VERONICA
I've always despised Lycans, and the mere thought of falling in love with one made me want to retch. For years, I searched for my mate in silence, praying that the moon goddess wouldn't pair me with a Lycan.But fate had a twisted sense of humor. Now I find myself stuck with a Lycan man who seemed to be infatuated with me. I can't stand the sight of him, but I know I could use him to accomplish my mission."What the hell do you think you're doing?" I snarled, my voice filled with fury as I push him away from me."What am I doing? What's wrong with you?" he shot back, his voice deep and masculine, his face etched with annoyance. "Why did you let yourself get dragged to my father, and why didn't you postulate in front of the king?"For a moment, I felt like a toddler being cautioned by her father. My heart is blank. I don't know whether I should hate him more or just a little less. "What's the meaning then?" "Meaning of what?" He replied impatiently. I can't even bring myself to tell him what I am asking about; how would I ask him why he kissed my lips? I just kept touching my lips until he finally figured it out."Oh, you mean that?" I had no other way to shut your annoying voice" He says I never thought of it; he actually didn't kiss me. That's a relive! At least he didn't steal my first kiss, which I have left only for my mate. "yet to find a mate.""You live out there, hiding, right?" Don't you know the castle is just like being peeled; just with time, it will soon get to your turn to be fried, but you seem to be trying your best to make the flame hotter. So you'd be fried quickly? I stare blankly and blink repeatedly, trying to understand the whole sentence. "Look, werewolf girl," he continues. I actually wonder why he calls me a werewolf girl. Why specialize it when there are more than ten of us? I have seen more than ten in one night."You need me to survive here; I saved you once and you let me; I will try to save you again." "Ain't you sacred?" He scolds"I am not afraid, not anymore. And what made you sure that you're all I need to survive?Just then, my stomach grumbles. Shit! Wrong timing, nature! "You said what again?" You don't need me?" He mocks with a grin.A little tap came to his door, and he ordered me to open it up. Annoying enough, he didn't say that; he only rudely used his eyes to order him. I opened the door just to get intoxicated by this yummy aroma that the handsome 16-year-old boy brought in on a large tray. I almost thought it was a banquet until the second tray arrived. "That's Sam; he will help with whatever you need until, maybe, as long as you survive."He moves away from the wall where he has been standing all along and then sits on his cushion. He pours the contents into a beautiful, transparent cup. Both the jar and the cup, as well as the liquid content, have never been seen before. We only drink water outside the castle. Maybe it's alcohol. It's not like I would ever be able to guess it right. My grandmother never drank things like that. "Your name is...""Veronica," I answer.He nods. I wish to ask his name, but I just can't. I sat on the floor, staring between the food and myself. The food is looking nicer and richer than anything I have ever had in my whole life. I just don't know where to start, and the fact that he saved me food on the floor instead of a table... After all, I am a slave. "Starting now, you will be addressed as my slave." "You didn't bother to ask my name?" I look down, avoiding eye contact. My long black hair falls to the floor as I drop my gaze, forming a veil that covers one side of my face and prevents me from seeing him anymore. It's better; at least he won't see my helpless self devouring the food. Suddenly, I see his boot line in front of me. He then bent his knee and held my chin, bringing my gaze to meet his own. "You won't ask?" He says. "I try so much to force my gaze back to the floor, but his grip is tight enough to hold my chin in place." "I won't be needing your name." I'd rather call you sir since you are now my master."I'm Prince Grimgor.""Sir"."Call me Grimgor.""I'd prefer, sir," I insisted, looking directly into his eyes. He is definitely not the King; he bears a different name from him. But still, he is the devil's son and can't be different from his father. He pushes my chin away forcefully. Obviously, he is annoyed. He stands up and walks back to where he sat earlier. "Should I take the food away?" "Are you on a fast?" Grimgor says as he continues with his drink. "I have a request. Sir... ""Prince Grimgor," he corrects, almost screaming, and his eyes are budging out as he is pointing at me like, "You stubborn little girl!""Prince Grimgor, sir, I'd request to eat with Alice." "Alice?" he asks calmly."Yes, the little girl I was with."He made a little whistling sound, and Sam came running to him. "Go get Alice," he says, while Sam dashes out immediately. A few minutes later, he returned with Alice. Her eyes were already red with tears. I kneel and hug her tightly to myself once she enters the door."I thought those monsters killed you," she cries as I wrap my arms around her, hugging her tightly. "I am fine, Alice." and you will be. She nods. Even though I see the fear in her eyes as I wipe her tears away,However, her mood got lighter the moment she saw the food at the corner. "You want some." She nods, smiling childishly.VERONICA"This is your room." "Stay here with your little puppy," Grimgor says, standing up to leave."Little puppy?" Alice," he answers reluctantly, and then walks towards the door.I feel grateful that he let me stay with the little girl. I can't even imagine how cruel her life can ever get since she lost her mother this very night as well.He slams the door behind him. Although not too loudly.The room wasn't too fashionable, like the one we stayed in to eat. It was just the perfect room for a rich man's slave. Not as shabby as where I lived and still not as standard as Grimgor's room, or whatever that was. I'm just realizing that the room is just opposite mine!I lay the bed down with the bedsheets and duvets that are on it. The room is also a bit dusty. I have to clean everything up before doing anything else. Alice helps out in the little way she can. After the whole little chore, I made a warm bath for her and then made her sleep comfortably on the bed.Remembering the whole e
