Alpha Conrad

5. A Rogue Territory

*MacKenzie*

The sun shone through the not-fully-drawn curtains in my bedroom, teasing me to wake up. I reluctantly opened one eye and peeked at the clock on my nightstand. I groaned, seeing it was too soon to wake up. I rolled onto my back and turned my head, avoiding the persistent rays.

„I’m up. I’m up!” I groaned into the space.

I sighed, enjoying the velvety softness of my bedding. I have never lain in such luxurious fabrics. Not that I didn’t know them. It’s just that they were never meant to be mine. Esther ensured that everything luxurious was sent to her dear viper daughter, Daniella.

Yes, I have siblings. Technically, we are half-siblings, as we only share a father, which I wasn’t sure about. How can a father be so different with all his children? When Danielle was treated like a princess, I was barely acknowledged. I knew I was born out of wedlock, but a man should take responsibility for his actions, right? Not.

I exhaled and shook my head, dismissing all the negative thoughts. It was all over. I was finally free to do whatever I wanted; I only wanted to enjoy my freedom and happiness. I rolled down the comfy bed and walked to the window.

I pushed open the drapes and winced as the sun hit me full force, blinding me instantly. „Damn.” I cursed, but in reality, I was excited. In my new heaven, I have never enjoyed the sun as much as I appreciated it here.

When my eyes adjusted to the brightness and I looked over the window to admire the view, my heart skipped a beat. I fell in love. It was love at first sight. Just two days in the rogue king’s territory, I found my passion. A contented smile appeared on my face.

When I arrived here two days ago, I was exhausted, hungry, and in pain. Still, all the problems disappeared when my eyes landed on the place Claire described as a modest cottage without any significant amenities. I have never seen such a beautiful place, not counting fairy tales.

Perched atop a serene hill, Caris took us to a wooden house exuding rustic charm and natural elegance. Its weathered cedar exterior, bathed in warm hues of honey and brown, blended harmoniously with the surrounding forest.

The steeply pitched roof, adorned with moss and ferns, evoked a fairytale cottage, while a generous porch with a rocking chair offered panoramic views of the lush landscapes. That view greeted me from the large window I was gazing out from.

I quickly rushed into the bathroom, eager to start the day immediately. I cleaned myself, braided my too-long hair, and dressed in the fresh clothes Caris had delivered me the first night. I was suddenly more chirpy at the prospect of sipping hot chamomile tea on the porch while watching nature come to life.

I stepped into the cozy living room and added the wood to the slowly dying fireplace, listening to the crackling sound of the sparks flying around. I prepared the tea and, slipping my bare feet into the insulated brick-colored Wellington boots, stepped onto the porch and started my morning admiring the views from a rocking chair.

„It is beautiful, isn’t it?” Claire commented, stepping onto the porch with a basket full of herbs.

„It’s magnificent. I can’t stop looking.” I agreed as I smiled at the breathtaking display of nature’s splendor.

„May I join you?” She asked, putting the basket down next to the pile of firewood.

„It’s your house. You don’t need to ask for permission.” I reminded her, and she smiled in amusement.

„Well, technically, it’s my son’s cottage, but he rarely uses it nowadays.” She shrugged her shoulders and joined me in the second chair.

„You have a son?” I exclaimed in shock, „I’m sorry, it’s a stupid question.” I quickly rushed and apologized for my rudeness. It was not business after all.

Claire chuckled at my behavior. „Yes, I do, " she admitted proudly. However, recently, our paths diverged rather than crossed. We’re both too busy with our duties, but we find time to hang out at least once a week.” She explained, and I wondered who he was.

„Does he work for the king?” I asked, not entirely sure whether I was crossing the line.

„You can say that.” She chuckled, „He’s close to him, almost inseparable, and right now, he’s on a rescue mission to set free one of the king’s gammas.”

Claire shifted in her seat, and her worry for her son emanated in waves. That reminded me of my mother. She acted the same the last few months when unsure if we would reach my father in time. I felt a tightness in my chest at the thought of her death. I would sell my soul to the devil to have her back.

„Don’t cry, sweetheart. You’re safe here, and my son will ensure you stay this way.” Claire wiped the tear that rolled down my cheek.

I nodded at her assurance as I wiped the other cheek. I hadn’t noticed the tears pooling in my eyes before Claire handed me an embroidered handkerchief. I thanked her and wiped my face before blowing my nose.

„I’ll wash it before returning,” I promised, embarrassed.

Claire only laughed and shook her head, saying I could keep it. I stuffed it into the pocket and smiled at her shyly.

„Tell me about your son,” I asked, trying to change the sad atmosphere around us.

„Uff. Hard task to do.” She leaned into the chair and rocked it with her feet. „He’s as stubborn as his father, as proud as his grandfather, and as arrogant as he could be.” She shook her head and chuckled, „But he has a good heart and knows more about suffering than many people.” She said as she gazed over the porch.

