CHAPTER 4

Penelope’s new life was different from her previous one, at her parent's home she spent most of her time locked away from everyone and only having minimal interactions with family during meals. She barely attended public gatherings and when she did it was under the watchful eye of her father. However that was all about to change, she was now a Luna and had to learn to socialize with her people. once they had finally gotten back from their week-long honeymoon she was immediately ambushed by an elderly woman who happened to be the royal seamstress, after all the new Luna had to look the part. Penelope had to endure multiple dress fittings, the seamstress took time taking her measurements and choosing color palettes that would suit both her skin tone and vibrant red hair which comprised of mostly different shades of green; Olive green, kelly green, and emerald as well as amethyst purple, sapphire blue, white and grey. All the dresses were floor length with a loose skirt and snug waist, the materials rich felt unfamiliar against her skin which was only used to cotton and wool. Today had started like any other day, Penelope had awoken alone with no signs of mate which brought her much relief, “your bath is ready Luna” a voice she had become familiar with said, it was joy her maid “Thank you “ Penelope said as she got up from bed and headed towards her washroom. After she was done with her bath she returned to her room and saw that Joy had picked out a beautiful sapphire blue dress for her she slipped on the dress with Joy’s help adjusting the neckline and tying her hair neatly in a bow. Penelope then went and stood in front of the mirror and she gasped at how beautiful she looked, the long hours with the seamstress had paid off. “ you look very beautiful Luna” Joy said with a small smile on her face, Penelope smiled at the compliment. Penelope then went in search of her husband he had promised her keys to the library in a moment of passion she hoped he still remembered, it was going to be her little escape from reality. As she approached his office she heard her husband’s and another male voice she had become familiar with Alpha Mark, and thinking it was important she decided it would be best to wait for him in the dining room surely he would be there before breakfast. Once she was in the dining room she was met by the chef and other servants placing their food neatly on the table and once they noticed her presence they bowed their heads and greeted their queen. “They always make too much food, it must be troubling,” she thought to herself as she sat down she was never to start eating without the king it was considered disrespectful so she had no choice but to wait After a few minutes, the king walked into the dining room only to be met by his queen cutely pouting “Ah my beautiful omega is here already, shall we eat I have a long day, “ he said kissing her lips “ I hope I didn’t wear you out last night,” he said laughing “ you seem to be putting on a lot of weight and unless you are with child I won't have that“ he continued Penelope fought the tears pooling in her eyes, she couldn't afford to cry in front of everyone so she picked up her fork and began to eat. The dining hall was silent with only the sound of the metal forks and spoons clashing with the ceramic plates which was soon interrupted by a guard who matched towards the king and whispered into his ear after which he returned to his post. “ it seems my nephew Daniel will finally be returning home from the northern border this evening. he has been stationed there for almost 2 years because we had multiple rogue attacks so he, unfortunately, could not make it for our wedding,” the Alpha said “ he is an excellent soldier and has brought the kingdom many victories, I hope you two can also get along” he continued while rubbing Penelope’s hand. “ we should prepare a feast in his honor. See to it that everything is in order and that all the elders and high officials are invited “. Penelope gave a half-hearted smile “Of course alpha, I’ll get right to it” she spoke softly, it was going to be a busy day. Right after breakfast the preparations began and there was much to do, this was a little different from Penelope’s daily routine so she was excited to plan out every single detail.

By noon most of the preparations were done but then the head alpha received news that his nephew's arrival would be delayed so he ordered that all preparations should be stopped and the feast would have to be held the next day and just like that the rest of the day remained uneventful, having nothing else to do Penelope returned to her chambers where she spent the rest of her day. When evening came Penelope found herself wandering into the palace garden she had come to realize no one ever went into the gardens in the evening which she loved and as she walked further into the garden she saw a small gate that seemed to be slightly ajar “Strange” Penelope thought, she had taken many walks through the garden but had never seen this gate before. Burning with curiosity she approached the gate and took a step inside its confines and she was met with the most beautiful sight. Beds of different Beautiful flowers unlike any she had ever seen, A hot spring that had been forged into a pond with a thick layer of steam above its surface lay at the center of this beautiful enclosure fireflies dimly lit up the place making it appear even more beautiful. She walked towards the pond reaching out to feel the temperature of the water and it was perfect for a deep. In a moment of excitement at her discovery, Penelope stripped out of her garment and made her way into the pond her muscles relaxing immediately as she came in contact with the hot water. Making herself comfortable she rested her head on a smooth stone at the edge of the pond taking time to appreciate the beauty around her. The sudden sound of rustling and then splashing woke Penelope up, she had not even realized she had fallen asleep, her eyes followed the sound of light splashing assuming it was her husband who may have made his way into the garden in search of her but oh was she very mistaken because instead of her husband she saw a strange man “AHHHH!!!!!!!" Her shout made the intruder freeze, this wasn’t her husband for sure it was a younger male barely clothed standing a few meters from her “Get away from me you pervert” Khloe yelled standing up and grabbing a nearby stick and pointing it at the intruder forgetting that she was completely naked with only her long wet hair barely covering her body “I’ll shout” “don’t come to any closer help—me” all of the sudden the male had swiftly made his way towards her covering her mouth instantly preventing her from yelling any further her eyes wide open from the shock of it all, she looked up to meet the eyes of this strange man, and just like that she froze completely lost in his eyes that were now glowing blood red and unknown to her her eyes too were glowing a bright ocean blue color. His warm touch on her naked skin was sending shock waves across her body instead of tensing up her muscles relaxed in his hold and then it hit her with a strong yet addicting sandalwood and lavender scent one she had never experienced before.

Time seemed to have stood still, silence engulfed them even the chirping of the crickets and cooing of the owls could not be heard. It seemed both individuals couldn't help but get lost in each other's arms and In this moment nothing else mattered. Suddenly the sound of rushing footsteps seemed to break them out of their trance and just like that the mysterious yet captivating stranger seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. “My queen” a small yet audible voice spoke, it was Joy one of Penelope's maidens. Even though Penelope had heard Joy’s call she was unable to respond the faint scent of the mysterious stranger still lingered in the air. “ my queen” Joy spoke again diverting her gaze away from the naked queen “Let me help you get dressed, it is a cold night and I would not want you to fall ill” she continued as she walked towards Penelope with a fluffy rode in her hand which she then places over Penelope's naked body. But all Penelope could think of was the intriguing man she just saw.