66. Losing Control
YILEYNA
I was so confused… I don’t know what happened, but I was unable to shake the king’s reaction from
my mind. Why had he looked at me like that?
“I’m fine…” I whispered to Charlene, giving her a tight squeeze.
Where would i be without her?
She moved back slowly, concern and sadness in her eyes as she brushed a strand of my hair from my
face.
“You look beyond beautiful tonight, so beautiful that even the moon does not compare.” Charlene
complimented me, trying to cheer me up with a small smile on her face, and I tried to smile back. 1
This wasn’t what I was expecting. This wasn’t how it was meant to go.
Sure my dress was revealing but so were many other dresses here tonight, the only difference was
mine was in the fabric and designs from Aerean Kingdom. The Fae kingdom Zarian hails
from.
“Thanks.” I said trying to regain control of myself.
I could still feel Theon’s burning gaze upon me. The intensity of it making me a little confused. We
parted, and I gave Charlene’s hand a gentle squeeze as Ryan let out a low whistle. “I wonder if the king
is ok, that was… strange.” He said, massaging his jaw.
“Don’t let Mom’s words get to you, I’m sure Dad just…” Charlene tried, but even she had no answer.
“I don’t think the Luna was wrong, what was your aim De’Lacor by dressing like that?” Theon spat
coldly, his voice full of rage, resentment, and venom.
My heart skipped a beat, a flash of pain filling me as I looked into his amber eyes. Amber eyes that
were so similar to the shade of the pendant I wore that I wondered if that was why I subconsciously
kept it close? Because of the colour? A colour that reminded me of him… 1
I glanced down at the floor, trying not to let his words get to me.
You should know me better than that Theon…
Focus Yileyna, remember the plan.
“My only aim was to look good for my date, besides, I don’t need to dress in a certain way for men fall
at my feet, right Theon?” I mocked, knowing I sounded horrible, but the urge to make a jab at his
infatuation with me was far too strong for him to deny.
And as much as I hated behaving like this… He deserved a taste of how it felt to be mocked.
His eyes burned gold, his anger rising, and Raiden pulled me close.
“Good is by far an understatement, Yileyna, you look so stunning even the moon would be jealous of
you.” He said, trying to defuse the rising tension between Theon and I.
Theon scoffed, and from the corner of my eye, I saw him turn his gaze away. It showed that my plan
was working, Theon’s anger was radiating off of him and I wondered what exactly it would take to break
his self-control… “How about we go take our seats? Dinner will be served soon…” Ryan trailed off as
Theon turned and stormed away.
He looked at Raiden, his smirk vanishing.
“Raiden, you know you are slated to be beta, why are you doing.”
“I already said I don’t want that position, so I’ll behave as I deem fit.” Raiden cut in.
My heart skipped a beat as I looked at him in shock. Why didn’t he tell me? “What?” I asked
“With Theon’s engagement the beta position.” “Enough Ryan.” Raiden said, his voice was calm, yet the
finality in it made Ryan shake his head.
“No offence, Yileyna, but it would be beneficial for us all to see Raiden in that position. If -”
“Ryan, I said enough, this has nothing to do with her.” Raiden growled.
It was the first time I had seen him so angry, his eyes flashing as he glared at Ryan. “Ok stop. The both
of you.” I said, pulling Raiden away. “Excuse us for a moment.” Charlene nodded as Ryan crossed his
arms with irritation clear on his face. I led Raiden away towards one of the doors leading to the
courtyards. “I’m fine.” He said giving me a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes as we stepped out into
the cold. “Let’s go back inside, Leyna, you know you aren’t even wearing a coat.
“I don’t feel cold.” I said, refusing to listen to him. I tilted my head and raised my eyebrows, crossing my
arms. “But I’m upset with you, Raiden.”
He looked down before shaking his head. “I’m sorry, but know that I would never accept that position, I
would never-” “Raiden.” I cut him off, placing a hand on his arm. I smiled at the man I considered a
friend and smiled gently. “I’m upset because you are letting an opportunity you deserve slip from your
fingertips.”
He looked up at me sharply as fresh snow landed in his hair. “That’s your birth-right, Yileyna, and no
matter what, it feels wrong to accept it. I won’t do that to you.” He said quietly.
A serious Raiden made me nervous. I often forget that he was indeed a man, one who could be many
things…
“It was, but I am not fit for the position. We need a beta who is just, loyal and hardworking. In fact, you
remind me a little of Dad. He was always caring, wanting his best for our people and to work hard… I’m
sure he would have been proud to know you would be his successor.” I said
quietly.
The ache in my chest was because of my parents, as for the beta title… A few months ago 1 would
have been hurt, but it all felt so childish now.
A title was a title, one that should be held by who was worthy, and although I once felt it was my only
attachment to my parents, I now realised that regardless of the beta title I was still their daughter. I was
still Yileyna De’Lacor and I would still make them proud.
“Yileyna, it just doesn’t feel.”
I placed a finger on his lips and shook my head.
“No. It’s the right thing to do. If I had known, I wouldn’t have come with you tonight… I can’t let you ruin
your life and opportunity because of me. I thought we were friends, Raiden, you should have told me.” I
said quietly as a sharp wind blew through my hair, but I ignored it. 1
“I’m sorry, but it was not necessary when I wasn’t going to accept it.” He said flashing me a charming
smile. “But if you want to make it up to me, you could honour me with one dance.”
“Raiden…”
He was trying to change the subject.
“One dance with the most beautiful woman around. Although I’m uncertain if your appearance is a
luxury or a punishment tonight…” He murmured huskily, his eyes dipped to my dress, and I felt my
heart skip a beat as I blushed under his obvious meaning. It was nothing like Theon, Raiden was far
different… warmth, comforting and security, and that was why I would never hurt him. But I could tease
him, right?
I smiled brightly and stepped closer, wrapping my arms around his neck and almost laughing when he
tensed.
“So tell me, shall we dance here? All alone, away from hundreds of prying eyes or… want to go
inside?” I whispered, pressing my chest against him. He looked at me suspiciously before a smirk
crossed his face, clicking on to exactly what I was doing
“Ever the tease Ms De’Lacor. I think you forget that Raiden Bolton is rather experienced in this field.”
He replied, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me against him firmly.
I gasped, tightening my own hold on him as our bodies pressed against one another entirely. His scent
invaded my senses and I laughed softly. “Who can forget that Raiden Bolton was the biggest playboy in
Westerfell?” I raised an eyebrow, looking into those deep blue eyes of his.
“I would at least have hoped that you would.” He said with a wink, as he began swaying to the music
that was playing inside the hall.
I raised an eyebrow.
“I actually remember you grabbing your pants as a certain she-wolf’s father chased you away onto the
streets. Me and Charlene laughed over your naked butt for a good few weeks.” I smirked as he
groaned.
“Damn, fathers hate me.”
“Well is that why I’m your latest pursuit, because you don’t need worry about a father?” I asked,
amused, despite the small pang inside at the reminder that I was an orphan.
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