The Alpha King’s Virgin by Charmeleon (Raine & Amari)

Chapter 53 

RAINE 

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“No! You can’t leave him behind!” I struggled in Ross‘ arms, kicking, scratching, screaming. He took every hit with stoic endurance without breaking his embrace. 

Within seconds we stepped into another part of the castle where I had never been. It reeked of excrement and despair, and I realized we were in the dungeons. 

“Your Majesty, thank the Goddess!” Rhona held out her arms to me and Ross released me. 

But anger made me turn back to slap Ross across his face. “How could you! They will kill him!” 

His head snapped to the side; I used every ounce of strength I had. My palmprint stained his cheek a bright crimson. A part of me cringed knowing I had overstepped, but I held back, convincing myself of my status as queen. He left the king at the mercy of those bloodsuckers; I had every right to be furious. 

“Get her Majesty to her rooms. Now.” Ross addressed Rhona with the authority of his status, and she tugged on my arm. 

“Come Milady. You’re not properly dressed.” Her eyes were large and fear filled as she took in my appearance. “Come.” 

“Here, take my coat.” Only then did I notice the other redhaired woman standing there. She took off her coat and handed it to me. 

“Thank you.” I mumbled while Rhona helped me put it on. 

“Joanna, I need to speak to you.” I heard Ross say as Rhona hurried me out of the dungeon and past the guards. 

She rushed along around the back of the garden, trying to keep me out of sight as much as possible. 

“They can’t see you like this, Milady. What has that monster done to you?” I was touched by her 

concern. No except Amaris has shown me this 

one 

much affection. 

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“Let’s not talk about it, Rhona.” I had to fight hard to keep my emotions in check. “We must focus on getting the king back. Who was that woman back there?” I pulled the coat tighter around my breasts, catching a whiff of the unknown woman’s scent. It was pleasant, rich like the forest on a rainy morning. 

“A witch. I’ll explain everything, but first we need to get you inside.” She pulled me in behind her and we entered a small room. “This is my quarters. Wait here while I get you some clothes.” Rhona cupped my face in her hands. “Use my shower, it is small, but it will serve.” 

“Why are you so good to me, Rhona?” I couldn’t help the tears that threatened to spill over. 

“Because it is my duty, Milady.” She beamed a smile at me, “And you deserve me.” Then she turned and ran from the room. 

I just couldn’t get Amaris‘ face out of my mind, the way he looked at me when Athan told him that horrible lie. Would Amaris believe him? If he loved me, he wouldn’t. I prayed he would have enough faith in the strength of our bond. 

Standing in Rhona’s small shower, I scrubbed myself until my skin felt raw to get rid of the feeling of Athan’s hands on my body. He had no scent, but still, I sensed him as if he was right there with me, his teeth sinking into my skin. I shuddered under the scalding water. 

Tasha was disturbingly quiet. She had receded to the back of my mind I could barely feel her. She hid from me. Why? 

Rhona came back armed with clothes and with Sarah and Lily in tow. They gushed and faffed over me like I was on the brink of death. 

“Gosh, you’re suffocating me, girls!” I called out when I just couldn’t bear it any longer. So many 

questions – everyone talking at once- it was too much. 

“Sorry, Milady. We were so worried for you and the king…” Rhona dropped her gaze to the floor, her voice sounded as broken as I felt. 

“Where is His Majesty?” Lily asked cautiously but snapped her mouth shut when she received a heated glare from Rhona. “I will prepare something to eat. Please excuse me.” She left in a hurry. 

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Sarah gathered up the brushes and makeup. “Let’s get you to your rooms, Queen Raine. Beta Ross has requested to speak with you.” I saw her lift a questioning brow at the blood stained robe lying on the floor next to my feet. 

5 

“Burn it!” I kicked the offending piece of clothing away from me. I stepped out of Rhona’s room with the two girls following. 

“Your Majesty, Beta Ross is waiting in the king’s office.” Rhona called to me, “I will serve your tea there.” 

I 

“You will have to chaperone me, Rhona. I can’t be alone with him.” I had to preserve what little I had left of my dignity. 

“Of course, Milady.” 

Ross was seated in one of the wing–backed chairs next to the bookcase. He got up when I came into the office, bowing curtly. I stood in front of him, my hands clasped before me. 

“I’m so sorry I assaulted you, Beta Ross. My concern for the king pushed me to act.” I forced myself to look into his dark eyes. His face was expressionless but for a slight twitch in his jaw. 

“I was following His Majesty’s orders, Milady. But I understand. There’s no need to apologize.” 

I motioned to the chair by the desk. “Please sit.” 

Rhona brought in the refreshments and set about serving them. I waited until she was done, and she moved to stand aside. 

“You wanted to speak to me?” I hoped that he would have a plan to get Amaris back. 

“I spoke to Joanna, she’s the witch that…” 

“I know, Rhona told me everything. Please tell me she can get him back.” I clutched the edge of the desk, sitting on the edge of my seat. 

I didn’t like the look on his face. The lines around his mouth and his eyes deepened. “It isn’t that simple, 

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“Why not!” I rose from my seat, bending forward to glare at him. “We can’t just leave him there! Athan will kill him, if he’s not dead already!” Hysteria bubbled up inside me. I couldn’t lose him. He was all I had. Although that was not entirely true, his life was growing inside me. 

“Please 

e stay cal 

calm, Raine. You have to think of the pup.” Ross said, lowering his voice. But then he linked me because Rhona was listening. ‘Can you be sure it’s Amaris‘?‘ 

He words left me shaken. I sank back down into the leather seat. ‘How dare you say that to me!‘ I linked back. He had no idea how much it hurt me to think that he would doubt my fidelity to his king, his best friend. Here I thought of all the wolves in the kingdom I had an ally in him. 

‘I’ve offended you. I’m sorry.’ He didn’t look remorseful at all. ‘I have to warn you, Raine. If Amaris has any doubt that the child is his, he will kill it.’ 

“Nothing happened!” I shouted out loud, slapping my palm on the desk. “Athan lied, he never touched me.” Although a part of me worried that he did. 

“Raine…” Ross warned, lifting a finger to his lips. 

“If you’re worried that Rhona will say something, don’t. And you know what, actually I don’t care! I only want to get Amaris back safely. So, either you have something worthwhile to tell me or get the hell out.” Maybe it was my hormones that gave me the courage to speak so forcefully, I had no idea, but I felt empowered. 

Ross offered me a bleak smile and got up. “I will do everything in my authority to get the king back safely. In the meantime, Your Majesty, be careful. You are still not safe here.” 

“Ross…” I needed him to be on my side. “I know you will. Thank you.” 

He nodded, fixing me with his grave stare. “Just remember, Raine, even though you are the consort, Sorin is still 

charge in Amaris‘ absence. I am worried about you. Stay away from him.” 

queen 

“I can handle Sorin.” I said with more bravado than I felt. 

Ross bowed his head, and I caught a glimpse of a smile as he turned around to leave.