FOUR
"Hey miss.. miss?" The continuous tap on my shoulder pulled me out of my short nap. I opened my eyes slowly with a yawn. My body felt so tired and I knew I needed more sleep. "Miss, you are at the palace road. You should get down before the train takes off" My eyes shot open at the mention of Train.
"Oh! We are here? Oh!" I hastily pulled my bag from under me and bolted out of the train in excitement. I stood in front of the Crimson palace. My breath caught in my throat at the beautiful sight before me. The palace stood tall and so huge, white marble gleaming in the sunlight. I'd never seen anything like it before. I couldn't help but stare at the beauty.
As I made my way towards the palace gates, I noticed that I wasn't the only one here. Women from all over the kingdom have also come to audition to be the alpha king's breeder. everyone was talking excitedly amongst themselves as we all waited for the gates to open. I could hear whispers filling the courtyard as we waited to be let inside. We were all here for the same reason - the chance to be chosen as the Alpha King's breeder. Who would it be? definitely not me.
A fanfare sounded and the giant Golden doors swung open. We all moved forward, pouring into a hall so large my father's whole house would fit inside it a hundred times. Crystal chandeliers glittered high above and a long red carpet led to a beautiful golden throne with three seats.
I couldn't help but feel intimidated by the type of girls that filled up the palace. I felt so out of place among all these glamorous women, and tried to stay at the back of the room, hoping no one will notice me. Especially not my wicked stepsister.
As I scanned the room, a familiar face made my breath catch in my throat. Just who I thought. Kelly. My cruel stepsister was in a certain group, looking all beautiful and dazzling in my mother's dress. She tossed her golden curls, laughing with a some girls.
My palms grew slick and I couldn't stop the fear and shock that overtook my body even though I expected it. I couldn't let her see me. I shrank into the shadows, wishing I could disappear completely. My eyes scanned the room again, this time looking for an escape route. I needed to leave the hall for now if not, Kelly would cause a scene and embarrass me the moment she sees me. My heart pounded as I slipped along the wall, heading for a small side door I spied across the hall. I had to get out of here before she noticed me. This was a mistake. I didn't belong in this glittering room with these polished girls. I couldn't do it. No.
I reached the small door and pulled it open, revealing a very dark passageway. Glancing back to make sure no one had seen me, I slipped inside with my small bag in hand. The heavy door swung shut, enveloping me in musty blackness. I crept down the passage, one hand trailing along the cold stone wall to guide me. It was very quiet so I believed no one was passing here. I released a breath of relief at being alone at least before moving forward. Where did this passage lead? With any luck, it would provide an escape from this place. Away from the judgment, away from Kelly's cruelty. I just wanted to get away from here. Maybe start a new life in another place that was far from home. I knew I couldn't go back home anymore. By now, my stepmother and my father would have found out that I had ran away. And the funny thing about all this was that they wouldn't guess were I was. I smiled at myself.
They wouldn't dare to believe that the pathetic, gentle Freya would attempt going to palace. They would be so clueless of my whereabouts. I trusted Gerard not to tell them a single thing.
My footsteps echoed as I hurried through the dark. As I rounded a corner, I collided with something solid. I stumbled back with a cry as the sound of scattering paper filled the air. "Ah!"
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" I gasped. A small lantern came on, illuminating a man gathering up the papers now strewn across the floor. Oh no. Just when I thought I had escaped, I came face to face with probably one of the guards. Now I could even be in trouble. I groaned in mortification. "I.. I didn't see you.. I'm so sorry!"
He smiled kindly as I knelt to help him. "It's okay, No harm done."
By the warm glow of the lantern, I could see he had a gentle face framed by tousled brown hair. His clothes were finely made but rumpled, he had ink stains on his fingers. He looked to be about my age. Maybe a year or two older.
Once the papers were all collected, I passed him the ones I had managed to pick up with an apologetic smile on my face. He studied me curiously. "What are you doing wandering down here?"
I wrung my hands. "I...I was lost. I wanted to leave but I think I missed my way. Please, can you show me the way out?"
The man tilted his head. I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. I felt my face turn red and I couldn't imagine how stupid I looked right now. God!
"You want to leave? But you've only just arrived for the auditions, haven't you?"
I nodded, my eyes downcast. "I don't belong here. The other girls are so poised and beautiful. I could never compete with them."
