The Beta's Regret (Eden and Eros) novel Chapter 233

(Eden’s Pov)

The dust finally settled between Eros and me. Although there were a lot of questions I needed answers to, I thought it better to simply let it go.

Eros and Rhyker still went through a series of tests that determined how well they could endure the crown and how befitting they were.

Eros seemed to have found his footing back, because after that day, he became less nervous and began to rely on me. He told me all about his fears and expectations, and I made sure to encourage him.

It was only a matter of time before the final test day came.

Even before the sun rose high in the sky that very day, the castle became alive with a buzz of activities. The excitement in the air was too much to ignore.

When I woke up, Eros was nowhere in sight. I sat up and moved out of bed.

My eyes caught sight of a paper on the bedside table, a pen neatly kept on it. My name was boldly scribbled across it.

Curious, I leaned forward and picked up the note. I opened it and recognized Eros's beautiful writing.

It was a love letter.

As I read each word he used in appraisal, I felt a slight blush dust my cheeks. My toes curl in excitement. I was in love, and I loved that. Nothing beats this feeling.

Excited, I grabbed my robe and shrugged it on as I stepped out to look for him.

I was barely out of my room when one of the maids scurried past me.

“Hello!” I called out to her.

She stopped for a brief moment and looked back at me. It was as if she hadn't noticed who exactly I was the first time, as she quickly bent into a bow.

“My Lady.” She said quickly.

I waved it off. “Have you seen Eros?” I asked.

She hesitated for a slight second before she nodded.

“Yes. He was headed outside last time I saw him.” She said,

I nodded and nudged slightly in the opposite direction. “That is all. You can go.”

She turned and continued on her way.

I looked down at my clothes. I needed to change if I wanted to go beyond the palace hallway.

I went back into the room and closed the door. Before I could start undressing, I heard a knock on the door. A second later, it opened, and an influx of maids rushed in.

I frowned. They were much more than the usual three I was used to.

I did a quick count.

Seven of them. They bowed, all unfamiliar.

“It’s time, my lady.” One of them said,

Before I could say a word, I was grabbed and taken to the bathtub.

“Wait a minute. I need to find my mate.” I said quickly.

They didn't blink an eyelid at my request. I rolled my eyes and surrendered myself to their intense care. I learned early enough that the maids never liked to get distracted when they had a job at hand.

But I also needed to find my mate. I wouldn’t back down so quickly either.

“I need to find Eros.” I said again.

“Lord Eros is fine. He is with his instructors.” One of the maids answered. I couldn't really put a name to their faces. I have never had this set of maids attend to me before since I came here.”

In seconds, the girls had me stripped and scrubbed on my skin until it had a pink tint. My hair was washed and given extra attention.

I sat down and observed the crowd.

A feeling of familiarity hit me. It was weird how consistent this feeling has been.

The mix of supernatural creatures, seated comfortably with each other, reminded of the other realm. The fight I had with some other team members…

A shudder rocked me. It also reminded the battle with the rogues and how the beastly Eros in the other realm killed numerous people out of bloodthirst.

I calmed my nerves and reminded myself that the other realm was nothing but a nightmare, and no matter how familiar things looked, it would never be the same.

At that moment, I spotted Eros and Rhyker talking with an instructor.

Excited, I jumped to my feet, not minding the raised brows I got from the Elders. I excused myself and hurried away from the seat to where he stood close to the ring. The maids followed behind me quickly.

When I got to Eros, I flung myself into his arms, and he gave me a slight spin.

“Good luck.” I said softly, kissing him on the lips. He returned it immediately and pressed my body against his.

Rhyker cleared his throat harshly, and Eros slowly released me.

“I’m proud of you.” I said. “No matter what happens, you’ll always be my hero.”

Eros chuckled.

“Be at the ready!” The instructor shouted.

Eros subtly pulled away. “I love you too.” He said, and with that he walked off with Ryker.

I smiled and returned to my seat. Just as I sat down, a loud whistle was blown…

The arena fell into a dead silence.