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Chapter 24: The Owl
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A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 32: The Wasps
The Prince made his way to the stage to announce the winners of the wine competition. The crowd cheers his entrance to the stage with enthusiasm. The Prince raises his port glass in toast, which is echoed by the crowd. “Long Live King Amon!” He roars. “Long Live the—“ An explosion booms from the stage. My ears are ringing as I try to make sense of what just happened. The King’s guard swarming the Prince in protective formation. Wasps protecting the nest. Strike first, contemplate later. Screams of chaos and breaking glass are all I can hear. I look around for Dmitry. Maristela. Agatha. The familiar faces of my house. All I see is panic, chaos, and breaking wine glasses. The screams then shift to shrills of pure panic and intense fear. The guard shooting arrows into the crowd, some shifting into massive wolves. The drool dripping from their glistening teeth bared and snarling. I shelter under the table and see Osiris and my mother already there. Coward. A wolf rips the throat f
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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
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 130: True Form
“May the Goddess anoint you with her love and bless you with your dreams.” “We give our devotion to the Goddess!” My mate and I reply. The priestesses are all around us. Their voices echoing off the walls of the cave, it’s impossible to tell how many are speaking as the voices echo around us. Our naked bodies only inches away from one another as we stand in the pool, his intoxicating scent masked by the abundance of minerals in the spring. “We ask our Goddess to cleanse you of all your impurities. Remove any malice from your hearts.” The priestesses chant around us. My body feels drawn to him. The urge I have to touch him is overwhelming, to just feel his skin pressed against mine. Any doubts I have floating away the second I am near him. I look ahead to the priestesses. I do not dare look at him in all his glory. One glance at him may be what breaks the dam holding back my urges, my last vestige of control. “Tonight, you are to shift into your true nature. The greatest trea
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 129: Pan
“The Mountain stands, unmoving— never wavering, rooted deeply into the soil.” The Queen begins, seated behind me on a small chair, her gown spilling out of the narrow seat displaying the sheer volume of fabric she seems to carry so effortlessly. Monica is plaiting my hair for the first ceremony. An intricate pattern of different braids joined together and fastened with a plain rag tie matching my temple dress. “The Wind with her sons raging across the lands, charge right at the Great Mountain, but it still stands. The nymphs of the waters try to claw through it, but still it stands. Rigid. Strong. Proud.” Her hands move with the story, in a way it was more akin to a fireside chat rather than dressing room gossip. It reminds me of my father’s stories around the fire. I listen to her tale, knowing little of her people, attentively watching her through the mirrors reflection. “The Goddess herself blessed the Great Mountain, and appointed the Shadow Mountain pack to be the Guardians
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 128: Rigid as the Great Mountain
“Waltz of the Mountains.” The King sneers. “Let’s see how well you keep up.” He casts a glare at Edward. “You know how your Grandmother adores the dance of her homeland, grandson. Do not disappoint her for the sake of your mate.” The warning is clear. “Yes, my King. I would not dream of disappointing.” He bows deeply, his hand on his heart pledging his allegiance. I remember our first meeting. “You play a dangerous game, girl.” He said with his hand around my throat. I suppose I am still that dangerous silly girl, too headstrong to fully submit. Incapable of bending to a tyrant. Incapable of silence. I am who I create. I feel Theia and Asteria in the front of my mind. Any overt display of power would be disastrous, so they lurk, careful not to allow their presence shimmer in my eyes. I deeply curtsy holding my hand to my heart as well, averting my eyes to the floor, not uttering a word. Silence and obedience. That is what the King demands. My stubbornness to blame for not b
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 127: Waltz
