Chapter 6 ~ The Slavegirl

{Ciril’s POV}

I had fixed my hair into a braided updo and staring into the mirror now made me realize it was a really dope touch. If I was going to face more torture and gloom, I might as well look presentable for it.

Haha.

— that was a sad laugh.

Suddenly, there was a harsh knock on the door, and with it came an even harsher voice. 

“Hey, Plonker.” It called and I sighed. 

“I told my mum that I can’t travel in the same Carriage with your stinking self so Dylan and I will be leaving now in the first one while the next one will be here to pick you up in two minutes. So you better say your goodbyes to your snugly demons in there and haul your unfortunate self out here!” Ivanka voiced with a scornful volume while I just settled to stare at the door.

I recalled that Ivanka had told me she would be going to the Palace to live with Dylan after they got married so with what she had just said, I figured that they just have gotten married during the time I was away. 

Great.

As Ivanka left, I couldn’t help but think about the torment that awaited me over at the Palace. 

Yeah. I was also going to the Palace. 

Just when I thought I had gotten to the peak of my misery, this vile family was thankfully there to remind me that I was nowhere close.

Apparently, while I had been gone on my escaping-VainWood-but-ending-up-in-a-stranger’s-bed escapade, Dolores and Alpha Gregor had donated me to the Alpha King as a gift for Ivanka’s marriage— it’s like they were sure I would come back since they knew I wouldn’t be able to survive out there in the wild.

Anyway, in summary, I was to go over to the Palace to become a Slavegirl to the Royal household.

Sick, right? 

Well, it wasn’t that shocking considering how Luna Dolores was acting so chill last night. 

I just knew there was a catch. There had to be a catch— and early this morning, I was summoned to be informed of this my new predicament. Hence, instead of torturing me as usual, Luna Dolores and her daughter decided to make my living the actual torture.

I was done with dressing up so I grabbed hold of my luggage— if that’s what you’d call an old barrel bag and a small sack, and made my way out of my room and out of the Alpha Mansion, ignoring all the gazes that bathed my person as I plodded my way through the hallways.

I suddenly halted as I got outside, not because the Carriage driver was already here or because more gazes were on me now, but because my eyes had rested on a familiar figure.

“Feryt!” I yelped, running and throwing myself into her bosom. Her eyes were already teary due to her sadness and it immediately induced mine.

“I’m sorry. I heard what happened, Ciril,” She let out with a quavering voice as she squeezed me further into her embrace. “I promise I’ll visit you every week.”

“It’s fine, Feryt. I’ll be fine.” I resolved, forcing a smile and driving my watery gaze to meet Feryt’s face but then she continued expressing herself.

“No, Ciril. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here for you. I was sent to the neighboring Pack and I didn’t—”

“Enough of the pity show!” Feryt’s lines were brutally murdered by the sound of Luna Dolores’ cracked voice. 

“And you, Louse, will get more opportunities to cry once you get to Palace.” Dolores said and as I turned to look at her. She smiled wickedly.

“I made sure of that so you don’t have to waste all your tears here.” She told me before she pointed me to the Carriage ahead.

I hesitantly left Feryt’s embrace and strolled towards the wooden vessel.

If anything could be more evil than evil, Dolores would be that thing!

As I got in, I arrowed my scowl at Luna Dolores one last time and I made sure she noticed it. I wanted her to see the pain on my face… and also the anger that lingered there. Because one day, I’ll make sure she pays.

“No no, dear. You should wear a smile.” Dolores started with elation in her voice as she stared at me. “You're going to meet the powerful Alpha king, the Queen, and other Dignitaries. You will finally have new masters… but.” Her tone dropped, “Believe me when I say they are not very nice to people who are Gifted as slaves.” She smiled. “—nobody is.” 

She left me a sniffy smile and turned to the Carriage driver while the other Pack members littering the scene mocked me with ridiculing conversations amongst themselves.

Fuck all of them!

“Once you get to the Palace, give this to the Seneschal.” She said and handed the driver a letter envelope and I escorted the process with my gaze.

