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Chapter 2: Lladró Figurine
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2024-10-29 19:42:56It’s hard to remember a time without hunger and hardship. Working my fingers to the bone and eating scraps.
“Ceres!” My mother bellowed. “Ceres, come here this instant!” My body ached as I rose from the floor. It was Tuesday, which meant scrubbing the kitchen floors. My life was a series of chores, an endless routine both mundane and exhausting. Repetitive. I dried my hands on my apron and ran towards my mother’s impatient calls. “Yes, ma’am?” I quietly said with my eyes averted. I didn’t dare look her in the eyes. “We will have guests tonight. Keep Dmitry out of sight.” She says his name like she is spitting a curse. “Dinner is to be ready promptly at 7, service for 7.” It’s almost as if saying his name causes her physical discomfort. “Dinner must follow the menu I left in the dining room. I also left a menu for the next morning’s breakfast. Maristela is in charge of the table settings and will aid you in service this evening. All the footman will be prepared to serve. All the maids will be busy readying the rooms for this evening. The Crown Prince and his family are dining tonight.” My mother never even looked in my direction as she delivered her orders. “Yes, ma’am.” I quickly retreated. If I’m to make dinner, I need to finish those floors. Dmitry is my brother and the light of my world. I have raised him since the night our father died when he was an infant. I scrape together change from groceries and selling cakes and pies to other noble houses in order to send him to school. I haven’t been to school in years. There are far too many things to do at the estate. Mother broke the night my father died. It was like the light inside her was extinguished. It died with him. Her grief swallowed her whole and there was no room for us. It was like she was drowning and lost the will to gasp for air. I was only 11. She was just a beautiful porcelain figurine. Hollow. Devoid of any emotion. No love or grief. No joy or pain. Genteel and perfect. Expression forever frozen. Not a single crack showing. So delicate and breakable, something to display on the mantle. Something to be possessed and coveted. A beautiful piece of art to admire. On my best days, when the rays of sun filter through the windows and reflect off her golden hair, I like to believe that everything she has done has been to save us. That she’s a dutiful martyr, sacrificing herself so that I can remain alive. Loving her husband only an elaborate ruse to give me the chance to realize my destiny and find my path. My father worshipped her. He was devoted to loving her and loving us in equal measure. I loved my father and if he loved her she must be good. On my worst days, when I see her as the shell of her former self, I wonder how my father ever found anything worthy of loving.Related chapters
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Five years ago, mother married Osiris. He took my father’s title as Alpha of the Harvest Moon Pack. Tradition dictates that any children of a deceased alpha are to be exiled upon the eldest child's 18th birthday moon ceremony. The eldest child may challenge the current alpha for the title instead of accepting exile. To challenge an alpha is to fight to the death. So tradition says I choose exile for myself and Dmitry, or I probably die fighting Osiris. I never imagined that this would be my life. I have accepted that in two months my moon ceremony will happen. The moon ceremony is the first full moon after your 18th birthday. This is when your mate is most visible to your wolf. A kingdom wide ball is held and each person who recently turned 18 is introduced to the entire kingdom of wolves that are of age and without mates. This is really the only time you are able to see all the packs of the realm. Many find their mates at the ball. If I find my mate I can take my place in society.
Last Updated : 2024-10-29A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 4 The Menu
I scanned the menu. Most of the items were already in the pantry, but a few would require a trip to town. I had developed my skills as a cook over these last six years. It was part of my earning my keep. It was something I actually enjoyed. Taking the foods harvested from the garden and from the farm and turning them into delicious meals brought me so much joy. I reveled in creating new delights. These items must be the favorite of the crown prince and his family. Royal tastes are so pretentious. I much prefer a simple meal of bread and stew. These menus do allow me to practice my cooking skills so I appreciate them for that. “How late do you think we will be working tonight?” Groaned Maristela. Maristela was my best and only friend. She was an omega by birth and worked the kitchens along side me all these years. “Does work ever end?” I ask. “I heard the the Crown Prince was coming tonight. Alpha is hoping to pair Horus with his daughter. They are barely 6. It’s ridiculous.”
