s the palace maids adjusted the bodice of the dress they'd forced me into. The gown was a deep crimson, its silky fabric clung against my skin. It was an omega color, a reminder of my place, my purp

something about tonight made the words sting sharper. Maybe because, deep down, I feared they were right. From the far end of the room, seated upon a throne-like chair at the head of the table, was Lycan King Leofric, my captor. His gaze met mine, dead, golden eyes darkened by something I couldn't make. He lounged in his chair as if utterly at ease. A maid pulled out a chair beside him, motioning for me to sit. I hesitated for only a second before moving forward, feeling the hushed whispers trailing after me like ghosts. As soon as I settled into my seat, a goblet of wine was placed before me. I didn't touch it. "Drink," Leofric's voice was low. "You'll need it." I turned to him, meeting his gaze with a quiet smirk. "To dull my senses?" "To keep your throat from drying when you speak." His lips curled slightly. "You're not to sit in silence tonight." Across the table, a noble cleared his throat, drawing my attention. He was a broad-shouldered Alpha with brown hair, his smirk dripping with condescension. "A fine choice, Your Majesty. Though I must admit, I never expected you to take an Omega for more than breeding purposes." Laughter rippled through the hall. "An Omega seated next to His Majesty in a Royal gathering? That's such an eyesore!" Another cussed through his teeth, drinking his fill, while laughter rippled through the hall again. I curled my fingers around the stem of the goblet, my nails biting into the metal. A calculated insult. "But what did they mean by saying an Omega wasn't supposed to attend such gatherings? Why did Leofric bring me here?" I thought, narrowing my eyes as I glanced at him. They expected me to lower my head, to accept my place in silence. Instead, I smiled. "And I never expected nobles to be so interested in another man's bedchamber." I tilted my head. "Or are you merely envious, Alpha Liam? Lord Oric?" The laughter that followed was different, laced with amusement at Alpha Liam's expense. His smirk faltered, eyes rolled in irrit