In my uneasiness, I sent my misty gaze back to Feryt one last time as the Carriage started to move. I smiled warmly at her and then I turned away and settled back into my seat. I hugged my sack to my chest.

I would miss her for sure.

**

The journey to the Palace was moderately fast, comfortable, and very quiet, and I busied myself wondering what this next phase of my life had in store for me. 

I was going to become a menial slave in the Royal Palace— a place where hard work, discipline, and diligence were molded strictly together and there was no room for mistakes. I’ve heard stories of how strict the Palace is and now I’m going there to be buried under that strictness. 

“We’re almost there, Pretty. I’m riding a bit fast because these paths are dangerous.” The Yolkshire-accented voice of the Carriage driver broke up my cloud of thoughts.

My heart began pacing a little faster as my cognition rested on his words. The Palace was in far sight now and couldn’t help but marvel at its majesty from afar.

We soon rolled into its vast driveway and through its mighty Portcullis gates, and once we were in, the old driver brought the Carriage to a halt.

Subconsciously, I stepped out and walked away from the Carriage a bit as my eyes were too busy roaming the spectacle before me. There was so much to take in with my little eyes.

The Palace was in all of its grandeur as its weathered bricks and ornate turrets told tales of the intrepid past. How its high tower pierced into the sky like ancient Sentinels forced goosebumps onto my skin. It was crazy how such a beautiful place scared me. 

“Hey, Pretty…” A pat rested gently on my shoulders, calling me out of my wild fascination. 

“I’ll take you to the Seneschal now.” The Carriage driver said as I spun around to face him. “Where is your luggage?” He asked, studying my body with his peering. I wore slouchy clothes again.

“These are my luggage,” I said, urging his gaze to rest on the old Barrel bag and small sack I was carrying under my arms. Trying not to make things weird, he nodded in understanding and we both started making our way into the Palace.

Together we strolled into the Palace buildings and immediately, my attention was called by the warmth that met my skin and the blissful sight that blessed my eyes.

The Palace’s interior was even more enthralling than its outsides, as its texture was sown with beauty itself. Maids and workers trailed everywhere.

“You seem amazed.” The old driver noticed and I turned to him.

“Master, I—”

“Please, call me Jackeus.” He smiled warmly, and I appreciated the fact that he was being nice to me. Maybe this place isn’t as cruel as I thought.

“Is that Ciril, the Gift Slavegirl?” A curt voice suddenly broke our colloquy, making me and Sir Jackeus skew our gazes in its direction.

It appears that I spoke too soon. Apparently, I have a cruel nickname already. 

“Ah, Master Edwin.” Sir Jackeus promptly greeted the gruffy stranger and they both turned to face my anxious person. “Yes, she is Ciril Campbell,” He informed him and I immediately suspected him to be the Seneschal— the Chief Steward in charge of the Menial workers, Maids… and apparently, slaves too, since I was being assigned to him. 

He was surprisingly much younger than I had expected him to be, and I was beginning to wonder why it was so before I was distracted. 

“She’s pretty!” Master Edwin mouthed, sounding surprised. “They don’t usually come pretty.” He resolved. He was talking like I had made a huge mistake by being pretty. 

He began trailing his eyes around my body now, which made me grow uncomfortable. “Only the goddess knows what you must have done to deserve such a cruel fate as being gifted as a slave!” He said with a sigh.

“I thought so myself,” Sir Jackeus chipped in with a distant hint of concern in his voice.

“Well. We must get going. The Alpha King and the Royal family have requested to see you and the other slaves upon your arrival, as he has to personally authenticate the gifting contract.” Master Edwin explained and I just stared with little understanding of what he had just said.

“In casual words, what I’m saying is that the Alpha King has to be sure you’re healthy enough to be a good gift from your Pack and properly serve your term here as a Slavegirl. The Alpha King will not tolerate bad gifts.” He resolved and gestured to me to take the hallway on the left. 

