Chapter 1 Royal disgrace

 /-Ayla-/

“I…beg you…” I rasped, my voice a bare whisper as agony coursed through my body.

My vision blurred with unshed tears, each strike of the barbed whip landed heavily on my flesh, but the sickening sound of my flesh tearing was drowned underneath the laughters and jeers of my tormentors.

Two armored guards held me firmly by the arms, while another raised the whip yet again.

“Again!” A clear voice commanded.

Beneath a grand pavilion sat a young woman adorned in pristine white robes, her jade crown a testament to her lineage. She reclined lazily into the cushion, lifting a delicate porcelain cup as a maid served tea.

The corners of her lips rose to form a mocking sneer, “Did you truly believe yourself worthy of attending the spring festival like the rest of us?” She began, voice dripping with disdain as she eyed me. “You, of all people?”

Under an adjacent canopy, a young mistress chimed in, with a devious smirk, “Indeed. A wretched creature such as her needed to be reminded of her station.”

“She's no different from the whore who bore her - filthy, useless and utterly worthless, I wonder why the King hadn't thrown her out of the kingdom already.”

“Such an eyesore.”

I bit my lower lip until I tasted the metallic taste of blood, my eyes stung as I listened to their blatant mockery and ridicule.

To them, I was a mere stain to the Royal bloodline, Why? Because the royal King had bedded a mere maid, and I was the result of their union.

However, my mother was labelled a slut, and she carried that label to her grave, leaving me to shoulder the responsibilities of the weight of her shame.

I turned my gaze to the young woman in white robes, who had ordered for my torment, “Sister, please ask them to stop. I merely came to deliver herbs…"

“Oh please.” She waved her hand dismissively. "Do you think we care about your excuses? And, How dare you address me as your sister? Since when have I ever acknowledged something as filthy as you?”

Princess Selene, the jewel of the kingdom and the beloved daughter of the royal family, born by the Queen herself. The perfect lady of noble bearing, and my…sister.

“Ten more lashes!” She commanded the guards coldly with a wave of her delicate fingers.

Pa!

A scream tore from my lips, yet no one came to my aid. No one ever did, as none of them cared.

When they released me, I collapsed onto the cold floor, writhing in pain and agony.

From the corner of my eyes, I watched Selene, who no longer spared me any glance as she reverted her attention back to her 'noble' friends.

Despite the wrenching pain, I limped away, fearing that Selene would change her mind. I walked because I had someone waiting.

…

That night, when my wounds had started to heal, I snuck out of the royal palace as usual, and made my way towards the familiar path of the narrow road.

Until, I arrived in front of a mansion. Unguarded, because he had always trusted me to enter freely.

And, there he was.

Alpha Magnus, my mate and lover.

His eyes lit up when he saw me.

“Ayla, you are here.” He said with a gentle smile, crossing the distance between us and pulling me into his warm embrace.

He's the only man who never saw me as a stain or glanced at me with disdain like the others.

My body relaxed instinctively, and I wrapped my hands around his sturdy waist, feeling as if all the pain had lightened.

When he retreated, he scrutinized my face, and asked worriedly, “You are trembling, Did something happen?”

I shook my head.

Then, he led me to his private chambers, and held out a gold pin, intricately carved like a crescent moon.

“My gift for you.” He said, pressing it into my hands. “A promise. Soon, you will be my bride.”

Tears welled in my eyes. This was the reason I had been enduring all the pain and ordeals. Because Magnus had promised. Because he would take me away from here.

Warmth seeped into my heart as I embraced him once again.

When we both retreated, Magnus captured my lips in a slow, sensual kiss.

Before I knew it, I had been led towards the center of his bed. Knowing what was going to happen, I felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

“Hold me.” He commanded, and I raised my arms to hug his neck as he took my lips once again.

He trailed kisses from my jawline to my neck, sending chills down my spine.

While doing that, his hands had already started moving along the contours of my body as he quickly undid my dress with practiced ease.

Soon, I laid bare before him and he took one of my nipples in his mouth, flicking it with his tongue before sucking on it.

My back arched back at the pleasure, and I found myself yearning for more. Magnus' hand wandered downwards to my lower part and I flushed.

“You are so wet.” He groaned. “Part your legs for me, will you?”

Despite the embarrassment, I opened my legs slightly, and he settled between them.

Magnus inserted one of his fingers into me, and the mixture of pain and pleasure made me gasp.

“You like that?” He asked in a hoarse tone.

Then, another finger and I moaned louder, feeling as though my body were no longer mine.

Just as my needs began to build, Magnus suddenly withdrew his hand, and replaced them with something hot and thick. I stiffened, overwhelmed.

After waiting for me to adjust, he started moving, breathless.

Each thrust made me tremble, and I clung to him.

“Magnus…” I moaned out his name, and his actions became vigorous.

A torrential of pleasure washed over me like a tide as Magnus took me to the highest level of excitement.

When everything was over, I laid behind him, feeling sore in the best way because I did not regret.

Just as my eyes closed in exhaustion, I heard him say,

“During the Moon festival in a few weeks, I shall formally announce our bond before the whole kingdom.”

…

“You are pregnant.”

Even as I walked out of the infirmary, the physician's words kept ringing in my ears.

The corner of my lips curled into a small smile, and I reached out my hands to gently caress my stomach.

“My Lady,” Chirped Amy, my personal maid, the only one who had remained loyal to me despite everything. Her eyes widened, “Are you really pregnant?”

I nodded with a light chuckle.

Amy clasped her hands, eyes twinkling, “Lord Magnus will definitely be happy when he hears about this. I'm so happy for you.”

“But, I don't intend to tell him now.” I said with a mischievous smile. “I will make it a surprise for him, on the day of the Moon festival.”

I could already picture his expression. I carry his heir, and with this, everything would change. I would be untouchable.