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Chapter 23: Cordelia
Last Updated:
2024-06-05 05:09:31
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A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 24: The Owl
We quickly make our way to the wood craft tent. Barn owls have an angelic heart-shaped white face. The males are more ghostly with white bellies and white feathers streaking their wings falling from brown feathered epaulets. The females are more striking with white faces framed in a coppery red feather. Dappled brown and red body with a white belly splattered with copper red and brown feathers. The barn owl had more of a shriek than a hoot, raspy and cutting, swooping silently in the dead of night. Their white bodies gliding like spirits and ghouls, swallowing their prey whole. Some believe that these owls are demons that swallow your soul. Hearing the owl screeching is an omen of your death. I like to think of them as beautiful nighttime creatures. Graceful but strong. Elusive and solitary. “Ceres!” Dmitry exclaimed, running towards us. “Where have you been? I expected that you would have been here much earlier.” He asks while tightly embracing me, his little arms tightly claspin
Last Updated : 2024-06-06A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 25: The Procession
The bells clanged to signal the start of the feast ceremony. Pack members begin to line the pathway leading to the pavilion where the feast is held. The clergy would proceed first carrying religious relics. This parade was different from the others because the full harvest moon relic was paraded. The relic was a large harvest moon with thousands of small orange and rainbow moonstones set in silver. It was created upon the realms foundation as tribute to the moon goddess. I had seen it many times before, but every single time I did it left me awestruck. “Let’s hurry and get a good vantage point to see the moon!” I said excitedly. “Again?” Groaned Mari. “We need to hurry to be up front so I can see too!” Dmitry demanded. I grab ahold of Dmitry and he grabs ahold of Mari, creating our own little daisy chain cutting through the crowd. I settle for a spot just behind the ropes on a bend so that we can see everyone. First the clergy, the Harvest Moon, the Alpha family, the school child
Last Updated : 2024-06-07A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 26: Harvest Feast Ceremony
The man who has invaded my daydreams has just appeared. Riding a trotting horse, with a perfectly manicured mane. Each step precisely on beat with the drums. Trotting triumphantly up the pathway. I squint. “Why would a guard be riding on a horse in the parade?” I ask myself as much as I ask Dmitry and Mari. “What? No, that’s Prince Edward. I saw him when he stayed at the estate.” Mari responded confused by my mistake. “Prince?” I couldn’t even speak from my shock. His eyes snapped to me and met mine. His eyes are a piercing jade, cold and hard. His blue suit had the star constellations stitched into it with moons in all phases, sparkling silver. The blue so deep, I imagined only the deepest parts of the sea could be such a dark blue, devoid of light swallowed by darkness. I wanted to get lost in that darkness with him. “Uh yeah. You know the Crown Prince’s eldest son and declared heir. The King’s grandson.” Mari answered sarcastically. “He’s stunning right?” I stood there stunne
Last Updated : 2024-06-08A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 27: A Moment
There is a buzz of excitement amongst the women backstage. It isn’t everyday that you get to see a handsome unmated young prince up close. A man that maids and slaves whispered about. That debutantes wanted to be mated to. That old social climbing mothers dreamed about for their daughters. His breathtaking beauty and cold demeanor. His dark aura. His power and dominance. “I hear he is quite skilled in swordsmanship and fighting. He wins all his matches.” A young model in a harvest moon orange colored gown. It seems unwise to beat up a Prince, I muse silently in response. “According to the Kingdom of the Moon Court Circular, it is a pastime the future king enjoys; second only to charity, his favorite activity. He will make an excellent king, so handsome.” Another model in a silver gown added. “I pray to the goddess!” She squealed clasping her hands in prayer. If charity is cutting ribbons and opening libraries. Or maybe charity is dining on fine meals at every fine house in
Last Updated : 2024-06-08A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 28: The Winner’s Circle
“Top Three will be announced. Those three are to go to the wing on stage left and the Prince will be announcing the order and giving the medals.” The old woman explained. “The medals will be given to the head of the house that submitted the dress, not the model; unless you are both the submitter and model.” She recited as if she had the rule book in front of her. “The three models to stay are,” she spoke clearly and sharply. You could feel the collective breath taken by the room in anticipation of the names being called. We all had our own reasons for being here, whether by choice or as a slave, but we all wanted to win.“House of Chairman Zhadnost, House of Beta Vtoroy, and House of Alpha Osiris.” She took a short breath. “The rest of you are free to go, thank you for the lovely submissions. Please go enjoy the feast.” She said attempting to minimize any disappointment. An uncomfortable smile settling on her face. I smile to hide my disappointment. I’m happy that my work is one of
Last Updated : 2024-06-09A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 29: Hell of a First Choice
