Chapter 3 Framed and Banished by the False Princess

Elara's POV

The corridors felt longer on the way back to the servants' quarters.

My legs shook with every step, but I kept my spine straight until the heavy oak door of the maids' dormitory closed behind me. Only then did I let myself slump against the wall, sliding down until I sat on the cold stone floor.

My chest still ached where the bond had torn. Not the sharp, ripping pain from the hall anymore-just a deep, hollow bruise that throbbed with every heartbeat. My dress clung uncomfortably to my skin, champagne and sweat and shame all mixed together. I could still feel the ghost of Darius's hand on my waist, the heat of his body pressed against mine, the low rumble of his voice promising things I refused to let myself imagine.

I pressed my palms to my eyes until spots danced behind my lids.

No.

I wouldn't cry again. Not over a king who looked at me like I was dirt one second and like he wanted to devour me the next.

The dormitory was quiet. Most of the maids were still working the ball, carrying trays, refilling goblets, smiling through exhaustion. I was alone with the echo of his words.

Be my mistress.

Hidden. Discreet. No crown. Just his bed.

I laughed. A humourless, wry laugh.

My skin flushed hot at the memory of his thumb brushing my neck, the way his breath had ghosted over my ear. My body had reacted before my mind could catch up-nipples tightening, thighs pressing together, a slick ache I hated admitting to. I'd wanted to lean into him. Just for a second. Just to feel something other than invisible.

But I'd said no.

And now the hollow in my chest felt even bigger.

I dragged myself to my narrow cot in the corner, peeled off the ruined dress, and pulled on the thin nightshift I kept folded beneath the pillow. The fabric was rough, but clean. I curled onto my side, knees to chest, trying to ignore the lingering scent of pine and storm that still clung to my hair.

Sleep didn't come.

Instead, memories flickered-small, confusing things. Liora's face when we were twelve, the way she'd suddenly stopped sharing secrets with me overnight. The way the pack had started looking past me like I wasn't there. I'd always assumed it was because I hadn't shifted yet. Wolfless. Weak. Easy to ignore.

But tonight felt different. Personal.

A soft knock startled me upright.

The door cracked open. One of the younger maids, Anya slipped inside, eyes wide.

"Elara," she whispered. "You're needed in the east wing. Liora sent for you. Said it's urgent."

My stomach twisted. "Now? The ball's still going."

"She said immediately." Anya bit her lip. "She didn't look happy."

I nodded once, pulled my gray dress back on over the nightshift, and followed her out.

The east wing was quieter, private guest suites for visiting Alphas. Liora waited in the corridor outside one of the larger rooms, arms crossed, golden hair still perfect despite the late hour. When she saw me, her lips curved into that familiar sweet-sharp smile.

"There you are," she said. "I was starting to think you'd run off for good after your little display."

I kept my voice even. "What do you need, Liora?"

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I felt... unwell during the toasts. Nauseous. Dizzy." She pressed a delicate hand to her stomach. "I think something I drank didn't agree with me."

I frowned. "I can fetch the healer-"

"No need." She waved a hand. "But I remembered you brought me that glass of wine earlier. The one from the special decanter."

My blood went cold. "I didn't. I was serving champagne. You asked for water after the first dance."

Her smile didn't waver. "Are you sure? Because the cup I drank from had your fingerprints all over it and your scent is strongly evident on it. And now there's a bitter aftertaste. Almost like... nightshade."

The word landed like a stone in my gut.

Nightshade. Poison.

"That's impossible," I said. "I never touched any wine tonight. I was barely around to even serve anyone wine."

Liora tilted her head. "Then how do you explain this?"

She opened the door behind her.

Inside, the suite was lit by low candles. On the low table sat an empty goblet, my fingerprints smudged clearly on the stem-and beside it, a small vial of dark liquid. The faint scent of bitter herbs drifted up.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

"I did not do this, and you know it." I whispered.

Liora's eyes gleamed. "Of course you didn't. I know you didn't. But it looks bad, doesn't it? A wolfless handmaid, rejected by the Alpha King in front of everyone, suddenly poisoning his chosen Luna-to-be? People will talk. It's the only reasonable conclusion."

She stepped inside and closed the door behind us, leaving Anya outside.

