Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter SAGE

23

There are a lot of things going on inside my head right now. Aside from planning to escape, I still need to reassess my conflicting feelings for Lord Titus.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice as her person following me from behind.

"The palace suits you well, sister," said that familiar voice behind me.

I rolled my eyes as I stopped my track. Of course, she's here as well. Why am I not surprised?

"Hello, Annika," I said without a trace of warmth in my voice.

"That's not the most sisterly greeting, Sage. Oh, forgive me, Lady Sage," she jabbed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Stepping forward, the enveloped me in a tight embrace before placing a gentle kiss on my cheek. "Did

you come here with your brother?" I inquired, brushing aside her snide comment,

"Still fixated on my brother while you already had a handsome man warming your bed! My, my, aren't you a bit greedy, sister she reported, her words laden with disdain.

"What happened inside my bed was none of your business. If you'll excuse me, I still have important matters to attend to," I said before turning my back

"Dad

I needs some money, and we came here to ask. His Majesty, she said.

I scoff, "And what does it have to do with me

"You're going to help us convince His Majesty to give us money, right?" she asked confidently.

"Tell me, why would I do that, Annika

"We

We feed you. We gave you home. This is the least you could do for us," she replied.

"You do all those things just so I can take your place! I exclaimed

And look how it turns out You should be thankful we did that. If not for that, you

ouldn't be wearing these fancy clothes and sleeping on that comfortable bed. You should be thankful' she smirked

£11

a hopeleze tænks. T'm not

the

not my fault that your gambling addiction. If

word before orng around. But I haven't

the

dumbfounded

with mockery, as if she held some

my shoulders, refusing to let her get under my skin. Again, none of your business, Annika. I retorted, my tone

is my business. After all, we are family," she said with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. Well, aren't you being a little bit busy entertaining my

There was no way she could know about what was happening between me and Lord Titus. She had arrived, hadn't

Just.

appreciate what you are implying, Annika. May I remind you that you are a gurst, and I'm a woman of the palace? Watch

secret, do you?" she said. "But don't worry, sister. Your secret is safe with me

Whiat

secret" "I don't know what you're talking about," I said, acting as if I had no idea what she was talking about. Though I'm starting to put every piece of the puzzle Together. The

he becomes aware of your infidelity,"

was racing in panic. I

about. I wasn't planning on telling His Majesty about it as long as you convince him to give us the money that we

down my spine. "You can't be serious, I managed to say, my wire

her eyes. "Call it what

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12:56 Wed, Sep

Chapter 23

know what will happen

words

I couldn't believe Annika would stoop so low, using my personal life as leverage to satisfy her own desires. Anger surged within me, but I knew I had to tread carefully. "I won't let you manipulate me," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "You and your brother may think you hold all the cards, but I won't

I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Her words lingered like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over any semblance of peace

her threat. Annika wouldn't hesitate to use it against me.

briskly walked back to my room to think about my next move. As soon as I saw the door, I saw Elara standing outside, waiting

like me to help you settle

offered.

"Thank

I decline. If I pursue my plan,

my lady?" she asked

the door behind me. She was trying to say something, but I didn't bother waiting for what she was about to say. As soon as I reached my room, I hurried over to the dresser

clothes to take with me. I didn't have a plan yet for getting past the gate, but I knew I had to do something. I couldn't

reached the door, I paused, listening for any sign of movement outside. The hallway beyond was eerily quiet, the silence adding to the sense of urgency that pulsed through my

out from the shadows, blocking my path. It was Elara, my loyal attendant, whose expression was a mix of