Silence knit itself into the air, leaving the room heavy with tension. The king, determined to seek resolution, ventured forth that evening to engage in a crucial discourse. Yet, there lingered an unspoken detachment in his companion's demeanor, as though his presence had become an unwelcome burden. Remembering their earlier exchange, he gingerly approached the matter at hand. "I inquired, if you were at ease with my presence here. You assured me, quite unequivocally, that you welcomed it. But now, it appears you have taken refuge in a distant perch." Quivering under the weight of remorse, Melina hastily interjected, her voice trembling with contrition. "Your Majesty, I beg of you, please accept my sincerest apologies. I never intended to distress you in any way. Today has been marked by an extraordinary series of unfortunate events, and the strain upon my spirit has been immense. I am truly sorry." Melina's hesitation lingered in the air for a fleeting moment before sh
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft golden glow upon the palace gardens, the moment when servant would start to settle back to their chambers, Melina made her way towards the concubines' quarters. Her steps were measured, her heart heavy with a purpose yet to be revealed. She knew that what awaited her beyond those grand doors would potentially change her views, as well as that of the Alpha King himself. Meeting with Daphne would only determine her fate now. She knew she needed to speak to Daphne as soon as possible, the king had begun to trust Melina and if Daphne keeps looking for that letter and the king gets convinced by Daphne again, Melina might lose everything she had started to build again with the king. Even though she knew it was only to get the secrets out of the corners they were. She needed to know how the letter got to Daphne and why she was hellbent on ruining her with it. She wanted to explain to Daphne that she didn't know anything about
"And here... we go!" Daphne chuckled excitedly. "You're welcome to the most exquisite, majestic chamber in the concubines quarters." Melina and Daphne stepped into the chamber. The air carried a hint of warmth and a subtle aroma of sandalwood. Daphne gestured for Melina to settle onto a plush cushion as she gracefully made her way to a majestic cabinet, elegantly adorned with intricate carvings. "Make yourself feel at home. I shall not harm you as long as you stay in here as a visitor." She said with again. With a grace befitting a queen, Daphne opened the cabinet and retrieved a delicate crystal glass, pouring a deep crimson liquid into it. She handed the glass to Melina, a gesture of hospitality and peace amidst the tension that hovered in the air. Melina, her glittering silver eyes reflecting a mix of apprehension and determination, motioned for Daphne to take a seat. "This is a matter that requires gentility and understand. So sit and let's discuss li
As Melina walked away from the concubine's quarters, a seething anger burned within her. It was an anger she couldn't vent at that moment and she was not ready to give any damn explanation to anyone on how she got herself into this ink of a mess. Daphne had overstepped her bounds, and Melina would not tolerate such disrespect any longer. She just needed to recover from this first. Her steps were slow and deliberate, emphasizing the pain shooting through her leg as a reminder of the confrontation that had just taken place. How dare she fling her like that? Melina thought, still trying to gather her thought as she remembered the moment. Suddenly, she stumbled on an uneven stone, her injured leg giving way beneath her. Just as she prepared to fall, she felt a firm grip on her arm, preventing her from crashing to the ground. Surprised, Melina looked behind her and saw the male servant who had collided with her several days before, standing beside her. He bowed respectfully as
The sun rose slowly over the kingdom, casting a warm golden light through the chamber windows of Melina. She sat at a grand table, delicately sipping from a porcelain cup filled with aromatic coffee. She had slept well after the ball last night and she couldn't wait to continue from where it stopped last night. Around her, her loyal maids - Giselle, Marie, and Sophia - moved with grace, fastening fine jewels onto her gown and fussing over her unruly hair. Melina's infectious laughter filled the room as she regaled her maids with amusing tales. Melina delicately sipped her tea, her gaze thoughtful and mischievous. "Ladies, you won't believe the scandalous gossip I heard yesterday! You could remember when I came to change my dress after Lady Genevieve accidentally spilled her drinks on me. While I was coming, along the hallway, I heard some people speaking. It seems Lady Evelyn has been carrying on a torrid affair with Lord Arthur, while her husband remains blissfully unaware!
"Read it aloud," urged Sophia, her voice barely audible amidst the weight of anticipation hanging in the air. Giselle's eyes darted to the maid, considering her suggestion for a brief moment. With a nod, she cleared her throat. Giselle delicately held the envelope in her hands, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She gingerly broke the second seal and unfolded the parchment, scanning the elegant script sprawled across it. Her voice trembled slightly as she began to read, "To the esteemed Melina, acting queen of our kingdom, from his Majesty King Alexandros," Giselle paused, absorbing the weight of those words before continuing, "You are cordially invited to join his Majesty for a hunt in the woods, accompanied by some of his most trusted soldiers. His Majesty apologize for the impromptu invite, you can turn down the invite if you have something important to do. His Majesty reckons it would be an adventurous hunt for but of you as he seems to witness the depth of your
Melina strode with purpose towards the regal chambers, her usually composed demeanor slightly askew. Though battling with unsettling thoughts, she worked diligently to push them aside, steadfast in her focus on the impending event. The menacing glance from the princes had managed to rattle her, the weight of their covert intentions bearing down upon her. Uncertainty wriggled within her, begging the question of their confidence. What sinister plans had they devised? Melina's certainty wavered, doubts clouding her senses. This wasn't something that just occured to her anytime and any moment, if there was only one thing she would trust in the world, it would be her instinct. Yet, she chose to dismiss those thoughts, casting them aside like an unneeded burden. Her each step echoed with unyielding determination mixed with an undercurrent of nervous anticipation. As she finally arrived at the grand entrance, the guardians stationed beside the chamber doors appeared formidable, th
All eyes turned to behold the sudden appearance of Daphne. Her presence in the stable was uninvited, and her stern gaze held an aura of mystery. Dressed in an attire similar to Melina's, suitable for the hunt, she emanated an air of confidence and determination. Confusion wrinkled the brows of the soldiers, their gazes darting between the unexpected arrival of Daphne and their beloved Melina. The king stood tall, his eyes seeking Melina's, silently assuring her that he would handle the situation. Without hesitation, the king stepped forward, his voice commanding yet tinged with concern. "Daphne, what brings you here? You were not invited to join us on this hunt. And this attire on you, why is it similar to Melina's?" Daphne's gaze locked with the king's, her expression unyielding. Deep lines etched themselves onto his forehead, revealing a hidden annoyance that threatened to shatter the surface of his composed demeanor. But Daphne was undeterred, her unwavering determ
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