I'm dedicating this chapter to

Thank you for reading Entwined and thank you for your awesome comments 😊

When I opened my eyes, I was in my bedroom, lying in bed. The blinds were drawn and the room was dimly lit by some candles. I could hear the sound of rain outside. It had been sunny last I remembered and I couldn't tell what time of the day it was.

Sierra was lying on the bed beside me. I shifted and immediately regretted it. The pain in my waist was still unbearable. Ignoring it, I sat up and placed my fingers on my waist. It felt bruised but it wasn't swollen.

" You're awake." Milah said. She was seated on a chair by the bed in her night clothes. " You gave us a scare, Deven."

" Again." Sierra said, sitting up and rubbing her sleepy eyes. " That corset probably almost killed you."

" But according to the Dowager Luna, it was nothing." Milah shook her head. " She said you had to learn how to wear a corset."

" That it's part of our training." Sierra rolled her eyes. It was the first time she was showing anything other than awe to something the Dowager Luna had done.

" You should have seen the way the prince reacted." She continued. " Like you were going to die or something."

" Rhydian?" I asked and grabbed my throat. It was dry and sore, probably from screaming.

Milah gave me some water.

" You were given some oral drugs. The healer said it would be drying and that you should take a lot of water."

The bedroom door was opened.

" Is she awake?" I heard Rhydian ask, except it didn't sound like him at all. His voice was lacking its usual cocksure and arrogant quality.

" Yes, your highness." Milah answered.

Rhydian walked in slowly. Because of the dim lighting, I couldn't see his face.

" He's been sitting outside your room for hours." Sierra whispered to me.

" Can you excuse us for a moment?" Rhydian asked. When Milah and Sierra left, he moved to the side table and poured some more water into the cup.

" You should drink some water." He said, his voice still so ...down.

" I already -" I began and grabbed my throat again. It was still so dry. Without another word, I accepted the cup from him and drank deeply.

He sat at the edge of the bed, far away from me. His hair was a total mess, like he'd been running his hand through it. He was still wearing his tunic shirt but it was rumpled and unfastened at the neck. I stared wide eyed, wondering what was wrong with him.

" Rhydian?" I asked, unsure of what to do.

" I'm sorry." He whispered, his head low.

Sorry? What did he have to be sorry for? After all, he was the one who had gotten the darned corset off.

" For what?" I asked with a confused laugh.

" This," he gestured at me, without still looking at me. " is my fault."

" Er..." I said, edging closer. " The Dowager Luna made me wear the corset, not you."

He finally looked at me and in the dim light, I saw something in his eyes. Guilt? Pain? Whatever it was, I wanted it gone.

" Rhydian." I placed my palm on his left cheek. " This is not your fault!" I said but he looked away. " Rhydian!"

He was completely confusing. Why was he like this? As much as I sometimes disliked arrogant and annoying Rhydian, I hated this side of him. It was alien and alarming.

" I should have just left you alone." He said. " Instead I went ahead to fucking stress you out with my fucking accusations. I just ...couldn't stand seeing you with him ...with any-fucking-one."

" The only thing that stressed me out was the corset."

He shook his head, burying his hand in his hair. I itched to get a comb and right his stray locks.

" You would have been fine. Every girl wears corsets. You only reacted to it that way because I -"

" Good goddess, Rhydian!" I was incredulous. " You're being ridiculous. That thing was at least two sizes too small. I reacted to that."

He continued to shake his head and I grabbed his face, forcing him to look at me.

" I should be thanking you." I said, surprised he couldn't see that." This is the second time you've saved me from probably dying."

" You do have a knack for getting into near death experiences." He said and a smile tugged weakly at his lips still, it warmed my heart.

I realized it was the third time actually. He'd gotten me out of the cells. I would still be in there, probably dead by now if he hadn't decided to release some of the prisoners. I didn't mention it though. That was a topic that could easily go south.

" Then it's a good thing you're there to get me of these near death experiences."

He gave me a queer look I couldn't comprehend.

" You should get some sleep, Deven."

" I just woke up from sleep." I whined.

He got up and walked to the door.

