~ Athena"Athena! Athena!" Princess Claudia called out.I averted my gaze to her, as did several others at the dining table, all waiting for the drama that was about to unfold. The 30 qualified ladies selected by Jessica for "the Hunt" were seated at a long dining table, having breakfast, while I and some other maids served them.I took quick steps towards her. "Yes, Princess Claudia," I replied."What is this?!" she shrieked, motioning to the plate of scrambled eggs in front of her.I was confused. I glanced at the plate and then at her, not uttering a word as I didn't even know what to say."When I ask you a question, you are bound to speak!" she commanded angrily.I didn't want any trouble, although I could clearly see one brewing. "It is scrambled eggs, Princess," I replied."Was that what I requested? I clearly asked for mashed potatoes, bread, tea, and chicken breast, not this!" she sneered angrily, upturning the contents of the food, causing them to splatter on the floor.My ey
~ RichardI was at the garden, waiting for James to fetch Athena. We received information from our contact that her father had been murdered. I had known for two days but didn't know how to break the news to her. I knew it would devastate her. Losing a parent is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone. It would make them feel abandoned and alone in this world marked by cruelty and evil. Unfortunately, I had to tell her; she had every right to know.I heard footsteps approaching from behind and turned to see her. She was absolutely breathtaking even while clothed in the garments of a maid. How does she do that? How does she manage to be effortlessly beautiful all the time?I could feel through our bond that she was excited, but I didn't know what that was about. She greeted me, and I responded.I needed to tell her now. I felt sad and angry at Sebastian. It was his fault, the fact that I was about to kill Athena's joy. When our contact told us that he had held Athena's paren
~AthenaThere was just one day left until the big day. The mansion was bustling with several activities in preparation. His Majesty and some elders were having a meeting in the great hall.I was in the kitchen helping out with some chores when Ms. Sandra walked in."Athena," she called out."Yes, Ms. Sandra," I dropped the rag I had been cleaning with, turned around, and ran to her. She held a bowl of white substance in her hand. As soon as I approached her, she smiled and handed the bowl to me uttering hastily,"Run along, dear, His Majesty is in need of this right now."My heart sank!Before I could try to protest, she patted my back and walked past me, giving instructions to the other maids.I swallowed hard. Ever since that incident occurred between myself and the king in the garden, I have been avoiding him as one avoids a plague. I was still a little bit angry on the inside. He wasn't really who I thought he was. He had taunted me and emotionally abused me. He didn't care about
~AthenaThe maids and I have been busy all morning, running errands for the 30 maidens, "The Qualified." Today was their big day, the day one of them gets to be selected by His Majesty during "the Hunt."Princess Claudia had me on her beck and call. I had just returned from the laundry, which was about 5 minutes away on foot from her quarters. She had stained her beautiful white silk gown and had given it to me to take to the laundry and back.I suspected it was intentional; she had done that to frustrate me. It now felt as though her sole reason for living and breathing was to make my life miserable. My suspicions were confirmed when I brought back the dry-cleaned cloth from the laundry and saw her in her room with Ms. Jessica, the Chief of Staff, wearing a white beautiful gown that suited her pale skin perfectly, making her look pretty. I wore a confused expression on my face. I looked at the cloth I held in my hand, the same one I had wasted 45 vain minutes for, and looked at th
~ Athena"Your Majesty! What are you doing? That is not me!" Princess Claudia's shrill voice rang out.For the very first time, I agreed with her. "Please put me down, Your Majesty. You have the wrong person," I begged after recovering from my initial shock.His Majesty did not utter a word; instead, he carried me through the bush. The sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds was all that filled the air. He eventually dropped me beside a tree branch and changed back to his human form.Now that he was back in his human form, which I was more comfortable and familiar with, I inquired in confusion, "What is going on, Your Majesty?"His eyes were on me. Despite being in the woods, the area we were in was lit. Light from the solar panels not too far away made that possible, that also made me realize we were not so far away from the garden. I could hear the faint sound of drums and whistles."You are my mate, Athena," he said in a deep, soothing voice.My eyes widened in shock, confusion
~RichardI was teasing her, trying to make her feel at ease as I could sense how nervous she was. In fact, she was an absolute wreck, and I couldn't blame her. All night, she had a million chaotic thoughts spiraling through her mind, trying to make sense of why I had chosen her, but even I myself didn't have a clue as to why I did what I did except for the fact that she was my mate."I… I… will shower alone," she stuttered breathlessly as she craned her head to the side to refrain from looking at my groin. I could feel the effect I have on her. I could smell her desire; she wanted me, but not as bad as my wolf wanted her."Alright, I will shower first," I sighed.While in the shower, I couldn't get the thoughts of what had happened that night out of my head. The horrified look on Jessica's face and the surprised look on my brother's. A lot of people are going to try to kick against my decision by tomorrow, tell me how my decision would invariably weaken the royal bloodline and how ma
~AthenaAfter showering and putting on His Majesty's, or should I say Richard's, shirt, I went to bed. The sight of him in his sleeping state was breathtaking.His lovely set lips, thick eyebrows, beautiful long eyelashes, very pointed nose, and set jaws were a beauty to behold. I felt my hand itch so bad from wanting to touch them. After a few seconds of struggle, I couldn't resist anymore. I ran my hand through his perfect facial features, admiring the beautiful creature in front of me.Even that felt so surreal. I couldn't believe that was actually happening.I was in bed with the King!He is my mate!I blinked. It still felt like a pinch-me moment. In fact, I believed it was all a dream that I would eventually wake up from, but before I do, I planned to make the most of it.My wolf wanted this so badly, and so did I. After tracing my finger on his lips, the feel was so soft I wanted to kiss and nibble on them, and before I knew it, I was acting on my thoughts.I kissed him, an act
~Sebastian"What brings you to my pack, Alpha Sebastian?" the shrewd-looking man said in a voice tinted with hostility.I felt a surge of rage swirl within me, directed at Athena as this was all her fault. If she hadn't run away, I wouldn't be here right now in front of this buffoon of an Alpha.I sighed and locked gazes with Scott, Alpha of the Moon Crescent Pack. "I come in peace, Alpha Scott. I am here in search of a girl who fled from my pack," I said, doing a good job of hiding the disgust and anger in my voice."It has been years since we last saw each other, Alpha Sebastian, despite sharing borders," he smiled and arched a brow, his demeanor becoming more fierce as he asked in a serious tone, "You mean to tell me that after all these years, you are visiting my pack right now because of a girl?"I shut my eyes, trying to pacify my wolf that was threatening to surface. How dare he? How dare he try to question me in such a manner? Has he forgotten who I am? Or does he think that I