Chapter 3 No.3

"Mou Selene!" Rocco gasped when Arryn collapsed on the floor. He hastily gathered her in his arms and helplessly looked around the room, recognizing the Alpha from Ember clan.

Caius, who was leaning by the window, peered curiously, "What happened?"

Rocco was shocked to hear Caius but he composed himself, his hand on top of Arryn's forehead. "She stepped out of the banquet and so I followed her, then she collapsed. Help me get her to her room."

'What is it to me?' Caius wanted to say just that but he bit his tongue and said, instead, "I am not allowed to touch the crown princess-"

"Choose." Caius' lips parted of the interruption. He stared at the young prince, a slight amusement on his face, "You touch her and be punished or, you let her die and be beheaded. I'd rather choose the first one if I were you." Rocco shifted his sister in his arms and fidgeted with her hair, unable to mask his worry. Caius blew out a breath and crouched down the siblings. He carefully tucked his hand under Arryn's waist and lifted her up.

A feeling of elation suddenly enveloped him that Caius staggered on his feet. Rocco has mistaken this for weakness that a silly smile tugged at his lips. Both were distracted that they fail to see the golden eyes that Caius now possessed as he tighten his hold on Arryn.

The hall seems to stretched farther. Rocco led him up to the private quarters, entering codes and speaking in hush whispers as he leaned on the walls. Caius did not find this odd for it is necessary for them to put wards just for precaution.

When they have finally reached her room, Caius is almost hesitant to let her go. He silently held unto her, watching as Rocco stands in front of him and point at the bed.

"You lay my sister down now. Your duty is done. You may go, Alpha." Caius did not flinch nor find the words disrespectful. Rocco was a prince, higher than Caius who is only an Alpha. With his jaw tight, Caius shifted Arryn in his arms and carefully lay her down on the bed.

Arryn whimpered, her lips quivering as she hold on to his collar. She sniffed and Caius sucks in a deep breath, "Don't go. Don't leave."

It was a plea hidden under a command.

Caius stiffened, raising his hand to smoothen her hair. Arryn breathes in, sweat covering her forehead. She was shaking so Caius held her hand in his.

Rocco's eyes hardened at the sight, his hand folding into fist. He cleared his throat but Caius is still holding on her sister's hand, his face hard.

"Alpha Caius."

Caius straightened, his glazed eyes clearing up. He removed his hold from Arryn and she whimpered, tears leaking out of her eyes. With a sigh, he takes a red handkerchief from his robes and used it to wipe her tears.

"Alpha Caius you should-"

"Young Prince!" The door opens to high guard Miko, who looks worried. He bows his head and stated, "The King requires your presence back at the banquet. I suggest that you go now."

"But-"

"Young Prince."

Rocco raised his eyes to Caius who is also glaring at him. He gritted his teeth and bowed, "Alright." He rouse from his seat and huffed, "Alpha Caius, I'll be leaving my sister to you while I go to my father. I take it that you take good care of her."

Caius raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Of course, your highness."

When the door closed behind the prince, Caius settled on a seat next to her bedside, watching her sleep. His brows were furrowed for he couldn't understand why he is feeling like this, as though he were caught in a spell.

Caius' hands itched for he wanted to lower her mask and touch her face. He is wondering what lies underneath her jade covered mask. Is she pretty, just like her eyes were? How about her lips? And her nose?

He held out a finger to touch her mask but Arryn shifted, rising from the bed. "What are you doing here?"

"I took you in after you have fainted."

"Oh," Arryn could feel the blush coloring her cheek. She shifted her mask and faced him, "Why are you still here?"

"Am I not allowed to be here?"

Arryn shifted, rubbing her hands on her neck. She was about to retort when the door opened and in came a woman. "Caius!"

Catherine De Reeve smiled and Arryn have this sudden urge to throw up. Catherine was the mask maker's daughter. Though, they have grown inside the castle together, Arryn has never treated Catherine as a friend because Catherine was a bully. She is an envious child who demanded that what Arryn has, she should have also.

Caius pressed his lips to Catherine's hand. Arryn couldn't help but feel hurt. It was like a knife was being driven inside her chest, opening it up then squeezing her heart.

Arryn averted her eyes and tried to suppress her feeling by humming quietly. She was just envious for she has never experienced being held nor loved. Even if her family loves her, there is still something that a mate can give that they couldn't.

"If we may be excused, your highness." Arryn shakes her head as she heard him speak, " I would like to escort Lady Catherine back to the ball." Caius smiled at Arryn who simply nodded, lost of words.

She watched them with sorrowful eyes, lamenting of the love that she have not yet received.

When the door closed behind them, Arryn keeled over, her mask falling on the floor, eyes rolling on the back of her head. She was shaking slightly and her skin was burning to the point that it is quite dangerous to touch her.

It was in this state that Edom, the pack healer, found her. He barely opened the door as he rushed inside to take a towel from his back and forced it inside Arryn's mouth, full of froth and spit. Edom cursed under his breath as he prepared the potion, his fingers trembling as he measured out a spoon.

The maids assisted him into making Arryn drink the whole portion. She was sobbing in his arms, begging, "Please, please help me find my mate."

Before Edom could say anything, Arryn collapsed back on the bed, her skin glowing slightly as the potion takes effect, confirming Edom's thought.

"The king needs to be informed: The crown princess is at stake, the banquet shall be postponed."