" Rhydian?"

" Get some more."

〰️〰️〰️

When Aspen told me that I would have to have dinner in the dining hall, I was greatly pleased for several reasons.

I would finally be allowed out of my room but more importantly I would see Rhydian again. I tried to just put my hair in a low ponytail and get going but my handmaids wouldn't let me, saying that the Dowager Luna wanted me to be at my 'best'. So I sat, tapping my right foot impatiently while they fussed with my hair and face.

When they were done, I hurriedly joined Sierra and Milah and we were led by Aspen to the dining hall. It was in another wing of the castle.

It was surprisingly small with a long table that could sit only ten. I guessed this was for close family only. The Dowager Luna was already seated at the head of the table. She gestured for me to seat on the chair by her left. Sierra sat beside me and Milah, opposite her leaving the one opposite me empty. I realized it was reserved for Rhydian. Yes!

" How is your health?" The Dowager Luna asked.

" Um, much better, your majesty." I said.

She nodded and said,

" You're awfully fond of falling ill."

I refrained from rolling my eyes at her statement. It obviously wasn't clear to her who was to blame. The doors were thrown open and Rhydian and his beta came in.

Milah and Sierra rushed to their feet and I quickly followed suite. Rhydian took his reserved seat and Carrison sat beside Milah.

" Mother." Rhydian said in greeting. She offered her hand and he kissed it. He hadn't even glanced at me. Could he really still be upset?

" How did it go?" The Dowager Luna asked.

Rhydian shook his head, broodingly.

" Not so well."

The Dowager Luna nodded, looking deep in thought.

" We'll discuss it later."

It must be awfully difficult to rule a country, especially one as a big as Aradia. Rhydian wasn't even Alpha king yet. I wondered what had happened to Alpha king Eryk. It seemed no one knew and the royal pack had said nothing. His death had not been announced so he had to be alive. What were they hiding?

The workers began to bring in the food. My eyes remained on Rhydian. He was looking down at his food, broodingly.

Sierra leaned close to me and whispered,

" I told you he never smiles."

" You know they can hear you, right?" I whispered back. It was easy to forget that Werewolves had extra sharp hearing.

Sierra's eyes widened in realization and she turned back to her food without another word.

I turned back to Rhydian. I'd seen him smile several times though, and laugh too. Maybes he wasn't still upset about the corset or maybe it was whatever he and the Dowager Luna had been discussing earlier.

I shifted to the edge of my seat and moved my leg forward looking for his, then I gave it a nudge.

He looked up, his eyes questioning my actions.

" Are you ok?" I mouthed at him, hoping no one would notice. The Dowager Luna and Milah were talking about the training with Pontiac. Sierra and the beta, Carrison were discussing something.

Without saying a word, Rhydian went back to staring broodingly at his food.

It was hard to not roll my eyes at that. Clearly, he was still upset but he really didn't have to ignore me. I hated it, this reservedness. I would rather he was yelling at me ...or maybe not.

I was determined to ensure he couldn't ignore me. Looking around nervously to make sure everyone was still preoccupied, I removed my flats from my right foot. Then I leaned closer and found his leg again. I ran my stockinged toes over his ankle, moving it up, slowly.

He looked at me again, sharply, his eyes darkening. I gave him an innocent smile and looked away.

I continued to move my foot up, higher and higher, ignoring his eyes. Soon, my foot found his already hard erection.

Good goddess, he was always ready.

Gently, I pressed the curve of my foot against him, feeling the fast pulse of his erection. I heard his sharp intake of breath and glanced up at him. His eyes were now black with arousal but he was looking at me intensely, like he wanted me to stop.

Tough luck. I had his attention now and I had no plans to stop. Still holding his eyes, I forked a pineapple and brought it to my mouth. I pulled the fork out, slowly and gave my bottom lip a gentle bite. I continued my assault on him, determined not to be intimidated by his eyes.

But a smile began to form on his lips. Small and wicked. I smiled back at him and began to move my feet in fast, circular motions. The smile disappeared from his face and he moved back sharply so I couldn't reach him.

I brought my foot back.

