Chapter Forty-Four

Kiandra

I wasn't sure how long we had been traveling. I dozed off multiple times, but when I finally roused, weakened by days without food or water, I heard the unmistakable sound of voices outside. The voices were deep, signaling that they belonged to men. After a while, the wagon started moving again, and I had a sense we were approaching something, although I couldn't quite discern what it was. The road became rougher, and the sounds around me grew more numerous, indicating that we were in a place with more people, possibly a bustling city. I struggled to calm my racing heart and the fiery determination inside me, attempting to grasp the situation. Before I could make sense of it all, the wagon came to a slow halt, and I heard more voices, some of them sounding rougher and possibly in positions of authority.

I didn't get a chance to process what was happening before I heard something being opened. Light filtered through the tiny holes in the fabric, and then hands reached in and grabbed me. I hissed and struggled, but I was still confined within the bag. More voices conversed around me, but my agitation prevented me from comprehending their words. Then the wagon started moving away while I was carried by strong hands. Some of those hands ventured where they shouldn't, and I wriggled and hissed in response, but laughter followed.

Soon, I heard the opening of doors and the sound of boots echoing down hallways. Where was I being taken? Another pair of doors opened, and I felt myself being lowered until my bag touched a cool stone surface.

"What is this?" an unfamiliar voice inquired.

"The Omega."

"Why is she in a bag?"

"The most secure way to transport her."

I heard a deep sigh, as if the person found this mode of transport absurd, and I couldn't help but agree. It had been suffocating.

"Release her," the voice commanded, and the tie above my head was loosened, allowing fresh air to rush in.

Desperate to escape, I scrambled free of the bag, kicking it away before I started assessing my surroundings, trying to make sense of where I was. My gaze first fell on a pair of imposing Alphas standing behind me, adorned in golden armor, appearing to be guards. I then turned my head in the opposite direction and locked eyes with a pair of striking azure orbs.

My mouth fell open in astonishment as I beheld the handsome face before me. His features were impeccably sculpted, with a dark smirk playing on his lips. He wore a golden crown upon his head and sat on a grand, ebony throne adorned with gold accents. His attire was elegant, reminiscent of what my father had worn, although he had never favored such vibrant colors or excessive gold. There was only one person who would flaunt their wealth to such an extent, and the realization sent shivers down my spine.

"Welcome, Omega," the King of the Mainlands greeted me.

"W-Why am I here?" I stammered, my voice quivering.

"I apologize for the rough transport, but you now have a fierce Alpha guarding you," he replied.

"You took me!" I exclaimed.

"I simply wished to meet you."

"You took me!" I repeated.

"Your Alpha was unwilling to allow me a meeting with you. I had to take matters into my own hands."

"Why?" I inquired.

"Because your Alpha would not have been able to cross the ocean without my harbor or my ships! I possess the only place large enough to accommodate the army he needed to bring with him. Do you know what he promised me in return?"

"An Omega," I whispered.

"Indeed, and that promise went unfulfilled. Now he has the audacity to deny me a meeting with the last remaining Omega in these lands," he stated, gesturing toward me. "I believe it is only fair that I borrow his Omega for a while."

"B-Borrow?" I stammered, uncertain of the meaning.

The king smiled and rose from his throne, causing me to retreat, but I bumped into the legs of the guards behind me. The king halted in front of me and extended his hand, though I stared at it with trepidation.

"I apologize for the rough treatment, but there's no need to fear," he reassured me.

Unsure if I believed him but feeling I had little choice, I reluctantly accepted his hand. He helped me to my feet, and when I tried to withdraw, his grip momentarily tightened before he released me.

"Are you hungry?" he inquired.

"Hungry?" I echoed in disbelief.

"Yes, I'm aware that you're eating for two. I'm sure you must be famished, and I am sure you wish to bathe as well," he pointed out with a knowing look.

"You know I'm pregnant?" I inquired, surprised.

"Well, the news spread quite fast, but also, I can smell it," he replied matter-of-factly. I momentarily forgot just how keen an Alpha's senses could be. The king might not have the rough appearance and imposing stature of the High Alphas, but I couldn't underestimate him. He was no weak Alpha, and I needed to be cautious around him until Cartan arrived to retrieve me.

"Well?" he prompted.

"I could eat," I replied, attempting to appear amiable and accommodating.

"Wonderful," he responded before gesturing for me to follow him.

I trailed behind him, leaving the guards behind as we exited the grand throne room. I stumbled slightly, feeling a bit unsteady on my legs. The king reached out to assist me, but the moment his hand touched me, I instinctively pulled away. I couldn't bring myself to trust him at all.

"I don't want you to fall," he said softly. "You're carrying something precious."

I didn't like the way he phrased it, but I forced a small smile onto my lips as we walked through the sprawling castle. I was well aware of his family's history, and they were notorious for their harsh rule. I had to maintain my distance from the king to ensure he wouldn't subject me to the same fate as the Omegas who once resided here.

The king led me to a room bustling with servants whom he instructed to clean and dress me in fresh garments. I couldn't contain my excitement, given the state of disarray my attire had been in after the arduous journey. There had been no breaks to relieve myself, leaving me to soil clothes. Once I had emerged from the chamber, the king motioned for me to follow him, guiding me to a magnificent dining room where an opulent feast had already been meticulously prepared.

I noted how late in the day it was. How much time had passed since I was taken? I couldn't determine, and I was uncertain how the king had managed to infiltrate the camp to secure my capture. I knew I needed answers, so as we sat down and he offered me food and drink, I adopted a pleasant demeanor, trying to appear as open as possible.

"I truly didn't intend for you to be handled in such a manner. I merely wished to meet you," the king explained, and I waited until he took a bite of food before eating myself.

"I believe you, but next time you wish to speak with an Omega, perhaps sending a letter to request a meeting would be more appropriate," I suggested, seeing the king smile.

While I couldn't recall his exact age, I believed he was a year or two younger than Cartan. However, there was something about his eyes that made him seem older, as though a more seasoned being peered through his azure gaze. It served as a warning for me to be cautious around him. His youth didn't diminish his intelligence.

"Omega, you possess a strong will, challenging an Alpha in such a manner," he remarked.

"Well, my sisters taught me to be confident."

"And where might they be?" he inquired, his cunning smile widening.

"I … don't know."

"Do not lie to me. Let's be honest. I want us to be friends," he declared.

"Friends? Does that mean you won't touch me?"

"Do not be afraid, Princess Kiandra. I have no desire to touch you. You already have an Alpha, and I don't want to make an enemy of Cartan."

"Then perhaps you shouldn't have taken his Omega," I pointed out.

"I admit it was a risky move, but I'm confident he will understand."

"How so?"

"Because while Cartan was successful in finding you princesses, he also lost them. Now none of us know where they might be," he explained.

"That's not true. I told Cartan where they might be."

"Yes? And has he found them yet?" the king challenged, causing me to stare at the food in front of me.

"No..."

"Exactly, and I think I know why."

"Why?"

"Because it shouldn't be an Alpha scouting for them out. It should be an Omega. Alphas share a deep connection with one another, as do Betas, but Omegas share one too," he elucidated.

"I'm aware."

"I don't believe Cartan is very motivated to find the other Omegas now that he has you," he insinuated.

"I think he is, because I failed to recognize the danger I put my sisters in. I genuinely believe he wishes to locate them to ensure their safety," I asserted. "You shouldn't doubt my Alpha. He will find them."

The king smiled, yet there was something dark lurking behind that smile that sent a shiver down my spine.

"You see, I don't actually doubt him, but I also know where his loyalty lies," the king explained.

"With you?" I asked.

"With his clan."