Playing The Alphas

SAMANTHA

With Finnian’s testimony, King Lionel took my words as gospel.

His fury ignited, and he turned on Molly with a venomous tongue. "You fool! Those sex slaves are nothing; they could never threaten your standing. Why did you stoop so low and tarnish yourself with such a blunder?"

"I..." Molly, trembling with fear, crumbled under King Lionel’s wrath. Tears streamed down her face as she stammered, "I... I despise Samantha. Ever since she set foot in the palace, she’s captivated all the princes. And she dares to defy me."

Molly’s obstinate nature made King Lionel shake his head, disappointment etched into his features. The hall descended into an uneasy silence. The crowd’s expressions varied, yet I remained composed, my gaze fixed on King Lionel’s. Some looked at me with pity, others with curiosity, and a few with barely concealed glee at Molly’s humiliation. But I refused to let any of it affect me. I had survived this round, and that was all that mattered.

In truth, I never expected him to punish Molly on my behalf. Our statuses were worlds apart. How could he chastise the future queen for someone like me? But it was of little consequence. I knew I’d dodged a bullet this time. Also, Molly had lost. The smugness that had radiated from her earlier had completely evaporated, replaced by terror and desperation. She had overplayed her hand, and now she was paying the price.

As I anticipated, King Lionel brooded in silence for what felt like an eternity. The seconds stretched into minutes, each one heavier than the last. I could hear my own heartbeat thundering in my ears. Finally, with a weary sigh, he rubbed his temples and dismissed me with a wave of his hand. "You may go. I won’t punish you this time. Don’t let it happen again."

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, offered my thanks, and bowed before departing. Relief washed over me like a tidal wave, leaving me weak and trembling. As I turned to leave, I noticed John watching me, his eyes clouded with confusion and reluctance. He had expected me to fall, to be crushed under the weight of his accusations. Instead, I had emerged victorious. A mocking smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I threw one last glance over my shoulder and left the main hall.

The moment I stepped outside, a pair of hands halted me. A familiar voice, dripping with sarcasm, cut through the air. "Well, well, if it isn’t my dear sister, Samantha."

Annoyance flared within me as I recognized the voice. It was, of course, my cousin, Amanda!!! How did she come here? I finally got to see her after weeks. She looked shiny. Her hair was perfectly styled, her dress was immaculate, and her makeup was flawless. She practically glowed with self-satisfaction.

How shameless of her to even speak to me! Seeing her face brought back a flood of memories. Amanda’s betrayal with John, her deceitful smile as she sent me away. If not for their treachery, I wouldn’t have suffered this wretched fate. My fists clenched, and I glared at her, my eyes cold as ice.

Swallowing the bile of hatred rising in my throat, I demanded, "What are you doing here?"

Amanda, dolled up in her finest attire, responded with a triumphant giggle, "Oh, you must not know. The king has taken a liking to John’s skills. John has been visiting the palace often. I’m here to pick him up—it’s time to head home."

Hmmm...so John was strengthening his cordial relationship with the king and trying to up his pack? This bitch had the nerve to talk to me after all the rubbish she did. She stood there, all smiles and sweetness, as if she hadn’t destroyed my life. As if she hadn’t stolen my fiancé and conspired to have me sold into slavery.

Her gaze swept over me, assessing me with mocking disdain. "Tsk, tsk. My dear sister, life here doesn’t seem to agree with you. Not a single prince has taken a shine to you; am I wrong?"

I could feel her eyes raking over my tattered clothes, my disheveled appearance. She was savoring my downfall, drinking in every detail of my misery. But I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me break.

"Well, if you’re so curious, why don’t you come here and be a sex slave yourself?" I replied evenly. "After all, that role was yours to begin with."

My words struck a nerve. Amanda’s face flushed with anger and shame as she snapped, "I’ve heard the three princes are vicious and bloodthirsty. I can’t wait to see them tear you apart. Humph!"

Her voice dripped with malice, and I could see the hatred blazing in her eyes. She wanted to hurt me, to wound me with her words. But I had grown immune to her poison long ago.

I met her gaze with icy detachment and shot back, "Who knows? You might meet your end before I do."

"You!" Amanda seethed with fury. Her hands trembled at her sides, and I could tell she was struggling to maintain her composure. The perfect mask she wore was cracking, and beneath it was the same jealous, spiteful woman who had always resented me.

I smirked at her, the hatred in my heart burning bright. This palace was a prison, each day a new torment. I had once resigned myself to my fate, but I could no longer allow those who wronged me to enjoy their lives unscathed. I swore to myself that I would make them pay dearly for what they’d done. But first, I had to bide my time, protect myself, and wait for the right moment to strike.

With that resolve, I clenched my fists, forcing down the anger that threatened to boil over. I reminded myself to stay calm; it wasn’t time yet. I couldn’t afford to lose control. Not here. Not now.

Amanda opened her mouth, clearly preparing another insult. Her eyes sparkled with malicious delight, and I braced myself for whatever venom she was about to spew. But before she could speak, her expression suddenly froze.

A cold voice came from behind me. "Vicious and bloodthirsty? I must have missed the memo."