him, I tell her.

I know, Sloane. She sighs, But you need to at least act like you don't hate his guts.

I know she's right. I just don't have it in me. I've been focused on reading countless books and guess what? I've found nothing. You'd think they would have digitalized their library or something to make it easier to sift through information but I'm slowly exhausting myself with the reading.

I have had a chance of seeing Joanna's boys. They came running into the library one day asking for their mom. Joanna felt apologetic to me for having to whisk them away, but I told her that everything was fine. Offering her probably the sincerest side of me since I've arrived here. Being a mom is hard, I wonder how much more difficult it is when your Mate is the King's Beta.

"I'll be outside the door to take you to breakfast." Isa pulls me out of my thoughts.

I already know she's going to wait while I get dressed. It's bizarre to have someone constantly around. I truthfully hate it, but I can't show it. I need to reign back some of my aggression towards the castle...and the Crown. Or they really might start to suspect me.

I specifically choose clothing that isn't royal attire. Every day I've been missing my battle gear more and more. But if it's between choosing frilly dresses or flowing shirts, then I'd much rather opt for the jeans and a top. Isa did mention that there's a seamstress. I might reach out...a pair of leather pants might make me feel a bit more at home.

Ugh, Distaste hitting me. Did I seriously just say, 'home?'

My wolf chuckles, Careful or you might get attached.

Shut up.

As soon as I walk out of the room, Isa is already smiling. She guides me through the corridors—taking me to the dining hall. But honestly, she's gone through the same path these last few days and I know I'm fully capable of doing it on my own now. I think she's just been asked to do it in case I feel lost.

We walk by the Throne room, a few teaching studios, and large rooms. Joanna gave me the tour and I'll admit, she was an incredible tour guide. She showed me through the central part of the castle. Giving me the history of practically everything we came into contact with.

Everyone who walked by us would bow to her in respect and she'd bow back. I can tell she's quite respected in these walls and I'm surprised that her name never came up in our Rebel meetings.

She told me about how the ceiling in the Throne Room was painted by Michelangelo, a fellow wolf. As we walked by paintings, she cited who they were by. Big names like Ruben, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Velázquez. Joanna told me that they have an art wing with more modern artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Pollock, El Greco, and even Banksy. I honestly can't believe it. It's just crazy to me.

While Joanna's role seemed to be giving me the tour, Isa was much more forthcoming on the flow of the castle. She told me about how and what people do. The different jobs that servants are tasked with. I even asked her whether she gets paid and she replied with, "Of course. We're not slaves. We're paid incredibly generously. The King raised our wages—despite us not necessarily requesting it."

"What do you mean?"

"We're provided housing and food. Previous King's would take that out of our wage, no one really complained about it. Because we are offered generous rooms and the food is great." She explained briefly, "But Alpha King Aiden argued that we were still deserving of full wages. It actually provided some of us the opportunity to find housing outside of the castle. I live in a small cottage by the cliffside. Five minutes away. With my friends. It's a lot of fun."

I still only feel like I've hardly scratched the surface of this castle. There's just too many things to do. Isa offered to introduce me to some of the researchers. She explained that there's plenty of activities throughout the day. Plenty of things to witness or take part in.

I think they're all trying to push me to do something other than spend my time in the library. I mean, thus far...I've pretty much only kept to the library. They probably all think I'm a book worm or something.

"Shall I retrieve you after breakfast?" Isa asks me as soon as we walk into the dining room.

Usually, I grab some quick food and bolt out of the dining hall. Something I can eat on the go or on my way to the library. Mostly I do it because the King is always seated at the front of the room. And when I walk in, all I can smell is amber and vetiver. It's confusing to say the least. It smells incredible but my Goddess, is it distracting.

Not as distracting as his eyes, my wolf reminds me.

I agree with her. Those golden eyes are beyond captivating. They're both intriguing—like I want to keep staring, but also burning. It's difficult to look away and almost too painful to actually move. It feels like Icarus flying too close to the sun.

Today, I notice that the King isn't in the hall. It both calms me and makes me nervous. I don't know where to sit and I certainly am not going to sit at the head table where he usually is alongside his henchmen.

