MAY I COME IN?

Days passed yet Alexander's words still played in my head. The first day has been the hardest especially with Lymah's excitement from the rejection. She kept saying words like the king was different because he was the moon goddess's match, which annoyed me.

I wouldn't blame her though. I had rational thoughts because of what I've been through, but she was defenseless against the bond. The mating bond was among her purpose for existence, something she had been looking forward to for a while now. Still, it was frustrating to hear her go against my decision.

Alexander's refusal to my proposal wasn't helping too. I should be out of this place - his territory - trying to heal my broken heart, not getting more comfortable by the princess treatments I received here.

I closed my eyes slowly to the feel of the warm water against the skin. Now my injuries were almost healed, I could enjoy things like baths alone.

For more than two days, I was assigned a maid by my mate to help me with this, and it was embarrassing to have another person wash me like I was a child. Still, I accepted the offer cause it was impossible to wash myself with the level of pain I was enduring.

"My lady, are you okay? It's been an hour since you've been in there," Amaris's sweet, tiny voice broke through my thoughts.

She was the maid assigned by Alexander to me.

I hated the way she treated me with so much carefulness like making a mistake could cost her life, but I didn't complain. Not because I couldn't, but because I didn't want to get invioved with anyone here.

It was better not to get involved since I was planning on leaving. I was going to make Alexander reject me one way or the other; I don't care what he said the last time we spoke.

"I'm okay," I assured Amaris who I could sense was getting worried as I pushed myself from the bath tub. The warm water cascaded off my skin and I dried myself with the towel.

Dressed in the simple, yet elegant clothes that Amaris laid out for me, I stared at my reflection from the ceiling-to-floor mirror in my room. I can't remember the last time I was dressed so beautifully.

The dress was a soft peach that complemented my milky skin, the fabric flowing gracefully around my body. It was simple, yet elegant. A gown meant for the high class.

All while I was Damian's bride, I hadn't tried something this lovely.

I turned slightly, admiring the way the gown moved with me, the way it shimmered under the light in the room. I was so caught up with what I was doing that I forgot Amaris was still with me until I heard her compliment.

"My lady, you look absolutely stunning."

I could hear the sincerity in her voice and a playful smile made it's way to my lips.

The smile vanished when my heart beat spike as I sensed him. The knob of my closet door clicked softly. I knew who stood behind the door before the person even walked into the room.

Alexander stood by the door. I felt naked as his eyes brushed over every inch of my body, and heat crawled on my skin, before his eyes finally met mine.

"May I come in?"