Chapter 3 - The Royal Return
The news of Rowena Whitmore’s survival spread through the royal keep like wildfire, fanning out into the city streets of Aldoria within hours. A sacrifice surviving a night with the Beast of the Dungeon was unprecedented in the kingdom's history. By noon, Lord Reginald Hastings himself summoned Rowena to the grand audience hall, desperate to understand how an illegitimate girl had accomplished what trained knights could not.
Rowena walked down the broad marble hallway, flanked by heavily armed guards. She wore a simple dark wool dress provided by the castle staff, her posture surprisingly tall and composed. Hidden within her soul was the warmth of Kaelen’s mark, a constant, comforting presence that gave her unnatural strength. She knew Kaelen was watching through the bonds of his magic, observing every move from his subterranean cell.
The grand hall was packed with nobles, whisperings rippling through the crowd like falling leaves. At the far end, elevated on the majestic golden throne of the Alpha Kings, sat Regent Reginald. He was a tall, gaunt man with sharp features, dark sunken eyes, and expensive velvet robes trimmed with sable fur.
Beside the throne stood Rowena’s family—Lord Harold Whitmore, looking pale and deeply uncomfortable, Lady Catherine, whose face was contorted in a mix of rage and disbelief, and Isabel, who stared at Rowena with venomous envy.
"Rowena Whitmore," Reginald’s harsh, raspy voice boomed across the marble hall. He leaned forward, resting his bony fingers on the armrests. "You stand before the throne alive, a feat no other maiden has accomplished. Speak. How did you tame the bloodthirsty beast that dwells beneath my keep?"
Rowena halted at the center of the hall, bowing her head slightly with practiced grace, masking the fire burning in her chest. "My Lord Regent," she began, her clear, ringing voice easily carrying across the silent chamber. "The beast did not attack because it recognized purity of heart. It is not a mindless killer, but a creature of great power waiting for the rightful order of things to be restored."
A nervous murmur rippled through the gathered nobles. Reginald’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his grip tightening on the golden throne.
"Careful, girl," Reginald warned, his voice dropping to a icy hiss. "Do not speak of beasts as if they possess wisdom. It is a wild monster, kept in chains by my mercy alone. You were sent as a sacrifice to fulfill the ancient law."
"And the law states," Sir Desmond interrupted, stepping forward and bowing to the Regent, "that if a maiden survives a night with the guardian beast, she is deemed blessed by the Moon Goddess and cannot be harmed. She is granted the title of High Keeper of the Beast."
Lady Catherine stepped forward aggressively, her silk dress rustling. "This is absurd! She is a bastard child! A servant girl elevated by trickery! She has no noble blood worthy of such a sacred title!"
Rowena turned her head slowly, looking directly into her stepmother’s bitter eyes. "And yet, Lady Catherine, the noble daughter you cherished was hidden away, while the 'bastard' you discarded survived the very trial you believed would kill her."
Gasps echoed through the crowd. Isabel stepped back, flushed with humiliation, while Lord Harold lowered his head further in shame.
Reginald slammed his fist against the wooden armrest of the throne, the heavy thud silencing the room instantly. "Enough!" he snarled, standing up. "If the Moon Goddess has spared you, girl, then you shall fulfill your role. You will be appointed Keeper of the Beast. You will live in the lower tower, and you alone will feed and tend to the creature."
A cruel smile crept onto Reginald’s lips. He believed he was punishing her, isolating her in the dark depths of the keep where no noble would ever speak to her. But to Rowena, it was the ultimate victory.
"I accept the duty, My Lord," Rowena said quietly, bowing low.
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As she turned to walk out of the hall, she caught sight of a shadowy figure standing near the stained-glass windows—a tall, hooded man with piercing silver eyes blending into the crowd of guards. A subtle, dangerous smile touched his lips before he slipped away into the shadows.
Kaelen was no longer trapped in his cell. He was moving freely through his own castle, and the retribution of the Alpha King had officially begun.