I feel like it's my first day of school. Looks like I'll just grab to-go and head back to the library.

"That won't be necessary, Isa." A voice says from behind me. I look over my shoulder at Ezra who's smiling politely at Isa. "I'll take it from here."

"Of course, sir." Isa bows before offering me a kind a smile. She goes into the dining room, greeting her friends before sitting with them. Falling into conversation with some of the other servants.

Ezra offers me a soft smile, the scar on his face moving along with his lips. "Instead of running away today, would you like to have breakfast with me?"

I eye him somewhat suspiciously. I wouldn't hold it against Ezra and Joanna to try and set the King and I up. My eyebrow raises, head inclining. "Just you?"

Ezra chuckles under his breath, a small eye roll insinuating. "Just me."

I raise my eyebrow and he shakes his head clearly seeing my hesitation. "Killian is currently in lessons with His Majesty. I just wanted to apologize for the other night."

"Alright." I say with a shrug. Ezra extends his arm out, for me to walk ahead of him to the head table.

It feels weird walking to the front. Both comforting because I'm used to it—but different because it's not the same. I'm accustomed to sitting at the head with Kane and the rest of the council. The familiarity of looking outwards towards the rest of the dining hall reminds me of when we have events at the Rebel camp.

I take a seat beside Ezra, there's already some food on the table but a few servants bring over warmer food. I frown slightly, "Don't you have an atrocious amount of waste here? How do you even manage the food supply..."

Ezra seems somewhat surprised by my question. He cracks a grin, "We have a lot of ways to make sure the food isn't wasted. Compost is always used in the gardens. Plastics and papers recycled. And whatever is left over, quite sure the trolls handle that in the kitchen. But you'd be surprised. With good mathematicians and a whole lot of a magic, we don't have as much food waste as you'd expect."

With that answer, I do feel less guilty and start stacking some pancakes and scrambled eggs onto my plate. Ezra watches me carefully for a few moments, adding avocado toast onto his plate while I squirt maple syrup all over my pancakes.

"Has it been difficult for you to adjust here, Your High—"

My eyes cut him off as I send him a glare. My wolf inching forward as a small growl starts vibrating in my chest.

Ezra takes a breath, coughing into his hand. "Sloane."

He cringes back slightly as he uses my real name instead of what I guess he considers my title. I turn back to my pancakes, "It's...different."

"Do you feel homesick?" He asks carefully.

Yes...I do. The thought of the Rebel camp makes my heartstrings tug. Thinking of the nearby lake where Joshua and I would go swimming during the summer. The smell of Kane's tent when he would bake us his wife's apple pie.

But...I have no home. Not according to my story anyways. I turn to Ezra and shrug, "I don't really have a home."

Ezra eyes me over carefully—a slight frown creasing on his head. He licks his lips and I'm surprised by how gentle his voice comes out, "When Joanna first moved here, it was hard for her to leave her family and friends. I'm just curious. You have disdain for being..."

His voice drops to barely a whisper, "For being Queen."

I realize in this moment that not everyone knows who I am. That the King hasn't announced that I'm his Mate. The realization hits me that everyone must just think I'm one of them. A researcher, or guest, or just outcast that happens to have relations tied to the Crown.

The King doesn't want people to know I'm his Mate, I feel a tad bit of relief if I'm being honest. My wolf on the other hand is not pleased. Frankly, she's annoyed. Feeling like I'm not being taken seriously but I push her thoughts away. I don't have the right to feel "annoyed." It's not like I've been courteous or overly affectionate.

"Yet..." Ezra's voice elevates back to its normal tone. "You're alright staying here?"

I lean back in my chair, placing my fork and knife down as I eye him. He's suspicious. Maybe not enough to think I'm a Rebel, but certainly there are questions plaguing him that I need to answer.

"What are you insinuating?" I decide to narrow my eyes at him.

"Why would I insinuate anything?" He cocks his head, "I'm just curious."

I shake my head, letting out a breath. "I lost my parents when I was a child. I had no where to go but a man took me in. He didn't know how to handle a young werewolf and so he took me to Durendal. From the ages ten onwards, I spent my time living in their camping grounds. Starting off as a student, moving to lecturer. But even then, I wouldn't have considered that home."

