Chapter 39

VALKYRIE

~“Follow it... Just follow it, and you will see it.”~

~“Yes, follow it... There it is.”~

~“Let us guide you toward your destiny.”~

I jerk awake, my heart pounding. What was that dream?

I clutch my chest, trying to slow my racing heart.

I blink against the soft light filtering through the windows. The sun is rising, signaling the start of a new day.

I glance around, realizing I’m alone. I lift the heavy fur blanket and immediately tense. I quickly cover myself again, frowning. Then, looking down, I uncover myself again. Why am I naked?

I tilt my head, trying to remember what happened last night. Did I sleep naked?

I frown deeper. What happened?

I can’t seem to remember. My mind is still filled with those voices. They were so clear this time. Sighing, I decide to get up and start my day.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I stand up but immediately double over in pain. Blood trickles down my thighs. My period?

No, this is different. It hurts more, and there’s a burning sensation. I steady myself against the furniture, making my way to the bath.

I take a deep breath, careful not to slip as I step into the water. I wince as the warm water touches my sensitive area. I let out the breath I was holding, leaning back against a rock.

I close my eyes, taking several deep breaths until I finally feel calm. But then, my eyes snap open.

“Dimitri...,” I whisper, remembering last night. I blush, the steam from the bath making the room feel stuffy.

“Did we?” I ask myself.

The memory of his touch, his hand, how I screamed his name and how he made me feel is enough to make me want to hide. Then, remembering myself, I squeal in disbelief.

“I’m no longer a virgin...,” I mumble.

“That’s for sure!” a voice suddenly says, making me jump and scream.

I turn toward the voice and see Mia, looking excited. I cringe at her bright smile. This isn’t what I need right now.

“You both finally did it. It’s about time,” Mia says, walking over to me and crouching down.

“What do you mean by time?” I ask shyly.

“Well, the king has been holding back out of respect. And last night, it seems like he got what he’s been desiring,” Mia says, ruffling my hair.

“How do you know?” I ask her.

Mia smirks. Why do I have a feeling I won’t like her answer?

“Mia?” I call again.

“Don’t worry your little head about it. Now get a nice bath, and then I will help you change,” Mia says, standing up and waving a small goodbye.

I watch her leave. What did Mia mean by not worrying?

Just as I thought, I don’t like her answer. Still, everyone in the palace greets me cheerfully. Some even give me small gifts. What is happening?

Mia keeps a mischievous grin on her face as she leads me to the hall for breakfast. I ask her twice what’s going on, but she just smiles.

I’m getting frustrated by the lack of answers. The guards open the golden doors, and I freeze as I look toward the table.

I lock eyes with a man with red eyes. Why is he here? Irene and Prince Cian are sitting across from each other, and Michael is next to Cian.

There are other strangers scattered around the room. My eyes return to the man I met before. Casen.

His red eyes are still locked on mine. Again, that familiar feeling in my heart. Why is he here? Is he with Irene?

Suddenly, I feel a push on my lower back. I turn to see who it is.

“Morning, my queen,” Dimitri whispers, sending a shiver down my spine. Surprised by his presence, I push him away. Mia and everyone else look at me in shock.

I clear my throat, avoiding his gaze. I didn’t mean to, but I’m feeling uncomfortable. His presence is making my body tingle, and that surprises me.

“Time to have breakfast!” Damian yells, stretching. Leo is by his side. Noticing the tension, Damian looks at us. Then, raising an eyebrow, he walks past Dimitri and grabs my arm.

“Let’s go,” he says cheerfully.

I glance at Dimitri, then follow Damian to the table. Once Dimitri sits down, everyone starts eating. Sitting on his right, I glance at my food.

I’m not really hungry, but I can feel Dimitri’s eyes on me. If I don’t eat something, he’ll start lecturing me about my diet.

Sighing, I start eating my fruit. Damian’s hand moves to my arm, and he gives it a light squeeze. I look up at him. He winks and smiles. I frown at him. Why is he so happy?

Distracted, I hear someone clear their throat. I turn to see who it is. Irene is looking at me.

She seems to be struggling to find the right words as her eyes move down my chest. Feeling self-conscious, I pull my dress up a bit to cover my mark.

“That mark,” Irene says, frowning at me. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Irene!” Prince Cian growls.

“Haven’t you seen it?” Irene retorts, “That…”

Prince Cian slams his hand on the table, glaring at her. Irene bows her head, her eyes wide.

“We all know,” Michael says, unfazed by Irene and Prince Cian’s argument. “So calm down, mate.”

Shocked, I turn to look at Dimitri. He’s smiling.

“Mate?” I whisper, looking at Michael.

“Yeah, Irene is both Cian’s and my mate. We share her,” Michael clarifies.

“Huh,” I manage to utter.

“Are you guys seriously not going to say anything about her mark?” Irene demands, rising to her feet. Her body trembles with fury. “Cian! Didn’t you mention she could be your mate because you kissed her?”

My spoon clatters to the floor as I gape at her in shock. What did she just blurt out?

“What the hell did you just say?” a growl rumbles next to me. I whip my head around to see Dimitri. His face is twisted with rage.

“IRENE!” Michael barks this time.

Caught up in watching them, I’m taken by surprise when someone yanks my arm. I let out a scream as the grip on my arm tightens.

“D-Dimitri?” I stutter, fear creeping in.

“What the hell is she talking about? Care to explain?” Dimitri hisses, seething with anger.

“Take it easy, Dimitri,” Damian interjects, rising to his feet and reaching for his hand. “We haven’t heard the full story. Don’t jump to conclusions.”

“Back off, Damian. This is between my mate and me!” Dimitri retorts, yanking me off the chair. I clutch his hand, squirming in an attempt to loosen his grip.

“What’s going on here?” Damian questions Prince Cian, who remains silent. His arms are folded across his chest as he just listens.

“Cian?” Leo prompts, but Cian remains silent.

As Dimitri’s grip tightens, panic sets in. If he doesn’t let go, he’ll break my arm.

“Tell them, Cian!” Irene demands, her voice nearing a shout.

Suddenly, a loud growl echoes through the room, but it’s not Dimitri’s. Everyone’s heads whip toward the source. Casen is huffing with anger, his hands clenched into fists.

“Enough!” Casen grumbles, sending a shiver down my spine. What was that?

“Stay out of it!” Damian snaps at him. Rising to his feet, he grips the table. Cracks begin to form as Casen’s growl intensifies.

Now Damian and Casen are locked in a glaring contest.

“S-stop it!” I plead, gathering all my courage. Dimitri’s grip on my arm remains firm. I try to ignore the pain as I plead with my eyes.

“Don’t you dare beg me!” Dimitri snarls. “It seems you and that jerk have something going on.”

Dimitri’s eyes rake over my body. I watch in horror as he looks at me with disgust.

“Whore!” Dimitri spits out like venom. Something inside me snaps, and I slap him across the face. The sound echoes through the room as everyone stares at us in shock.

Dimitri stands there, stunned.

“Don’t you dare call me a whore. You jerk. Because the one who’s slept around more is you, not me. Need I remind you how you fucked Lilly?” I retort, seething with anger.

I wrench my arm away and glare at him, tears welling up in my eyes. “I swear, if you disrespect me again, I’m leaving you!”