The knot in her stomach grew as the day progressed, particularly when she realized she only had one more night until their wedding night. What if her physical response to him didn’t change? Even though she had been forced to spend nights with Maddoc, she had been aroused each time, even when he had grabbed her roughly and touched her however he wanted. The idea of Ryden touching her made her want to shrink away, and that confused her. Something was wrong.
While those thoughts revolved, Ana went through the motions of the announcement with the houses; gifts were given, compliments were made, and empty promises were hinted at. She kept the smile on her face the whole time, playing the part she had been brought up to play by her parents. Except this time it felt… odd. She felt different and out of place. Only two nights ago she’d spread her legs for one of the most feared and despised men known to the kingdom, found bliss humping on his cock and screamed for more. Since then, it felt as though something inside her was broken, and the rest of her reality was fracturing too.
As they arrived at the final royal house on the tour Ana pushed all other thoughts out of her mind. The knowledge that House Sterling was so combative with the house she was marrying into made her nervous. Even Ryden was quiet in the carriage on the way there.
Once inside, the visit didn’t feel like the other houses. The display of wealth was almost obnoxious, and though everyone made all the right noises and said the right words, a hint of something unsavory tinged the air. Gazes lingered on her too long, and conversation stopped or changed when she moved into earshot.
Keeping an eye on Ryden for a signal of when they would be leaving, Ana forced herself to sip her wine and smile at the women standing around her pretending to be polite, but her mind drifted back to Maddoc, and her nipples began to tingle. She had to wonder whether Betas had the same experience of sex as Omegas and Alphas. Could anyone in the room even understand that kind of intense feeling—uncontrollable, raw, carnal, distinctive?
Then she remembered. There was.
Ana glanced around, looking for the Omega that lived here. She couldn’t recall her name, though she could remember what she looked like when she attended the Omega session a few years ago.
“Let’s not crowd the princess, Ladies,” a smooth voice called out
Ana turned to see Duchess Heloise approaching her, and she froze in place, her whole body tensing. Heloise was known to be one of the most outspoken, rude, and ruthless members of the entire royal assembly. Her eyes were quick and her tongue sharp, even though she seemed unassuming and always held a smile on her face. In court, Ana always winced when Heloise stood to debate or discuss anything—she’d even been rude to Father more than once.
“Congratulations, Princess,” the duchess said, flicking her hand to dismiss the other women standing around Ana. “It’s so rewarding to see our perfect princess on the eve of her wedding day. You have so much to look forward to, but I’m sure you are tired of talking about the wedding.” Her eyes sparkled. “I am curious about why it has suddenly been moved forward. Nothing to do with the Royal Promise, I hope.”
Ana’s heart began to pound, but she kept herself relaxed. She had been expecting something like this. “My wedding has been planned for years, Duchess. Bringing it forward a few weeks is nothing remarkable. I would simply like to enter my twenty-second birthday as Ryden’s wife and mate.”
“I can believe that,” the duchess said, pursing her lips. “But I’m not as foolish as a commoner.” Her eyes narrowed slyly. “Tell me about your nights with the outlaw. I’m sure they were very… interesting. A big, hulking Alpha like that, I’m sure much happened in that room.” She leaned forward. “And I’m sure Duke Ryden is upset about it? Is that why the wedding was moved forward?”
For a moment Ana couldn’t speak. What was she supposed to say to such direct questioning?
The duchess lowered her voice. “You didn’t say the outlaw’s name while you were with Ryden did you? Alphas can be so territorial.”
Ana took a slow sip of her wine, ignoring the heat that flushed her cheeks. If she said the wrong thing, her words would be twisted out of context and Ryden’s reputation would be affected. She thought back to her father and his time in front of the court. How would he deal with it? She just didn’t know. Taking a breath, she thought back to her conversation with Ryden that morning, and a sharp realization came to her. “I don’t know that I’ve ever given the impression that I engage in idle gossip, Duchess,” she said, keeping her voice light. “I don’t. And I don’t appreciate any mention of the outlaw in my presence, for obvious reasons.”
The duchess’ smile faded, and a fierce glare bloomed in her eyes.
“I thought that, this being my wedding announcement, the houses would try to endear themselves to me, not offend me and have me find any reason to exclude them from favorable treatment by the crown when I am queen.”
The duchess’ glare hardened, and her body stiffened, her hands clasping her glass tight enough to make the tips of her fingers white.
“Is that what you wish for? Are you trying to find ways to offend me, Duchess?” Ana asked the question purposefully slowly like she’d seen Father do, then she tilted her head as if pondering her own words.
“No, Your Majesty.” The duchess spoke with formality but through gritted teeth. “I apologize.”
Ana smiled. “Good.” She glanced around. “I’m looking for the Omega that lives in this residence, do you know where I can find her?”
At that, the duchess’ smile returned. “Yes, of course.” Raising a hand, she called over a servant. “Take Princess Ana to see Leoma.”
Ana gave the duchess an obvious fake smile. “Until next time,” she said in farewell.
The duchess returned the smile, with one just as fake. “I look forward to our next talk, Your Majesty.”
Ana followed the servant through the crowded room to double doors on the other side. They headed up a wide, winding staircase until they reached the floor above, then traveled through another wing before coming to a halt outside cream doors with golden handles.
Knocking loudly, the servant waited for a call before opening the door. “Introducing Princess Ana,” he announced before stepping back and allowing her through.
Highly decorated with plush seats, chandeliers, furniture, and golden fittings, the room was an extravagant show of wealth. In the center a young woman sat on a wide soft bench, dressed just as elaborately as the women downstairs. Leoma was outfitted in a maroon gown, heavy jewelry, and her curly cinnamon-colored hair was wound up in a sophisticated plait. Ana was surprised how mature she looked from when she’d last seen her, but they had all been younger.
Excitement burst onto Leoma’s face as soon as she saw Ana, and she jumped up from her seat. She paused, as though she had only just remembered she was wearing a dress and then lifted her skirts so she could walk quickly.
“Princess Ana,” she almost squealed. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again. I cannot believe that you requested to see me!” She stopped in front of Ana, seemingly unsure what to do. She curtsied and then held her hand out awkwardly, but Ana smiled and took both of her hands in her own.
“Of course I’d want to see you,” she said. “Why wouldn’t I?”