A week past and the palace became to feel like a hell. I genuinely couldn't figure out why that was, but I was guessing. His Highness was still refusing to talk to me, he didn't send any messages and I hadn't been seeing Beta Kristen around too. They all just ignored me like I was a piece of shit. This was really what I wanted but why did it hurt so much that the king was ignoring me. I waited and anticipated the king's summon but I got none. Infact, the food supplements he usually sent had reduced and no maids were allowed to come to my chamber any longer. Calling the king by his actual name could have worked - When I mentioned his name, he was so still and I could see how comfortable he felt in his eyes. But he was so exasperated at the moment, that he didn't care. He grabbed my arm and threw me out of his chamber, closing the door behind him. That was embarrassing but I didn't feel that anger towards him, I was more angry at myself as I remembered that moment I volunteered to ki
All through the night, I couldn't sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about what Eirene said about Beta Kristen. I didn't know why I was so concerned about his love life, but for some reason I felt he was being cheated. I couldn't wait for the sun to rise again to make more enquiry. I wanted to get to the bottom of this - Even though I knew there were alot of for me to do, I wanted to prioritize this. Maybe it could be considered prying, but I didn't care. The next day, I made my way through the elaborate hallways of the palace, the soft glow of flickering torches casting dancing shadows on the walls as usual. The air was heavy with the scent of exotic perfumes and the distant sound of laughter echoes through the corridors. Finally, I reached Eirene's chamber, a graceful space adorned with rich tapestries and delicate ornaments. I could tell from the decorations here that she was an elegant lady who doesn't like to show off her elegance. Her maids, dressed in elegant silk garments bowed
As consciousness slowly seeped into my mind, I felt a pounding ache in my head. Groaning, I forced myself to sit up, my eyes squinting against the harsh light that filled the dungeon. The air was cold, the stone walls damp and unforgiving. Rubbing my temples, I took in my surroundings. The cell was small, barely enough room for me to stretch my legs. The heavy iron door loomed in front of me, ominously blocking any hope of escape. Panic gripped me as I realized I was still trapped, imprisoned like a common criminal. What the fuck was wrong with these guards? They knew it was me and still imprisoned me? I staggered to my feet, an overwhelming sense of desperation flooding my veins. In a futile attempt, I slammed my fist against the door, shouting for help. My voice echoed through the silence of the dungeon, but there was no response. Only a haunting stillness. Minutes turned into hours as I continued to bang on the door, my cries for help growing more desperate with each
I couldn't believe my ears as the elders of the palace issued their order. Their words hung heavily in the air, suffocating my hopes and dreams. "Take her to the king's chamber," they commanded the maids. My heart sank as I realized the fate that I had always wanted to avert – to be the king's breeder. The maids, obedient to the elders' command, wasted no time in dragging me out of the opulent throne hall. Panic coursed through my veins, and I struggled desperately to release myself from their grasp. But it was futile; their strength surpassed my feeble resistance. "You better let me go now, otherwise... You would regret it. Let go of me!" I yelled as I struggled harder but the maids were obviously stronger than I was. Down the dimly lit hallways, we hurried, my feet barely touching the ground. The palace seemed to close in around me, its walls echoing with secrets and treacherous whispers. Every step I took only brought me closer to my impending doom. The elders see
Kristen's voice emitted a strong undertone of anger and frustration, causing me to instinctively recoil. The weight of his words pressed upon me, reminding me that he was still deeply disappointed about our previous encounter. Though I lacked the opportunity to fully justify my actions, I pondered whether his words held genuine concern. Could it truly be impossible for the king to take action if I were to report Daphne? Raising my gaze, I found myself locking eyes with Kristen, his stare intense and piercing. However, I consciously made the decision to focus on the familiar eyes of the beta Kristen I had always known, seeking a sense of normalcy in our interaction. "Why did you say that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Were you not considering informing the king about her actions? I must caution you against making such a grave error. Daphne is an exceptionally formidable adversary, and if you fail to disregard her, you may find yourself regretting it," he
As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue across the kingdom, the anticipation for the moon festival filled the air. Tonight, the courtyard would be transformed into a sight of enchantment, and I, Melina, would play my part in this grand celebration. I just wanted to be happy and give these people the response to their questions, they would not stop my sun from shinning. Sliding into the white dress embroidered with gold, a gift from the king himself, I took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I knew Meemaw still doubted that it was a good idea to put on this dress - But I had completely a different thought. I smoothed out the delicate fabric on my hips, admiring the intricate patterns that gleamed in the fading light. The dress embraced me, the gold threads sparkling like stars against the moonlit sky. Tonight, I would be the star of this celestial event, though I also knew the shadows that lurked beneath the glamour. "You look dashin