Silence. I dare not speak or move. “I have heard you can dance.” The King says in my direction. A small smile creeped on his lips. A sneer. “Yes, your majesty.” I say meekly. “You shall dance for us.” Edward looks at me with sadness in his eyes. A shimmer of anger rippling in his fields of green, at my faux pas. The weight of the King’s displeasure not only hitting me, but crushing him as well. Collateral damage. “I would love to see the waltz.” The Queen hums. “Edward can lead her if she does not know it. Besides, she will be expected to dance at their wedding celebrations.” I hope he indulges his wife. It is a far better option than being forced to gyrate in front of the King. His expression leads me to believe he wishes to not only remind me of my place but humiliate me in the process. The Queen’s suggestion is only her tossing a rope to her grandson to save him from the front row seat to my humiliation. The King looks to his Queen. “Very well.” He replies. “L
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 126: Fairytales
Fairytales have a modicum of truth to them. Just enough truth that the reader can absorb the message, learn whatever moral imperative is being taught. The tricky part is discerning what little bit is rooted in truth, and what is an outright lie, a fantasy embellishment to keep you reading. I prefer the stories with happy endings, lessons are still learned, but the main character in the end is well and fine. Perhaps that’s my first mistake, assuming my placement in the tale is the main character, rather than the abused maid or gullible villager, or otherwise nameless background character. A person in the crowd as the King strolls down the street naked. A lady’s maid to the wicked queen or damsel in distress. A nameless cousin to the main character, who tried on the shoe but it did not fit. Perhaps I am the main character, in one of those tales where she tragically dies. Her choices and bad decisions leading her to death, rather than the happiness she was seeking. The Queen seem
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 125: The Bluebird
“Beauty is pain.” Monica consoles. “You cannot achieve divinity without sacrifice. We want ethereal. We want glamor.” “We want to be able to have dinner.” I squeak, the corset of the gown so tight I can barely breathe. “Or maybe just be able to breathe.” I have been trying on gowns for hours. I tire of looking at my reflection. “Long deep breaths from the lungs, not the belly.” She demonstrates, her body rod straight, long measured breaths expanding her ribcage. My wedding gown, gowns for tea and dinner, dresses for travel and leisure, for breakfast or prayer— the stacks of fabric seem endless. I was nothing more than a doll. Monica has the same persistence as Agatha. I remember her wrapping me in endless fabrics for my Moon Ceremony gown. “You will be elegant! Ravishing! Demure!” She shouted as she wrapped me in satins and tulle. “Posture is key. Beyond that, relax. High anxiety breathing isn’t very effective or attractive.” Monica concludes. I smile, my mind wander
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 124: Orchard
Something in my soul longs for the sunshine. The rays on my skin make me come alive. My internal battery dependent upon feeling the sun against my skin. I do not recall the last time I was outside in the sun. It seems a lifetime ago that I was able to truly enjoy it. My gown manifesting what I need the most, time to bask in the sun. I can feel the whispers of winter on the autumn wind. A small chill dancing in the breeze, winter days soon to come. I stare upwards to the sky. The sun’s rays like golden spires piercing through the clouds, a magnificent sight. The sun coyly peeks from behind the clouds to bathe me in its rays. Today, I am the sun, and I will absorb the warmth and joy it brings me. Monica stops in front of a small gate created between two apple trees. The trees already bare from harvest, the priestesses and acolytes have started the pruning process, preparing the orchard for winter. The branches and stems are neatly stacked in piles along the treeline. My ow
A Daughter’s Revenge Chapter 123: The Sun Incarnate
The material is a diaphanous gauzy gold, a Grecian peplos, the fabric expertly draped on the body. A hint of silhouette peeking through the multiple layers and folds of fabric, my feminine form exposed through gauzy golden haze. I am the sun incarnate. Even my tiny golden bracelet glints in the light, highlighted by the gown's golden glow. My ring proudly displayed on my finger. Monica has dusted my eyelids with a golden shimmer and painted my lips a soft pink. I look upon myself in the mirror. The long elegant gown perfectly compliments my shape. Long gone is the young girl dreaming of her escape, replaced in the mirror with an elegant woman, soon to be a married woman. A princess. A future Queen. The gown strikes me as familiar but I am unable to place it. I feel an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. “You look divine!” Monica squeals. “You are the artist, I’m just the canvas.” I respond softly. I stare into the mirror in awe of her art. I don’t even recognize myself in the reflectio
