Chapter 17

Aaliyah

"Because you are the King," I said, stepping forward until he grabbed my wrist.

"Am I not allowed to leave the library?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Not until I am convinced you are no longer angry," he replied.

"I don't like that you think you own me," I said, frowning.

He opened his mouth to respond when the door suddenly opened, and a guard stepped in.

"Your Grace," the guard bowed his head.

Sensing my presence was no longer needed, I left the library.

Once in my room, I headed for the balcony, exhaling sharply as I raised my head to the blue sky. I would soon be marrying Tristan.

A knot formed in my throat. I needed to find a way to escape before the wedding. Restlessness consumed me. How could I plan my escape when I wasn't allowed to leave the house?

Should I confide in Hayley? What if she didn't agree? Even if she helped me escape, Tristan would hurt her the moment he found out she was the reason for my escape.

Exhaustion washed over me as I sat down in the chair. I stared at the tall fence in the distance. There was nothing but forest beyond it, no houses nearby.

Footsteps drew my attention. When I looked down, I saw the man from the painting—Tristan's brother. He walked alone, disappearing through a narrow gate at the far end of the fence.

...

Two days passed, and I became more familiar with the house. Most of my time was spent with Hayley in the garden or library. Whenever Tristan had visitors, I retreated to my room.

Stepping onto the balcony with a cup of coffee, I spotted Tristan in a black suit and trousers, standing as if waiting for someone. A man emerged from a sleek black car, flanked by guards as he approached Tristan.

"Enjoying the afternoon view?" a voice behind me startled me.

I froze, clenching the cup, and slowly turned to see Hayley. She wasn't alone.

I saw Noah standing next to her.

"Figured you might be bored staying indoors all day while my dear brother entertains guests," Hayley said.

I glanced back down at Tristan, catching his gaze on me. A chill swept through me from the intensity of his stare before he turned his attention back to the man, offering him a handshake.

"Your Grace," the man bowed. He was middle-aged, bald, with golden skin.

"Speak," Tristan replied.

"I've brought urgent news," the man murmured.

Tristan's eyes briefly flicked to me before returning to the man. "Let's discuss this in my office."

"Of course."

The man began to follow Tristan as they disappeared from sight.

"I was really bored," I admitted.

"We can visit the library. What do you think?" Hayley offered.

"Let's go," I agreed, sipping my coffee before leaving the balcony.

As we walked through the hallway, I turned to Hayley, who was engrossed in her phone.

"Do you need something?" Noah asked.

"Who is that man with Tristan?" I asked.

"He's from the Council," Noah replied. "A close friend of Tristan's father, the former King."

"Tell me about the former King," I pressed.

"He was the King of Lycans," Noah said simply.

"I know that much," I replied, "but what else? What kind of King was he?"

"The former King was ruthless and cruel. Many would say Tristan inherited those traits," Noah said cautiously.

We entered the library, and Hayley took a seat on the couch, still engrossed in her phone. I stared at her, my mind drifting to what I would do first when I got a new phone. Should I call Aiden and tell him about my upcoming wedding to Tristan? What would he say?

The thought of Aiden's reaction brought a bitter taste to my mouth. He'd be furious, especially since we had shared a bed a few times. I'd lost my virginity to him.

The beeping from Hayley's phone snapped me out of my thoughts. She and Noah exchanged a look before both stood, serious expressions on their faces.

"Don't leave the library until I return," Hayley said firmly.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"We have a visitor," she replied, "an important one. Tristan doesn't want you to be seen by her."

"Her?" I asked, suspicion curling in my chest. "Who is this important person?"

"An old friend," Hayley replied quickly. "Please stay here until I'm back."

"And Noah?"

"He's coming with me."

The urgency in her voice hinted at fear. Who was this woman to Tristan?

Once they left, I tried to distract myself by selecting a book, but I couldn't focus. My curiosity burned.

Leaving the library, I stepped into the hallway, empty except for Tristan at the far end. He stood with his back to me, holding a glass of wine.

"Don't look at me like that," a soft, seductive voice purred.

"What?"

"Like you want me in your bed," the voice continued, "but I'm not here for that. You know why I came."

"Amara," Tristan murmured.

"I suppose we should discuss the girl," Amara said. "Where is she?"