Chapter 11 : We're Leaving

Asher's POV An invitation was slipped under my door from Princess Devi. She was inviting me to a private picnic. She said she wanted to talk about things. I didn't want to see her, but her desire to make peace was admirable, and her old-fashioned use of slipping a note under my door was a little adorable. My responsibility to the pack outweighed my desire not to see Devi. I hadn't had a chance to figure out what I wanted to do because I found my mate, and the more I got to know Devi, the less I liked her. Still, I had to consider what my obligations were. Devi had the whole picnic set up in the garden. She had a blanket spread with lots of food set out and a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket. I recognized Vika immediately, by her scent alone, as one of the maids. "I'm glad you came, Prince Asher," Devi said, standing up from the picnic blanket when she saw me. "This is really great," I told her, sitting down on the blanket. I struggled not to look back at Vika. "I thought I'd do something nice for you since our last conversation was a little rough," Devi admitted. She plopped back down on the blanket and patted the seat beside her. I arched my eyebrow. She did seem like she was willing to just talk. Slowly, I sat down with her. "I appreciate the invite," I said a little awkwardly. "Look, I understand what you wanted to say last time. I knew I couldn't pretend nothing happened..." Devi said, trailing off. I flicked my eyes toward Vika. She still had her head down. I couldn't even see her eyes. "I'm glad you realize it." I was surprised to hear it. "But we are engaged. It's an arrangement, and that is a responsibility to the pack." Just as I thought she had some exciting decisions like calling off the engagement, she threw the cruel truth I couldn't avoid to remind me. "Yeah, you are right," I said feebly. Devi turned and smiled a very sultry smile at me. "I'm glad you think so," she said. The way she licked her lips made me suddenly nervous about being alone in the garden with her. I leaned back slightly, trying to put more distance between us. "Here, I had something special made for us," Devi said. She grabbed a chocolate-covered strawberry from one of the picnic plates. Giggling, Devi leaned in and held the berry up to my lips. Sighing, I just pretended not to know her intentions. I took the strawberry in her hand and put the whole thing in my mouth. I was aware of how romantic it was supposed to be, but I didn't want to do it with Devi. Devi took my hand and put my fingertip into her mouth. She licked the little chocolate left on that. I watched as she closed her eyes and moaned as she swallowed the sweet treat. As I took back my finger, she opened her eyes. "Oh, lighten up," she said, nudging my arm with her hand. "We're here to have fun." "I thought we were here to talk," I pointed out and wiped my hands with a napkin. "I've already said what I think, and you also agree with me," Devi said with a shrug. "Maybe now we should just see where the afternoon takes us." "Sorry, I have other things to do." I stood up. "Don't leave," Devi argued. She grabbed at my arm, but I evaded her. I gave Devi a wave and headed out of the gardens. I didn't get far before my ears perked up at Devi's raised voice. Vika's POV "You can't ever get anything right!" Devi shrieked. "Look what you have prepared! Useless. Fruit platters, chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne.... That should have been my ticket! He only took a strawberry!" I took a step back. The moment Asher left, Devi had flown into a rage. She jumped at me. I raised a hand to defend myself, but Shian grabbed my arms and pinned them behind my back. I groaned as Devi grabbed my hair. She pulled so hard that my neck jerked backward. "You stupid little b*tch! You filthy Omega!" Devi cried. She yanked on my hair again. I saw her face get red as her nostrils flared. "Stop," I gasped. "This isn't my fault!" I struggled against Shian's hold, but she pinched my arms with her sharp fingernails. "Did you hear that, Shian? Not her fault, she says. What an idiot!" Devi hissed. She spat on my face. "I heard it. Complete crap from a dumb Omega," Shian hissed in the ear. I winced away, wishing I could wipe the spit off of me. 'Come on, Vika, you have trained a lot. You can break away from Shian!' I struggled against the Gamma, but she twisted my arms roughly. I whined. "You're going to break my arm!" I cried. "Good!" Devi laughed. Her brown eyes were wild as she raised her hand. I braced myself. She slapped me across the face. My teeth cut the inside of my lip, and I spit blood onto the ground. Devi had seriously crossed a line. I snarled and raised my eyes to glare at her. "Stop it," I insisted firmly. Devi's eyes widened. I watched her take half a step back. "What did you just say, you filthy Omega? Do you think you can give me orders?" Devi scoffed. "Devi, what the hell are you doing?" Asher's voice boomed through the gardens. I smiled at the sound of his voice, too relieved to pretend like I wasn't happy to see him. Asher's POV Anger rippled through my veins. I clenched my jaw and glared at Devi and that Gamma maid. She immediately released Vika's arms and stepped back. "Don't let her go! Shian!" Devi snapped. "Devi, stop," I said, raising my voice even louder. She trembled and cowered away from me. Good, she was easy to intimidate. I thought she wouldn't be so rough on her maid today. After all, I was here for her picnic. I never expected her to beat Vika directly. "What right do you have to interfere with how I treat my maids?" Devi sneered. She raised her arm again, grabbing the front of Vika's uniform to hold her in place. Snarling, I pushed Devi out of the way. The princess nearly lost her footing as she stumbled aside. I was just angry enough at her deception not to be gentle. Shian ran forward and helped Devi steady herself. The princess glared at me, pushing Shian off her and crossing her arms. "Did… Did you just push me?" Devi asked wide-eyed. "I did," I said, standing between her and Vika. I wouldn't allow anyone to hurt my mate, even she was the princess. "How dare you put your hands on me!" Devi snapped. I rolled my eyes. "That's ironic, coming from you," I hissed, nodding to Vika. She was rubbing her arms like they were in pain. "I'm not some lowly Omega," Devi said haughtily. I shook my head. "No, you're worse. You're using your power and position to abuse others," I snapped. Devi reeled back like I had just slapped her. "Are you seriously going to take the side of a servant over your fiancée?" she asked, throwing her arms up into the air. I scoffed and sighed. No, I wasn't going to lower myself to get drawn into a petty debate with her. "No more of this. I don't want to see you raise a hand to any of your servants again," I told her. I grabbed Vika's wrist and tugged her arm. Vika gave a nervous squeak, but she had to follow me or get dragged behind. My nostrils flared with every breath. I was too worked up to look at her yet. "We're leaving," I growled. "Asher, what are you doing?" Devi shouted. I ignored her. "Asher!" I was taking Vika somewhere safe from Devi. "Asher," she whispered my name so softly that the princess wouldn't hear. My heart fluttered in my chest, and I squeezed her wrist just a little.