As the moon festival drew to a close, my weariness engulfed me like a heavy shroud. The vibrant energy that had animated the courtyard now dissipated, leaving me longing for the solace of my chamber. I made my way towards the path leading back, eager for some much-needed rest. However, the peace I sought was shattered as soon as I glimpsed the figure of the king approaching. Dread knotted my stomach. Would he finally offer an apology for abandoning me and not looking for where I could have gone? But as he drew nearer, I saw an unwavering determination etched upon his face, and my hopes dwindled. The king stopped before me, his intense gaze fixed upon mine. "Melina," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of sternness. "Would you honor me by joining in for dinner in the dining hall?" For a moment, silence hung in the air, I hesitated, grappling with conflicting emotions. "Your Majesty," I finally replied, the words hesitant on my lips. "I appreciate the invitation, it m
Daphne and Eirene walked out of the dining hall, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor. The air was thick with the scent of opulence mixed with delicate notes of spices from the sumptuous feast they had just indulged in. As they reached the hallway, about to part ways to their respective chambers, Daphne halted abruptly, her eyes fixed on Eirene. "Eirene, did you notice something peculiar in the dining hall today? I wasn't going to talk about it in the dinning hall because I know that walls have ears. That's why I came out with you so that I can talk about it with you, did you notice?" Daphne asked in a hushed tone, her voice tinged with curiosity. Eirene turned towards her, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Daphne? What did you notice?" Daphne leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did you see how Prince Alistair acted when Beta Kristen entered the dining hall? There was a certain eagerness in his eyes that caught my atte
Cleo's eyelids fluttered open, her eyes momentarily struggling to adjust to the golden sunlight that bathed the world around her. As realization slowly settled in, she glanced at the sand glass hung in the castle, her eyes shot wide open with a surge of panic. They had slept for nearly an hour, and Cleo knew they couldn't afford to waste any more time. Turning her gaze towards her Melina, who was still rubbing the sleep from her face, Cleo leaned over and tapped her urgently. "Melina, wake up! We slept away, Melina. That's dangerous. We need to leave immediately. I have a feeling that the king's soldiers are closing in on us." Melina groggily blinked up at Cleo, her expression one of confusion and concern. "Daphne... Daphne... I... reckon... she must have added something to the water she gave us. A sedative, perhaps," Melina said, her voice laced with worry. Cleo nodded grimly, her mind racing with thoughts of their predicament. "You are so right about that. But why
In the dim light of dawn, Cleo urged the horse to push harder, its hooves resounding against the forest floor. The carriage glided through the woods like a shadow, propelled forward by Cleo's determination. Melina, seated in the passenger's seat of the carriage, felt the weariness of the ceaseless journey take its toll on her body. Beads of perspiration adorned her brow, evidence of the harrowing trek. She didn't want to complain because this was all his decision. Concern etched across her face, Cleo stole a glance at her niece through the window outside. "Are you alright, Melina?" she inquired, her voice laced with genuine worry. Melina managed a weak smile, her voice betraying her fatigue. "I'm fine, Aunt Cleo," she reassured her. Though her words were brave, her exhaustion painted a different truth. Cleo's gaze lingered on Melina for a moment longer, but she refrained from probing further. Determined to see their journey to its end, Cleo continued urging the hors
As the king's words faded into the air, the pack members dispersed, their focus shifting to more pressing matters. The carefully crafted plan for Melina's birthday surprise had crumbled into disappointment, leaving everyone disheartened. Daphne, keenly observant, couldn't help but notice the somber expressions that adorned everyone's faces. This unexpected turn of events puzzled her. She had always assumed that most of the pack despised Melina, making their melancholic demeanors all the more irritating. In an attempt to avoid arousing suspicion, Daphne discreetly slipped away from the crowd, navigating the hallway cautiously. The weight of a troubling conversation still clung to her, causing her heart to throb anxiously. Her thoughts were consumed by the state of Melina's wellbeing and the unborn child she carried. The notion that she might not be the monster she believed herself to be tugged at her conscience. Lost in contemplation, Daphne was startled by the sound of
