Another kingdom
Kael stared at Nadine, his eyes filled with contempt. He couldn't hide his disdain for her, and he muttered under his breath, "You are the most stupid girl I have ever come across." Nadine's heart sank as she heard his words, her eyes welling up with tears that soaked the blindfold covering her eyes. She remained silent, unable to find the words to respond.
Taking a step closer, Kael's voice turned cold and venomous as he continued to berate her. "Listen carefully, Nadine. I don't care what you're wearing, be it rags or a man's pajamas. I will marry you, but don't you dare think you have any control or power in this relationship. You're nothing more than a pawn to me. I am only marrying you because I have to bear an heir for the pack before Edward does."
Trembling, Nadine managed to choke out a weak response. "Kael, please... Why are you treating me like this? I don't deserve this kind of treatment. Because I'm not in your line of status doesn't give you the right to treat me like this. Don't take me to be a poor helpless wolf. I'm not that weak."
Kael scoffed, his voice dripping with mockery. " Don't make me laugh, Nadine. What you think has nothing to do with it. This is about control, about making sure you know your place. And your place is beneath me. Whether you consider yourself weak or strong, helpless or helpful, that means nothing to me."
Nadine's tears flowed freely now, her voice barely audible as she pleaded with him. "But... but I'm not willing to marry you. How can you marry someone who doesn't want to marry you? Is it because you have authority and you think everyone will bow down to you and accept your every command. This isn't even a command, you are forcing me."
Kael's eyes narrowed, his anger intensifying. "Force? You think this is a game, Nadine? Let me make something clear to you. You will do as I say, without question or hesitation. There will be no room for mistakes or stupidity. If you dare to step out of line, I will make your sick brother pay for it. Every flaw, every error you commit will be his burden to bear."
Nadine's heart sank even further, the weight of his threats crushing her spirit. Through choked sobs, she managed to plead once more. "Kael, I beg you, please don't involve my brother in this. He's already suffering enough. I'll do anything you ask, just please spare him."
A sinister smile crept across Kael's face as he leaned in closer, relishing in Nadine's desperation. "Remember this, Nadine. Your brother's fate rests in your hands. If you want to protect him, you will obey me unquestioningly. Fail me, and he will suffer the consequences. Is that clear?"
Nadine's voice trembled as she whispered her response, defeated. "Yes, Kael. I understand."
Kael straightened up, satisfied with her submission. "Good. Remember, Nadine, you're nothing without me. You will learn your place and never forget it."
As the weight of his words settled upon her, Nadine felt a sense of hopelessness engulf her. She knew she was trapped, bound to a life where her own desires and dreams would be sacrificed for the sake of someone else's control. With a heavy heart, she resigned herself to the reality that awaited her, silently vowing to protect her brother at any cost.
Kael's gaze bore into Nadine's blindfolded form, his mind calculating the depths of her vulnerability. Although he knew deep down that he had no power over her sick brother, who had left their lives without their awareness, he couldn't resist the temptation to manipulate her. He wanted to ensure that she believed he could control her brother's fate, even if it was just an illusion. With a cold and calculated voice, he began to speak.
"Nadine," he said, his tone dripping with disdain, "you seem to believe that being stubborn or smart can save people like you. Well, let me enlighten you. No amount of intelligence or resilience can protect you from the world I've created for you. In this world, there are no heroes, no saviors. There is only you and me."
Nadine's heart sank as his words echoed in her ears. She could feel the weight of his dominance crushing her spirit, and a small sigh escaped her lips, barely audible. She hoped he didn't hear it, for fear of invoking his wrath.
Kael moved closer, his voice low and menacing. "You need to understand, Nadine, that you are entirely at my mercy. No one can save you from the path I've set for you. If you want everything to be alright—for you, for your sick brother—you must learn to follow my instructions and abide by my rules. There is no other way."
Tears welled up in Nadine's eyes, mingling with the blindfold that obscured her vision. She felt a sense of helplessness wash over her, but a flicker of defiance still burned within her. Gathering her courage, she spoke, her voice quivering with determination. "Kael, you can't control everything. You may think you have power over my brother, but he's gone. You can't reach him anymore."
A sinister smile played at the corners of Kael's lips, though Nadine couldn't see it. He reveled in her words, knowing they held a shred of truth. However, he couldn't allow her to grasp onto that hope. Leaning in closer, he hissed, "Oh, Nadine, you underestimate me. You may believe he's out of reach, but I have my ways. Trust me when I say that I can make his life a living hell if you dare to defy me. You wouldn't want that, would you?"
Nadine's voice wavered as she fought back tears. "Please, Kael, I beg you. Don't involve my brother in this. He's already suffered enough. I'll do whatever you ask of me, I promise. Just spare him from your wrath."
