Chapter 84

84. An Exchange of Rings

“Charlene!”

She had broken into a run the moment she was out of sight, but I caught up fast, grabbing hold of her
arm as I battled my emotions, trying to calm the storm that was raging outside and within me.

Breathe…

“My queen…” I said softly as she refused to look at me.

I tugged her around gently and she turned. It killed to see the fat tears spilling down her cheeks. I pulled
her into my arms, hugging her tightly. “Just like that, he cast me aside.” She whispered. “Well he just lost
the only daughter he had. It’s his loss.” I said angrily, as she pulled away. “I’ll ruin your dress.” She said
wiping away her tears, as she wrapped her arms around herself. “It hurts… not only have I lost Mom…
but Dad too…”

I frowned, maybe Gamma Grayson needed to know… Maybe he would be the father she needed, the
king and queen were both disgusting in my eyes. 2 “He doesn’t deserve to call you daughter, don’t let his



words get to you.” I comforted her, stroking her arm and brushing her tears away gently. She looked
down and nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah… I’m just… the daughter of no one now… Just an orphan who
took the place of the true princess.”

“I’m sorry, Charl.”

“Don’t. Why apologise for something you have no hand in? I’m just… upset with Dad…” She whispered.
“Sure, he addressed me as his daughter, but at the same time he insulted me.”

There was nothing to say to that.

How do I tell her he didn’t deserve her or could justify any of this? His lies had been shocking. I gave her
another hug as we heard footsteps. Charlene turned away, taking a deep breath as she patted her tears
away. Theon’s scent reached me before he came into view, my heart skipping a beat as I looked him
over; black pants, satin shirt, and boots, with a silver and black jacket on top. A chain was on the side of
his pants, and I couldn’t deny that he looked incredibly handsome, dangerously sexy… The expression
on his face emphasised his chiselled jaw and cheekbones. “You’re staring.” He said, making me blush,
before he added quietly. “Unless we both get to stare.”

My eyes widened, and I wondered if he had actually said that or had it just been my imagination? He was
looking towards the window now, frowning at the storm outside, before he turned to

me.

“I came to make sure you didn’t lose control.” He remarked, looking me over. My stomach fluttered when
his eyes darkened with clear approval.

“Or he came to admire how beautiful you look.” Charlene said, smiling as she gave my hand a squeeze.
Apart from her eyes being slightly red, she looked normal. 1 It didn’t mean the king’s words were
forgotten, Charlene was just good at hiding her emotions.



“Or that.” Theon said huskily, making me raise my eyebrow. “Did you practise how to be charming all
morning? Must have been hard work.” I mocked. s “I already told you, charming doesn’t work for you
now, does it?”

“Excuse me…” Charlene remarked, suppressing a smirk. I glanced at her, poking my eyes out, but she
simply winked. “I will leave the soon-to-be-engaged couple to it…”

“I’d appreciate that.” Theon said, surprisingly me further.

Charlene’s footsteps faded away as I looked into the gorgeous amber eyes of the man before me.

“I’m left speechless with the change in persona.” I mocked as he tilted his head.

“I assure you I haven’t changed…” He stepped closer, making my heart skip a beat as I tried not to move
back. “Relax, I’m not going to bite.”

He reached out, cupping my neck as he ran his thumb down the centre. I swallowed, my heart pounding
against my ribcage.

Our eyes locked and the only thing I could think of was the marks that he used to leave on me, from a
time that felt like so long ago…

“What’s on your mind?” He asked quietly, his husky low tone making my core clench.

“Not you.” I managed to respond breathlessly. He leaned in, his lips grazing my ear, making my breath
hitch. “Just me fucking you?” 2

I closed my eyes. My entire body was reacting to him. Don’t go there…

“Don’t get so cocky…” I murmured, placing my hand on his firm chest and pushing him back slightly. He
moved back, and something the king said came to mind. “Is it true, the king threatened you with me if
you didn’t agree to Charlene?”



A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he masked it fast. I was getting better at seeing through that
mask of his…

“Who said that?” He asked frowning.

“The king.”

“Because you refused to get engaged to me?”

“Maybe.”

“Don’t talk in a roundabout way, Little Storm.” He warned, his hand tightening around my throat… “I see
you didn’t wear a necklace…” “I forgot to.” I lied; the truth was I had refused it on purpose.

“I’m sure.” He replied arrogantly.

“Don’t avoid what I’m asking you Theon. Did the king threaten you?”

His free hand ran down my arm painstakingly slowly, leaving a trail of pleasure in its wake, before it
snaked around my waist, making my breath hitch.

“It doesn’t matter… Yileyna… But there’s something I want to talk to you about.” He said seriously as he
let go of my neck and instead took hold of my chin. 1 “What is it?” I asked, hearing the thudding of his
racing heart.

“Let’s go somewhere-” 1

“Excuse me, but the king wants you two in the hall.” Ryan said, interrupting Theon.

His eyes went to our position, we were crushed together and standing far too close. I quickly pulled
away, my cheeks flushing lightly.



Theon frowned but I could see his irritation that he was masking rather well. I wondered what it was that
he wanted to talk about.

“We should go. We’ll talk after…” I suggested softly.

He frowned and gave a small nod as he led the way back.

My irritation at the king returned with full force when I saw him standing there as if nothing had
happened, as if his words had no impact on anyone. Did he only care for himself?

Charlene was standing by Andrea, who was asking her something and looked sympathetic as Charlene
smiled gracefully back.




62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda