The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate-Chapter 141: The King’s Direct Order Can Kiss My Whole Damn Ass
Bellatrix remained standing next to the desk, as though sitting in Tiberon’s chair would mean accepting it.
"Let me be very clear," she clipped. "Reporting to me means nothing. You will continue training. You will not come to me with questions, problems, or anything that requires me to pretend I care about your wellbeing."
True to her brand, she gave a pointed look at Serena on the wellbeing part of that statement.
"I am not your mentor or your friend. I am a woman who has been given a task she did not want and does not intend to do well."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Elara and Serena answered.
She flicked her hand towards the door, not looking at either of them. The dismissal was identical to how Serena had seen her treat her omega servants.
"Well?" she snapped. "Why are you still standing in my study? Do you need a written invitation to leave? Shall I have it calligraphed?"
Neither answered. They didn’t need to be told twice.
They walked in silence through the castle corridors. Neither of them spoke until they were safely in Dexmon’s chambers with the door closed behind them.
"Tiberon himself is going after them," Elara whispered.
"We aren’t being told all the information. Shocker." Serena sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind racing. "It means something has gone very wrong."
"Or," Elara countered. "They found out where they are and need him to negotiate."
Serena gave her a flat look.
✦✦✦
The next day, after training, Serena and Elara made their way to the healing wing per usual. They’d been trying to corner Alaric for weeks. And finally, they got him.
He looked up, jumping when he saw them, papers flying out of his hands like startled birds.
For a man who’d been successfully avoiding them, he looked remarkably unprepared for the moment his luck ran out.
He straightened, clearing his throat. As if the last five seconds didn’t happen.
"I don’t have any updates. And even if I did, I wouldn’t be authorized to share them with you. Save your breath."
✦✦✦
Another four days went by. Serena’s closet still smelled like Dex, but her sheets didn’t anymore.
Elara let herself in after training, took one look at Serena’s face, and sat down without being invited.
Serena poured two glasses of wine, filled to the rim.
Elara gladly took hers. "Talk to me, Frostborne."
Serena began pacing, wine in hand.
"I can’t believe Dex and Hale left us, without word. I mean gods, did they think we wouldn’t notice?"
Elara snorted. "You are back in the denial stage of grief. I’ve accepted it. Though, can you imagine if we did that to them?"
"I mean, we’ve been here for what, two and a half months? I guess we haven’t been mates for that long. Maybe..." Serena’s voice trailed off, eyes reddening.
Elara gave her a knowing look. "Serena, just because Shadowclaw ghosted you doesn’t mean Dex is ghosting you too."
"Shadowclaw is in Orosia," Serena snapped.
Elara put both her hands in the air. "Fine. But it doesn’t change the fact he left without saying anything."
Her words landed where it hurt. Serena took a large sip of her wine.
"Clearly. I must be that ghostable that my two fated mates left without saying a goddamn word."
"Oh, I’m with you. Hale is not going to have sexy time when he comes back. At least not for a day." Elara lifted her chin. "He’s going to earn it."
"Same," Serena fumed. "Though Dex and I have only had sex four times so not much would change. And two of those times were the day before he left. He marked me. Then I wake up and he’s gone."
"Oof. That timing is terrible," Elara said. "That last time must’ve been so bad that he decided to bail."
Serena gave her a flat look. "I was just getting over everything and he leaves."
Elara sighed. "Three months ago, we didn’t know them And now we’re worried sick."
"Right?" Serena stopped pacing. "I’m so fucking worried."
Elara took a gulp of wine. "Serena, we’re not allowed to leave Drakenfell."
"I know."
"He gave us a direct order."
"I heard him, El."
"So you’re not going to do anything stupid, right?"
Serena didn’t answer.
"Serena."
"I’m thinking."
Serena spun on her heels and faced Elara. Her face was pale, her jaw tight. She was scared too. Scared for Hale, for Dex, for all of them.
"I’m done waiting."
Serena and Elara made their way to the library. Halvek and Alaric had already proven themselves unhelpful. Blockers who would shut this down on Tiberon’s order.
They cut through a passage behind a tapestry, to avoid being seen, and slipped into the library quickly.
The massive stone chamber was quiet at this hour, lit by flickering sconces.
Serena walked directly to the section on magical theory and pulled a book from the shelf.
Mage Portal Creation: Theory and Practice.
Elara positioned herself near the entrance, her back against a bookshelf where she could see anyone approaching. She gave Serena a nod. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞
All clear.
Serena opened the book, reading at alpha speed. Then put it back.
They moved to the next section, and Serena pulled another book.
The Geography of Orosia: A Comprehensive Survey.
Elara coughed softly. A warning.
Serena slid the book back into place and pretended to browse the shelf until the sound of footsteps passed by the library entrance and faded down the corridor.
Elara nodded again.
Clear.
She burned through two volumes on Orosian geography and architecture, memorizing landmarks, fortifications, and the typical layout of their strongholds and prisons.
They moved towards the restricted section. Serena fabricated a key in her hand. She’d done this now a few times, but it still would take a second to unlatch.
They heard Master Thalen approaching, and froze.
He was reading something and didn’t notice them, walking straight past humming to himself.
Serena exhaled slowly, then continued picking the lock. The lock unlatched and the gate opened.
They made their way through the shelves. Serena paused, pulling a book from the shelf that may or may not be useful. She wasn’t sure.
Fae Portal Magic: Methods and Applications.
Fae portals operated on emotional anchoring, the ability to connect to a place through memory, sensation, or intense feeling.
The book warned that fae portals were unpredictable and could deposit the traveler miles from their intended destination. But they could also go places that standard portals couldn’t. Places the traveler had never physically been. Places they had only seen in dreams.
Serena closed the book and returned it to the shelf. Her heart was pounding, and her mind was racing with possibilities.
She made her way back to Elara, who was watching her with a mixture of concern and curiosity.
"Well?" Elara whispered.
Serena glanced around to make sure they were still alone, then leaned in close.
"Here’s my problem," she whispered. "I’ve never been to Orosia. I think I can make a portal, but I don’t have an anchor."
"So it’s impossible?"
"Not necessarily." Serena paused, choosing her words carefully. "I think I can get us close. To Varos and we can sail."
Elara was silent for a long moment.
"That’s a terrible plan," she finally said.
"I know."
"It’s reckless and dangerous. You have no protection."
"I know."
"Tiberon gave us a direct order not to leave Drakenfell."
"I know."
"You’re going to do it anyway, aren’t you." Elara sighed. It wasn’t a question.
Serena met her eyes. "Yes."
"So let me get this straight. Illegal portal, open ocean, enemy territory, no backup."
"When you say it like that, it sounds worse than it is."
"It sounds exactly as bad as it is." Elara rolled her eyes.
Serena shrugged. "I’m hard to kill remember?"
"Gods. We need to get you a hobby. And obviously I’m coming with you."
"Elara, no. It might be dangerous—"
"Hale is out there." Elara’s voice was firm. "Besides, if you die on a reckless mission without me, I’ll never forgive you. And I’ll have no one to drink wine with. Both are unacceptable."
"Finally, she makes a move," A familiar voice called.
Serena jumped, turning her head towards the source. The High Emperor of Orosia stood by the window, arms crossed, watching her with amusement in his eyes.
Her heart thudded, adrenaline in full force.
"What is it?" Elara whispered.
"Nothing."