Kael's eyes gleamed with sadistic satisfaction as he saw her desperation. He had succeeded in instilling fear within her, a fear that would ensure her compliance. With a twisted sense of pleasure, he replied, "Very well, Nadine. Your brother's fate lies solely in your hands. Remember that every move you make, every action you take will have consequences. If you want to protect him, you will do exactly as I say. Disobey me, and his suffering will be on your conscience."
Nadine's shoulders slumped, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She realized she had no choice but to play his game, to dance to his twisted tune. With a heavy heart, she whispered, defeated, "I understand, Kael. I will follow your instructions, no matter how difficult or degrading they may be. Just please, spare my brother from any harm."
Kael smirked triumphantly, reveling in his control over her. "Remember, Nadine, it is within my power to make or break your world. Your fate lies in my hands. Count yourself lucky that I still try to tolerate all the stupid attitudes you throw at me. You may not be lucky next time, Nadine. "
As Nadine contemplated her helpless situation, her thoughts turned to her sick brother. She couldn't bear the thought of him suffering, especially at the hands of the heartless soon-to-be king, Kael. Suddenly, Kael's harsh voice shattered her thoughts as he barked at her to get ready. Confusion and frustration welled up within her. How was she supposed to get ready when she was blindfolded?
"Kael," Nadine's voice trembled with uncertainty, "how can I get ready when I can't even see? Please, show me some mercy."
Kael let out a derisive laugh, devoid of any sympathy. "Mercy? Nadine, mercy is a luxury you cannot afford. You will learn to adapt, to overcome your limitations. Blindfold or not, you will do as I say."
Tears streamed down Nadine's face, mixing with the blindfold that concealed her eyes. "But Kael, I don't understand. How can I possibly prepare myself if I can't even see what I'm doing? It's impossible."
Kael's voice grew colder as he responded, his patience wearing thin. "You think I care about what you perceive as impossible? That is the difference between you and me, Nadine. I expect you to find a way. Use your other senses, rely on your instincts. Failure is not an option."
Fear and frustration gripped Nadine's heart as she considered the daunting task ahead. She desperately wanted to protect her brother, but she felt trapped in a world that made no sense. With a trembling voice, she pleaded once again, "Please, Kael, I'm begging you. Help me understand how to get ready in this state. I'll do anything you ask, just guide me."
Kael's face contorted into a sneer, his patience wearing thin. He took a step closer, his voice dripping with contempt. "You still don't get it, do you, Nadine? I don't have the time or patience to hold your hand through this. You're on your own. Figure it out or face the consequences. I won't go easy on you at all. Do you get it?"
**
Nadine's heart sank further, realizing that Kael had no intention of offering her any assistance. In her mind, she struggled to come up with a plan, searching for a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that enveloped her. Gathering her resolve, she spoke, her voice filled with determination tinged with fear.
"Kael, I may be blindfolded, but I am not completely helpless. I will rely on my other senses and do my best to comply with your demands. But I implore you, please reconsider. Show me some mercy, some compassion. Help me in this difficult situation, and I promise I will prove my loyalty to you."
Kael's eyes narrowed, weighing her words carefully. A moment of silence hung in the air, pregnant with tension. Finally, he broke the silence with a cruel smile, his voice laced with sadistic delight.
"Very well, Nadine. I'll give you a small reprieve. I'll guide you on what I need you here for but remember, it is a privilege, not a right. One wrong move, and all mercy shall vanish."
Relief washed over Nadine as she realized she had bought herself a sliver of assistance. However, she knew it was a temporary respite, a thin thread she clung to in the face of overwhelming adversity.
"Thank you, Kael," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and determination. "I won't let you down. I'll prove my worth and loyalty to you, I promise."
Kael's expression hardened, his eyes piercing into her soul. "You better. Remember, Nadine, your actions have consequences. I suggest you tread carefully."
“You also have to know that all my orders have to be fulfilled no matter how evil they sound.”
With those final words, he turned his back and left.
As Kael strode out of the room, his loyal subordinate Aldine followed closely behind him, leaving Nadine to ponder on his last words.
Kael turned sharply, his eyes piercing into Aldine's soul as he delivered a stern warning.
"Aldine, listen carefully. I don't want any more of your nonchalant behavior this time around," Kael's voice was cold and authoritative. "I need you to be vigilant and ensure the guards keep a constant eye on Nadine. She is not to be left alone for even a moment. Do you understand?"
Aldine's face paled, realizing the gravity of the situation. He knew the consequences of failing Kael were dire. Bowing his head, he replied, "Yes, Your Highness. I understand the importance of this task. I will ensure the guards remain attentive and watchful."
A sinister smile crept onto Kael's face as he detected the fear in Aldine's voice. "Good. Remember, Aldine, I expect nothing less than absolute obedience from you. Nadine must be under constant surveillance. Her every move, every word, must be monitored,” he ordered in a very strong tone, giving out a scary look.
This was the power he wanted to exact but not only in his servants but to every member of the pack. Not exempting his mother, his enemies including Edward.