Lycan King's Nemesis

GWEN??

It turned out I had to head to Tyler's place alone. After I left my room, I went to wait for Abby outside the mansion, by the car. However, it didn't take long before one of the maids came to inform me she couldn't make it and asked me to proceed.

I was torn between going to seek her out to find out if she was okay, but the maid said Abby was still in a meeting with the King. Therefore I had to leave, promising to check in with her when I got back.

The training went smoothly, Tyler as usual, overjoyed as he kept talking about his love interest. When I asked when he was going to introduce her to me, he was quick to deviate from the topic.

Tonight when I came back, I was of the mindset that by tomorrow I'm going to crush it at the arena. I was so tired I fell on the bed, meaning to rest and see Abby later after dinner.

The next time I opened my eyes, it was bright light flooding in through the window facing my bed. And when I listened intently, someone was knocking at the door.

I flew up from the bed. "Come in." I rubbed my eyelids, my throat feeling itchy. Did I sleep in through the night?

"Good morning, your highness," Kora greeted with a slight bow. "I'm sorry I was unable to come yesternight. My mother fell ill demanding I stay with her at the healer's place."

"It's alright, Kora," I stood up and looked around, touching the black pants I used in training yesterday. "How's your mother now?"

"She's feeling better this morning." She went towards the wardrobe and began sorting through my clothes. "The King had asked that you come down early for breakfast so that the two of you could proceed to the arena early enough."

I lingered halfway to the bathroom. "He is breaking fast with me this morning?" It wasn't something that happened every day. I am used to breaking my fast without him every other morning. That was indeed astounding to hear. Very surprising especially, after our heated argument yesterday.

Kora's head swung downwards. "He was very particular about it, your highness."

"And Abby? Did you by chance see her?"

"No, your highness."

With one steady look, I made my way to the bathroom to quickly wash up and clean my mouth. When I came out, a white gown, with golden intricate bassettes used in decorating the midriff and simple stiletto was laid across the now neatly arranged bed.

"Kora?" I massaged my lotion into my skin. Lavender. I am starting to think Ashton liked it judging from the way he acted any time I used it. "Yes, your highness."

"Why do you not inform me about the meetings held in the palace?"

She sharply looked down at her hands, unsteady on her feet. "I'm sorry, your highness. I was of the mind that you might not be interested in such matters by now."

Or, you think I am not worthy of being in meetings with your kind yet? Does Kora still harbour indifference toward me? Perhaps, she still thought of me as an outsider. "Alright, henceforth I need to be informed of every meeting done in or outside the palace in which my husband the King would be in attendance. Am I clear?"

"Yes, your highness." She bowed once more.

"Thank you, Kora." I took my thongs whilst dropping my towel on the bed. I wore them, followed by my gown which she hurried forward to help me zip behind. "Help me bring out neat fighting gaiters. I will be sparring today." "Sparring?" Her voice seemed one of shock. "The King approved that?"

"Yes." I looked at her through the mirror as I sat down in front of it. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, your highness. I am merely concerned about your participation. I assumed you might want to observe first and maybe join in the next game if you... never mind."

I gritted my teeth together. If what? Does she mean if I'm still here? I have to be wearier of Kora. I am starting to think she is more of an enemy than I envisaged. I might have to consider Ashton's idea to change her. "Help me arrange my hair in a simple style."

"Yes, your highness."

When I left the room later, I made my way in the direction of Abby's room to be certain she is okay before going downstairs. I knocked. There was no response.

I knocked once more. No response. Then I heard footsteps approach from my left side and slanted my head there. It was her maid. She bowed at seeing me. "Good morning, your highness." "Where is Abigail?"

"She has already left for the arena, your highness."

"This early?" I looked at my watch. And she didn't even bother checking on me. Something must be definitely wrong. What has Ashton done this time?

"Okay, thank you." I veered around and faced the hall that will lead to the stairs.

Once I sat down at the dining table, I could feel Ashton's eyes drilling a large hole into me. So, with a defeated huff, I shifted my gaze to him. "What?"

"What a way of saying good morning to your dear mate for the first time you are meeting him in the morning." His tone dripped with raw sarcasm, despite his luminous facade.

I opened my mouth to lash back, but the door opening got my attention. I looked there. Merit. My eyes narrowed, my blood boiling over.

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I glanced back at Ashton so as not to give her the satisfaction of seeing how unsettled I was in her presence. I inched close and whispered. "What did you say to Abby yesterday?"

He was about to sip from his teacup but wavered, his eyes turning cold as he lowered back the cup, his icy orbs fixing at me. "I had planned to skip that till later, but now that you are asking, I am obliged to address it." What does he mean by that?

"W-what?"

"I always know your kind to be liars, and manipulative, amongst others, however, I didn't think that you will stoop low as to hide something that fragile from me."

"I don't understand."

"You are still pretending not to understand?" His fingers fisted so tight around the cup I feared he would shatter it.

I didn't say a word. What did Abby tell him? Why won't he just say it and break the suspense?

He straightened, removing his fingers from the cup and looking around the table. "Abigail is my only sister and as tradition demands, she is to marry into a respectable family. Not to any lowlife, not to mention a rogue with indecent bloodline."

"Ashton..." I tried to smile to lighten the situation. "If you can go straight to the poin_"

"Why didn't you tell me my sister was mated to the chief guardian?"

I let out a loud gasp, air knocked out of my lungs.

What!

Tyler?

...