I gaped at the announcement then quickly shut my mouth in shocked silence. Seated by his side. Oh goddess!We make our way to the table for the feast and the humming of conversation roars in the background. The Prince takes his seat and then the rest of the table takes their seats. I can feel the Alpha and Luna warning me with their stares to behave. Stay meek and quiet. “I enjoyed the traditional dance immensely. I was disappointed you did not stay to provide an encore.” The Prince confessed to me as I drug my fork around the plate. “It’s my pleasure to please you, your highness.” I carefully and quietly respond. There are other ways in which I wish to please and be pleased by him. “My apologies for disappointing.” I added quietly. I pouted. I did hate to disappoint. “I hope you have enjoyed your time here at the fair, your highness?” Alpha Osiris interjected into the conversation. I stayed silent, aware of the cue he was giving me. The Prince glances toward the Alpha,takes a b
Last Updated : 2024-06-09A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 30: Wine
I dare not take another sip of alcohol. I feel flushed. I can’t eat the fish on the plate. Each course has its own wine category. Second course is lamb and fresh vegetables. The wine pairing is red wine. It looks like blood with an earthy smell. I don’t think I like wine. “One time is enough then?” The Prince asks casually. “You cannot expect a slave to understand refined tastes or choices, your highness.” Luna Osiris quips. It stings. It’s like a hornet's sting. First you are surprised but not hurt. Then comes the deep intensifying burn that will not subside. “I find this wine with crow insignia to be quite lovely.” Alpha Osiris says with an air of sophistication. “Woody with a touch of smoke and juniper berry.” He muses. “I’ve seen plenty of slaves enjoy wine, Luna Osiris; some even a tad too much.” The Prince haughtily responds. I can tell Alpha Osiris is mind linking her. She forces a smile. “Yes, of course your highness.” She responds quietly. I enjoy her being pu
Last Updated : 2024-06-10A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 31: The Great Father
Of course, I knew it. One of the most famous propaganda songs from the early realm. Every child would learn it as part of the annual Blessing of the Moon Festival. It celebrates the gift the goddess gave us by giving us the King. Our Great Father of the Realm. I think back to that story my father told me.After the Alpha of the Shadow Mountain pack bent his knee to King Malakai, Lunar Storm Pack was the next to submit. The alpha of the pack had a son and three daughters. “When I offered mercy in exchange for loyalty, you hesitated. Now each time I consider you, I will think of that hesitation.” My father recited in his menacing Malakai voice. “In order to assuage my desire for loyalty, I will keep your youngest daughter as a member of the royal harem. I still show mercy by returning your Alpha heir.” He continued as Malakai. The Ode to Ahlai doesn’t give poor Ahlai justice for the cruel twist of fate she suffered. It doesn’t talk about her being taken to the royal harem at 16. Bei
Last Updated : 2024-06-11
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A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 163: Something Borrowed
“We hear your call, now hear our words.” A voice whispers from beyond the circle. I stand rigidly. The voice creeps up my spine, my hair standing on end. My eyes scan the circle’s edges, seeking the body associated with the voice. Their faces are all blurred, their features too hard to make out. Clearly different from one another but also oddly the same. I feel myself drawn, like a moth to the flame, closer to the edge thinking that I may see them more clearly. I edge closer to the boundary, hoping to steal a look. “Do not break this circle!” Asteria seems to scream, the words halting my body midstride, frozen in her warning. I look toward her over my shoulder, and see the panic in her eyes, her stoic expression a mask for my comfort. Theia sits stoically in the dead center of the circle, alert but still as a grotesque perched high on a stone building, a quiet observer. “Take my hand!” Asteria orders, her hand outstretched toward me. I look to my feet and gasp at their prox
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 162: Blessings
I don’t think I will ever get over how magic works in this world. It’s a strange feeling to go most of your life believing that magic, real magic, was nothing more than a story to tell around the fire. That actual magic was found only in the first breaths of babies being born, not actual conjuring and manipulation of the universe. That walking through doorways into different dimensions were the fantasies of mad men and stories meant to scare children into minding their mothers. In these moments, when I witness the actual power of magic, I am both awestruck and terrified. How many moments of my life have been manipulated by magic? How do I know what is real and what is a magical mirage?“There are many things happening before you but hidden from view.” Asteria says quietly. “Magic is a blessing from our Goddess. It should be revered not feared.”“This is the biggest day of our lives. The day we seal our marriage to our mate. Let us rejoice. There are many other days ahead to worry.” T
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 161: Happily Ever After
This is the picturesque final scene of the fairytale. The beautiful maiden, who has managed to overcome hardship, is now a perfectly coiffed stylish bride. At least, that’s the image I am attempting to curate. I am who I create. I think back to all the elegant ladies I observed while serving in the Alpha house. Their rigid posture. Their chins perpendicular to the floor, elongating their necks, like delicate swans. Their meticulously styled appearance. Every decision carefully made. My style has more in common with a tornado than a curated art museum. Getting ready is a mad whirl around the room, every second spent is a robbery of my sleep, my appearance only needing to be neat and clean. Not anymore. Sleep is heaped in ample servings here. My only chore is getting ready. “I pray the Goddess guides me on my intended path.” I whisper quietly, my eyes shut tightly. I glance toward the clock. I am sure that someone will arrive to escort me to the temple in the next half hour. My wedd
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 160: My Fairytale
