Chapter 7 Mate

Emberlyn's account

Matilda shoved me forward, making me stumble to the ground. I hastily scrambled to my feet, keeping my eyes lowered.

"What rubbish is this?" Kaida's voice dripped with mockery. "Housekeeper, why did you bring me a wounded servant as a handmaid?"

The urge to throw my cane at Kaida surged within me. She knew exactly who I was-one of her favorite targets growing up, and she hadn't stopped her cruelty.

Matilda cackled softly, sharing a knowing look with Kaida. This was clearly a plan of theirs. "No, my queen. This is Emberlyn , the special blind slave. The King himself granted her to you as a wedding gift."

'The King himself...' Those words echoed in my mind. I knew Thane hated me, but was it so deep that he'd assign me to the woman who took my place? The question lingered, unanswered, as the two continued their charade.

Kaida's lips curled into a cruel smile. "How generous of my husband," she sneered, emphasizing 'husband' to twist the knife.

She looked me over, her gaze lingering on my bruises. "You seem to be healing slowly. Are you an omega?" Before I could reply, she added, "The sight of your blood irritates me."

I bit my lip, swallowing my response. Matilda nudged me forward, but this time I was prepared and didn't fall. I took a hesitant step closer to Kaida.

"Now, slave," Kaida continued, "your duties include attending to all my needs-bathing, dressing, anything else I desire. You will be at my beck and call. Fail, and the consequences will be dire."

I nodded silently, already dreading the future. This witch was going to make my life hell, and I knew it.

"You may leave," Kaida dismissed me with a wave. "I don't need you right now."

Matilda guided me out of the luxurious chamber, then abandoned me at the door, leaving me to find my way back on my own.

For the rest of the week, I didn't see Thane. They said he was too busy torturing the captured rebel leader to eat. It wasn't strange-someone like him could go weeks without food. But I wished he'd show up already. Life without him was even harder. Lyra shared her meals with me, but it was barely enough. I was starving.

None of this mattered to Kaida. Her demands were exhausting, leaving me too worn out to walk properly. One evening, as I attended to Kaida's bath, she decided to escalate her cruelty.

"Emberlyn ," she sneered, "do you know why you're still alive?"

I kept my head down, refusing to engage, which only angered her.

"Answer me, you bloody wretch!" She threw a wet bar of soap at me.

Ignoring the stinging in my eyes, I bent to pick up the soap and continued pouring scented oil into her bath. "No, my queen," I answered quietly.

"You're nothing but a pawn to him. You're not important," Kaida said, enjoying my discomfort. She lowered her voice, "You might be his mate, but I assure you, I'm the one who'll stay by his side."

I wanted to stay silent, but I couldn't stop myself. "The king is your husband and my mate. You have him all to yourself. There's no need to be insecure, my queen. I won't be stealing him from you."

Kaida's eyes blazed with anger. "You wretched whore!" She got out of the tub and struck me hard on the cheek.

My head spun, and the world around me began to darken. I could taste my blood-probably the only thing I'd taste all day. Maybe angering Kaida wasn't such a great idea after all because now I felt like I was going to collapse.

"Get out!" Kaida barked. When I didn't respond, she shoved me out of her chambers and slammed the door behind me.

Normally, I could make my way back to the maid's quarters without my cane, but not now. All I could see was darkness. For the first time in years, I felt truly blind, but I knew it was only temporary. This had happened before-back then, I got better after drinking water. So, all I needed now was water...

I staggered through the hallway, sticking to the walls to avoid crashing into anyone. But moving my feet became increasingly difficult. My head was still spinning, and the pain was unbearable. Finally, my knees buckled, and I felt a rush of air, but instead of hitting the ground, strong arms caught me.

I weakly struggled, but it was futile. The scent of burning spices and wolf thorns filled my nostrils, and I smiled weakly. "Mate," I mumbled before everything went dark.

M

I woke to the tantalizing scent of hot steak, mashed potatoes, and fried chicken. I squinted, struggling to open my eyes, but the voice I heard next made me sit up.

"Wake up, Emberlyn . I won't let you die so easily," Thane said.