I look down at my plate, trying to look pained. "I sought change. Durendal became too much of the same thing every day. My advisor, Marie, she's the one that encouraged me to move back to the states. She's the one who told me about the Ball and my intention was to find a job here on the Island. I even spoke to a local bar in town about finding a job as a bartender."

It all flows out rather naturally. I think for the most part it's believable and thankfully, Joshua helped me practice most of it. I've had to change a few things, but what's nothing if not a bit of improvisation.

Looking back up at Ezra, I meet his eyes with mine. Pushing a pained expression, "I have no where to go. No one who cares about me enough to be concerned about my whereabouts. And I'm not naïve, Ezra. Maybe it was difficult for Joanna to settle here, but I sincerely doubt the King would be inclined to let me return to my previous life. Imagine, if Joanna chose not to be here with you. What would you have done?"

My wolf is purring in my head. If she had fingers, she'd be snapping them at me in approval. You're a powerhouse, Sloane.

I try not to smile at her comment. Especially because Ezra clenches his jaw at the thought of Joanna not being here. I think my last question was enough to reroute his thinking. At least, deflecting off of me and making him think of himself.

I turn back to my pancakes—trying to be casual. I know he's trying to find lies in me. I know this isn't going to be the last time he asks me questions about my background. But I also know he's trying to be just as cunning as I am.

"Speaking of my Mate," Ezra changes the subject—taking a bite of his toast. "Joanna and I are going on a run tonight. We wanted to invite you to come with us."

My wolf pushes through—she's been dying to be let out. Whining in the back of my head. The prospect of shifting is like stretching your legs after a long flight. I can't even help it, "I would very much like that."

Ezra offers a kind smile, nodding along. "I'll make sure to find you later this afternoon."

For a few minutes, we fall in complete silence. Ezra finishes his avocado toast and I get seconds on my pancakes. I haven't had pancakes in so long. Whenever Kane would take us into human towns, we had a tradition of going to iHOP. Joshua and I would have competitions on who ate the most pancakes. I never won—Josh's appetite was always way more.

"So, you were a lecturer?" Ezra asks.

"Sort of." I reply.

Ezra takes a sip of coffee. "You know, when Joanna first arrived, she told me she loved teaching. She was a teacher in her previous pack, and she loved books. We found her a role here that suited her interests."

Of course they did...

Ezra eyes me carefully, "Maybe I can do something similar for you, Sloane. Anything to make you more comfortable."

Much like the King, Ezra is trying to get to know what I like to do. I shouldn't reveal too much about myself. I also need to make sure it aligns with my backstory. The library is nice, but I miss getting my energy out.

"I used to be a trainer." I admit carefully, "I did a lot of fitness. Sparring. We had a lot of sports and training at Durendal. I had a knack for it."

Ezra doesn't even seem surprised. His eyes glancing at my arms that are truly quite toned from my workouts and wielding my swords. He chuckles, "I'm sure Joanna didn't give you the full tour in that case. I have a feeling you're going to enjoy the Grounds. Come on then."

Ezra stacks the dirty plates together, taking them in his hand until he hands them off to a servant. He thanks them before eyeing me carefully. Cocking his head, he encourages me to follow him. A part of me suddenly excited.

A genuine smile takes over my face that I think surprises the both of us. My hands already itching for physical activity. Honestly, even just a treadmill right now sounds like wonders. I wouldn't consider myself a fitness nut, but I know that Joshua and Kane would disagree. I used to put in hours and hours of sword training so that I could get better. There's always room for improvement, that's what I always tell myself.

Do you think they have swords? My wolf asks me with a hint of excitement. She hates my silver swords out of fear, but she knows how happy it makes me to partake in my favorite activity. Even she can't deny the pure power we feel when we wield them. Plus, it keeps our instincts sharp.

Oh Goddess, I bite my lip. I hope so.

Ezra notices my excitement and smiles. I never thought I'd consider him more than just the King's Beta, but right now, he reminds me more of Kane. A twinkle of appreciation in his eyes that makes me turn away.

