Chapter 9

-Kit-

The queen introduced me to her friend, and I played for quite a while with all the kittens. Eventually, I chose a tiny tortoiseshell one with orange streaks in, making her resemble a tiger at times. She scratched my neck, but I barely even felt it, I was too happy cuddling her.

Cordiana then took me to the market. Walking through the stores, it hit me how different the human kingdom is from the werewolf one - in the pack, everyone cares for everyone else, so that everyone has enough to live comfortably.

In Karlisle, those living comfortably are the ones with the most power. I don’t like it. All the people who need help will never get it, because the system favours those at the top.

The queen taps my arm, gesturing for me to follow her to a stall. She gets me measured by a man, who then discusses with her what material she would like. She occasionally asks for my input on whether I think a fabric feels nice, or on a certain colour.

Eventually, we leave with the promise of clothing by next week for me. Just as we are about to leave, and I can finally be with my little kitten, Cordiana’s eyes light up at the sight of a stall.

“Sweetie, you and Trynn don’t have any wedding rings - I was wondering why my husband hadn’t organised any, but after the conversation yesterday, I think I know why,” she says, pursing her lips together.

I nod, not entirely sure where this is going. “I know Trynn would be thrilled to have a ring with you. How about we get you measured? I know his size so it won’t be a problem there.”

I nod again, smiling hesitantly. Trynnian and I are currently trying to get to know each other, in sort of the ‘dating’ stage in human culture. Wolves don’t do the same, but we’re trying to go slowly and get to know each other.

The only thing we’re going faster than most on, is physical contact. Trynnian knows I’ve been starved of it for a long time, so he often takes my hand, and we have kissed twice now, including at the wedding.

The lady at the stall wraps something around my finger, scribbling numbers down before taking the queen and I through the different styles and materials of ring. We decide on a simple quartz band, because neither Trynnian nor I like fancy things.

As we get into the carriage again, I notice several people I hadn’t noticed before, emerging from the crowded market also. Fear spikes through me, that something will go wrong, Cordiana will get hurt, and I’ll lose someone again.

But then, the queen greets them, and they all hop into a carriage behind us. Cordiana places a hand on my shoulder, smiling reassuringly. “Relax, Kit. They’re my guards - can’t let the queen and her son-in-law out on the town without some kind of monitoring.”

I blush, feeling a little embarrassed. That hadn’t even occurred to me - in the pack, no one would hurt each other (unless fighting over a mate, but that’s rare) or even think about hurting the alpha’s family. After all, we’re the protectors of the pack.

You failed to protect your people.

What about all those other wolves, who you left to the torture and pain?

Will you one day abandon Trynnian too?

Raking a hand through my hair, I try and hide my hands from Cordiana, so she can’t see their shaking.

She doesn’t notice.

Trynnian would have noticed.

I have to tell him about the wolves again, we have to make sure they’re safe. Clenching my hands so hard my canine claws begin to shift through, puncturing the skin of my palms, I slowly calm down.

I failed them before, but I won’t ever again.

I’m supposed to be the strongest fighter in the werewolf kingdom. Hell, I’m even stronger than my sister, the next alpha. But, I failed.

I should have just died in those prisons, I’ll only make things difficult for Trynnian and his mother.

—————

-Trynnian-

Groaning, I stretch my arms over my head. “Finally done,” I breathe out, relieved to have completed my work load. I hope Kit didn’t get bored.

As soon as I leave my study, a maid leads me to my father’s office. Here we go. Shouldn’t have defied him.

Knocking gently, I wait for his voice before I enter. “Trynnian. Let’s have a talk about that task I told you to do.”

Swallowing thickly, I sit down in one of the chairs available, barely even registering the squeak from the breaking leg as it takes my weight. “I won’t do it,” I say with as much conviction as I can muster.

I’ve never disobeyed the king before.

“I don’t believe that is your choice to make.” His stormy expression turns frigid, before he laces his hands together. I can already feel myself twitching in my seat. Respect wasn’t the only reason I did everything he told me to - he also scared the shit out of me.

“How about I make you a deal? You kill him - tonight, before the werewolf alpha and his envoy arrive next week. Then, it’ll be that much easier to kill the monster leader himself.” The king leans back on his seat, and I can barely breathe, his aura suppressing and smothering my own.

“And, in return, I won’t kill you. It’s your life or his, Trynnian.”

I pretty much knew he was going to say it, but it still hurts. He’s never seen me as his son, I knew it, but it still sends knives through my heart. He raised me since I was seven years old. For the past 16 years, he has been my father. But he was never truly my parent, not in the way my mother is.

“I won’t do it,” I say quietly. It’s not that my feelings for Kit are so strong that I couldn’t do it, but, he doesn’t deserve a life like that. Kit deserves happiness, and I’ll be damned if I take that chance from him.