Chapter 17
Aaliyah
"Because you are the King," I said, taking a step forward then he grabbed my wrist.
"Am I not allowed to leave the library?" I asked, tilting my head.
"Not until I am sure you are no longer angry," he said.
"I don't like that you think you own me," I said, frowning.
He opened his mouth to respond when the door suddenly opened, and a guard stepped in.
"Your Grace," the guard bowed his head.
Sensing that my presence was no longer needed, I left the library.
Stepping inside my room, I headed for the balcony. I exhaled sharply, raising my head to the blue sky. I would be getting married to Tristan soon.
A knot formed in my throat. I needed to find a way to escape from this house before the wedding. I felt restless. How could I plan my escape when I wasn't allowed to leave the house?
Should I open up to Hayley? What if she doesn't agree? Even if she helped me escape, Tristan would hurt her the minute he found out she was the reason for my departure.
Exhaustion washed over me as I sat down on the chair. I stared across the tall fence. There was nothing but forest outside. No houses nearby.
Footsteps drew my attention, and when I looked down, I saw the man I had seen in the painting—Tristan's brother. He walked alone, disappearing through a narrow gate at the other end of the fence.
…..
After spending two more days in this house, I was slowly becoming familiar with every corners. I spent most of my time with Hayley in the garden or in the library. When Tristan had visitors, I would retreat to my room.
Stepping outside to the balcony with a cup of coffee, I saw Tristan dressed in a black suit and trousers. He was staring at a man who had just stepped out of a black car. Guards followed behind the man as he moved closer to Tristan.
"Enjoying the afternoon view?" a voice spoke up from behind me.
I froze, clenching the cup as I slowly turned around to see Hayley. She wasn't alone—Noah was with her.
"Figured you might be bored staying indoors all day while my dearest brother is busy with guests," Hayley said.
I turned to look down at Tristan and saw that he was staring at me. A cold chill swept through me from the intensity of his gaze. He returned his focus to the man, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Your Grace," the man bowed his head. He was a middle-aged man with a bald head and golden skin.
"Harvey," Tristan replied.
"I have brought urgent news," the man murmured.
Tristan glanced at me before turning back to the man. "How about we go to my office?"
"Sure."
The man was about to raise his head when Tristan led him out of sight.
"I was really bored," I said.
"We could go to the library. What do you think?"
"Then let's head there," I said, taking a sip of coffee before leaving the balcony.
As we walked down the hallway, I turned to Hayley, who was absorbed in her phone.
"Do you need something?" Noah asked.
"Who is he?" I asked. "The man with Tristan."
"He's from the Council," Noah replied. "A very good friend of Tristan's father, the former King."
"Tell me more about the former King," I said.
"He was the King of Lycans," Noah replied.
I gave him a look, indicating that I was listening and wanted him to continue, but he just smiled.
"I know he was the former King of Lycans until Tristan killed him," I said. "I want to hear more."
"He told you that he killed his father?" Noah asked.
"Yes."
"Well that was weird of him," Noah said, "the former King was a ruthless, cruel ruler. I guess King Tristan inherited most of his traits."
We entered the library, and Hayley walked toward the couch, still on her phone. I stared at her, wondering what I would do first once I got a new phone. Should I call Beta Larry and tell him about my wedding to Tristan? What would he say?
I tried to imagine his expression when he would found out I was marrying Tristan. Larry would be furious, especially since he once confessed his feelings for me and I turned him down. That was the night I lost my virginity to him.
The beeping sound from Hayley's phone pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Noah seated close to Hayley, also on his phone.
Suddenly, Hayley stood up, and Noah followed. She had a serious expression on her face as she walked up to me.
"Do not step out of the library until I return," she said firmly.
"Is there a problem?" I asked.
"We have a visitor," she replied, "an important one, and Tristan wouldn't want you to be seen by her."
"Her?" I asked. "Who is this important person?"
Was Tristan secretly involved with this woman?
"An old friend," Hayley replied. "Please do not leave the library until I'm back."
"What about Noah? Is he leaving me here?"
"He's coming with me."
The urgency in her voice made it seem like Hayley was afraid of this woman. Who could she be to Tristan?
Hayley left the library with Noah. I walked toward the shelf and took a book that caught my interest. But as I tried to read, I felt restless. I was more determined to find out who this woman was.
I pressed my lips into a straight line as I put the book down. Taking a step forward, I walked out of the room and found the hallway empty. But when I turned to the other side, I spotted Tristan. He was holding a glass, his back facing me.
"Don't look at me like that," a soft, seductive voice spoke up.
"What?"
"Like you want me in your bed," the voice said. "But I'm not here for that. You know why I came."
"Amara."
"I suppose we should be discussing the girl," Amara said. "Where is she?"