Page 48

“Breakfast is ready, Your Highness,” he said with a flirtatious wink.

I forced my lips to spread into a small smile. “Okay. Thank you. I’ll be right down.”

He puckered his lips and made a smooching sound before ducking back out into the hall.

With wobbly legs, I climbed off the bed and crossed the hall to my room. I didn’t feel like wearing a dress today, but I had to act like everything was normal. If I wore anything that hinted at function over fashion, they might get suspicious. So, I put on a simple summer dress with little frill—one that would be easy to run in if needed.

Then I brushed out my hair, leaving it down, and took my time joining them downstairs.

Just like last night, the dining room table was set with care. In the center was a big tray of scrambled eggs, bread, and various jams from the pantry.

Jax pulled out my chair for me before returning to his seat to my right, brushing his hand lightly down my arm as he did so. I hated how good it felt to be touched by him. How it made my insides feel like molten lava.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked as he spooned a large helping of eggs onto my plate.

“Yes,” I said, picking up my fork. The eggs smelled delicious, but my appetite was non-existent.

“Are you alright?” Tannin asked, his brows pinching in concern.

“Uh, yes, why?” I asked awkwardly.

“You just seem...a little reserved today,” he said. “Did we hurt you?”

Yes. More deeply than you’ll ever know.

“No,” I lied with a sugary smile. “I’m just tired, and honestly a bit sore from...you know...” The memories heated my cheeks, and I hated myself even more.

Tannin pouted sweetly and nodded. “I’m sorry. If it was too much for you, we can slow things down.”

Jax reached over and put his hand on my arm, rubbing his thumb back and forth. “Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priority. Whatever you need or want from us, just say it.”

I want you to leave, call off your pack, and never come back.

But even as the words shot through my thoughts, I couldn’t speak them aloud. I knew they were a lie. I didn’t want them to leave me. They’d lied to me, manipulated me, and used me, but I still craved them like a woman lost in the desert craved water.

The look in his eyes was so sincere. I wanted to believe him.

I nodded and tucked my hair behind my ear. “Yeah, I think maybe slowing things down a bit would be good. At least for now. It’s kind of a lot to process.” I gave a nervous giggle.

“Of course,” Jax said. “You’re our mate, and it’s our job to keep you happy and safe.”

“Do you really mean that?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

A serious expression fell over his face. “With all my heart.” After holding my gaze meaningfully for a long moment, he patted my arm and removed his hand.

They were both still staring at me like I was a sheet of broken glass about to shatter, so I poked my fork into a clump of egg and put it in my mouth. That seemed to satisfy them, and they began eating as well.

I wanted so badly to trust what they were saying to me now. They had said they would protect me from their pack, who obviously all wanted me dead. Jax was their Alpha, their leader. If he vouched for me, would they accept me? Would our mate bond be enough for them to spare me?

But even if that did happen, I wouldn’t be the princess of Varinya anymore. No matter what, I’d lose my kingdom. I didn’t want to be part of their black wolf pack. Surrendering to them would be the ultimate betrayal of everything my bloodline stood for.

I wasn’t sure I could relinquish my possibly meaningless title just to survive among primitive monsters who hated me. And even if they did pretend to accept me, they might still slaughter me in my sleep while Tannin and Jax had their backs turned.

No, there was only one right course of action. Only one way to preserve the sanctity of my kingdom’s legacy.

I had to proceed with my original plan, and that was to coax Jax and Tannin outside the castle walls, then leave them there to greet their pack on arrival.

How were my supposed mates going to explain to their people that Varinya was now off limits? Once my magical boundary went up, there was no way they were ever getting back inside.