I could still feel the weight of the King's hand on my shoulder as we walked out from the grand ball up to lead me to the car.

I don't know where we are heading. I stared at the dark sky and felt the cold breeze as I rolled down the window. All I wanted was to go far from the place that served as my prison for years. I appreciated the landscape for minutes as I slowly forgot the chaos I had experienced earlier.

King Deus, on the other hand, was looking at the tablet. I bit my lip as my eyes traveled from his head to his broad shoulders.

I look away. He is a chick magnet! My heart starts to pound quickly, remembering what I had proposed to him a while ago. I can't help but begin to choke. Who would be in their right mind to ask that?

"Are you okay, Lady Annika?" I was startled upon hearing his cold and deep voice.

"M-maybe." He handed me a bottle of water.

He removed his mask, and I saw the beauty he had been hiding again.

"What do you mean 'maybe?'"

Damn! I can't face him anymore. I am afraid I will look like an idiot stammering every time I talk to him. I cleared my throat and composed myself.

"I am fine, Your Majesty." I sigh, feeling proud of myself for responding.

"It would be nice if you called me by name, Deus."

I bit my lip. How can I address him by name when he is the King?

"Then, you can call me Annika, Your High- I mean, Deus."

"We have arrived at the palace, Your Majesty." Gladly, Deus' secretary interrupted us. Or else, I will drown in his attention.

When I saw the massive gate, I knew it would take minutes to reach the palace. I paid attention to the surroundings even though I felt Deus' gaze piercing my soul.

As we stepped outside on a cool night, I felt the stares of his pack, who had waited for him.

Deus led me to a secluded part of the palace gardens, away from the questionable eyes and ears of his pack. The lanterns hanging from the trees cast a warm, golden glow over his enigmatic image. For the nth time, I found myself captivated by the intense gaze he fixed on me.

"Annika," he said in a low and calm voice. "I hope you understand the weight of what you have done."

I nodded. "I am aware, and I have no intention of backing down."

A flicker of admiration passed over his face, though he quickly concealed it.

"Kios, that cousin of mine will not take this lightly. You have rejected him and humiliated him in front of the nobility and councils. He will seek revenge and won't care what it takes to get it."

I took a deep breath, letting my gaze drift over the garden before returning to him.

"That is why I need you," He looked away.

"I like your boldness. As his former mate, you know how much he hated me. That is why you chose me as your weapon. Am I right?" I gulped, sensing a hint of disbelief in his voice.

"Yes, my king." He arched an eyebrow, clearly interested in what I answered.

"And what exactly are you offering in return, Annika? An alliance is not given freely."

I met his gaze head-on. "I am offering you loyalty and trust. I am aware of Kios's weaknesses, strategies, and any advantages he's likely to exploit. I can be useful to you in more ways than one."

He was silent for a moment. I couldn't read what was on his mind. Finally, he nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Very well, Lady Annikka. You have intrigued me. However, remember that any misstep could cost you dearly. I expect complete loyalty if you wish to earn mine."

I nodded, feeling both fear and excitement.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

He extended a hand, but I had another plan.

I removed my necklace and showed him my bare neck.

"What are you doing?"

I smiled at him. It was now or never.

"Would you be my new mate, Alpha King Deus Blackthorn?"

"What?" I did not respond and let him decide on the spot. For a moment, I fear he may see me as an opportunist. But this is for the best. Even if the news circulates in every corner of this place, I will not appear as a whore who craves the King.

His fingers traced my neck, which sent a shiver down my spine. It's electrifying.

"Will you be my Queen instead?" My eyes widen. I only expect him to make me his concubine of rank.

"Queen?" I whispered. It is his turn to catch me off guard. "How about your mate?" I ask, just in case the rumor that he doesn't have a mate because he was cursed is not true.

He smiled sadly, "I had lost my mate not so long ago. I am filled with regret for not fighting for her."

I gasp. Feeling the sadness that crept to my bones, I absentmindedly cupped his face as a wave of sadness filled his eyes.

He caught my hand and caressed it lightly. I intertwined our hands, and the promise ring appeared on my finger.

How come? Based on my understanding, a promise ring typically signifies that both parties feel affection towards each other. Most of all, if they are meant for each other. Are we second-chance mates?

I looked at his ring finger, and a ring also appeared. I looked at him, expecting an answer, but a tear escaped his eyes, making me more confused.

Did he remember his late mate because of the ring?

I wiped the tear with my thumb, and I do not know why. Maybe I can understand what he is feeling. Losing and rejecting a mate will leave a huge scar that no one can heal.

He let go of my hand and stepped back.

I do not know that a mighty King like him has a soft spot. I see him as a firm and unmoved ruler. Hence, he has a kind heart despite his cold features.

"Deus-"

I was caught off guard when he pulled me toward him and kissed me on my lips. I was too late to react until I felt his hot kisses travel down to my neck. And all of a sudden, I felt his fangs pierce my skin. He is marking me.

My eyes glowed. I bet his eyes, too, as our strings were attached.

He kissed my shoulder where he left his mark.

"So, can we proceed with what you have proposed, Annika?"

"What proposal are you talking about?"

"At the ball? You forgot it already?"

My face heated, remembering what he meant. Oh My Goddess!