C6 Chapter 6.

ROSE’S P.O.V.

First comes the fingers twitching, then the blinding pain as my eyelids tiredly force themselves open. And then comes the worst of all, the consuming agony as my body aches while trying to sit up. My head feels like it’s been hammered over and over again. I let out a pained moan which attracts the attention of another in the room, Martha, who rushes to my side in an instant, the bed sinking under her weight.

“Oh my dear girl, look what he did to you.” I could hear the pain and sadness in her words, only making me feel more pitiful. Did I truly look as bad as I felt? I heard her whispering under her breath, and although I didn’t fully grasp what she had said, I picked up on the words ‘bastard’ and ‘prick’. Even in my pained state, I couldn’t help but chuckle, which later broke into a groan. I couldn’t be sure of how old Martha was, but she was the elder sister and sometimes the mother I never had.

Hearing me wince in pain, she drew closer to me, helping me up before handing me a glass of water and painkillers.

“There, there, you’ll be fine, Rose.” She cooed softly, coming around me as she placed a pillow behind me for support. Only then was I able to look at her fully. She wore a pitiful expression, playing with the strands of hair falling by the sides of my face.

“How are you feeling?” She asked sweetly.

“Sore.” My throat felt parched, my voice cracking as I spoke. I gratefully took the glass of water Martha offered me, the coolness soothing the ache in my throat.

“That’s to be expected, given what happened. The doctor came over; luckily you didn’t have any internal bleeding, but he did say you needed to rest and avoid any strenuous activity.”

I nodded, blowing out a breath. I had expected to hear worse, but I was thankful there wasn’t.

Silence reigned between us momentarily, the air heavy with unspoken words. That was until Martha couldn’t hold back anymore and spoke up.

“You can’t continue like this anymore, Rose. You got lucky this time; who knows what could happen next time?”

“There won’t be a next time; he…he never gets this violent. I was at fault. I…I overstepped. I-“ Martha shook her head, waving her hand and cutting me off.

“Don’t…don’t do that.” My brows scrunched in confusion.

“Do what?”

“Make excuses for him. He doesn’t deserve it.” My head lowered in shame, having been caught. “I pray earnestly to the moon goddess that there won’t be a next time. But what if? What if it gets too bad and something terrible happens? What if he—“ She breaks off; however, the unspoken words linger in the air. What if he kills me? There was every possibility; there was no telling what could happen. A sense of dread overwhelmed me at the unforeseen possibility; I might not be so lucky next time. I knew there would be a next time unless a miracle happens, unless something or someone saves me.

Martha lowers her head. “Forgive me, Miss Rose. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No… No need to apologise, Martha. You’re only showing concern for me, which I’m thankful for.” A faux smile stretches across my lips. Her lips part as though she has something she wants to say, but she purses her lips instead.

Just then, a knock echoed throughout the room. Martha, who had been sitting, quickly stood up before a maid entered.

“Miss Rose, your father has requested that you be present at the Alpha summit.”

My body tensed up, knowing I’d have to see my father soon. Forcing myself to relax, I nodded in acknowledgement as the maid left.

“I’ll prepare your bath, Miss.” Martha said, I smiled at her in appreciation.

Left alone, I shut my eyes, feeling it burn as it stung with unshed tears. I didn’t know what hell was, but this was it. Having no one to confide in, my life wasn’t my own. I hated this; I hated him, and I hated myself. Gosh, I hated everything. Unconsciously a tear escaped, followed by another and another until it became quiet sobs. My arm clutched my belly while the other palm flew to my mouth, trying to conceal any sounds.

Hearing footsteps, I hurriedly wiped my tears, looking away while the footsteps drew closer. I was pretty sure Martha had caught me crying but chose not to say anything, which I was grateful for. She helped me to my feet before guiding me towards the bathroom; each step I took felt too painful to bear, my fingers tightening around my dress. Left alone in the bathroom, I slowly took off my dress and undergarments, a gasp escaping me as my palm flew to my mouth. I stared in shock at my reflection. My eyes looked sunken with dark circles, my belly was riddled with fresh bruises, and I couldn’t tell if it was just in my head, but I looked thinner. I felt thinner.

Swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat, I stepped into the bathroom, the cool water soothing my skin. My eyes closed as I relished in the comfort the water brought me. I didn’t know how much time had passed, but when I stepped out of the tub I felt slightly better, the bath having numbed the pain.

Stepping into my room, I discovered that Martha had left, but not before laying out my outfit, which I slipped on slowly. It was a beautiful blue A-line floral dress which was elastic just below the bust. I was grateful to not have anything in close contact with my bruises which could press down on them. Slipping into my flats, I brushed out my hair before heading into the hall, which echoed with voices, slaves chained with silver collars, muted murmurs, and eyes sharp as knives which scanned the hall, watching every move. I felt choked and small as I watched the Alphas and their accomplice; the knowing side-glances they exchanged and the murmurs of agreements and disagreements. I dared not lock eyes with any of them whilst the meeting went on, cold as a statue next to my father, who had thrown me a warning glance when I walked in. ‘Don’t fuck this up, or you’ll regret it.’ His message was clear.

Amidst the chattering noise, an alpha whose name I didn’t know spoke up;

“Alpha Altezer, a plan must be made. Now is the best time to attack. Rumour has it that the rogue kings’ reign has begun to shake. His kingdom is at the brink of collapse. Now is the time to strike.” The bald-headed man argued, a string of murmurs ensuing in agreement with what he had said.

“And who says there’s no plot, dear friend?” Father says wistfully, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “My dear daughter is set to be married to Alpha Roderick’s son, Nicholas Everwood. A marriage alliance like that would form an army strong enough to destroy the rogue king completely, whether or not his kingdom is in shambles.”

Another voice speaks up, “No doubt to your utmost benefit at the end of the day.” I watched as Father’s jaw ticked, his knuckles tightening momentarily.

“Is that a problem, Alpha Ross?” Father rebutted.

Just as Alpha Ross was about to speak, noises from outside drew everyone’s attention. Each person turned towards the entrance, wondering what could possibly be happening; however, we didn’t have to wonder for long when the heavy doors suddenly burst open with a small crowd of rough-looking men storming into the auditorium. Judging by the chill that descended on everyone, the shocked gasps and how nearly everyone scrambled closer to each other, Dave for the pompous alpha, I didn’t need anyone to tell me these people were danger itself.

A tall, well-built man who wasn’t only extremely handsome but also looked well-built and carried an air of dominance, an alpha by the looks of it, stepped forward. He screamed 'Danger!'

“Well well, a gathering of alphas, but I wasn’t invited. How disrespectful.” He tutted. Even the pompous and arrogant alphas shrunk in fear under his scrutiny.

He hadn’t yet looked towards the direction in which I stood, but even at that, I began to shiver fiercely. My body grew restless; my entire senses became highly alert as I perceived it. Strong and masculine but strangely calming. Oh, how I wanted more of it; I craved it.

And then his eyes fell on my father, his voice gravelly. I felt my father tense for the first time as he stood. “We meet again, Altezer.”