He and Sir Jackeus then had a very brief chatter during which I knew Sir Jackeus had handed him the envelope from Luna Dolores.

It was still shocking that I was a wedding gift to the Alpha King in the event of Ivanka getting married and being allowed to stay in the Palace.

I was really that worthless?

Not only was my life now meaningless, but it was meaningless with a purpose that made it more meaningless. 

I followed quietly behind Master Edwin. As we moved, I noticed a Lascar Gold-plated door at the far end of the hallway and I became uneasy at once, realizing it was our destination.

“Master Edwin.” I called timidly but he rebutted immediately.

“Edwin! Call me Edwin. The ‘sir’ is just merely an outdated formality.” Master Edwin enlightened me, only sparing me a side glance as he increased his pace.

“Okay, Ed… Edwin.” I mumbled. “Uhm… Who are the people in there? I… I mean, it’s only the Alpha King I’m meeting, right?” I asked and tilted my head in anticipation of his answer. 

“It's Dinnertime, so the Alpha King and Queen would be in there together. But today’s dinner feast is in celebration of the Alpha Prince’s best friend, Alpha Dylan, on the event of his contract marriage with the fair lady from RawHowl— your Pack— I’m guessing you’re aware. So the entire Royal Family should be in there for the feast.” Edwin explained briefly and continued his chatter with Jackeus while I frowned.

Ivanka.

I could already feel her evilness. 

She just got here and was already in there, feasting with them already winning their trust.

How worse can this get?

But then again, Ivanka and her vile plans were the least of my worries.

I was more disturbed by the fact that I was about to meet the entire Royal family all at once now. 

I had never faced royalty before but now, I was about to be stormed by the presence of so many.

“Edwin… Why can’t it be later? I mean… they are feasting and…” I trailed off, feeling myself panicking the closer we got to the majestic door.

“The Alpha king has a tight schedule.” Edwin started explaining again as if his utterances had been pre-recorded. “But trivial matters like yourself and other Palace slaves, he can handle over his feasting.” He said, laying vocal emphasis on the ‘trivial matters’ part.

Wow.

First, I was labeled ‘a Gift Slavegirl’ and now ‘a trivial matter’, both by the same man. If a petty Seneschal could be this good at giving galling names, I wonder how impressive the Alpha Princes and Princesses would be at it. I had heard the Alpha King had one son and two daughters and I wasn’t going to make the mistake of expecting them to be nice to me. No.

I knew I was going to be ridiculed once I stepped through those metal doors— especially since Ivanka was somewhat part of the family now, so I had to prepare my mind and fortify my heart for it. So for starters, I decided to save my energy and not ask any more questions. 

A gulp sank down my throat as we got to the grand doors and the guards motioned to shift it open. I could already feel unbroken power emanating from within and it took everything in me to maintain my stance. The Alpha King was the strongest Werewolf in the Reigns and now I was about meeting a family of strength.

Finally, the doors were shifted apart and my gaze was bathed with the sheer magnificence of the interior. The grand foyer and crystal chandelier of the room first greeted my eyes and my amazement lingered on them before falling on the exquisite frescoes that adorned the walls. 

For security purposes, Sentries surrounded us as we made our way in and Jackeus fortunately, Jackeus informed me to bow my head and avoid making eye contact with anyone, otherwise, making eye contact with everyone in the room would have been exactly what I would have done. 

With our entrance, I went to stand in the line with other Menial Slavegirls having seen them briefly before bowing my head, but then I seemed to be the only one who was trembling.

We were five on the line and we all faced the area of the dinner table where the family was feasting— where the angle where the power was emanating from, and while I was still busy trembling, Sir Jackeus and Edwin made their reverential bows to the Royal family and greeted the Alpha King and Queen.

I didn’t know I was supposed to do the same, having just walked in.

And so, I didn’t know I was about to get into a huge amount of trouble…

“Does the slavegirl not know how to show respect?” I heard a sudden and deeply resounding voice claim the room and I tensed. The voice filled the room and silenced every other sound or voice.

