Chapter 5 Running away, Cinderella?

~Sage~

It took all the self-control I had not to slap him right then and there. Not because he didn’t deserve it, but because I was afraid my hand might linger too long on his chiseled jaw, and then I’d be the one in trouble.

His smirk widened as if he could read my mind. That infuriating, arrogant smirk. “You look like you’re debating something, Cinderella. I hope it’s not whether or not to kiss me, because I don’t think my father would approve.”

I let out a loud scoff that was half frustration, half mortification. “You’re delusional. The only thing I’m debating is whether I should leave now or slam this door in your face.”

He shrugged lazily, leaning against the doorframe like he owned the world. “The door is already open, and I’m not standing in front of it. But go ahead, make your move.”

The nerve of this man.

I didn’t wait for him to say anything else. I pulled the door open so quickly that I nearly tripped over my own feet. I could feel his eyes on me as I darted out of the room, clutching the towel like my life depended on it. Which, to be honest, it kind of did.

As I stepped out, I could feel his eyes on me, following my every move. I tightened my grip on the towel around me, my cheeks burning once again.

“You forgot something,” he suddenly called out.

I froze mid-step, turning just enough to glare at him over my shoulder. “What now?”

“That date,” he said, his expression smug. “Don’t forget to pick a time that works for you, Cinderella. I’m flexible.”

Flexible? Oh, I bet he was.

Ignoring the heat creeping up my neck, I turned and walked away as fast as I could without outright sprinting.

As soon as I was inside what I hoped was my actual room this time, I slammed the door shut and leaned against it, sliding down to the floor. My heart was still racing, and I could feel the heat from my cheeks crawling down my neck.

“What just happened?” I whispered to myself, staring at the ceiling like it might have an answer for me.

The alpha’s son…my husband’s son for crying out loud, was trouble with a capital T. He was the kind of trouble that came wrapped in a dangerously attractive package, with a smile that could disarm anyone and a tattoo that should come with a warning label. And here I was, practically handing him an invitation to torment me.

“Pull yourself together, Sage,” I muttered, slapping my cheeks lightly. “You’re not some swooning maiden in a fairy tale.”

I let out a groan and hugged my legs to my chest. How was I supposed to survive here with him lurking around every corner, smirking and making my life miserable? And what was this deal I had foolishly agreed to? A date? With him?

“No,” I said, shaking my head as if that would somehow erase the memory of his voice and the way his eyes lingered on me. “This isn’t happening. I’ll find a way out of it.”

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of a knock on my door. For a second, I panicked, thinking it might be him again. My heart did a weird little flip, and I hated myself for it.

“Who is it?” I called out, trying to sound composed.

“It’s Mira, my lady,” came the cheerful voice of one of the maids assigned to me. “Breakfast is ready, and the alpha king requests your presence.”

I groaned and buried my face in the pillow. Breakfast with the alpha king sounded like a formal interrogation disguised as a meal. But skipping it wasn’t an option. Not if I wanted to avoid more “disciplinary” conversations about my role as his bride.

Dragging myself out of bed, I got dressed quickly, opting for a simple dress that wouldn’t draw too much attention. My reflection in the mirror looked as tired as I felt, but I plastered on a polite smile. Fake it till you make it, right? The alpha king was already seated at the head of the table, and adjacent to him sat his son looking entirely too relaxed for someone who had caused me so much stress yesterday. His eyes met mine the moment I walked in, and that stupid smirk made a reappearance.

I pretended not to notice him and focused on greeting the alpha king. “Good morning, my king,” I said, bowing slightly out of respect.

He nodded in acknowledgment, motioning for me to take the seat beside him. As I settled in, I could feel his son's eyes boring into me even though I refused to look his way.

We had breakfast in silence, except for the occasional question from the alpha king about my adjustment to the palace which I answered politely, keeping my responses short.

Just when I thought I might actually get through breakfast without any incident, I felt something brush against my ankle under the table.

I gasped and glanced around subtly. No one else seemed to notice anything unusual.

Except him.

His eyes sparkled with mischievous amusement, and I knew immediately that he was the culprit.

“Stop it,” I mouthed silently, my glare sharp enough to cut through his skin.

He raised an eyebrow, looking entirely unbothered, and took a leisurely sip of his drink.

Hmph! The nerve of this man. He must have a death wish.

But he didn’t stop anyway. The light, teasing touch against my ankle turned into a deliberate nudge, and I nearly jumped out of my seat when I felt his foot slide up to my calf.

“Are you alright, Sage?” the alpha king asked, his eyes snapping to me.

“Yes! Yes, I’m fine,” I said quickly, forcing a nervous laugh. “Just, uh, dropped my napkin.” I bent down to retrieve the nonexistent napkin, using the opportunity to shoot him another warning glare.

When I straightened up, his expression was the picture of innocence. I wanted to throw my fork at him and stab that stupid face of his.

After breakfast, I managed to escape to the garden, seeking some much-needed solitude. The fresh air helped clear my head, but, of course, my peace didn’t last long.

“Running away again, Cinderella?”

I turned to find him leaning against a tree, his arms crossed and that infuriating smirk still on his face.

“Do you follow me everywhere, or is this just bad luck?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

He shrugged, pushing off the tree to walk toward me. “Maybe a little of both.”

“Well, congratulations. You’re officially the most annoying person I’ve ever met,” I said, turning away from him.

He stepped closer, and I could feel his presence even without looking. “Annoying? That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? I prefer ‘charming’ or ‘irresistible.’”

I rolled my eyes, not wanting to give him more access to me. “What do you want?”

“I want to know why you’re so afraid of me. Are you scared you'll beg me to kiss you? I've seen the way you stare at my lips.”

“I’m not afraid of you,” I said quickly.

He tilted his head. “Then prove it. Go on that date with me.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but no words came out. Because deep down, I knew that no matter how hard I tried to resist him, he wasn’t going to give up.

And the scariest part? A small part of me didn’t want him to.