Chapter 78

Miranda

My body threatens to give out on me under the heat of the summer sun. There is barely any time to breathe before Lily, Harper, and my father throw another extreme task at me. Some of them have been damn near impossible to complete but I get them done much to their dismay.

My skin is painted red and my muscle ache, struggling to keep up with basic tasks like getting out of bed and putting my work clothes on.

It has been four days since I was taken from Sebastian and thrown into the hands of the Rogue King. I know it was of my own volition, giving up my agency and body in exchange for my children’s.

It is a decision I would make again with no hesitation.

I can’t even begin to think what the Rogue King and my ex-family would have made my children do if they were here instead of me. Would they are treated as slaves? Or would they be succumbed to fates worse than this?

“Miranda!” Lily’s voice slices into my ears. I groan and turn on my feet to face her, the chains at my hands and feet clanging together with even the slightest movement.

Even if I were to try and escape, to run away from this disastrous place, the chains alone would give away my location and would take too long to get rid of since I always have a pair of eyes on me.

“Yes, Lily?” I ask. She slaps me across the face. My eyes sting from tears. I have my pride, though, and turn my face back to meet hers.

“It’s master to you!” She yells, specks of spit flying onto my face. I nod and put a plastic looking smile onto my face.

“How may I assist you…master?” I choke the words out, wanting to gag at the sound.

“The Alpha King has requested our presence. Come, we must not keep my future husband waiting,” Lily calling the Rogue King by Sebastian’s title send chills down my spine. She grabs hold of the chain that attaches to my neck and yanks on it. My body lunges forward and I fall to the ground, unable to catch myself. “How pathetic,” she laughs, pulling me along with her.

The Rogue King’s soldiers stare at us as we pass by. They whistle at Lily and she basks in their attention, giggles fleeing from her glossed lips, tossing her hair over her shoulder for them. When their foul gazes reach me, though, they point and laugh, calling me an ugly half-breed who is getting exactly what she deserves.

Lily drags me inside the Rogue King’s large tent. There are holes in the fabric, the material clearly second hand, and she shoves me at his feet. I contain a pained cry and close my eyes, bringing myself to my knees in front of the Rogue King.

His putrid eyes meet mine. He leans off of his throne and makes his way towards me. The closer he gets, the more and more I feel the need to throw up. My stomach churns and hunger eats away at my organs. The Rogue King’s bony fingers clasp my chin, pulling me up from my knees.

“I can see why the False King wants you by his side,” his breath is rancid. It stings the inside of my nostrils. His breath is hot against my face. “Your eyes are the most remarkable shade of purple. It is a shame that he will never be able to see them up close again,” his fingernail drags down my cheek, digging into my skin. I whimper. “I think I’ll add you to my personal collection of slaves.”

“She doesn’t deserve the honor,” Lily snorts from behind, causing the decomposing man to laugh.

“Sir, a letter has arrived for you,” one of his servants enters, letter in hand. He walks to the Rogue King and extends his hand, the false monarch snatching it away from him.

“Dear Rogue King,” he reads off, eyes fixated on the note, “You win. In exchange for my mate’s safety, I will give you the keys to the kingdom!”

Lily screeches from excitement and claps her hands together.

“You are going to have to collect the keys to the kingdom yourself. Meet me at my mansion tonight.” The Rogue King tosses the letter at my feet with a laugh. I drop and grab the paper, my eyes scanning Sebastian’s handwriting.

It can’t be true. No! He can’t give up so easily! I can stay here for longer! He needs a better plan than this!

“Load her into my car…we have a dinner to catch.”

The Rogue King’s order causes his guards to grab me by the arms, lifting me into the air. I fight against them, my kicks meeting nothing but air. They laugh at me, carrying me out to the Rogue King’s car.

They stuff me inside the trunk, my chains pooling at my feet. They slam the trunk door. Silent tears run down my cheeks.

My Sebastian…he can’t give up! Not now!

Lily and the Rogue King sit in the backseat. She’s all over him, leaving sloppy kisses onto the side of his wrinkly and aged face. I turn away, unable to stand the sight.

We drive for hours. I remain silent while the rest of the car is lively, cheering for their victory. I notice that Lily remains quiet too. I move behind her, my mouth right next to her ear.

“Lily, please, listen to reason! You can save yourself from this—” My words are interrupted by a slap and laugh.

“Shut up, Miranda. Face it: I’ve won and you lost. If I hear another word from you, I’ll have your tongue cut out of that mouth of yours,” Lily shoots back.

The last part of the drive is bumpy. My chains clash against my body, leaving red marks and fresh bruises in their wake. I can feel my exhaustion overtake my body. I’m about to slip into slumber when I am yanked from the trunk and dragged up familiar stairs.

My eyes widen, toes scraping against the ground, as Sebastian’s mansion fills my vision.

Is this a dream? Or have I died and finally gone to my personal version of Heaven?

“On your feet, girl,” the Rogue King slaps me before we enter the home, “I will not have my best slave embarrassing me.”

I stand on wobbly legs and follow the Rogue King and Lily inside the home. The marble tiles are cool underneath my raw feet. I sigh from relief and my shoulders relax the deeper we move into the home. I stare at the ground, hoping that none of my kids see me, and stay hidden behind their bodies.

“You made it,” Sebastian’s voice brings my gaze up. I look around their bodies, trying to get a glimpse of him. “Have a seat. I have a meal ready for us.”

Lily circles behind me, shoving me forward. I stumble but catch myself, finally looking up to meet Sebastian’s gaze.

His nostrils flare and his fists ball up on the table top. His composure remains relaxed, though, as his eyes follow my body. I stand to the left of the Rogue King. Sebastian’s eyes slightly widen and I nod, understanding his message instantly.

I place my trust in you, Sebastian. Save us.