Briiiinnnnnng!!! The sound of the big bell reverberated through the chamber, jolting the king from his deep sleep. It was an alarm bell that wakes up every member of the pack but the king couldn't even remember the last time he slept this peacefully that he had to be woke by an alarm bell. He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling upon the figure beside him. Awakened by the peal, Melina blinked drowsily, her confusion evident in her sleep-tousled hair and dazed expression. The realization hit her like a jolt as she glanced down and saw that she was still nestled in the same bed as the king, clad in nothing but a shroud of bedsheets. "What the fuck!" She shouted. Timidly, she swiftly pulled the blanket around herself, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. Last night's events rushed back into her mind, filling her with a mix of anger and apprehension. She didn't want to think about it but was it even possible? She asked herself. Sitting up, the king smiled wa
The grand doors to the royal court swung open, and the regal figure of King Alexandros entered, his presence commanding the attention of those already gathered within. The elders rose to their feet in unison, bowing their heads in deference as the king made his way towards the magnificent throne, resplendent in gold and velvet. The king settled into the throne, his deep blue eyes scanning the room, his countenance both regal and composed. He gestured for the elders to join him, the air heavy with anticipation as they took their seats. "Good morning, Your Royal Majesty," They all greeted. "What's good about this morning? If I may ask you all, why did you summon me so early in the morning that you couldn't even let me have my breakfast?" He asked and the room hushed as the king's gaze fell upon them, awaiting their explanation. With a hint of breathlessness in their voices, the elders apologized, struggling to contain their excitement. Such was their eagerness to sh
"M-Melina," Elder Ryan stammered, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and warning. "I must insist that you vacate the royal court immediately. Especially during our private discussion with His Royal Majesty." His brows knitted with concern, but I paid them no mind as I strode confidently through the center of the grand hall. All eyes were on me, their gazes practically begging the king to summon the guards and remove me from the court. Even I anticipated his order, but thankfully, it never came. "Melina," Elder Kira spoke up, her voice as tranquil as a placid lake. I knew her to be an inherently authoritative and arrogant figure, yet she struggled to maintain her composure. "Surely, you heard what Elder Ryan said. You have no place here. This is a private meeting with His Royal Majesty." "Did someone say 'private meeting'?" I spun around to face her, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Are we perhaps discussing the events of last night between the king and myself? Oh, how in
In the bustling courtyard of the grand palace, voices hushed to a murmur as the members of the kingdom gathered anxiously. Beta Kristen stood with the king's three concubines, who exchanged concerned glances. They didn't know what was going on but everywhere was tensed. "Beta Kristen, do you have an idea why they have called for this gathering? It's so unusual, do you think it's about the breeder of a thing?" Daphne asked in curiosity, fluttering her lashes. "I have no idea, I was about to ask you the same question. Has any of you seen Melina or His Highness?" Beta Kristen asked, his eyes scanning the gathering, probably looking for hints. Prince Alistair, Roderick and Maximus were deep in conversation, their faces etched with curiosity and apprehension. They stood at the right opposite corner of the hall, wondering what could be going on there. The maids, guards, and soldiers, all came together, the familiar clink of armor and the rustle of gowns filling the air, a
"Ouch!" She gasped, grabbing her forehead. "Please be gentle with it." In the luxuriant chamber of Daphne, the soft glow of candlelight bathed the room in a warm, intimate aura. Dressed in a delicate silk robe, she sat before her ornamented dressing table, surrounded by her maids who fluttered around her like elegant butterflies. The air was perfumed with the sweet scent of rose petals, intermingling with the anticipation of the impending royal dinner. The king said he had a story to share, it wasn't his first time calling for such a gathering and people really loved to hear him narrate. No one knew what prompted it this time, but everyone was eager to go. With careful precision, the maids adorned Daphne's flowing ebony locks with shimmering jewels, still glistening with the light of a thousand stars. Their nimble fingers delicately arranged each strand, creating an intricate masterpiece fit for royalty. The room was filled with whispers of silk and the gentle chime of je
"No problem, if the king says it's a perfect time, then we do it. So, let's go," the king agreed with a firm nod, his voice cutting through the tense silence in the dining room. The courtiers, nobles, princes, elders and concubines, who had been enjoying their lavish feast, were shocked by his sudden decision. They never expected him to choose Melina over them. Murmurs of surprise rippled through the air, their whispers a hum of whispered intrigue and speculation. But as court etiquette dictated, nobody dared to voice their concerns or objections. A hush fell over the room as Melina walked closer to the king's table, a slight smile playing at the corners of her lips. The anger in the eyes fixed upon her went unnoticed, as she confidently took the king's hand and led him towards the exit. Their departure was met with a heavy murmur that filled the expansive dining hall, the sounds of questioning and disapproval pervading the once serene atmosphere. Daphne seethed
As they walked, the silence grew more pronounced, like a thick fog enveloping their thoughts. Prince Alistair couldn't help but feel a twinge of awkwardness, unsure of what lay hidden behind Beta Kristen's enigmatic demeanor. His intentions of going to the garden was to have a time with him and discuss their difference but Beta Kristen seemed so oblivious and nonchalant. Finally reaching their destination, they found respite on a beautifully crafted white swing that swayed gently in the night breeze. They settled down, their gazes fixated on the awe-inspiring heavens littered with sparkling stars. The grandeur of the sky mirrored the intensity of their emotions, elevating the significance of this profound encounter. Minutes turned to eternity as silence weighed heavily upon them. Prince Alistair shifted uncomfortably, his mind fraught with uncertainty about the unspoken tension that hung between them. He wasn't here to stare at the sky but he didn't know how to start a c
As the morning sunlight bathed the chambers, the majestic figure of Melina sat perched on an elaborately carved chair, savoring the warmth of her coffee. Her regal countenance displayed a mixture of curiosity and anticipation as one of her maids discreetly entered the room. "Your Majesty, you have received a missive from the royal doctor," the maid announced, her voice laced with an air of deference. Melina's arched brows furrowed, betraying her intrigue. "Pray tell, what news does this correspondence bring?" she inquired, her voice a gentle ripple of curiosity. "I apologize, Your Majesty, but I am not at liberty to disclose the content of the letter," the maid replied in a respectful manner. "I understand," Melina acquiesced graciously, waving a hand dismissively. "Kindly place the letter on the table, and I shall peruse it at my leisure." With a graceful bow, the maid deposited the letter on the ornate table before briskly retreating from the room. As soon
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