The room exuded a charm very similar to Siroos. With walls painted in warm hues of gold and rust, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The floor had a thick, plush rug made from the hide of some animal Siroos must have hunted.
Instead of a bed, there was a large soft mattress covered with overstuffed cushions and pillows arranged in a neat yet relaxed manner. They seemed so inviting that Cassandra wished to sink into their softness. She was reminded of her bedding in the carriage, he had taken utmost care to keep her comfortable and safe.
Along the walls were lined wrought iron candle holders with tall, flickering candles filling the room with soft amber light.
The air was perfumed with the subtle, soothing scent of desert sage and sandalwood, emanating from a small, ornate incense burner placed on a low wooden table in the corner.
Though there were no windows, two small round holes high in the wall allowed fresh air to circulate, ensuring the room remained well-ventilated and pleasant. They were covered with mesh iron.
Only half of the room was separated by tall wooden dividers. Cassandra opened one of the dividers and walked inside. It was a kind of washing area with a clay toilet seat, wash basin and an oval-shaped clay bathtub painted in sandy tone.
He seemed to have thought of everything. Cassandra smiled to herself and walked out.
The simplicity and rustic elegance of the space melted Cassandra’s heart and she could only take in the natural beauty of this place. There was nothing glamorous and yet it seemed peaceful. She could only wish her life here would be the same.
Her luggage had been placed in one corner of the room. It was a wooden trunk with her father’s crest on it, but it was painted with flowers. Which meant Lotus must have given it to Siroos to carry her belongings in.
A smile adorned her lips, seeing the wooden trunk and memories of home flooded her.
"Is it to your liking?" Lana expectantly asked, seeing Cassandra slightly lost.
"It is. I appreciate it."
"If you require anything or want to ask something. Don’t hesitate. I will accommodate you and it will remain between us," Lana said, closing the distance between them and standing by Cassandra’s side. She understood that their Luna was royalty and not used to such a harsh life.
Cassandra’s heart flickered with a tiny hope. Lana gave off positive vibes and she decided to put a tiny bit of trust in her. For now, she was wary, not knowing whom to trust in this place.
She hesitated but then revealed with a sheepish look.
"About that. I don’t know how to cook."
Lana’s lips peeled back revealing her white strings of pearls. A flash of understanding passed on her face.
"I understand. In the start just follow my lead. Slowly I will teach you."
"I don’t even know what he likes to eat." Cassandra breathed out dejectedly and closed her eyes for a second.
"Let me be your guide. You needn’t worry. Our Alpha might have a hot head but he is a just man who will do right by you, considering the kind of relationship you two will have."
Lana’s words slightly perplexed Cassandra. She knew they hadn’t even started a relationship, all they felt was this blinding physical attraction.
But what did she mean by ’will have’?
"I don’t understand. Is there something I don’t know?" Curiosity melted into perplexity, making Lana stiffen.
Had the alpha not revealed the truth to his mate? And then it dawned on her that Cassandra was clueless about the complexity of their relationship.
Lana quickly went on the defensive.
"It’s not my place to tell, Nissa. Alpha will speak himself on the matter."
Cassandra’s heart sunk into a dark ravine of despair. What was it that he was hiding?
Before Cassandra could question her further, someone knocked on the door and informed them that supper was almost ready and they were required to join.
"Let’s get you freshened up and head down." Lana pointed towards the wash area and moved. Cassandra followed.
There was a small glass jar with a mixture of herbs. She used that to wash her hands as Lana poured water from a pitcher.
After tidying up, the girls headed down to the common area. It was bustling with energy, the chatter of the people, shouts of the few kids and the aroma of the food.
The men were helping the women put the food on the table. It had been cooked in large cauldrons and was being poured into pots using large wooden ladles.
The charred camel meat and bean stew with freshly made Arboud bread, cooked on the round hot stones.
Cassandra took a deep whiff and the enticing smell made her stomach rumble. She had been eating bland meat for the past few days during the journey.
Now this appeared like a feast.
"Come, Nissa." Lana led her forward. The chatter dissolved into a slow hum, seeing Cassandra approach and people made a way so she could get ahead at the top end of the table, where Siroos, Haylia and Faris sat.
Faris was laughing with a pretty female; from the looks of it, he seemed to be flirting. The face of the female was utterly flushed because of whatever love tales he was whispering in her ear.
Siroos was in deep talks with his mother. He was leaning towards her and there was urgency in his voice. They spoke their language which Cassandra didn’t understand.
The seat on the left side of Siroos had been left unoccupied, that’s where Cassandra was asked to sit.
Her scent hit him like a cold splash of water on a scorching day. He could easily distinguish it amidst the hundreds of other scents.
He halted his discussion and his eyes wavered to her. The curtain of golden locks obscured half of her face from him, but then she slightly turned.
Siroos caught sight of her black-lined chin, and his eyes narrowed and brows scrunched together, confusing her.
She didn’t understand what had him suddenly scowling. His hand lifted and he placed his thumb in his mouth, wetting it. It then instantly reached out and he held her chin firmly. The sparks danced on her skin but she tried to set herself free.
"Stay still!" He ordered in his deeply throaty voice. It didn’t overwhelm her but she obeyed wanting to see what he was doing.
Siroos held on as his thumb swiped off the black line from it, trying to permanently remove it.
Cassandra gaped at him in surprise as he continued on his relentless task. His mother opened her mouth to say something but held her tongue seeing her son’s mood.
Once the line had dulled enough that it was no longer prominent and her chin had turned red from his incessant rubbing he angrily announced for his whole pack to hear. His voice, a combo of authority and dominance.
"My mate won’t wear the black line. That’s not her colour. No one will mark her or leave any kind of mark on her, except me."