The Alpha's Temptation

Eltanin clenched his jaw and a hard expression came on his face when Biham obstructed his view of his mate. He narrowed his eyes on him. Biham smelled of fear when he stepped in front of Tania but Eltanin knew where the fear emerged from. The king of Pegasii was under the impression that Eltanin had come here to see the safety of his slave girl and probably to take her.

Biham bowed to the king and Eltanin returned the bow. There was so much coldness in the air that it hung heavily on everyone out there.

"You have come early, King Eltanin," Biham said, still shielding Tania who had popped her head from the side to peer at him. Wearing black trousers, a white shirt with gold cufflinks and a red cape, he looked majestic. His long hair fell in curls over his neck. He towered above all others, only matching Rigel. But Tania knew that pure wolf bloodlines were like that. Biham was slightly shorter than Eltanin with a small potbelly. Tania's breath hitched at the sight of her beautiful mate. No wonder he was swooned over by so many women.

Eltanin walked majestically to Biham and said, "So what? After all, if the girl is fine, it is better that I take her back with me. What are we waiting for?"

Right behind him stood Prince Rigel, Fafnir and four soldiers. There were about a dozen standing out and the whole army on the borders was at alert if something uneventful happened.

Biham flinched at the mention of taking away Tania. He pursed his lips and then carefully said, "I can't let her go because of a reason."

Eltanin knew the reason, but he raised an eyebrow out of suspicion and played his part well. The thing was that he knew that Biham would never allow Tania to leave Pegasii, and he would take Tania away, even if that meant a battle. He could have taken her the day she came to him or could have easily abducted her back, but then he wanted her to accept her royal lineage. His kingdom people would be more than happy to accept a royal princess over a slave girl. It's not that their opinions mattered, but who didn't like a smooth transition?

Biham nervously glanced at Prince Rigel whose hand was on the hilt of the sword. Dealing with Eltanin meant dealing with the kingdom of Orion as well. If he took one wrong step, he would be quashed like a fly. "Can we have this conversation in the carriage?" he said. "You see, Lusitania is very important for the kingdom of Pegasii and my people want to see her." Over the past two days, he had meticulously planned her first outing. He had sent his spies to plant rumors in his subjects that the real heir was found. Right now, a path was planned out for the royal carriage to travel through the capital with guards in every nook and corner.

"And why is that?" Eltanin asked, looking pretty amused, as Rigel's expression remained indifferent.

"We are getting late for the procession, King Eltanin," Biham said, his voice desperate. He invited him. "Please come and sit with us in the royal carriage and I will explain everything to you."

Had it been a normal procession, Biham would have given him a separate carriage, but how could the cunning wolf leave a chance to not be with Tania? "Okay," he replied as stiffly as possible, even though his insides were already putty.

When Tania emerged from her father's side, his gaze went on her arm and he saw her tattoo—the horse with golden wings. It was beautiful. Under his gaze, the wings of horse flapped slightly and she didn't even come to know about it. Everyone's eyes went to Tania's tattoo and all the guards and servants standing over there bowed to her, chanting, "My Princess." It was a moment of sheer excitement for them to see their future queen. As for Tania, she shrank behind her father, feeling extremely awkward.

Biham held Tania's hand and tugged her outside to the portico where the royal carriage was waiting. It was gold and red and four white horses were reined in front of it to pull it. The guard opened the door and helped Tania to sit inside. Immediately, Eltanin hopped in to sit on her right side much to the astonishment of Biham. Biham grunted his disapproval as he got in and glared at Eltanin who was now brushing sides with his daughter. The cushioned bench had enough place for just two to sit. Eltanin, being a large strapping man, covered most of the area as he sat lavishly. Tania was pushed to the side. He rested his hand behind her to accommodate her.

As for Tania, she had blushed heavily. Eltanin wasn't even looking at him. He was busy plucking a non-existent particle of dust from his red cape. Furious at Eltanin's disregard for civil behavior, he didn't say anything. He would have asked Tania to come and sit on his side because he wanted everyone to see the tattoo on her left upper arm in full display. And the way she was leaning on the window, the tattoo was already visible amply.

"When we reach the crowd, I want you to wave at them, Lusitania," he said, controlling his anger. "I want them all to see your tattoo."

Tania nodded quietly.

Biham and Fafnir sat in the carriage behind them along with Balfour. Just as they were ready to leave, they saw Sirrah coming out of the palace and descending the steps. She bowed to Prince Rigel before sitting in the carriage with them.

"Your Highness, you can sit in the first carriage," Balfour said, feeling odd.

"I will be fine here, Balfour," Sirrah replied and settled next to Rigel.

As the carriage rolled out of the palace, Biham started explaining what Eltanin already knew. Eltanin kept his expression intrigued by the development, but he had slid his hand at Tania's back and was brushing her skin, sending shivers of electricity down her.

Biham lowered his head and said, "So, you see, Lusitania is my daughter. She has been accepted by the spirit of Pegasii." He pointed at her tattoo proudly.

Eltanin bobbed his head up and down. "It's an interesting turn of events, King Biham," said Eltanin. "What are your plans now?"

All at once, a loud joyous squeal pierced their ears. The carriage had entered the path on both sides of which people were standing with the royal flags and waving at their princess. Tania clenched her dress with her fists, totally nervous at this show. Biham reached forward and made her release her gown. "Lusitania, please wave at them. They want to see their fearless leader. You have to let go of your past."

Eltanin's hand slid to her waist as an assurance that she should do that. With a quivering body, she took her hand out of the carriage and started waving. More cheering followed.

Someone shouted, "Is she betrothed to the Draka king?"

---

Menkar was sitting in his official chamber when his spy came to him. "Your Grace, spies have got information from the queen. She wants to meet you."

"And what information about Tania?" he asked as he leaned back on his chair.