I didn’t need to be told that that was the Alpha King’s voice. It was commanding and powerful with that Kingly vocal texture, but I didn’t have the time to adore it as I was busy trembling now.

The Alpha King had referred to a Slavegirl and I feared that I was the one in question.

“Are you deaf?!” The Alpha King roared again and I tensed and closed my eyes. I didn’t know that the other slavegirls crashed to their knees so that I was the only one standing in our line.

There were whispers at the table and I slowly opened my eyes and kept my head low to see the other slave girls on their knees.

I was breathing very fast now and I couldn’t kneel even though I wanted to— I couldn’t move. 

I was frozen. It felt like every gaze in the room was arrowed at me. 

I suspected I was the slave girl in question now.

“Pretty.” I heard Sir Jackeus' voice in whispers as he crept quietly beside me. “I think the Alpha King is—”

There was a loud menacing growl now causing Sir Jackeus to go quiet and me to tremble even more. The whispers in the room went silent.

“So she dares not submit to me?!” The Alpha King snarled and from the chair-scraping sounds I heard, I could tell he had risen up to his feet.

It was clear now. I was the one he was referring to. My unfortunate self had gotten me in trouble within just mere seconds of my arrival.

I attempted to explain myself— to explain that I didn’t intentionally disobey and disrespect hun but that only resulted me more trouble.

“Y-Your Majesty, I—“

“Silence!” The Alpha King voiced and I went quiet. Because my head was bowed down, I hadn’t seen the Alpha King’s face or any of the faces in the room but I didn’t need to check to know that Ivanka had the happiest smile on her face.

“You will be punished for your misdemeanor. Step forward and kneel!” The Alpha King commanded with a tone that didn’t leave me with much of a choice— it didn’t make disobedience an option.

Good job. Ciril. Great Job. You got your first punishment on your first day of getting here.

With shaky hands and shaky legs, I stepped forward— I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole but that didn’t happen.

I got close enough to where the Alpha King was but I didn’t move forward any longer as my fear and the power I felt emanating from the table hindered me.

I motioned to fall to my knees in total submission but then I was interrupted by the sound of the Hall’s door swinging open. 

Someone walked in. I felt it.

I didn’t kneel anymore. I paused my motion and just stood.

“Pretty, you kneel! Now!” I heard Sir Jackeus's voice behind me, urging me so that I wouldn’t anger the Alpha King any further… but I didn’t heed.

I was frozen— this time it wasn’t due to fear or trembling. It was something else.

“Sorry, I’m late father, I—” A new voice started to say but trailed off, and just then I turned to see who it was.

The Alpha King started growling aggressively now— I couldn’t see him doing so because I wasn’t looking at him. But I could hear it. It was loud and vicious.

“Kneel, Slavegirl! Kneel!” Edwin crept over to me and urged me aggressively for my own good… but I didn’t move.

I felt a hand wrap around my arm as another voice sounded beside me. “Pretty.” It was Sir Jackeus this time. “The King will slit your throat right here on the spot if you don’t kneel! Please don’t be stubborn, child. Kneel!” He pleaded earnestly… but I still didn’t budge.

-- I was paralyzed in shock as I stared.

I was staring at the same perfect hair and beautiful face...

I was staring at the same godly form...

I was staring at the same perfect lips...

The.. the same pair of gracefully blue siren eyes…

I tensed.

I was staring at the same guy I had gotten drunk with and slept with the other night— the same person I had woken up to meet on the bed.

He just stood there, frozen in his stance as he stared back at me. 

He was the same person, but then he looked a very... different now. And I stared at him in disbelief.

He was the Alpha Prince of the Canine Reigns. But then, that wasn’t the part that shocked me the most. It was something else…

A wild sensation deep in the pit of chest— a familiar sensation.

Please no…

I heard voices all around me now and I guessed it had something to do with the fact that the Alpha King was hovering over me and was about to claw me to my death, but then I didn’t care. I just continued staring at this familiar stranger as I came to a very stupefying conclusion.

He was my second chance…

“Mate,” He muttered.