Contractually Yours Alpha (Riley)

Chapter Eighty

ALIYA'S POV

heard footsteps approaching and quickly hid the book I had been reading. Empress Julia never liked seeing me with leisure novels; I doubted I was even allowed to read anything that didn't concern my studies or my future as the god of light's chosen.

"Empress," I addressed.

"You look well," She said, "How have your lessons with Cynthia been going?"

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"Very well, she is a good teacher." I lied.

Empress Cynthia's lessons were the worst; I hated every minute and second of it. I was currently learning an ancient, 'forgotten' language called Sumerian. Most times, all I imagined was shoving the textbook down her throat. I couldn't deny that there was something off-putting about her-but then again, so was every Empress in this damned city.

"I don't expect less." Julia said. I could tell that wasn't exactly the reason she was here, and she was getting to that part soon. "Have you seen Trian by any chance? I've sent a few soldiers to find him, but he seems to be out of reach."noveldrama

"How would I know where he is? He spends more time with you than he does with me' -I would have said, but of course, I knew better than to say that out loud.

"No, Empress. I have no idea, but if I do see him, I will be sure to inform him that you asked for him." "Good," she said, heading to the door. As soon as she turned away from me, my smile disappeared. She paused at the door.

"You are fond of Trian, aren't you?" she asked.

"He is a good man."

"He is, and he is also a charmer."

"Perhaps he is." I agreed, and she nodded before finally walking away and shutting the door behind her. I had always disliked Julia, but now it was more than just dislike. It was hate.

Since her encounter with Trian and my discovery of what she'd been doing with him, I hated her even more. I wouldn't say Trian was being forced; he seemed to like it; he seemed to like having... sex with her, and maybe that's what maddened me the most. He was rarely with me he spent most of his time with her, and maybe I was the fool.

I rose from the bed and walked to the door. I peered through the hole in the door but couldn't spot any soldier standing guard. That was weird; I was never left unprotected, no matter what.

I pulled open the door, and to my surprise, no one was there. My heart raced. Could this be my chance? I knew I couldn't escape this place; I was no fool, but perhaps I could pay the city a visit one more time. Trian had shown me the way; I wouldn't get lost if I stuck to our path But what if I got caught? I mean, last time, I had Trian by my side to protect me; now he wasn't here.

I returned back to the room. It wasn't safe, I told myself, and yet, I wanted to go out there. I had no idea where Trian was, and maybe I should stop caring; maybe I should focus more on my happiness.

I put on a coat, drawing the cape over my hair, and I walked out of the room. My heart pounded in my chest, but I

Chapter Eighty

couldn't stop walking. The soldiers strolled past me, all seeming to be in a rush. This was the best chance I'll ever have. There was only going to be one issue, and that was the soldiers at the exit. The last time I had passed through the back exit, Trian had to make them believe I was his whore. I didn't have Trian by my side now, nor did I have his smart mouth. It was just me, and I had to be smart. To my surprise, when I reached the back exit, there wasn't a single soldier in sight.

This felt too easy... and when things were too easy, it usually meant a trap was waiting. I had come too far, I was willing to take the risk.

Chapter Eighty One