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“These linens must be pressed! Everything must be perfectly crisp and clean!” The Luna was storming around the dining room. Her hair was in curlers and she was dressed in a dressing robe. “Y-yes ma’am!” Maristela stammered. Mari quickly pulled the linens from the table to steam and press them in the laundry. The Luna began to sort through the various flowers. Dahlias, hellebores, hydrangeas, snapdragons, foxgloves, English roses, peonies. Greenery like different varieties of eucalyptus and belles of Ireland. As a young girl I used to run through the gardens on the estate finding the most beautiful blooms for my mother. My father and I would take long walks around the vast estate feeding the chickens, fishing the ponds, and picking bouquets of flowers for my mother. “Not a single bloom is as beautiful as you, my love,” he would croon. My mothers face would light up like the sun was shining from within her. She gazed at my father like he hung the moon. She was so beautiful then.
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Everything was prepared for the arrival of the Crown Prince and his family. Mother insisted that Mari and I wear formal clothing for service. I hated the crisp button up white shirt and bow tie. The patent leather shoes squeaked as I walked. Mari and I were like two formal penguins suited for service. Formal enough to blend into the background and not cause any unwanted attention. My mother looked ravishing. She wore a formal gown the color of newly sprouted wheat. The green shimmered as she moved. The fabric was like liquid silk flowing over her body as if the dress could only ever be worn by her. It was simple in design. It was a cowl neck sheath dress with a slight cinch at her tiny waist. Her slender arms were on display. Despite being from a pack that harvested the fields, her skin was untouched by the sun. It was milky and smooth. There was deep scoop in the back of the gown showing her perfectly slender back. A delicate gold chain hung at her back and a large emerald hung bet
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The bell rang in the kitchen signifying course one was to be served. Consommé. It was a simple dish if you only judged by ingredients. Meat. Bones. Mirepoix. Herbs from the garden. Peppercorns. Stock. Egg Whites. It was extravagant in its proportions and wastefulness. Numerous egg whites, pounds of meat and bones, plus all the bones and meat used to make the original stock, vegetables and herbs; all to end up with a perfectly crystal clear broth. After adding all these things you then meticulously strain the broth. Discarding all the meat, vegetables, eggs, and herbs. This discard will make a mighty meal for Dmitry and I tonight. We are lucky. Not many slaves or omegas from the pack get to eat such fresh meat. There is a definite divide between the nobles and omegas. Omegas would never dream of making consommé. It’s so time consuming and wasteful, which is what makes it a food emblematic of wealth and privilege. I push these thoughts from my mind. Instead, I take my tasting sp
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Salmon didn’t swim this far south. The fish had to be sourced from the cold rivers in the Cresent Moon Pack territory. The fish come in from the sea to lay their eggs each year. This of course makes them an expensive luxury. That makes it an excellent choice for a royal dinner. Each pack sourced and produced goods. A large percentage are paid to the crown as tax. It is by the grace of his majesty that we occupy our pack lands. Somehow, even though our ancestors have worked this land for centuries, the Crown owns all the land and minerals of the realm. We should feel lucky that the crown shares our harvest with us— even though it is our labor that creates the food. What we have remaining we can trade and barter with other packs in the realm. I wonder how many bushels of grain this meal cost. How many families of this realm have less so that the royal family can eat fish in a territory that does not naturally have it?The crown was currently worn by King Amon. Prince Joaquim has been n
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*ding* Roasted artichoke.*ding* Venison with roasted root vegetables. *ding* Wild mushrooms with herbs. *ding* Champagne sorbet. *ding* Bacon wrapped quail. *ding* Cheese course. *ding* Chocolate mousse with seasonal berries. I tried to stay focused on dinner service. The scene at dinner earlier kept replaying in my mind. “You’re too kind, your highness. It must be the glow of an expectant mother that you are detecting. Osiris has blessed me with another pup.”Pregnant. Again. She always wanted a daughter? It killed me to watch her dote on Horus. Her golden child. He was only a year younger than Dmitry. Yet, Dmitry had never experienced any love from our mother. Perhaps those first few weeks after his birth she doted on him. If Osiris were to die too would she be able to abandon Horus as abruptly? Would Horus carry on raising his sibling while mother sought out a new alpha? Would she be too old by then to even lure one in? This was just a useless spiral. There was no reason t
