Chapter 16
Aaliyah
"So many rooms in this house for just one man," I said as we ascended the stairs.
"I am the King," he smirked. "Most of the rooms in this house are not in use."
He halted, turning to me as he pointed to the other side. "That's my office."
"And what about your room?"
"My room is next to yours," he replied.
He turned the knob of a door, stepping inside the room. My eyes widened as I looked around in surprise. The library was enormous, with various books stacked on the shelves.
"This is the library," he said. "Whether you're looking for the history of Lycans or werewolves, it has everything you need."
The top shelf could only be accessed by a ladder, which rested against the wall. There was a long white couch situated nearby.
"So many books," I murmured, moving closer as I raised my hand to trace the spines. Many of the books were covered in a fine layer of dust.
"This library was created many years ago by my grandfather," he said.
"How long has this building been here?" I asked.
"More than a thousand years," he replied. "When a new King is crowned, the house is rebuilt. But this library is old."
He took out a book from the shelf, flipping it open. "Do you like to read?"
"I love reading," I said. "What about you?"
He shook his head. "I am not a fan of reading books. But Hayley loves to read."
"Can I come here anytime I want?" I asked.
He frowned slightly. "Who says you aren't allowed to venture here?"
"You locked me in my room this morning," I said.
"For your own safety."
"From what?"
"Soon you will understand," he said, placing the book back on the shelf. "But until then, you'll live under my rules."
"First, you flew me from my pack against my will, you announced our marriage without my approval, and now I have to live under your rules?"
"I saved you," he said, raising his hand to caress my cheek.
I frowned, taking his hand away as I stepped backward. "From my pack?" I scoffed.
"The minute I left you there, you know what would have happened," he said. "The people would not have spared you."
"I was next in line to become the Alpha," I said. "They wouldn't have hurt me."
"You know that's not true."
"And what is true? You bringing me here and announcing me as your wife?" I asked. "This is not the kind of life I wished for myself."
He took a step closer. "Aaliyah."
"I'm fine," I said before he could reach out to touch my face. "What are your rules?"
"You are free to go anywhere within this house and its grounds. But you are not allowed to venture to the next house in this estate."
"Why?"
"My brother," he said. "I do not trust him fully."
"And what about Hayley?"
"I trust her," he replied. "And you are also not allowed to leave this gate until after our marriage."
"Why must I wait until we're married?"
"I have a lot of enemies, little mouse," he replied. "The people know we are not married yet, and they'll use that as a means to strike at you given any chance. Once you are announced as my wife, they'll know better than to mess with you. But until then, they'll see you as a little wolfless girl."
"How do you know I am wolfless?"
"I can smell you, little mouse," he said. "The minute we met, I smelled you were human."
"Interesting," I said, slowly turning away from him. "Are you finished?"
"Last one," he said. "You're not allowed to approach the throne room or my office when I'm with someone or having a meeting."
I frowned, clenching my jaw. I shouldn't be bothered by his rules. Instead, I should be thinking about my escape from this house because there was no way I would marry him. He has a lot of enemies, enemies who would come after me after our marriage. Even his brother—he didn't trust him.
"Are we clear?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied. "Can I return to my room?"
Not waiting for his response, I turned around and began walking when he suddenly appeared in front of me.
"What?"
"Why do I smell sadness in you?"
I shook my head. "No, you are mistaken. I feel angry."
"Ali," he called out.
"What else do you want?"
"Our marriage," he said. "We need to talk about it."
"I understand we will be marrying soon. What more should we be talking about?"
"It's going to be a huge one, as you know I am the King of Lycans," he said.
"Is that all?"
"What shall I offer you in exchange for your happiness?" he asked. "I do not like that you are not in a good mood."
"Home," I said. "I want to go home and be announced as the Alpha after my brother. I want to bury my brother. He died because of me."
"The Beta has already been announced as the Alpha."
"Then at least let me see my brother one last time before he is buried."
"Are you not familiar with the traditions of werewolves and Lycans?" he asked. "Your brother was buried the minute we left the pack."
My eyes fell on the couch, and I walked forward, sitting on it.
"I would invite the tailor to take your measurements for the wedding gown," he said. "You will be allowed to choose your style for the gown."
"But what if the people reject me as Queen? I am a mere human with healing powers," I said.
"That would be treason against you, my Queen, and I will kill anyone who speaks against your rule."
"I need my phone."
"You will get a new one after the wedding."
"Are there any more rules, Your Grace?" I asked, rising from the couch.
He smirked. "Your Grace?"
"You are the King."
"Why do I find you calling me that title interesting?" he smiled.