Dimitri’s POV
Loud cheering and clapping made me look back at the battlefield. The last fight of the night was almost over. Alpha Theodore’s warrior was winning. I couldn’t care less about the tournament. I kept looking around, trying to see if anyone was acting suspicious.
Kendrick, Landon, and Rayan were sitting close to us. Kendrick kept glancing at Maddie and the urge to gauge his eyes out only grew inside me. I couldn’t wait to find evidence about him working with the traitors. I couldn’t wait to have a reason to kill the fucker.
“He is really good,” Maddie said quietly.
A wave of jealousy washed over me and Maddie chuckled.
Are you seriously jealous? She mind-linked me. As if I would ever want or need anyone else but you.
I glanced at her and saw her shaking her head at me.
I wasn’t jealous until you mentioned how good he was. I mumbled through the mind-link.
Looking back, letting her watch half-naked men fight wasn’t one of my best choices.
She took my hand in hers and squeezed it.
He isn’t you. She said softly. All I want and all I need is you.
I lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles softly.
I know, princess. I said and looked at her.
My heart skipped a beat. I was sometimes stunned by the amount of love I felt for her. I still couldn’t believe that the Goddess gave her to me. I sometimes still couldn’t believe that I was lucky enough to stand beside her and call her mine.
“We have a winner!” Landon exclaimed, making me look back at the battlefield.
Alpha Theodore’s warrior won.
Maddie and I stood up and started applauding him. People around us cheered and clapped. Alpha Theodore approached his warrior and patted his back. I could see how proud he was.
Some of my warriors rushed to help Alpha Ezekiel’s warrior who was lying on the ground and whining quietly.
“Congratulations!” Landon exclaimed, shaking the winner’s hand. “It was a well-deserved victory.”
Landon was smiling brightly and it annoyed me. I wanted to wipe that stupid smile off his face.
“Thank you, Chancellor,” Alpha Theodore’s warrior said, smiling a little.
He looked at Maddie and me and bowed.
“My King and my Queen,” he said, lifting his head. “Thank you for giving me a chance to participate in the tournament.”
“You are welcome,” I said, smiling politely. “Congratulations on your victory. My Queen and I are looking forward to seeing you participate in the next challenge.”
The warrior smiled and bowed again. Alpha Theodore wrapped an arm around his shoulder and led him away. He never stopped smiling.
Maddie and I stood up and turned around. All of our guests were seated behind us.
“Thank you for coming,” I said, smiling politely. “Please enjoy the rest of your evening. Food and drinks will be served in the throne room. I am looking forward to seeing you there.”
I took Maddie’s hand in mine and started walking away before anyone could try to stop us. I didn’t want anyone approaching her. I didn’t want anyone close to her. I was wondering if I would be able to convince her to go to our room and wait for me there. She did her part and she really didn’t need to stay for the party.
“Maddie, princess, I was wondering if you would be okay with going back to our room and waiting for me there?” I asked as I pulled her closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
She looked up at me and furrowed her brows.
“Why?” she asked. “We still have a party to go to.”
I glanced at Will who was walking behind us. He raised an eyebrow at me.
“I want you to rest, princess,” I said softly. “I am worried this might be too much.”
Maddie shook her head. “I am fine. I can go.”
I tightened my jaw and kissed her temple.
“Please, princess,” I said quietly.
“Ali and I can keep you company until Dimitri returns,” Ellie said, making me look at her.
She and Ali were walking next to Will. She gave me a knowing look and smiled at Maddie.
“But I am the Queen,” Maddie said, looking at me. “I should be there.”
“You should be resting, Mads,” Will said softly.
“Yes,” I nodded. “You already went to that breakfast this morning. I am worried that all of this is too much. You had that fever yesterday.”
I kissed her forehead and rubbed her back gently.
“Please, princess,” I said and she gave me a small nod.
“Okay,” she said. “But I am only sitting this one out. I will be going to every event after this one.”
I smiled and nodded. “Of course, my princess.”
“My King,” I heard Landon’s voice behind us and I had to stop myself from growling.
What the fuck did he want?
I stopped walking and turned around. I pulled Maddie closer to me and tightened my hold on her.
“Landon,” I said, trying to remain calm. “What can I help you with? Is there a problem with the tournament?”
Landon shook his head. “No, my King. Everything is going perfectly.”
He looked at Maddie and smiled.
“You look amazing tonight, my Queen,” he said, bowing his head to her.
I gritted my teeth and tried to stop myself from standing in front of her and shielding her with my body. I didn’t want his eyes on her.
“Thank you, Landon,” she said politely.
“Can I help you with something, Landon?” I asked, wanting to change the subject. “We should really get going. We are expected at the party.”
“I know, my King,” Landon said. “I just wanted to stop you to ask about a meeting regarding the punishment of our former Luna. The council is worried, my King.”
I couldn’t stop the quiet growl that escaped me.
“We will have the meeting after the meeting is done, Landon,” I said, trying to get a hold of my anger. “I already told you that.”
He nodded. “You did, my King. But the Alphas are talking amongst themselves. They noticed her absence, my King. We are worried about appearances and we have a proposal for you.”
I couldn’t give a shit about appearances.
“I don’t care about that,” I said, tightening my jaw. “I am more than happy to tell the Alphas what happened.”
Landon’s eyes widened.
“No, my King!” he exclaimed, shaking his head. “You have to think about the consequences of that action. I strongly advise you to keep it a secret.”
I forced myself to take a deep breath.
“This is not the time or place to talk about this, Landon,” I said sternly. “We will discuss this at a more appropriate time.”
We were in the middle of the forest and I could hear the rest of our guests approaching us.
Landon sighed and glanced behind his shoulder.
“Yes, my King,” he said, but I could hear the disappointment in his voice. “Can we meet tomorrow morning?”
I really didn’t want to. I didn’t fucking care about their proposal. I couldn’t even answer him.
“Of course, Landon,” Maddie said politely. “Please excuse us. We really have to go.”
She took my hand in hers and we started walking away.
“Good job, Mads,” Will whispered.
“You shouldn’t have agreed,” I mumbled. “I don’t give a fuck about their proposal.”
“I know,” Maddie sighed. “But he wasn’t going to give up, Dimitri.”
I knew that. I took another deep breath and pulled Maddie to me.
“Thank you, princess,” I said, placing a soft kiss on her temple.
“It’s my job to support you,” she said, smiling at me. “I will always be here to do that.”
I leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. She was right. She would always be here to support me. She would always be right by my side. No one could take her away from me.