He guides me to a part of the castle I haven't seen yet. First, through a massive archway that leads into a beautiful courtyard. I quickly pick up on the scent of magic. It's lingering everywhere and for the first time since I've arrived, I'm outnumbered by Wiccan's.

"This is the Wiccan tower. It's their allocated side of the castle. You've been staying in the werewolf side." Ezra explains briefly.

There are Wiccan's in the courtyard that are swirling around their magic. Practicing levitation and simple tricks like making things disappear. We have Wiccan's at our Rebel camps. It's how we stay hidden.

We have large camps that are under the protection of Warlocks and Witches whose Gift is Evanesco and Illusion. It's the simplest form of Magic and most Wiccan's have some ability to make things disappear. But there's a smaller sect and certain Coven's whose sole focus is that. It's not a strong power—they're ranked quite low on the pyramid of powers—but we've been able to use our Wiccan's to their full extent.

I catch a glimpse of a few Elementals in the courtyard. One of them growing a few flowers before another presses their fingers to a leaf—sucking out all the water causing the flower to wither. A Fae reaches over and shows how she can bring the flower back to life—the group taking note like they're making observations. I've never seen anything like this.

It's so cool...I tell my wolf full-heartedly. Seeing supernatural's interacting here this way. It reminds me of home.

The castle is just so much vaster and bigger than I could have imagined. There's magic behind these walls—the way that most of the island radiates magic. The island is physically small—but I'm quickly realizing that everything is magical. It reminds me of the holding we used to have on the Island.

Most of the buildings and complexes on the Royal Island are laced with witchcraft that makes spaces much larger than what they appear. We used to have a narrow building that looked like it could only have four or five apartments but when you entered it could easily house nearly a hundred people.

I follow Ezra out of the courtyard as we walk under another archway. He seems to notice my fascination and smiles politely. His hands are held together behind his back, his pace slowing down so I can take everything in.

"If you really want to know more about this side of the castle," Ezra says seeing my clear interest. I glance at him, surely my eyes are sparkling with appeal. "You need to speak to Killian."

The Inquisitor...my wolf growls lowly. A part of me is still afraid of him, but I sincerely doubt he's going to Mind Warp me knowing that I'm the King's Mate.

Ezra leads us outside where I notice a small building to the side that looks like it has a smoothie bar attached to it. Towards the other end is what looks like an old Roman Colosseum. He quickly gives me a tour of the fitness facilities with the smoothie bar. My eyes nearly popping out of my head as I notice the incredible gym this place has.

Machines I could have never had access to on the Rebel camp are abundant here. Most of the weights we used back home are old and dingy. This is elevated and technological. Plus, free smoothies. What the hell...

Ezra explains everything to me briefly, but my eyes keep turning to the Colosseum. Something in my gut pulling me towards it. Ezra notices and smiles, "That's our Arena. Do you want to see it?"

"Yeah." I don't even wait for him, I leave the gym with absolute excitement. They must have weapons there. An agility or training course. Something to hit. Goddess, I want to hit something.

I can hear Ezra chuckling softly as I walk ahead of him. The Arena looks like it belongs to the Romans—large stones and sandy floors. As soon as I step through one of the arches, I realize that it sinks downwards into the ground. It looks exactly like where Gladiators would battle.

My breath catching when I see the countless weapons stationed on the walls along the pit. There are plenty of pair of swords that are basically calling my name. I look over my shoulder at Ezra who's smiling gently. I'm just about to ask him if they have more weapons when I hear Killian's voice in the pit.

"Again," Killian's tone piercing through the air. My eyes turn quickly to realize that there are five purple men that are advancing on the King. My heart stops entirely and everything in my body stills.

The first thing I notice is that King Aiden isn't wearing his crown. His golden curls sticking on his forehead as he holds the hilt of a sword closely to his face while he slowly circles an opponent. The white flowing shirt he's wearing also attached to his back and chest as sweat drips down his body. I can practically see through his shirt. The curves of his muscular shoulders and back coming through when his body is turned. He sidesteps when an opponent lunges and I get a good look at his face. He's glistening, his eyes blazing gold.

Well...fuck me.

