The Alpha King Is A Sleeping Beauty

Chapter Six

An Enemy?

/-Jade-/

"Jalaal!" The Queen exclaimed with excitement. "You're finally awake!"

Yes, he was but he was also strangling me. I struggled to breathe, thrashing underneath him as I hit his hand helplessly.

"Help..." I choked out.

The King and Queen rushed over but before they could get to us, he collapsed on top of me, and I gasped, finally dragging air into my lungs beneath his crushing weight.

I managed to roll his body off me and my body immediately slouched in relief.

"You did it! You're really Annabelle!" The Queen exclaimed, while the King went to check on the Prince.

"He's unconscious," he informed us. "Must have passed out from weakness.

I sat up from the bed and the man looked at me with a proud smile. My mind was spiralling with so many questions I didn't dare ask.

The Queen took my hand, "Thank you so much, Annabelle. After three long years, I was finally able to see my son move again. Thank you."

She was sobbing now, showering me with thanks while I stared at her in confusion.

How was I able to wake him up? Was this some kind of trick?

I glanced at Levi, since he was the only person in this room with a clear head. His eyes were fixated on me and I could tell that he wasn't buying this.

"Uhmmm..." I cleared my throat awkwardly. "Your highness, please may I go home now?"

The Queen pulled away with a frown. "This is your home, Annabelle. We'll have the maids prepare your room for you so you can rest up."

"Your highness, please don't get me wrong. I meant go home to my family. They must be worried about me now," I tried explaining calmly to her. There was no way I was going to spend a night in this place.

"You can't get to Moonspire tonight, dear. We will send words to your parents tomorrow to let them know that you are safe,'' she started and my eyes widened.

Why does this woman keep saying the opposite of what I mean? I opened my mouth to say something but she raised a hand to stop me.

"No more arguments, get some rest okay?" The Queen spoke. "Show her to her room, Levi. We'll stay here with the Prince."

My heart skipped. Levi? Of all people? Does she have any idea what he'll do to me when we're alone? I've had enough murder attempts for today.

"Come with me," he said before I could protest and I gulped hard. I bowed to the King and Queen and followed him out.

As I walked behind him, I couldn't help but notice how majestic his pose was. How could this man not be royalty?

As we walked down the halls, I saw the servants bow quickly and scurry off like one look from him could kill them.

If he was a mere bodyguard, they wouldn't be bowing right?

"I... sorry for asking... but are you royalty too?" I finally gathered courage to ask.

He didn't respond to my question and simply led me to my room. I wanted to curse him but I was too afraid to do that, even in my head.

He opened the door and walked in. I entered slowly after him. The room was spacious and bigger than anything I have ever stayed in. It was well furnished and I felt so undeserving of it. I was an imposter, about to live another woman's life.

Levi stood at a corner, staring at me as I took in the room. I cleared my throat awkwardly and played nervously with my fingers.

Seconds passed and I finally decided to speak.

"I know you don't think much of me..." I started.

"I don't. You're a thief," he said plainly. His words struck a nerve, even though they were true. I found myself glaring at him.

"There is no reason for you to judge me so harshly. I don't want to be here, either," I spat. "I just didn't have a choice."

He scoffed and I could feel my anger and frustration building.

"What?" I gritted. "This is all your fault, anyway! If you had just let me go when I begged you, I wouldn't be stuck playing princess for a woman I don't even know!"

He raised one of those thick white brows. "Are you blaming me for your theft and impersonation? Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"

I clenched my fists. How could he sound so calm and deadly at the same time? I wanted him to feel just as frustrated and agitated as I was right now.

"Why?" My lips quivered, heart hammering against my chest. My insides were literally screaming at me to stop trying to provoke him. "Aren't you just a mere bodyguard? What's so special about you?"

I expected him to be pissed, irritated, anything, but instead, those dead eyes looked through me. Like I was nothing but space and arguing with me would simply be a waste of time.

"You said you don't want to be here, right?" He said suddenly. I hesitated for a few seconds.

"Yes."

"So if I help you leave the palace, do you promise to never show your face again?" He asked and I sucked in a breath.

"You have my word."

He suddenly started approaching me and I strutted backwards, fear crawling through me.

"W...What are you d-doing?" I stuttered, moving back. "I already agreed to leave, didn't I?"

He grabbed my arm before I could put more distance between us and I shivered at the coldness of his fingers curling around my skin.

"What are you..."

"Shut up! You're being annoying," he snapped, yanking me forward. I crashed on his chest and a gasp escaped my lips. His scent was insanely addictive. Something along the lines of smoky oud and roses.

I tried to pull away but received a hit to my neck and just before I passed out, I heard his voice.

"Go to sleep, little thief."

This man was terrifyingly efficient. I really might never wake up again.

I don't know how long I was out but when I woke up, I was on the streets of Skyspire, resting by a dumpster.

"That asshole!" I cursed. "He couldn't even find somewhere decent to drop me off."

I hailed a cab and headed to the hotel where we were lodging, praying that my uncle didn't abandon me already.

"Auntie Jade!" Merida exclaimed, running to my arms the minute she saw me. I could already see the packed bags on the bed. Uncle Terad was really going to abandon me.

"What are you doing here? Are you alone?" He asked worriedly, walking past me to check the hallways before clicking the door shut again.

"Were you seriously going to leave without me, Uncle?" I asked him.

He let out a sigh. "Go and take your medicine, Merida." She whined a little bit, but complied, giving us time to talk. "How did you escape? Did you tell them anything?"

"No, I didn't tell them anything," I said and relief washed through him. "I don't know why but they believe I am Annabelle, the lost princess."

His expression changed as his eyes bulged in shock. "Really?"

"Yes, I tried to explain to them that they were mistaken but they wouldn't listen to me," I sighed. "To make it worse, I somehow awakened the sleeping prince. He's been out for three freaking years, Uncle!"

"WHAT?!!!" He gasped. "How is that even possible?"

I took my time to explain everything to him in detail.

"And that's how I managed to escape. We need to pack up and leave this place as soon as possible before they come looking for me. I know I..."

"What do you mean run away?" He cut me short and I blinked in confusion. "What about the reward money?"

"I... I don't understand..."

"What do you not understand, Jade? Ten million for information and fifty million for bringing her home, and you want to throw away our fortune?" He scolded.

I stared at him in disbelief. "What are you talking about? I am not the one they are looking for, you know that, Uncle! Do you know what will happen if they find out the truth or by some miracle, the real Annabelle shows up?"

He shot me a thick glare. "Let this be the last time you will utter such nonsense! If they say you are Princess Annabelle of Moonspire, then that is who you will be from now on, not Jade or whatever you prefer to call yourself! We are going back to the palace to get that money and of course, meet my future in-laws."

Oh goddess! Levi is so going to kill me!