The guard took a deep breath, steeling himself to explain further. "Your Majesty, they have departed our lands, making their escape in secret. They must have had assistance from someone within the kingdom, someone who helped them evade detection. Only few people know about the secret door and, I would say, only you possess the key. It is imperative that we act swiftly to bring them back, otherwise, they would be gone forever." Beta Kristen's shock morphed into deep concern, her mind racing through the potential consequences of such a sudden departure. Thoughts of Melina's well-being flooded her mind, overshadowing the grand announcement that had previously commanded her attention. Without uttering another word, the king sprang into action, his strides quickening as he headed straight for Melina's chamber. The guards, grudgingly acknowledging their monarch's urgency, followed closely behind, endeavoring to keep pace with their determined ruler. The labyrinthine corridors
The king strode purposefully out of his chamber, his regal presence imbued with an air of authority as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon. He woke up happy and he just couldn't stop smiling. The morning dew clung to the blades of grass, giving the palace grounds a glistening sheen. It was a new day, ripe with possibilities, but the king's mind was preoccupied with a pressing matter. At least, that was exactly his major source of joy. The king's urgency was unmistakable as he beckoned a guard stationed at his entrance. His voice carried a weight that resonated through the corridors of the palace. "Summon Beta Kristen immediately," he commanded, his words laced with an undeniable sense of determination. The guard nodded, acknowledging his orders, and swiftly departed to convey the urgent message. Within a matter of moments, Beta Kristen arrived, bowing respectfully before the king. The regal figure gestured for him to enter, and together they walked into t
Daphne took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with trepidation. She walked further into the room, her eyes darting between the princes. Her voice quivered as she questioned their intrusion. "Why would you come to my room without my permission? When you saw that I wasn't present, you could have left. You almost scared me to death," Daphne said, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and annoyance. Prince Roderick arched an eyebrow, his voice laced with concern. "We apologize for startling you, Daphne. But you must understand that there is something of utmost importance that we must discuss. By the way, where were you coming from? It's just dawning for goodness sake? Tell me, where were you coming from?" Daphne's eyes narrowed, her mind racing as she tried to conjure a believable lie. She hesitated before finally speaking, her voice trembling and unsure. "Why are you even asking me such question? It's none of your business. I... I was in the garden, seeki
Eirene stood defiantly before the towering guard stationed at the forbidden back entrance of the castle. The weight of his distrustful gaze bore down on her, challenging her audacity to breach the boundaries of this restricted domain. Her decision to confront him head-on was met with an equal intensity, revealing a resolute resilience in the face of authority. Perplexed by the guard's recent appearance, Eirene's brows furrowed with annoyance. What could she possibly tell him that would convince him of her innocent intentions? If she were to exploit her privileged status, the guard would surely suspect her of participating in some nefarious scheme which she believed she genuinely wasn't. "I am asking you for the last time, what brings you to this forbidden place at such an hour, Lady Eirene? You know well that you should be in your chambers, and not even His Highness is allowed to venture here. So, you either tell me the truth, or I tell his Majesty that I saw you doing
As Melina, Cleo, and Daphne hurriedly made their way towards the back of the castle, their breaths came in ragged gasps. The weight of their escape bore heavily upon them, their hearts pounding in their chests. Their eyes darted anxiously, searching every nook and cranny for the lurking presence of guards or prying eyes. Melina, her voice trembling with urgency, turned to Daphne. "How much farther, Daphne? We have been running for what felt like decades now, I have never been to this side of the castle before," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "And where is this hidden door you spoke of?" Daphne, her eyes scanning the surroundings, answered in a hushed voice, "We're almost there, Melina. Just a little farther. But we must hurry. Dawn is upon us, and the castle will soon awaken with guards and maids bustling about. You won't be able to leave once they start coming out." As they hurried on, their panic-stricken gazes caught sight of a solitary lamp in the distance. It cas
As Daphne gently opened the door, the hinges creaking softly in the stillness of the corridor, anticipation thrummed through her veins. She peered cautiously into the dimly lit hallway, her eyes scanning for any sign of guards or wandering maids. Satisfied that the coast was clear, she beckoned Cleo and Melina herself to join her, their pale figures emerging from the chamber like ghosts in the night. "Are you sure no body is going to see us? I have the feelings we are going to regret this Melina." Cleo said, her eyes scanning around while her heart thumped faster in her chest. "Can you just calm down and let's follow Daphne's lead? We are still in a very secured place... I reckon you need to save your fears for when we get outside of this corridor," Melina whispered, giving Cleo an unwanted reassuring gaze. The trio moved with utmost care, their footsteps barely audible on the cold stone floor. They stole glances over their shoulders, their eyes darting nervously, wa