He laughed then, a warm, melodic sound that made me smile. "Don't sell yourself short. I'm sure you're just as lovely."
I shook my head ruefully. "You're kind to say so, but I'm no match for those ladies. And to be honest, I don't see anything sensible in trying to compete to be the king's breeder. I'd rather just go back home, than stay here and hope some king will choose me to be his baby mama." The man let out a loud laugh that filled the passage way.
"Well, I'm afraid I can't show you the way out, it is against my job," he said apologetically. "But I can promise that no harm will come to you here." He extended his hand. "I'm Connor Turner. I work in the palace."
I took it hesitantly. "Freya. It's nice to meet you. And sorry for.. knocking down your papers."
Connor's eyes sparkled with kindness as he chuckled. "Oh, that's alright Freya. Now come, let's get you back to the hall. The auditions will be starting soon."
Though anxious, I followed him as he led me through the passages. His gentle temperament and reassuring presence made me feel I could trust him. Perhaps I had found a friend in this strange, intimidating place after all.
Connor led me back through the palace halls, his hand warm and comforting around mine. Though I still had misgivings, his kindness had softened my resolve to flee.
As we neared the great hall where the other girls awaited, the sound of lively chatter reached my ears. I hesitated once more, stepping back. Connor gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
"There's nothing to fear, Freya," he said gently. "I'll speak to the king on your behalf. I will tell him not to pick you even if he notices you. All you just have to do is be on your own. Once he picks his choice, you will be free to leave on your own."
I nodded, gratitude welling up within me. "Thank you, Connor. I'm glad we met today."
He smiled. "As am I. I feel we're fated to be friends, you and I." His eyes were so green and I knew that his wolf skin would be green.
With an encouraging pat on the shoulder, he guided me through the towering doors into the hall. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. The room was even more intimidating now, filled with beautiful, exquisitely dressed women.
As we entered, a hush fell over the gathering. Dozens of eyes turned our way. And there, directly before me, was the last person I hoped to see.
"Freya? Freya?? What the hell are you doing here!" Kelly screamed at me. All eyes turned to me and Connor.
Great.
******
FIVE If looks could kill, I would be long dead by now. I stood still and speechless as I stared at my sister who was glaring at me with fire in her eyes. Connor beside me, watched the both of us confusedly. "Do you know each other or something Freya?" He asked me. I opened my mouth to form a response but Kelly beat me to it. "Oh, I would have you know that Freya is my house maid. She must have sneaked out of the house the moment I left to join the auditions." Kelly said, she stepped closer to Connor who was frowning at me. I took a shallow breath, feeling the tears well up in my eyes. "You should send her home Mister. I will make sure my mother deals with her for deceiving everyone." "I seem to remember that the audition is open to every female in the land that is not married or promised to another man. So Miss Freya is just as free as you to partake in this program. If you will excuse me now, I have to be with the king." Conner said, brushing my shoulder lightly with a ki
SIX I scooped up the apple pie sitting beautifully on my plate and ate it generously, savoring the sweet taste as it melted in my mouth. I closed my eyes, feeling so content in that moment and even nostalgic. When I was smaller, my mom used to make pies like this. I remember how excited I always was whenever she announced that we would be having Apple pie for dinner. If only... "Hey, Freya. That's your name right?" Addy whispered to me as she shifted her seat closer with a cheerful smile on her face. I nodded. "Where are you and your sister? Hope you don't mind me asking" "Not at all. We stay at the western part of the kingdom, Not too far from the border. What about you?" "Oh I stay in the kingdom city. My house is only a 30 minutes drive away from here." Addy replied enthusiastically. You just know she was from a wealthy family and she has been showered love her whole life. Unlike me, who had been maltreated for as long as I can remember. My gaze turned to Kelly who wa
SEVENI awoke with a dry throat, my tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth. I wondered if the ladies were still waiting outside my door. Now I wish I had just told them to get me some water before going to bed last night when they had asked if I needed anything. It was past midnight already. "I need some water or else I might die." I whispered to myself as if taking permission from myself. What could happen? The highest was that I would get caught by a staff member or the guards. I decided I would find my way to the kitchen and try as much as possible not to get caught. Though I knew I shouldn't wander the werewolf palace alone at night. Our guide had mentioned that we should never step out of our rooms without being called for. But I couldn't wait inside my room when I was dying of thirst could I? "There goes nothing.." I said as I gathered my dark long hair into a braid and slipped on a modest nightdress before creeping to the door. Stepping into the shadowy hallway, I shu