Her every word was laced with truth and pride. She loved her son dearly, and despite his not-too-charming characteristics, I already felt a bond with him. I knew suffering, too, and that says a lot about a person.

„You’ll meet him soon, my dear. But until then, let me help you with your healing. Your wounds might look better, but an extra herbal infusion won’t hurt.” She announced as she got up from the chair, took the basket, and went inside.

I allowed myself to sit a little bit longer before joining her inside. The lush landscape attracted me like magic. As far as the eye could see, the rolling hills were blanketed in emerald green. The towering trees and their leaves looked like a symphony of shades from deep forest green to vibrant lime, creating a canopy that danced in the gentle morning breeze.

A meandering stream glistened in the distance with its clear waters babbling over smooth river stones. Wildflowers of every color imaginable swayed in harmony, painting the scene with vibrant reds, purples, and yellows. The birds’ melodious songs filled the air, flitting about from branch to branch.

It looked like a place where time seemed to slow, where the beauty of nature enveloped you in a tranquil embrace, and where the world's stresses melted away amidst this lush and vibrant landscape. I got up from my chair, put my elbows on the railing, and sighed deeply, inhaling the earth's fragrance and foliage in the air while the sunlight cast dappled shadows on my face.

„It feels like home,” I whispered into the air, feeling a bond formed with this beautiful place.

I closed my eyes and touched my chest. The pains that had accompanied me for the last few days completely disappeared as soon as I set foot on this land. For the first time, I felt no unease while walking into the rogue’s territory, and I should feel dread at this particular land.

Not only was it so well secured by nature, but the reputation of its ruler should send unpleasant shivers down my spine. However, I felt none of these things. Maybe my life was going to change entirely here? Or perhaps it’s just a marvelous stop to my happiness?

Time will tell. I thought as I grabbed the tea mug and followed inside to help Clair in the kitchen.

I removed the booths and placed them on the mat by the exit, ready for my morning routine. I washed the mug, wiped it, and hung it on the small kitchen countertop holder. Claire was standing by the small stove, mixing her aromatic mixture.

„Where is Robbie?” I asked, unsure what I could help her with.

Claire covered the pot lid, turned off the stove, and turned to look at me. Her face was a mixture of wonder and suspicion. I gulped at her intense gaze, unsure of what to expect from her.

„He’s not your mate, is he?” She asked, avoiding my question.

I gulped again and instantly felt the blood running down my face. What should I tell her? It was Robbie’s idea to act as mates. He convinced me that this way, we could confuse the pursuit if my father ordered it. No one would look for a pair of lovers knowing humans had no mate.

„Well?” Claire crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrow challengingly.

I should be honest with her; she deserved the truth after helping us escape my father’s clutches. I hung my head in shame and shook, „No. We’re not.” I admitted to not being able to look her in the eyes.

„I knew that, but it’s always good to hear it from you, dear.” She said and turned to the stove as if the conversation had never happened.

„So, where is he? He is safe, right?” I rushed with the question, afraid our little white lie would get him in trouble.

„Of course, he’s safe. Whom do you take as for, feral wolves?” Claire chuckled and reached for a jug from the cupboard. „But,” She added as she turned to look me in the eyes, „although we pride ourselves on helping those in need, our services are not free. You have to pay us back for the help we provided.” She announced with firmness and seriousness.

„We,” I stuttered, licking my suddenly dry lips, „We have some money; we can pay for a short stay,” I uttered, hoping it would convince her of our gratitude.

Claire looked me up and down slowly as if pondering my offer. Her gaze lingered on my fidgeting hands clasped together, and she smiled, satisfied with my reaction.

„That’s great; you’re going to need that. But I wasn’t talking about money, honey.” Claire sighed, and I paled at her words.

She couldn’t mean what I thought she said. I felt dizzy and stepped back, colliding with the chair beside me. I grabbed it to keep my balance as my brain threw the most disgusting scenarios.

„Oh my Goddess, Mackenzie, are you all right?” Claire rushed to my side and helped me to the chair.

„Claire. I mean, elder Claire, I can’t. I’m sorry, but I won’t…” I stuttered as I shook my head.

She couldn’t expect me to pay for their hospitality this way, but I would do anything to repay her kindness. I could clean, cook, or even farm, but my body has never been and will never be on offer.

„Elder Claire, I’m a virgin,” I whispered, almost crying.

„Oh, my Goddess.” She exclaimed, covering her mouth, „Dear child, I wasn’t suggesting it. Only a monster would ask for such a thing in exchange for help.” Her face turned ashen. „I was referring to helping around. Robert helps collect firewood in the forest. He told me how good a baker you are, and we need help in our bakery.” She explained, and I blushed with embarrassment.

„I’m sorry. I thought…” I uttered without looking into her eyes.

„Mackenzie, look at me, please.” I was reluctant, but the sweetness of her voice convinced me.

„Yes, you entered the rogue’s territory, but you will discover that what they say about us is far from the truth.” She smiled at me sweetly, and I returned it.

She was correct; you shouldn’t judge someone if you haven’t met them.