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It was late. I finished getting my breads together for the morning and my working day was finally done. I stepped outside into the crisp night air. A small breeze caressing my skin cooling me off from working in the kitchen. I had already changed to my kitchen dress. Simple and lightweight. Big pockets. A muddy brown color that never shows the splatters and spills from the kitchen. When I had moments like this alone, I found myself drifting towards my garden. I didn’t get to keep much after my father died. I had to move out of my rooms. I lost my freedom. My mother. I got to keep my garden though. It was small and tucked out of the way, bordered by the tree line and the fence line. It was my quiet place. The stars shone brightly as I walked towards my garden. There was a small bench under a weeping willow tucked away in there. It was where I would often sit and talk to my father. I felt the closest to him inside that garden. I slowly walked along the pathway. Brushing my fingerti
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 139: Truth
Theia“Does the King know of other loyalties?” “The King holds no dominion over me.” Erebus growls. “I will be King one day. He will be dead and buried. I comply only for Edward, his heart beats for his King.”“Does Edward know of your other loyalties to a line of witches?”“Little wolf, let’s not play.” His voice rumbles. “You and Ceres are only newly bonded. There must be much of you she does not know.”“Of course.” I admit freely. “Not for want of hiding, just lack of time.”“We all tell ourselves lies in order to be the people we think we are.”“I know who I am.”“Who? You haven’t even told me, little wolf. Your mate. Your alpha.”“I am Theia. I have not concealed that from you, my love.”“What is a name? What does that even tell me of you?”“It told me a lot about you.”“Theia.” He says. His voice rough like a gravel road. “Theia.” His voice slowly enunciates each sound. “I cannot recall the Goddess of this name. I see only you, the light to my darkness. Pray tell, what does you
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 138: Sorceress
Asteria “Clever child.” The serpent hisses. “You smell of dirt and rain. Of thunderstorms and death. Why did you come to my cave?”“I— ” I pause. I do not know what to say. “I smell of death because I am a murderer.” The idea such a statement would intimidate a beast like this is laughable. “You are far too young to be yoked with such a name.” “I was betrothed to… to a man.” I don’t dare mention Prince Aares. He may hold no dominion over beasts, but he held it over the lands. To exist on his lands is to bend to his will. “I killed him.”“It smells as though you did not escape unscathed.” The serpent slithers around me, its tongue probing the air between us, gleaning information. I had forgotten about the strike to my back with the whip. The pain surfacing, tiny prickles along my back, the blood weeping and partially dried. My body shivers, the cold air of the cave whirling around me, my thin gown doing nothing to keep me warm. “You should start a fire, I can offer no warmth. My e
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 137: Shadow Moon
Theia“What was that?” I demand. “These caves are ancient and the veil between worlds is thin.” Erebus begins. “Tell me, what do you know of my line?”“Shadow Moon line hails from the dark forests of our plane. It is one of the oldest lines, cloaked in secrecy, tainted millennia ago by the dark spirits of the other world.” “Tainted.” He says with a growl. The word grating on him. “No, touched. Blessed.”“Being kissed by darkness is no blessing.”“What would you know? I assume no darkness taints your line by the way you describe mine.”“My line has flirted with darkness as well, we just choose not to accept it.”“Oh, my error, m’lady. I didn't realize you had such moral superiority.” He mocks. “Can one be morally superior by the decisions of their elders? I think not. Perhaps just from better stock.”His laugh is tinged with bitterness. “So, do you see me unworthy of you?”“No. I see no such thing. We all have our crosses to bear.”“Hmm.” He says in return. “Yes, my people hail from
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 136: Familiar
AsteriaThe moment I killed him, I knew I was living on borrowed time. Killing your master is a violation of the purchase contract. Defective merchandise to be destroyed. That’s just a regular occurrence. It’s a whole new level when that master is the Crown Prince and future King. I ran through the woods, the power still buzzing through my body. My body electrified, drenched in pure power pulsating through my veins. Drunk on it, both ecstatic and devastated. Woods just like this into caves that we have just fearlessly entered into. The smell repulses me, sulfur and garlic with a touch of rotten egg. This cave has snakes, their musk lingering and clinging to the walls. The pungent smell of rats hanging in the air. Old blood. “Stop!” I scream, hoping Theia can hear me. “Stop! Turn back!” My body being dragged deeper into the cave. Into the darkness. I can only bear witness. A witness to an execution, quietly observing a government murder, doing nothing to intervene. “Ceres! Ceres!