I feel my jaw lock as I lean over the stone railing, my eyes fixated on his stance, the way he moves. Some of the joy I was feeling earlier quickly evaporates. It's the first time I see Aiden without his crown. He looks different—almost normal. It's shocking. It's...

Hot, Sloane. My wolf smirks, Call a spade a spade. That's a man.

That's just the Mate Bond talking, I tell her.

It's not. She retorts, And you'd be lying to think otherwise. He's a freaking demigod.

I let out a small sigh, rolling my eyes. Placing my chin in my palm as I lean over the railing. Annoyed that she's right and I tell her, I know. It's irritating.

Aiden is clutching the hilt in one hand—a large sword that I would need two hands to hold. I watch with fascination as he blazes his eyes at one of the opponents. As the purple man tries to advance, Aiden's gaze is hyper focused on the man. The enemy stops in his tracks, sinking to his knees while others continue to attack Aiden.

I watch with utter fascination as he not only swordfights, but every time he looks at one of the opponents, they freeze in their position. "Yes!" Killian encourages him, "Now faster."

Aiden spins his sword behind his body before advancing on his opponents. I can feel his aura—his power. It's incredible. It radiates off him like an atomic bomb. And yet I know he's holding it back.

His eyes so focused I don't think he even notices that Ezra and I are watching. "What's he doing?" I ask Ezra quietly as a purple man succumbs on the ground.

Ezra hesitates for a moment, leaning on the railing with me. My face turned to him momentarily as he delicately says, "Mind Warping."

Holy shit. My wolf gawks. Shivers running down my back out of...weariness. I take a breath—having to push back a moment of fear. I can't think of the fact that I'm deep in the Lion's Den. How dangerous this is. It's better to push those feelings away.

Instead, I stand up and start to slowly walk down the stairs towards the pit. My eyes entirely focused on Aiden's footwork. The way he shifts his body. I'm actually impressed...I hate so badly to admit it but no one on the Rebel camp has the same movements he's showing. And it's exciting.

He's probably had trainers from around the world, I tell my wolf.

Wonder if we can take him. She smirks.

The thought makes my eyes flare. I step onto the sandy pit—finally catching Killian's attention. He has one arm crossed over him as his other hand cups his chin in intrigue while he watches Aiden. A smile spreads on the Inquisitor's lips, "Hello My Lady."

I turn to him momentarily to return his smile, "I'd like your version of the castle tour next."

My voice is quiet as my eyes lock on Aiden. But I guess my voice still reached him because his focus on the purple man falters. He looks over his shoulder briefly in my direction. He's panting and for a moment his golden eyes stare at me from head to toe like he thinks I'm an apparition or figment of his imagination.

It looks like he's about to call my name in confusion when suddenly a purple opponent lunges at him—aiming for his torso with a forceful stab. "Shit," I hear him say. He clangs his sword against the enemy. Dodging quickly as he loses his focus.

He veers on his feet—forgetting his Mind Warping and resorting to the technical side of fighting. I watch with appreciation as he deflects and effectively destroys his opponents. Until finally, he slashes the last adversary who then fizzles into the air like a cloud of dust.

I can't help but stare as Aiden takes a few deep breaths, looking down at his sword. I can't even hide my admiration for his form and footwork. He looks like he's been fighting for as long as I have...if not longer.

"Yeah..." Killian says takes my side as he catches me staring. He lets out an exaggerated sigh. "I also think he's quite dreamy but alas, our secret love is no more."

I ignore his comment, despite my wolf bursting into laughter. Even Aiden overhears Killian and rolls his eyes—sending the Warlock a set of daggers with his golden glaze. I can't help but crack a smile, shaking my head. I'm quickly learning that Killian is a little shit-stirrer.

Aiden twirls his sword in his hand, his gaze landing on me. His breathing a bit heavy as he tilts his head curiously. I can tell he doesn't know what to expect—just eyeing me carefully. Usually he's trailing after me, I think he's surprised to see me coming here.

Just as he's calculating what to say I shrug softly, "You wanted to know what I like."

My voice comes out slowly and purposefully. I turn to the wall of weapons behind us. My hands already itching for the dual set as my eyes glisten. They're mainly bronze and other metals. It makes me miss my silver swords.