VERONICAI stop once I feel the cold, rough surface of the wall behind me. My heart races as I try to keep my voice steady. "I don't know what you're talking about," I stutter.The man in front of me, whom I assume to be Prince Ezra, narrows his eyes. "Don't lie to me," he growls. "Why were you lingering around the castle?"I glance around, panicking, hoping someone will come to my defense.Fortunately, Prince Grimgor did, but not in the way I expected. "Leave her be!" he screams, standing between us. "She's with me."Ezra sneers. "Brother, don't be foolish. Or mad at me" He places his hands on his brother's shoulder. "I'm just doing a quick investigation. You don't expect me to turn a blind eye to a stranger lurking around the castle, do you?"My guess was right; this man is Grimgor's brother. But why were they fighting against each other? I watch as they glare at each other with fierce looks that send chills down my spine. If I ever had a sibling in my whole lifetime, I would have t
VERONICAIt's been weeks, and nothing has improved. The same daily routine of waking up as early as 4:00 a.m. Tidy my room, take my bath, and then force Alice to wake up, which she would sluggishly do and take her bath only to go back. I have managed to ask one of the servants to help me tutor her in the little way she can. I didn't even go to school either, but I miraculously know how to do some reading.I'd go out to watch as they make breakfast for the Lycan King and his family. They said I must learn how to do it because the king could randomly select someone to make his breakfast, and a little mistake could cost one's life. Afterwards, I tidy Prince Grimgor's room and do repeated cleaning whenever he has a bad mood and takes it out on me. Before everything, it would be midday; I would take my breakfast and then continue with work.So annoying. Life here is more difficult than I could have ever imagined. However, I am a bit relieved that I wasn't still in prison. Theirs seems to b
VERONICAI tiptoed back nervously, not knowing what would become of me should I get caught.However, just on the last hallway to my room, I unknowingly hit a flower vase with my leg. Luckily, it didn't chatter, but it made a very alarming noise. calling attention to the figure I saw at the end of the hallway."Hey, come with me!" he gestured. I look around beside me and at my back, trying to confirm to whom exactly he was talking.I pointed to myself when I clearly couldn't see anyone behind or beside me. "Do you mean me?" I ask tenderly.Prince Ezra has very little patience. I know that, and yet I am crossing the line."Yes you... Just follow me!" He says it impatiently. I guess he is short of the annoying word he would cuss at me with."Sorry." I bow my head in apology and start to run over to where he is. Before I get to him, he's already in his office. I followed suit almost immediately.There is something very striking about Ezra. His presence alone gives me shivers,maybe because
VERONICA"Veronica, what are you doing?" Emily asked. "You haven't prepared yourself yet.""For what?" I reply, "Confused.""For the presentation ceremony," she said sternly. "I forgot to instruct you on the things you need to know."I nodded, feeling a little apprehensive. Emily was usually very demanding, but today she seems different. Maybe it is because she knew the stakes were high and that any mistake I made would reflect poorly on her.As I stand there, unsure of what to do, Emily walks towards me and offers me a seat on my bed."Good morning," I say, trying to be polite."That's not necessary," she replied sharply. "We don't have time for pleasantries. You need to get ready now."I felt a knot form in my stomach.. "What should I wear?" I asked, hoping for some guidance. And preferably hoping that she won't have anything for me, and then she will suggest I just go back to sleep.Emily smiled and opened a large trunk she had brought in. "I have just the thing," she said as she
VERONICASooner than I expected, the king appeared. Although not as I expected. He is looking all old and sick, like someone who will drop dead soon. His wolf must have helped him walk upright, and even a smile he couldn't fake He went up with all that mean face until he got to his gigantic seat and sat. Facing the rest of us. We all bowed gently to him for about a minute.I was glad enough to see his face. It looks like what I had before; maybe he was in my nightmare. His face is unforgettable, but I can't even find a trace of where I have met this man before.I see Mike. Standing at the back of another man who was dressed like a king too. Although it was obvious that the Lycan was superior, the man sat side by side with the Lycan king.I was so distracted that I didn't even know when the other ladies were asked to go out. I almost stumble while I hasten my pace as Emily taps me.They had to form a cue when I got out; I had to stand as the last person. As I walked down the long line,
VERONICA "The last one." The guard says it again. I breath heavily. A knot suddenly grew in my stomach. Come to think of it, I didn't know how it would be inside those gates. I wipe my sweaty hand on my dress and then place my right hand on Emily. We then walk inside together."That's the last one, my king," Emily said, her head almost hitting her knee. I also did the same but didn't bend as low as she did."Smile. Veronica. Try your best to be chosen!" Emily whispers through her clenched teeth."I'd rather not. Be chosen "."You little..." She mumbled In order not to provoke her further, I put up a smile and then walked majestically to where the royals are. Both the king and prince, their cabinet members, and whoever else leads RavenswoodOnce I got to where Emily asked me to halt, I stopped and raised my gown a little. I took a small step forward with my left foot and bent my right knee slightly, tilting my head down in a small, graceful bow. I kept my eyes downcast and my back s
VERONICAI step into the shower, turning the knob to let the water run down on me. The warmth feels good on my skin, but it doesn't take away the sadness I feel inside.I close my eyes and let the water flow over my face, mixing with the tears that are already falling. I feel frustrated and alone, and the water is the only comfort I have right now.I lean my forehead against the tiles, wishing that the water could wash away all the negative thoughts and feelings that have been plaguing me. But it doesn't. They keep coming back, making me feel more and more helpless.I take deep breaths, trying to calm down, but it's hard. My mind keeps going back to the event and how ridiculously it ended. It's bad enough that I had to dance for the first time in that large cloud. It feels like everything is going wrong, and I don't know how to fix it.The water starts to turn cold, but I don't move. I don't want to leave the shower, where it's warm and safe. Outside, the world feels too big and scary