The Beast And The Blessed

Sixty-Three: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

The dining room was swarming with people, even though the sun had just barely started to hit the tree tops. It seemed everyone wanted to see me or talk to me.

It made me really uncomfortable, but it was something I would have to get used to. Every bite I took made me feel judged as I would meet another stranger’s stare.

I felt like a zoo animal.

Killian was settling a few things before we could leave, and I had figured eating here would be better than eating alone in the private dining room.

I was wrong.

Eating in front of everyone was like putting myself in a window display and praying to the Goddess that no one would stop to look.

They all did, and my stomach turned as it fought to keep the food down in my state of high anxiety.

’Your majesty," A deep and familiar voice called out from my side, and I turned to see Damien. Relief filled me, and I quickly swallowed my bite and gestured for him to join me, aware of the eyes and whispers on me and the bear-shifter.

’Damien! I am so glad that you chose to stay here! How are you?" I asked as he took the chair to my left, leaving the seat to my right open for my mate, should he join us.

in how his top lip curled up slightly, and I bit back a

just been sleeping in the forest, a beautiful castle should have been an exciting experience. Instead, he looked like it was

to my food pointedly. It was something I hadn't realized he was doing until Killian had hinted at the difference in

he then dug into his food. "Why do you

his mouth full of food as

you didn't wait for Killian. Why is that?" I placed my fork down on

He said simply. But I shook my head as he smirked with amusement. "You are

the sovereign. He is the one you should have been following." I felt someone walk up, and I turned and smiled as Charlie placed a friendly hand on my shoulder in

title, yes. But there is something about you that makes my beast feel compelled to submit. He is our king, but your aura is stronger. For you wolves, I would assume it would be similar to an Alpha's command, only you do it without realizing." Damien explained, and I let my eyes drop to the table as I

couldn't. Why would he feel compelled to submit to me

as she eyed Damien. He leaned over and

he looked from me to Damien where he held his glare. I quickly shoved the last bite of my food into my

from whatever he was going to say to or about Damien. Today

moment longer before turning to me and

bubbling in my stomach, and I was glad that I had been able to hold down what I did of my breakfast. The last thing I needed was to throw up in front of the pack. Killian looked irritated by it,

time with unimportant small talk. I was positive that my direct guards in the car with us were

or did not, there was

we reached the mountains. As soon as we arrived at the base and started to head up the off-road path, the hair on the back of

was everywhere, but it didn't feel like Joselin's or even like the dark curse that was on Nolan and Heath. It was light and airy but felt even more suffocating and deadly than anything I had