" Are you alright, Rhydian?" The Dowager Luna asked, surprised by his sudden movement.

Rhydian nodded.

" I'm alright." He said, our eyes still interlocked. " Just fine."

〰️〰️〰️

A knock came on my door and my heart sped up with anticipation. Dinner had been over hours ago and we'd retired to our room. I'd sat for hours hoping that maybe ... maybe he would come by.

" My lady?" My guard said, opening the door. " I need you to come with me."

" Does the Dowager Luna want to see me?" I asked getting out of bed.

The guard said nothing but opened the door wider for me to pass. She led me out of the building and down some stairs.

" Where are we going?" I asked, suddenly feeling worried. Then I caught myself. What did I have to be worried about?

" This way, my lady." Was all she said taking a little torch from a hook. We went through an arched doorway which led to an underground tunnel. Finally we stopped at an arched metal door.

" What are we doing here?" I asked.

" You're to go in." The guard pointed at the door, then walked away with the torch leaving me in the dark.

I stared at her retreating back, then at the door wondering if it was wise to go in. I wasn't exactly a fan of secret places. With a sigh, I pushed open the door.

It led to the underground pool where I'd slapped Rhydian. I went in, awed by the beauty the moonlight showered on it. It looked like something out of a dream. I looked around. There was no one here.

I turned to close the door but instead came face to face with Rhydian. I let out a startled gasp. We were so close, our noses were almost touching.

" Deven." He said. He had a way of saying my name like it was something special like ...it was a privilege. He was wearing a white shirt that was so thin that I could see his tattoo through it.

" I told you." I said, still shaken from his sudden appearance. " To you, it's Devenity." I turned away from him and shut the door. I had no plans to leave early. I took a deep calming breath and turned back to him.

" You were awfully naughty at dinner." He remarked. The smile in his voice was easy to hear. He eyes feel to my neck with a strong look of longing in them, then he shook his head slightly and looked at me again.

I shrugged, giving him an innocent look.

" You were ignoring me. How else was I supposed to get your attention?" I asked, keeping that innocent look on my face.

" You always have my attention, Devenity. Even if you don't know it." His voice took on a serious note and I nodded. " How do you feel now?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes and he frowned at me.

" Why did you have me brought here?" I asked, not that I minded.

A smile tugged at his lips.

" I wanted to show you something." He said moving closer to me. I backed up till my back touched the door. " You seemed fascinated with it at dinner." He pressed himself against me and I felt him, hard and pulsing against my belly.

I looked away, unable to keep the surprised smile from my face, suddenly feeling giddy. I swallowed hard.

" Oh." Was all I could think to say. My mind didn't seem to work properly anymore.

" Devenity?" He asked. " Look at me."

I turned slowly to meet his eyes.

" Do you want to?" He asked.

" Do you want me?" I heard those words in my mind. It sounded like him but his lips hadn't moved. They didn't come from him ...or did they?

" Of course I do." I said and he smiled. He looked ...relieved. Could he really believe that I didn't want him?

Wordlessly, he led me to the pool.

" Tell me something, Devenity." He said. " Just how experienced are you? Because sometimes, I feel like you might be an innocent but after dinner, I'm not so sure."

" Um ..." I murmured feeling somewhat embarrassed. " I haven't actually done anything before. I was seventeen when the purge happened and my coven, we believed in maintaining purity and -" I stopped, confused by the queer look on his face. " What?"

" You mean ...no one has ever touched you before?"

I nodded slowly, feeling even more embarrassed and a wide grin spread across his face. He looked immensely pleased and when he smiled ...

" So no man has ever claimed you? In any way?"

" Yes Rhydian, goodness!" I groaned, my embarrassment growing.

" Mine, mine, all fucking mine." Again, thoughts slid into my mind. They had to be Rhydians. But how?

" Do you know what an orgasm is?" He asked and I looked away feeling even more embarrassed. When I looked at him again though, there was amusement in his eyes. He was enjoying my discomfort.

I gave him a look.

" Do I look like a child to you." I asked, shaking my head at him. " Of course I know what it is. Just because I haven't done things doesn't mean I don't know things."