Turning back to Aiden, I go as far as smiling, "I like to fight."

Aiden doesn't hide his surprise—his eyes widening and shoulders tensing slightly. I turn to grab the dual swords, swinging them around in my hands to check their balance. They're not nearly as good as my silver set, but they'll do.

"You know how to sword fight?" Aiden asks me somewhat out of disbelief. His voice deep like honey—it makes a set of shivers run down my back.

"A bit." I shrug as I slowly step towards him into the pit. I haven't felt this excited in a while. This is so much better than fighting mannequins.

At this point, Aiden let's out a humorless laugh. His eyes glancing at Killian and Ezra—they're both observing us with intrigue. I'm circling Aiden gradually, until his entire body has to shift to face my own.

He takes steps across from me, our eyes meeting and suddenly I feel an incredible amount of energy between us. It's tense and nerve wracking. Cosmic and glittery like stars dancing. It's almost distracting. Especially because my wolf feels it too. I let her energy flow through me, my eyes darkening over.

I swirl the swords, showing off a tad bit of my skill on purpose. My wolf purring as I take a stance—sinking my feet into the ground ready to pounce. Aiden eyes me over, his lips curling with fascination and...admiration. He takes his own stand, his voice low. "I'll take it easy on you."

I smirk, "Don't."

I launch myself at him—giving it my all. I know he can fight but he's quickly taken off guard by my offense, probably thinking I'd start off slowly. He veers and steps back, the sound of metal clashing suddenly echoing through the Arena with ferocity.

I spin, aiming both my swords at his head, only for his own to clash against mine. The blades merely inches from his face as I stand probably a foot away from him. His golden eyes blazing into mine.

I offer him another smile, "I told you not to hold back."

He grins, his eyebrow raising. "Alright then."

Pushing his blade forcefully against both of mine, his strength sends me two steps back. I know he's still holding back. His movements not nearly as fast as they were when he was fighting those purple opponents, but it gives me enough time to watch him carefully.

He lunges forward, and I see an opportunity open. I use one sword to counter his, the other slashing across his abdomen leaving a massive tear into his flowing shirt as I step to the side and end up behind him. Surprisingly, I don't want to hurt him. I could have sunk my blade into his stomach but catch myself refraining. I feel like a cat who's toying with their prey and the realization dawns on me...I'm having fun.

Aiden let's out a small chuckle, his back turned to me as I hold one of the swords outward in front of me. The second at my side.

He turns slowly, his eyes looking down at the shirt I've ruined as he touches the large gash. His gaze meets mine, "Kill shot?"

I drop the tip of the sword on the ground and shrug, "You're slow."

"I don't want to hurt you, Sloane." He says honestly.

"Then you're going to lose." I slash forward again, and Aiden deflects. I go for a stab and Aiden quickly parries. The force of his move causing one of my swords to clatter on the ground. In a blink of an eye, he's standing in front of me with the sharp tip of his sword under my chin.

"I don't lose." He tells me with a smirk.

I can feel my eyes glaze over in black. My wolf and I analyzing how to get out of this one. I don't know how to explain it but it's almost like everything becomes slow motion. I notice my fallen blade on the ground, quickly clashing with Aiden before I roll on the sand of the pit.

My hand reaches for my second blade just as Aiden turns. In a split second, I'm on my feet, one sword pressed into Aiden's abdomen and the second against his throat. His eyes blaze at me—a satisfied smile on his face.

"I don't lose either." I tell him defiantly. I still don't think he tried his utmost to fight me. Some of his moves—I think were sloppy. Or he had plenty of opportunities to strike me but chose not to. "Yield."

Aiden slacks the sword in his hand, putting his hands up with an incredible smirk. He doesn't voice it, but he yields. Both of us breathing quite hard as I drop my swords to my side. They're a bit heavier and bulkier than I'm use to.

As I roll my shoulders, I look at the large gash I left on Aiden's shirt. He catches me staring and I give him a smirk, "I'm not even sorry."

"I didn't think you would be. It was a good move." He chuckles, placing his hand through the rip. He sighs out, his hands reaching for the edge of his shirt as he pulls it off his body.

