Chapter Text
"I absolutely refuse to comply with what you're asking of us, Your Majesty. I will not allow you to use my sister like this!"**
Sam’s fury was evident. His eyes burned with rage, and any respect he once held for the woman on the throne had vanished completely. With determination, he grabbed his sister’s hand, ready to leave and put an end to this nightmare.
But before he could turn around, the queen spoke.
"You have no voice in this."
Her voice was ice-cold, devoid of any emotion. The moment she uttered those words, two guards stepped forward, grabbing Sam by the arms and restraining him.
"What the hell do you think you’re doing? Let me go!"
He struggled, but it was pointless. The guards were too strong.
Demi, frozen in place, felt her heart pound in terror as she watched her brother being held down.
"Please… stop this."she whispered.
The queen’s lips curled into a faint smile, as if she found amusement in the situation.
"Come now, dear. I’m waiting for your answer."
Demi swallowed hard. Her thoughts were clouded, but deep inside, she knew this was an opportunity she couldn’t afford to lose.
"I…"
"Demi, don’t."Sam’s voice was calmer now, an attempt to soothe her. "If you don’t want this, then don’t accept it. We’ll find another way, okay?"
But Demi didn’t look away from the queen.
She knew there was no other way. Not after everything they had sacrificed.
Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke the words that would seal her fate.
"Your Majesty… I accept your deal."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Some sighed in relief. Others whispered among themselves.
Sam felt like the air had been knocked out of him.
"Demi… no…"
But his sister continued, her resolve outweighing her fear.
"However, I have conditions. The bar’s earnings must go to Sam. He must be free of all debts and granted protection."
Mary’s smile widened.
"That is perfect, dear. You’ve made the right choice."She clapped softly, as if congratulating her.
Demi refused to meet her gaze. She didn’t answer. Instead, she turned toward her brother.
"I’m sorry, Sam… truly."
"Demi, you can’t—"
The queen’s voice interrupted them once again.
"This session is over. Remove everyone from the hall and shift focus to what matters the wedding and the coronation of the future queen consort."
The palace attendants immediately obeyed.
Mary’s gaze fell upon Demi, her expression softening slightly.
"You will spend your last days with your brother. I will send for you soon to prepare for our union."
Demi shivered.
Her last days with Sam...Those words felt like a death sentence.
There was no turning back now.
Sam and Demi bowed one last time before leaving the grand hall.
"We’ll see each other soon, my dear."
Mary’s voice was the last thing Demi heard before stepping outside.
As the castle doors closed behind her, the queen remained seated on her throne, a satisfied smile on her lips.
She couldn’t contain her excitement.
Finally, her omega would belong to her.
And for the first time in years… she felt like a lovestruck teenager.
____________________
The walk back was silent.
Demi didn’t dare look at her brother. She knew what was coming. She knew Sam was devastated.
The streets of their neighborhood were as worn-down as ever. Dirt roads, cracked walls, people wandering aimlessly with vacant stares. Misery clung to every corner.
What would the queen think if she saw this place?
Demi sighed.
She’d probably be disgusted.
Finally, they arrived at their home a small wooden cabin. Sam entered first and collapsed onto a chair by their old, battered table without a word. Demi followed hesitantly.
She hated seeing him like this.
"Demi… why?"
His voice was filled with sorrow.
Demi clenched her fists.
"Why? Sam, this is the chance we’ve been waiting for!"
"Yeah, but at what cost? Your freedom?"
She looked away.
"This is what you always wanted…"
"Not like this!"
Sam slammed his fist on the table, making the wood creak.
"I don’t want some Alpha taking advantage of you. We don’t even know what she’s really like! What if she mistreats you? What if she hurts you? What if she—"
He abruptly stood up and knelt in front of her, gripping her shoulders gently, his eyes searching hers.
"Demi, tell me the truth. Are you sure about this?"
Her throat tightened.
"And what if she’s different?"she murmured. "We don’t know her. Maybe… maybe her words were sincere. Maybe she will give me freedom…"
"Demi, she’s not just anyone. She’s the queen." Sam’s voice was firm.
"She has absolute control over you. She could do whatever she wants, and no one would stop her. No one could protect you."
His concern was genuine.
Demi lowered her head.
"I promise you… if I suffer, if I can’t bear it, you will know. I won’t hesitate to come back to you."
Tears welled in her eyes.
She was scared. Terrified.
Despite the excitement she had expected to feel about the queen, fear now clawed at her chest.
Sam knew.
He had always been able to read her emotions. And just like when they were kids, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Holding her, protecting her, just like he always had.
Demi sobbed into his shoulder.
Ever since they were children, Sam had been her only support. When their mother died, he had been the only one there for her.
Demi had been rejected by her own mother for her icondition, and Sam had become her world.
That’s why she was willing to sacrifice her freedom.
That’s why she was marrying the queen.
So that her brother. The only person who had ever truly loved her
could have the life he deserved.
So that he could live without debt, without worry.
Demi was doing this… for him.
For the one who had always loved her unconditionally.
And if giving up her freedom was the price she had to pay…
Then so be it.