I followed her eyes as they raked my body, almost like she was undressing me with them.
"Such a pale body you have, are you unwell?"
"You still haven't told me who you are."
"I'm Rose." She placed her hands on her hips, and I hate to admit how attractive she was. "The monarch's whore."
I blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"
"I'm here to satisfy him, but you're still here, so I wonder if we're doing a threesome."
I gasped in disbelief. Did she just say that to my face? Shamelessly too!
"But I doubt you'd survive the fucking. After all, I thought you were dead. I'm surprised you're not broken in two or wait…" Her eyes lit up, and a snort followed like she couldn't contain the amusement. "Did he not fuck you?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but the words hung up.
"Dear goddess, he did not!"
That's it, I've had enough!
I crawled out of the bed, hating how sluggish I was; my body may be light, but I was far too weak right now. I grabbed the cloak on the ground, but Rose was suddenly standing in front of me, halting my attempts to flee.
"The monarch didn't find you desirable, it seems. The thought of bedding a lowlife creature must've been too much for him. A human bride is denigrating enough."
"You're being insulting," I said through clenched teeth.
"But it's the truth, sweetheart. It always hurts, doesn't it?"
"Out of my way," I said as slowly as possible. She may be getting on my nerves, but I shouldn't forget what she was; she could snap me in two if she wanted.
She giggled. "Ease up, human, don't worry, I'll keep his bed warm, I always do a good job." She winked and stepped aside.
I scoffed at her words, ignoring how my chest burned. "Warm it as much as you want. I'm sure his whore is a better partner in bed." I hurried to the entrance, flapping the cloak on.
The sun blinded me the moment I stepped out, causing me to bump into someone. Taking a step back, it was Talia.
"My lady," she greeted, hands reaching out to adjust my cloak more.
I looked around and found Lycans staring even when they pretended they weren't. I've never wanted the ground to swallow me up until now.
"Let's get to the tent."
I was more than eager to follow.
~•~
I stripped out of my nightgown, wanting more than to burn the thing. "I don't want to see that ever again."
"What's this?"
I turned at Talia's words, hugging myself for a little coverage. I thought she would've gotten used to my body after dressing me up last night.
I wasn't just pale-looking but had a delicate frame too, like the wind would hurl me if I were not careful.
I chewed the inside of my mouth, recalling Rose's words. She might be spiteful, but she's right.
I was not desirable. The idea of dressing me for the wedding night was a laughable situation.
"No claw marks or bruises?"
Talia's words pulled me out of my thoughts. Oh, she meant that?
"He was…gentle," I replied as I sank my legs into the water and dipped fully.
"Gentle?" Talia asked in disbelief. "Are you being serious?"
I shrugged.
"You did not bleed either?"
"I cleaned up before I came, I saw you left last night and thought to myself that walking out of the monarch's tent with blood running down my thigh with a camp full of Lycans is not a good idea."
I was thankful to the gods that she agreed with me, judging by her expression. The lie was smooth on my tongue. I didn't want her to know the consummation didn't happen.
"You speak sense, but—"
"I don't want to talk about it anymore, please?" I turned away. "I'm traumatized enough." I pulled my knees to my chest and closed my eyes, hoping she'd just leave me be.
Wedding night or not, it was something I'd never forget. Just like the core memory of my step-sister taking away the puppy I found, claiming it was hers to take. I never saw it again, and I never knew what happened to it.
"Do you want me to leave you alone?"
"Yes."
"As you wish." She walked out.
The water was warm, but I couldn't feel it on my body. Rose's words came forth again like a haunting whisper of a dark truth.
"Damn brew," I murmured under my breath.
That was the only reason I welcomed his touch. I feel so stupid now.
After minutes of soaking to cleanse myself, I got dressed with the help of Talia. I've always dressed on my own, but having her do it made me feel more of a lady than I've in my entire life.
The entire camp was packed and ready to continue our journey to Valkanor. But there was one problem that'd stuck with me since the moment we stepped out. There was no carriage in sight.
"Talia, where is the carriage?"
"I heard murmurs going around that we'll be riding on horseback."
"W-What?"
That doesn't sound too good. The Lycan's horse was twice the size of ours! How on earth are we meant to mount that thing?
"Off we go now, we don't want to be the reason we cause such a delay."
We got closer and I stared at the horse like it was one of my biggest challenges, it was.
Except it wasn't just about mounting the gigantic horse, I've got a fear of them after the day when my stepmother gave me a punishment to clean the stables, one of them got spooked and stomped a maid to death.
Come on, Eloise, how hard can it be? It's not like it's spooked.
I looked over to Talia struggling to climb, and a Lycan tried to help, but she politely declined. After a few tries, she got it, smirking in accomplishment despite being covered in sweat.
I turned back to mine and took a step forward, but the moment I did, the horse neighed, and I found myself backing away in a panicked breath, but my back met a wall instead.