Holy...shit.

Aiden's chest is glistening with sweat like he's just walked off some Calvin Klein photo shoot. His body perfectly smooth—the only ripples in his skin defined by his muscles that look carved like a beautiful statue. His shoulders and arms are massive, and his back is toned as hell. Even relaxed, I can see the definition. I'm almost jealous of how gorgeous it is. Building back muscle is the worst and hardest thing for me to do.

I try not to stare and ogle but it's genuinely difficult not to. Aiden takes a few steps towards Killian and Ezra while I try to blink away my shock. My wolf both amused and in awe as she prances in the back of my head.

While Aiden is ruffling through a duffle bag that's on the ground. My eyes shoot up at Killian who's smirking incredulously—his purple eyes flaring at me like he's caught me with my hand in the cookie jar. Ezra already rerouting his attention to Aiden as he starts to talk to him about some political matter.

Aiden grabs his crown that was placed delicately on a large rock—the black band that has a crescent moon that lays on his forehead—quickly placing it across his head. He also grabs a water bottle and instead of drinking from it, he offers it to me—still hunched over his duffle bag.

I hesitate and Aiden smiles, "Come on. You must be thirsty."

"Oh, I'll bet." Killian says under his breath. His eyes still focused on mine as he quickly covers up his comment. "Didn't know you had those moves in you, Your Highness."

I roll my eyes, but I'll be lying if I said I don't feel hot. It's a warm day. I'm already sweating from the small work out but as I step closer to King, it's like Icarus flying closer to the sun. I'm both melting and burning up.

I take the water from him. The King stands, arms crossing over his chest as I set the swords down next to me to drink. I have a better view of his torso now and it's making way too many butterflies rack through me. The stupid Mate Bond drawing me in like a moth to a flame. He is—unfortunately—effortlessly...amatory. My thoughts running around for a moment. That is, until I see the scar. My wolf and I still.

Sloane...look. My wolf echoes.

I hand the King his water and as he drinks, my eyes draw to his abdomen. Forget the toned stomach and evident lines. Or the fact that he's glistening. On his stomach is a black scar. My jaw slacking slightly which I'm sure Killian thinks it's because I'm running all kinds of fantasies through my head.

I avert my eyes—my mind already moving a million miles a minute. From everything that I've read, the King has no weaknesses. Nothing from the real world or even supernatural world that can hurt him.

"Thank you for the fight." I tell the King honestly. I set the swords back on the stand, the three men watching me idly. Aiden seems surprised to hear me say those words. His eyes watching me carefully.

"Next time," I tell him as I start making my way towards the stairs up and out of the Arena. "Don't go so easy on me."

Aiden smiles, "Next time?"

I offer him a small smile back—the prospect of dueling does have me excited. I haven't had a sparring partner up to par with my skills for years now. A challenge would be nice.

I turn up the stairs and exit the Arena. My heartrate increasing for so many reasons. Thinking of how his golden curls fall over his eyes when he would parry me. The pure energy I felt coursing between us when our swords would clash loudly. It's been the most satisfying day I've had here in the castle since I've arrived. It was...fun.

I quickly push that feeling and sentiment away. That's not what I'm here to do. This isn't a holiday, this is a mission.

He has a scar, I'm excited. Too excited. I need to tell Kane and Joshua.

We don't know what caused it, Sloane. My wolf argues.

I sigh, knowing she's right. But it doesn't deter me from a single fact. If the King can scar, it means he can bleed. It means, he can hurt. There's something that gave him that scar and I need to find out what. Because whatever it was—a sword, a knife, a poison—it can hurt him and maybe it's a key to finding out how to take down the Alpha King.

***

A/N:  Dun dun dun. Anyways, I lowkey loved this chapter and Aiden is pretty freaking hot. Or at least, I really tried. More interaction between our little Mates will follow ;) 

Anyways, just a quick juxtaposition I've been focusing on--or I don't know if you noticed. But when Aiden wears the crown, Sloane calls him the King and when he wasn't she called him by his name. Idk if you guys noticed it but definitely did it on purpose :)