Trapped with the Alpha King-Chapter 253: Ache In Her Chest

Beatrice had tolerated it long enough.

The looks. The distance. The way Uriel always seemed to stiffen whenever she entered a room, as though her mere presence offended him. He never raised his voice at her, never insulted her outright, but the message was always there, sharp and unmistakable.

Avoidance. Irritation. A restraint that felt less like indifference and more like something he was actively fighting. And she did not understand why.

She found him near the stone corridor overlooking the inner grounds, arms crossed, gaze fixed on the open archway as if he were counting the seconds until he could leave. The moment he noticed her approach, his jaw tightened.

‘There it was again. Enough.’

“What is your problem with me?” Beatrice demanded.

Uriel turned slowly, clearly not expecting the confrontation. “Lady Beatrice,” he said, already weary. “This is not the time.”

“No,” she replied, stepping closer. “This is exactly the time.”

He exhaled and looked away, as though searching for patience. “You should go.”

“Why?” Her voice sharpened. “Because you cannot stand being near me? Because my presence annoys you that much?”

“That is not what I said.”

“It is what you show,” she shot back. “Every time.”

She folded her arms, heart pounding harder than she wanted to admit. “I have been nothing but kind to you. I speak to you with respect. I never overstep. And yet you look at me like I am something you would rather avoid.”

Uriel’s gaze flickered back to her, dark and guarded. “You do not know what you are talking about.”

“Then explain it to me,” she said firmly. “What do you despise about me?”

The word hung between them.

Despise.

She saw something shift in his expression, a tightening, a crack he quickly tried to seal. He took a step back.

Beatrice followed.

“Is it my fault for liking you?” she pressed boldly. “Because that’s the only crime I can think of.”

She was certain Uriel could read her actions clearly. She had never hidden how much she liked him since the day she arrived at the royal estate. She always found a way to see him, making sure their paths crossed. She greeted him with her sweetest smiles, served him tea whenever she could, and even sent him snacks and meals.

“Stop,” he warned quietly.

“Why?” she asked. “Unless you liked me too.”

His back hit the stone wall.

Uriel froze.

Beatrice realized then just how close she had cornered him. The space between them had narrowed to almost nothing. She stepped closer still, heart racing, rising onto her toes so she could meet his eyes fully.

She could feel it now. The tension. The way his breathing had changed. The way his hands flexed at his sides like he was restraining himself.

“You are affected,” she said softly. “I know you are.”

“You should not be doing this,” Uriel said, voice low, strained.

Her mind flashed backward, unbidden. She had been fourteen when she first saw him.

The coronation of Alpha King Gavriel had been a spectacle of power, but Beatrice had seen none of it. Not really. Her attention had been stolen the moment Uriel stepped forward.

He was nineteen and already carved by discipline and quiet strength. He had not smiled that day. He had stood behind the others, posture straight, expression unreadable.

And she had fallen in love at first sight.

She had known she was too young. She had waited. Years passed, and her feelings never faded. She told herself she would speak to him when she was grown, when it would no longer be foolish.

Then, only a year later, he was gone.

Exiled.

She was so confused as to why. Until she had learned the truth by accident, overhearing a conversation she was never meant to hear. Her father’s voice and the Queen Mother’s low and serious conversation.

Uriel and Rizza being fated mates. And King Gavriel, who was in a relationship with Rizza at that time. Uriel and Rizza being caught cheating...

From that moment on, Uriel had vanished from the world she knew. And when he returned years later, he was different. A man who allowed no woman near him.

Based on everything her sources told her, no one had ever gotten close again. And yet here he was, reacting to her like this.

“Is it because you no longer believe in women?” Beatrice asked quietly. “Because you were hurt once?”

Uriel’s eyes darkened. “Do not speak of things you do not understand.”

“I understand more than you think,” she said. “I know what happened. I know what it cost you.”

His breath stilled. She had struck something true.

“That is precisely why you should stay away from me,” he said.

“Why?” she asked. “Because you think you are broken?”

He looked away but she stepped closer still, almost brushing against him now. “You are not,” she said firmly. “And you do not get to decide what I feel for you. I liked you since I’m twelve.”

“You were a child then,” he said harshly. “You do not even know if what you feel is real.”

“I waited,” she said. “I waited until I was an adult. You keep avoiding me....” Her voice softened. “Hurts.”

Uriel closed his eyes briefly. That was all the confirmation she needed.

“You hold back because you’re afraid,” she continued, sensing that Uriel needed words this direct. “Not of me. Of yourself.”

Silence fell heavy between them.

Beatrice lowered her voice, steady despite the storm inside her. “If you despise me, say it. If my presence truly offends you, tell me now.”

She leaned closer, her breath brushing his cheek. “But do not lie to me.”

Uriel opened his eyes and met her gaze fully at last.

There was no hatred there. Only conflict.

“You should leave,” he said quietly. Her heart skipped.

“Why?” she whispered.

He did not answer.

Beatrice stepped back slowly, giving him space at last. She straightened, lifting her chin, dignity intact despite the ache in her chest. She turned and walked away, heart pounding, knowing one thing with absolute certainty.