He was looking at me with laughter in his eyes and I found myself smiling back. I couldn't even be mad at him. Not when he was like this. I wanted this Rhydian, always. Angry, jealous or brooding Rhydian was not my cup of tea.

" Good." He nodded and a look of seriousness came over his features. He cupped my face, boring his eyes into mine. " Will you let me give you your first heat?"

Heat? As in an orgasm? I swallowed hard. This ...relationship between Rhydian and I was based solely on lust but I didn't care. I already knew the answer to that. Way before he asked. Even before I got to the pool.

I nodded and he smiled, tucking my hair behind my ear.

" I won't fuck you just yet." He informed and I swallowed hard ...er at his words. His language was something else. He always sounded so ...erotic .

His hand went to my waist and pulled me to him till I felt him again. " With this at least. Instead ..." Without finishing his sentence, he brought his head down and claimed my lips. His lips caressed mine, slow and deliberate and I found myself relaxing.

He left my lips and buried his nose in my neck and inhaled deeply. Then he groaned with satisfaction and the words, heavenly slid through my mind. He thought my scent was ...heavenly? I smiled with hard to conceal joy and made a mental note to keep my scent pure for him.

I moved my hand up to his face to touch him but he took both of them, securing them behind me. I struggled against his hold on my hands, wanting to touch him. I couldn't understand why he was stopping me.

" Relax." He whispered against my neck.

" I want to touch you." I whispered pulling back to look at him. I couldn't even see the green in his eyes anymore. They were so dark.

" You will." He promised, bringing me to the ground. I went eagerly.

He was on the ground beside me, his hand acting as a pillow for my head. I turned to face him, bringing my fingers to his chest but he stopped them, placing my hands firmly by my side.

" Rhydian." I complained.

" Not now." He said sounding distracted. His index finger traced the skin from my ear to my jaw, then to my neck. He seemed so fascinated with it all of a sudden.

" When?"

" When I say so."

" Why?" I whined.

" Because I said so and no more fucking questions." He said giving me a look and I bit my lip to keep quiet.

His fingers moved lower, tugging the neckline of my dress. He brought out my left breast and gave it a gentle squeeze, earning a low moan from me. Then he suddenly pulled on my already erect nipple and I squirmed pushing myself closer, wanting more. He grinned wickedly at my reaction.

" You like that, don't you? " He whispered, fondling my breast roughly. He leaned down and took my breast into his mouth. Good goddess. My breath came out in short, irregular rasps as he sucked on me, eagerly. He ran his hot tongue along my nipple and I found myself jerking at the feel of it.

" Easy now." He whispered, his breath hot against my breast. He moved away from my breast and claimed my lips again, then moved his lips lower trailing hot kisses from my jaw to my neck. He ran his tongue along my neck stopping at the junction between my neck and my shoulder. I froze when my felt something pointed poking against my bared skin.

Would he ...bite me? I didn't know much about werewolf mating but I knew that they marked their mates on the neck. I didn't know how but it seemed I was soon to find out.

But, Rhydian pulled away, breathing hard. His fangs were out ...sometimes I forget that he has a wolf in him. His eyes had changed. They looked more wolf like and had a green glow to them. I felt fear creep through me as I watched him watch me.

His eyes suddenly widened.

" Deven," he whispered tasting the fear in my scent. " I would never hurt you." He promised. His fangs retreated and I nodded. I couldn't help but trust him.

" I know." I whispered back, running my finger along his cheek. He didn't stop me and I moved my hand lower, pulling at the buttons of his shirt till I found an opening.

I could feel the fast thump of his heart as I ran my fingers across his chest, tracing his muscles ...his body felt so hard underneath my fingers yet so soft at the same time. I remembered ogling his powerful build in the Fidem garden. I wanted so badly to see him naked again. I wanted to trace his tattoos and run my tongue across his chest, all over him ...like a wolf.

His hands went back to my breast again, pulling on my nipple and I groaned at how good it felt to be touched there.

" Your breasts are so sensitive." He remarked and I blushed from my head to my toes at his words. " I could make you come this way ...but I have something else planned for you."