"I could scream right now," she continued softly. "Guards would come. They'd find the vial. They'd find you here. And Darius..." She let the name hang. "He already wants you gone. This would make it permanent."

My mouth went dry. "Why are you doing this?...What do you want?"

She studied me for a long moment. Then she smiled again-slow, satisfied.

"I want you out of my way. Permanently."

She rang a small bell on the table.

Within seconds, guards burst in-two of Darius's personal men, faces hard.

"Take her to the holding cells," Liora ordered. "She's under suspicion of attempting to poison me."

They grabbed my arms.

"Please Liora...don't do this Liora. I'm innocent and you know it."

I was on my knees now. I knew begging was useless, but I also knew that the punishment for treason was death. I had to try. Maybe, just maybe they would spare me.

Just then, Liora pretended to fall. She was coughing continuously. The healer appeared and checked her, confirming it was nightshade.

"Liora...Liora please!" I tried again, attempting to grab her hand.

Luna Seraphine, the Alpha king's mother, gave me another hard slap.

"Let go of her you treacherous thing. You attempted this inside my palace walls...this is unforgivable." She yelled.

"Mother..." Liora called sounding sick and weak.

"Save your breath child, take her to her room." Luna Seraphine ordered.

"Mother...please don't hurt Elara. She's my hand maid. There might have been some sort of misunderstanding. She probably got jealous that the Alpha King rejected her and chose me instead. I understand her completely."

"Oh poor sweet child. You have such a sweet heart. Do not worry. This will be properly investigated and this unfortunate creature will pay dearly."

I was stunned into silence. Liora was such a great actress. Even I started to believe her. As the maids helped her out, she lounged at me and hugged me tearfully.

"You should never have come here with me." She whispered.

Out loud she said "Don't worry, I know you're innocent, all this will be sorted out."

"You are such an ungrateful peasant. Look how she treats you so kindly and yet you commit this atrocity against her?!" Luna Seraphine's voice sounded distant. I was no longer there. I could not even move.

"Take this dirty creature out of my sight before I rip her apart." I heard Luna Seraphine say again.

This time I didn't fight, didn't struggle. I let them drag me.

As they dragged me down the corridor, Liora called after me, voice sweet as honey.

"Don't worry, Elara. I'll speak to the King. I'll beg for mercy. I'm sure he'll listen."

The cell door clanged shut behind me.

Dark. Damp. Cold stone under my bare feet.

I sank to the floor, back against the wall, knees drawn up.

Hours passed-or maybe minutes. Time blurred in the dark.

Then footsteps.

The door opened.

Darius stood there, silhouetted against the torchlight.

His eyes burned silver.

"The evidence is compelling," he said quietly. "Death is the sentence for treason."

My heart stuttered, I already knew this but it felt more real to hear him say it.

"But Liora has asked for leniency." His jaw tightened. "She begs that I banish you instead."

He stepped inside. The door closed behind him.

We were alone.

He crouched in front of me, close enough that his scent wrapped around me again, pine, storm, fury.

"You should have said yes," he murmured. "None of this would have happened."

I was still silent, staring into space.

"You know, I can still save you. I am after all the Alpha King of this realm. You just need to say yes to me."

His hands were on me now. His face deliberately close. I could here his heart beat, his breath was on my face.

I thought about it for some time. All the privileges and the freedom. I would still be a servant, but I would serve a greater master. But I could not bear to be his sidepiece. I'd rather be a servant of the lowest rank.

I met his gaze. "My answer remains the same. I will not be your mistress, I am ready to accept the consequences. I was framed, but I know my words mean nothing."

Something flickered in his eyes-regret? Hunger? Rage?

He let me go and stood abruptly.

"Take her to the border at dawn," he told the guards outside. "Banish her. If she returns, kill her on sight."

He left without another word.

The door slammed.

I pressed my forehead to my knees.

Banishment.

Not death. I was going to live. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. I would be without a pack, without a home.

I laughed, this wasn't a home after all. Yes, banishment wasn't the end of the world. I would find a pack some day.

I looked outside the cell window. It was a full moon tonight.

"Moon goddess, please let this be the dawn of a new beginning for me." I said out loud.

But as the hours ticked toward dawn, Liora's final whisper echoed in my mind-the one she'd breathed as the guards dragged me away.

"Run fast, handmaid. My friends will be waiting beyond the border."