Cassia's POV
He left the hall and after a while I also left the hall. The thought of him refused to leave my mind and I needed some time alone.
"Brother what are you doing?" Just as I turned into a corner I heard the Alpha prince's voice and In Front of him was Darius.
They stood in the dimly lit hallway beyond the council chambers, their voices hushed but loud enough for me to hear them.
I should have left.
I should have turned around the moment I saw them.
But something kept me rooted to the spot, hidden behind the grand pillars of the palace corridor.
"You're making a mistake."
Alpha Kael's voice was cold as he said those words.
"There's nothing I can do, It's done, Kael." Darius exhaled.
"It shouldn't be."
I held my breath, pressing myself against the pillar, heart hammering.
"You think you can marry a human and not suffer the consequences?" Kael continued. "She doesn't belong here, Darius. She never will."
A lump formed in my throat at the words.
"I don't need a lecture from you," Darius snapped. "This is about the treaty… not about love."
"Don't insult me." Kael's voice became high pitched with each word . "This is about her. You know it. I know it. And soon, the entire court will know it too."
For a second, I thought Darius might defend me. Might say something, anything to prove Kael wrong, but he didn't.
"It doesn't matter," Darius said finally.
"Doesn't matter?" Kael scoffed. "When she breaks? When they tear her apart the moment you no longer care to protect her?"
"This isn't about protecting her," Darius said. "It's about power. And if taking a human bride gives Lysoria hope for peace and also gives me their support, then so be it."
I felt sick.
"She is not your pawn," Kael growled.
"She is exactly that," Darius corrected.
I couldn't listen anymore.
I turned away, stepping back, but my foot caught the edge of the rug.
The slightest sound echoed in the hallway, enough for Kael's head to snap toward me and our eyes met, but before he'd say a thing I turned and ran.
I didn't stop running until I reached my chambers. I barely made it inside before the door slammed open behind me. I spun, chest heaving up and down and there he was.
Kael.
"You shouldn't eavesdrop, Princess." He murmured.
I lifted my chin, ignoring the burn in my throat. "You shouldn't speak of me as if I'm not worth more than a political move."
"At this point that's exactly what you are."
A sharp pain shot through my chest, but I refused to let it show.
"Then why are you here?" I shot back. "Why do you care so much if I'm nothing?"
"I don't." His jaw ticked.
It was a lie, I could see it, feel it.
"Stay away from me, Kael."
I tried to shove past him, but he caught my wrist.
His grip was tight, his warmth searing into my skin.
"Do you have any idea what kind of world you just walked into?" He asked with a low snarl in his voice. "They will chew you up and spit you out, and Darius, your precious fiancé will watch without lifting a finger."
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
I felt thousands of needles being pierced into my heart.
"Let me go."
His fingers twitched. For a moment, I thought he wouldn't but he did.
I stepped back, my breathing shaky.
"You don't know me," I whispered.
"No," Kael murmured. "But I know how this ends."
He turned and walked away and I hated that some part of me wanted him to stay.
Gods help me.