Eight "Rise and shine miss!" "Good morning miss!"I groaned as the cheerful voices of my maids woke me up, followed by the curtains being drawn, revealing the early morning sun that brightened my whole room so much that I had to raise the thick duvet over my head. "Ughh.." "Miss Freya, the orientation begins in an hour. We must get you ready as soon as possible." It was Grace speaking now. She slowly pulled the covers over me and smiled at me despite my scowl. I had never been a morning person even though I always woke up early to do the house chores back at home. But then I had Gerard who sometimes allowed me to sleep in. But now, I had no choice but to obey my maids. "Okay, okay, I'm up." I huffed as I exited my sweet soft bed. I couldn't believe how soft it was. It was like I should never get up from the soft tresses again. It was so unfair that the rich and privileged got to enjoy this every single day of their life and there was some of us that has never known what
NINE I couldn't figure out why Kelly was being so nice to me. It was so unusual of her. Kelly had never hugged me before, not even when I'd gotten her Christmas presents hoping to make her like me. I had given up trying to create the love between us when she had crushed the chocolates and tore out the fur of a pretty pink teddy bear I had gotten her 3 years ago. She had said to my face that my gifts were fake and useless and it should be the last time I ever got her any gifts. I had spent the whole evening crying in my room and feeling sorry for myself. Why did I desperately want my stepsister to like me? Maybe because I missed my mom so much and i just needed to fill the void that she had left when she died. But I had to learn the hard way that I couldn't make anybody like me. I just had to be myself and whoever wanted to like me will do so without being forced. My gaze trailed over to Addy. As if she sensed me looking, she also turned to me at that moment. We shared a know
TEN He was still staring at me. His gaze boring into the tiny pores on my skin, eliciting goosebumps that betrayed how I felt inside even though I was trying my possible best to keep a straight face. I simply could not believe it. He couldn't be that Wolf I saw last night. He would have mention it to his guide by now and asked them to throw me out of the palace for attempting to trespass. But then again, maybe he wanted to keep me here only to torture me slowly? I couldn't be sure. I straightened my spine and turned away from him. I focused on Aramatha who was still addressing us. I didn't hear much as my attention had been on King Rafe. "Ladies, you each have the opportunity to curtesy to your king and ask him one single question. He will answer you and whichever one of you he wishes the continue the conversation with will sit and have lunch with him. Miss Jessica, please step forward.." Aramatha said to Jessica who was first in line where we stood in front of the king.
Eleven I had not even used up to a week here and I was already getting punishments for no reason. Way to go, Kelly. She was the one that put me in this situation. I doubt I would be able to survive with Kelly constantly trying to sabotage me here at the palace. I needed to do something fast. I needed to get back at her so she would leave me the fuck alone. My heart pounded in my chest as I stood before the Alpha Rafe in his chambers. His piercing green eyes bore into me, his muscular frame tense. He had told me to follow him but I had no idea we were going to his room. The whole room was bigger than my house at home. It was like a building on it's own, I wondered how he didn't get lost in it."Now tell me, why were you sneaking around the palace last night?" he demanded. "You know it's not safe. And you have been ordered to always stay in your room, haven't you?" I stared at him, speechless. He looked really upset. His handsome face dark with a frown directed right at me. I trie
Twelve My head was banging hard as I woke up in the middle of the night. I could feel my heart constrict from the force of the nightmare I had just woken up from. My breaths came out in short pants and I could stop the racing in my chest. I turned to look around my dark room to be certain that I was all alone before I busted into nerve-wrecking sobs. My mind trailed over the things I had endured in my father's house. Everyday, I found myself wondering why my father stopped loving me after my mom passed away. Was it because he was so heartbroken by her death that I reminded him of his late wife? Or was it just because he had never truly loved neither me nor mom? I turned to pick up the water on my table, downing it all in one long gulp. My mind went back to the nightmare I had. I was being chased by a lady in a long white gown who had no face. I remembered the terrifying fear that had gripped me as I tried to run from her. It had happened in a dark forest and right when she was