The Alpha's Temptation

Rigel's eyes flared wide open as anger bubbled in his chest. Looking at Tabit with his chest rising and falling, he gritted his teeth. "But why is Meissa doing it all of a sudden?" he asked, not understanding what changed in her.

Tabit shrugged. "I don't know, but all day long she stays with Prince Okab..."

Eltanin's spies had informed me of the state of affairs in his kingdom. They had also told him about the rumors that were spreading like wildfire amongst the citizens. Ruffled by all this, he came here as soon as possible. He had thought originally that he would meet his parents and ask them to keep Lerna under wraps until the war between Eltanin and Felis had an outcome, but now that seemed bleak.

Tabit placed her hand on his forearm and said, "Brother, you have to be extremely careful. Meissa has thought of all her plans one by one. And if I know her, she will execute them."

Rigel let out a deep exhale. He had to change his strategy but before that he had to gauge his parents and also assess Meissa's schemes. One thing was sure--he wasn't getting Lerna any time soon.

He placed his hand over Tabit's and patted it. "Don't worry, Tabit," he said with a semblance of a smile. "I will be careful. And thanks for warning me."

Tabit smiled at him sadly. She knew that her brother was extremely fond of Princess Lerna, but he was a victim of unfortunate circumstances. "Then I better be going. Meissa has called me to take me with her for shopping. Some very precious pearls have arrived from the Jade Sea. This is the first time the traders have brought them after the embargo was removed."

"Go," Rigel said, his smile growing. "But--"

"And don't worry," Tabit responded, cutting him off. "I won't go and tell it to her. Though I like Meissa, I didn't like how she has changed so much..."

Rigel chuckled. Tabit left him and Rigel planned on meeting his parents.

Mintaka wasn't free until lunch. He had meetings with courtiers even after lunch. When he was free, he was so tired that he ordered the servants to send his food to his bedchamber. When Rigel came to know of his father's plans, he decided to meet them in their bedchamber.

As soon as he started to go there from the dining hall where he was having his lunch, Meissa too got up. During the entire lunch time, she was glancing at him every now and then as if keeping a watch on him.

"Where are you going?" she asked, her tone a tad nervous.

Rigel raised his eyebrow. He crossed his arms across his chest and leaned back in his chair. Tension palpated in the air. "Why?" he asked her.

"Nothing!" she breathed. "I was wondering if you are free to join Okab and me for hunting. We are planning on going for a hunt near Wolfiers Lake."

"I am not in a mood, Meissa. Next time," he replied. He got up and exited the dining hall but he felt as if everywhere he went, he was watched. It was getting on his nerves.

Meissa had never been on hunts. Hunting was a common sport for the kings and queens, but because her skills weren't that good, she usually avoided it. So Rigel was quite surprised when she asked him to join her.

When he reached his parents' bedchamber, the guards announced him, reluctantly. They argued that his father was having his lunch, but after he growled at them and released his force, they conceded.

Rigel's mother, Alina, was surprised to see him. She didn't get up to receive him, but Mintaka did.

"Rigel!" he called. "Come here son!" He patted on his side and Rigel immediately walked to him. Mintaka gave a huge smile. "Would you like to eat?"

"No Father," he replied politely as he glanced at his mother who was watching him with an emotion akin to disinterest and apathy. It saddened him. How could his mother not understand his emotions? Even Sirrah, who thought was the evilest of all, wanted the benefit of her only daughter.

"So tell me. What brings you here?" he asked as he chewed the flesh of roasted chicken.

"What else?" Alina scoffed. "He wants to talk about that wretched mate of his!"

"Alina!" Mintaka growled.

Alina pursed her lips and looked away.

Rigel sucked in air and cleared his mind. He had to focus on what he was about to say rather than brood at his mother's behavior. "Father, this is about Lerna. I--"

Suddenly, the door of the room opened and Meissa walked in. She looked at all of them nervously and Rigel's eyes became wide with surprise. How did she know where he was? So, she was keeping a watch on him.

Meissa smiled at her father and then went to sit with her mother. Alina smiled at Meissa and commented, "Now you are the only shining star of the Orion Kingdom. We can't have traitors amongst us."

Meissa blushed a little at her mother's compliment.

Rigel knew that they were both trying to rile him up. He felt like shouting at them and showing his power, but he remained quiet... for Lerna. He turned his attention to his father and said, "As I was saying, this is about Lerna."

"What about her?" Mintaka asked, not very happy to breach the subject.

"Father, you know she is my mate and only a true mate came to give legal heirs to the kingdom. Then why are you averse to her coming here?"

Mintaka picked up the glass of water. He gulped it down and placed it down, all the while making Rigel feel uncomfortable. "It's not about having a mate, but your mate is the princess of Hydra Kingdom. Everyone in Araniea hates Felis. I am amazed that you haven't rejected her so far!"

Rigel's eyebrows knitted as he looked at his father.