I understand the appeal of a fairytale. The maiden in the story always has some terribly tragic circumstance befall her; but, when it is most important her stunning beauty allows her to rise the ranks to become a princess. Her face card is her entrance to the club most have to be born into. Her beauty is too great to be mired in obscurity. Her time in the bowels of the beast only add to her appeal; later, her “humble” beginnings are trotted out to prove she is one of the people, too beautiful not to be elevated to her supreme status, but also still ordinary and “just like us”. In truth, most of the women married within this world come from it. Those tales too predictable and bland to be worthy of a fairytale, or perhaps, the truth doesn’t hit the same for the masses. They must believe that if they are also beautiful enough, they too can escape. Those escapes are few and far between, but here I am, one of them. I suppose my beauty and power are enough to elevate me from my place in the
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 159: Image
“This.” I say as my fingers trace along the filigree. “This is magnificent.” I am in awe of the beauty of it. Diamonds all perfectly matched set in gold. Small crescent moons hide in the filigree, only clear with the moonstones set inside them. The crests of each pack of the realm are hidden and set with diamonds. I would have missed the detail had I not immediately recognized the crest on my own homeland. Perhaps that is the test of the Queen. Do I pick one of the pieces that more heavily represent Harvest Moon? Or perhaps my statement is gaudy wealth, I am sure many will expect that. When you claw yourselves out of the bowels, you tend to display your material achievements like a soldier’s medals. This one though, it tastefully pays homage to each pack of the realm. I am to be Princess of Fives, it is only right to represent all of them. “Take off the gown so that I can attach the sleeve, m’lady.” Monica orders, her attention focused on the work. I dutifully comply, standing
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 158: Metamorphosis
I look at the sparkling treasure before me. The amount of wealth is astonishing. Just one emerald and some diamond pins cost my mother bushels of food. I trace my finger along the delicate chain at my wrist. This bracelet as well. These jewels laid out before me like a pirate’s treasure, they make my mother’s jewels seem modest and trivial. The weight of the gold and platinum alone is an astonishing show of wealth. The lands of the realm are rich in resources, all part of the royal horde. “We can get you a different bracelet.” Monica offers, noticing my finger running along the golden thread. “No.” I say instantly, refraining from blurting out any explanation. “Very well, m’lady. Are you drawn to anything in particular?” I look into the mirror at my reflection. I am not sure I recognize myself. A witch. A wolf. An Alpha’s daughter. The girl from the kitchens. The slave of Harvest Moon. A bride. This is my metamorphosis. I am being reborn into the Kingdom of the Moon. Princess of
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 157: Gowns
The dress. “It is an homage to your homeland!” Monica says dramatically, her hands stretched outward to sell me on the gown. “Homage?” I say studying my reflection in the mirror. “Yes, it’s when you show honor or reverence—”“I’m aware of the definition.” I interrupt. We stand in silence. I stare at the reflection before me. I feel like a ball of silk and ribbon. My small frame is completely swallowed in expensive fabric. I’m not sure if I am wearing the gown or if it’s wearing me. “Are there any other options, perhaps something less…” I struggle to find a kind word. “Less?”“Of course.” She frowns at my rejection. “This is beautiful.” I say. “It is just too overwhelming for me.”Monica cracks a soft smile. “Of course. We have a whole tour to build your unique style. I will push, you will reign me in.”“Deal.”“I do have a lovely column gown.” She mutters as she shuffles through her rack of gowns, some finished, some still a work in progress. The silk looks as if it was poured
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 156: Cold Feet
“I hope you are right, Theia. I can’t help but feel uneasy when the majority of dreams I have are directly related to the violence of the monarchy.” Asteria sighs softly. “Violence I endured. Even worse, the violence I witnessed.”“That does not have to be our life. Not every Prince is evil.” Theia offers. “He did not choose his birth.” I offer, considering myself as well. “Witch and werewolf, that match is not accepted. I didn’t choose my birth either, so I struggle to damn someone on that fact alone.”“Ceres, do not lie to yourself. Even you know that the very foundation of the monarchy is dependent upon the suffering of people. Slavery. War. Famine. All necessary for the monarchy to survive.” Asteria declares like a professor from the lectern. “And somehow I am the savior of the world? I’m going to eliminate slavery and suffering? Get a grip, Asteria!”“No, no I am not delusional.”“You sound a bit delusional.” Theia quips. “We will not lead the masses away from systematic abuse
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 155: Words Have Meaning
Some oaths cannot be broken. The thought tumbles in my mind. “It is true. The consequences can be dire when breaking a promise. An oath is sworn with your life.” Theia warns. “A witch is nothing without her word. Our whole existence is built upon the truth that words are powerful and have meaning. A covenant is an agreement, but an oath is a solemn promise. Breaking an oath is not a simple undertaking. The consequences of such actions can be catastrophic and change who you are entirely. To break an oath is a choice of darkness. Embracing the worst that this world has to give.” Asteria chimes in. “Last night, for me, was filled with dreams and nightmares. They don’t even all make sense to me at this point. A mix of my memories, and what I assume the two of you were seeing.” I say. I made an oath to the King, but I would break it in a heartbeat if I thought I could do it and continue to keep my head. Are oaths really oaths if you are under duress? Or is that simply fealty, a forced