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 135: Games
Theia “Smart.” He growls as he gets off of me. “Tell me, Theia.” He pauses after slowing saying my name. The way my name sounds ignites a fire within me. A biological desire to give him whatever he asks. “How did you know my line? Do your people focus more on knowledge than power?” I sit up proudly, a silent pillar, a long forgotten ancient deity, admiring my worshipers, so used to being asked questions and giving no reply. Erebus slowly stalks around me, an endless slow circle. Each circle tighter than the last. I long for him to come closer, the weight of his body missing from mine. “Do you wish for me to guess?” “Doesn’t the Shadow Moon love a good game? Or do you only play games of physical strength?” I ask coyly. I know exactly where he hails from. His scent and name only make it clearer for me. I lived centuries before Ceres was born. I studied every single wolf line. There is no way to know how matches would be made on this plane. Only the Goddess knows. There are expe
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 134: Erebus
TheiaHis wolf appeared in the mouth of the cave. His dark inky coat is almost impossible to see in the dark, but his eyes, pools of molten gold, impossible to look away from. My pull to him is on a cellular level, every single cell in my body aching to be near him. The light to his darkness. The yin to his yang. We are meant to be. “Mate!” I hear a harsh growl penetrating my mind. His power capable of mind linking before our sealing. His aura blankets the cave and demands my submission. “You should not have come here. You are to follow me!”It’s clear he expects this to be a one way conversation. His wolf impatiently stares at me waiting for my submission. “I have a name and will not be talked to as a child.” I say sassily, unleashing my own aura in the cave. The power is suffocating. “How?” My mate stammers, stunned. I walk deeper into the cave, my paws clicking against the stone. I feel a pull, but I do not know where it is taking me. I press my nose to the stone and inhale de
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 133: Asteria’s Prison
Asteria I was born a killer. My very first breath stole the life of my mother. Her life the price for mine. A dark spirit must have traveled with me on my journey to my first life, one that would forever stain me and give me power beyond measure. Not the power of my people in my village. Their power is rooted in life. They are the people of the fields. People of the goats and sheep and cows. People full of love and light. I am storms and dark nights. I am moonless skies and barren fields. I am the harbinger of sorrow and loss. It’s a gift that I was given a chance at life at all, I suppose. If my father saw my future, would he still have chosen to save me? His powers rooted in life, he could not conceive taking mine. Even if I was tainted by darkness. Even if he could never keep me. He sold me to save me. “I am going to miss you when you go.” I say to the maid. The memory playing before me like a movie projected on the screen. My small body and innocent eyes. I couldn’t
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 132: Theia’s Rebellion
Theia Magic has no effect on me. Well maybe no effect is a bit of an overstatement; negligible, it has a negligible effect, like when you have a glass of wine. Maybe I get a little drunk, my focus a little blurry around the edges, but I am still in control. I can feel the wind shifting toward the King, like he is calling it to him. Even my fur seems to tug at me to follow the direction of the wind. My instinct to run with the wind is overbearing, like a nagging demand to turn around and run with it or face certain peril. The magic has not numbed my senses or surrendered my control. Perhaps these tricks would have worked when I was a pup or even a young wolf, when I had only just begun to test the limits of my drive to survive. I have spent lifetimes honing my skills to serve my Goddess. Hunting in the forests of my plane. Chasing and being chased by friends and foes. Preparing myself for what was to come. The training lasted far longer than any scholar had anticipated. To be the l
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 131: Run
It was as if Asteria’s memory played out on a screen in front of me. I’m a captive audience, cordoned off in a far off corner of my mind. Separated from my body but still aware of what is happening. The scene from Theia’s point of view also playing out, oddly disconnected from me, padded feet to forest floor the smell of earth and water. The dirt flecked in her fur and her nose pressed to the earth inhaling its aroma. Asteria’s trauma unfolds before me, almost happening to me, although the screams are not my own. The hunger in his eyes. The manic rage. His whip. My feelings are not entirely my own, it is as if I am Asteria in this experience. “Prince Aares.” I say in a voice that is not my own. A memory of an event I never experienced, yet vividly recall. This isn’t real, yet, I can feel his whip biting and tearing my skin. I can feel the blood snaking down the back of my thighs. The warm ooze somehow soothing the stinging pain. My back flayed open. His scent coats my skin like an
