Mated To The Barbarian King Who Is My Ex-husband's Father.

"I do not know where he is. The last time I saw him, he was with Kane," Samantha answered. "We should check at his tent."

​"You can easily send a maid to go and check," Ragnar suggested, holding out hope that they would heed his advice instead of disturbing the King at such an ungodly hour.

​"No one asked for your opinion, Ragnar," his older sister retorted, rolling her eyes before turning back to their mother. "Should we go?"

​"I have a message for the King as well. It would be best if we see him directly," Aunt Freya decided, already turning on her heel and leading the way toward the royal quarters.

​Ragnar let out a sharp sigh of frustration, mentally noting that next time, he would be far better off keeping his mouth shut. Against his better judgment, he trailed behind them, determined to intervene if they started causing trouble.

​When they arrived at the royal tent, the guards stationed outside informed them that the King was not inside, but had relocated to the pavilion.

​Exchanging confused glances, the trio turned and made their way across the grounds.

But when Aunt Freya finally stepped inside the pavilion, she froze, staring in absolute disbelief at what the space had been turned into.

She blinked once, twice, scanning the warm, luxurious room just to make sure she was standing in the right place.

The throne room looked like some decadent, foreign retreat, and Freya knew exactly whose ridiculous idea it was. The human princess had brought her western notions into their camp, and Kane was foolishly letting her do whatever she pleased.

​This throne room was sacred ground, built on the blood and honor of the alphas who had ruled before him. If only Kane possessed an ounce of respect for the ancestors who once walked these halls.

​"I wonder what they are teaching the younger generation," Samantha whispered in her mother’s ear, her voice dripping with venomous jealousy. The sight of Arianna nestled comfortably against the King, his arm wrapped securely around her waist, felt like a direct humiliation. "This is disgraceful. How could Kane permit this?"

​Aunt Freya took a slow, deep breath to steady her rising temper before stepping fully into the pavilion. The couple was so thoroughly engrossed in each other that they hadn’t even looked up as the group entered. Freya rested a heavy hand against the carved wooden pillar at the entrance. "Greetings, Your Highness."

​"Welcome, Aunt," Kane said smoothly, not even bothering to turn his head to look at her. "Samantha, Ragnar...you are welcome as well."

​Aunt Freya stiffened, caught off guard. He had known precisely who had entered without even looking. If his senses were that sharp, why had he chosen to ignore them until now?

​It was Arianna who finally broke away from his embrace, shifting around to face them with a polite, measured expression. "Welcome, Aunt Freya."

"Queen Arianna, forgive me for interrupting your pleasant evening."

​"It’s quite alright," the Queen replied, shifting her position slightly. "Ragnar, Samantha—you may come in as well."

​Samantha gritted her teeth, struggling with every ounce of her willpower to keep her boiling rage hidden. Was this human bitch intentionally rubbing her position in her face? Inviting them inside just so they could stand there and take in the cozy, intimate scene Kane had built for her?

​"Aunt, I heard you went to the mountains this evening," Kane said smoothly, his tone laced with quiet curiosity. "Is everything alright?"

​"Yes, Your Highness. The priest sent for me, and I went to answer his summons. He mentioned that he will be coming to see you tomorrow—he says it is of great importance."

​"Is that so? Is there a problem?"

​"I do not believe so. The Old One refused to disclose the details to me, but I have faith it brings good news."

​"I hope so too," Kane nodded, his expression remaining unreadable.

​"I only just heard what happened to poor Alara and I was utterly shocked," Aunt Freya added, her voice dropping into a tone of grief. "What kind of monster could do such a terrible thing to her?"

"I was as shocked as you were, and I can only hope Cassius brings me whoever it is that is targeting our women."

​"It is deeply disturbing. We never had such foul events until recently," Aunt Freya said, her brow furrowing with dark concern. "Is someone playing a game to test your patience, my King?"

​Kane stared down at the floor for a few long, quiet seconds before answering. "I will find him soon. I promise you that."

​"Hopefully. May the Goddess guide your hand," Aunt Freya offered with a low bow. "With your permission, I will take my leave."

​"As you wish, Aunt."

​Aunt Freya and her children bowed deep before stepping out into the cool night air. The moment they reached the front of their own tent, Samantha finally exploded with the venom that had been eating away at her chest.

​"How is no one talking about Arianna’s blatant disrespect?"

​"Because no one is as absurdly obsessed with her as you are," Ragnar shot back. He couldn’t believe that with half the camp falling apart, that was what was consuming her mind.

​"I wasn’t speaking to you, fool!" Samantha snarled, her face twisting in pure irritation. She turned her glare toward her mother. "What about you, Mother?"

​"For once, I agree with Ragnar. You need to stop bringing up Arianna’s name every five seconds...it’s starting to make me physically sick," Aunt Freya hissed.

​She shoved open the heavy flap of her tent and marched inside, only to stop dead in her tracks.

​Standing in the dim shadows of her private quarters was Cassius, looking like a ghost caught in the dark. He had clearly been waiting for her to return.

​"What the hell are you doing in here, you snake?" Freya spat, her voice dropping into a deadly, quiet threaten.

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