02 The Two Princesses

Jasmine

I woke up in the morning panting. That stupid dream that haunted me in my sleep had somehow returned. It wasn't about the King who had a fire, but this time, I was trapped in a dark forest held by vines with thorns. They pierced my skin, dug deep and held me in place. 

A strange voice whispered 'Scream', and once I opened my mouth to scream, I would wake up. 

The dreams had been consistent for the past three years. At least, this was the tenth time I would have the dream this year. The disturbing part of it was that it wasn't scary. I loved the vines; I loved the pain and the darkness. I felt comfortable in it. It didn't scare me like the man with fire. 

The dreams about the man with fire scared the life out of me. 

In the absence of our parents, my sister Ivory would stay in my room, adding an extra layer of security. I didn't have any objections to sharing my bed with her, but a temporary bed was arranged for her. It was collapsible, ensuring it wouldn't be an obstacle when she returned to her own room. Aeron would stay with us throughout the day, and Ivory would join me in my room when it was time to go to sleep.

We did not need the protection, but my father seemed to approve.

I was a beta wolf like my mother. Not a leader but hard to manipulate.

Ivory, in contrast, exuded a mix of Alpha and Beta vibes. Her wolf, had an unconventional quality, but we maintained a sense of secrecy within the family. The striking resemblance of her ocean-blue eyes to those of Rukkaya, Aeron's aunt, only added to the peculiarity. They referred to it as "ghost eyes."

Father would have thought Mother cheated on him if he didn't trust her completely. Also, other than the blue eyes, she looked like our paternal Grandma, Isabelle.

Some claimed that Ivory inherited Grandma Gwendolyn's eyes, our maternal grandmother, but Ivory's eyes were distinctly different. They shimmered in darkness, and it wasn't because of her wolf. Ivory's eyes had exhibited that gleam before she even acquired her wolf. I believe it's an entirely different phenomenon, but Mom has adamantly prevented any medical examination or research into what might be the cause. According to my mother, Ivory isn't flawed, so attempting to remedy her is futile. Nevertheless, she was unique, and we were all aware of it.

My parents had turned to Gaddafi, the grandfather of Aeron and the husband of Grandma Isabelle, seeking assistance. They had concocted eye drops for Ivory to suppress the shimmer in her eyes in the dark. It proved effective, but I couldn't help but ponder how long we could keep this hidden.

Ivory walked out of the bathroom, tied in a towel, and smiled at me.

"Good morning, Jas. I noticed you were having a good, bad dream," she said, and I frowned at her. She was gifted. She could feel your emotions, read your thoughts, and see your deepest secrets if she tried. 

I was the only one who knew she could do those things, and she had begged me to keep it to myself. I did not tell anyone and hoped I wasn't causing a problem by remaining silent. Especially knowing she could not control feeling the emotions of people around her and often had to wear a silver ring to turn it off, which turned off her wolf too. It wasn't a good solution, but it worked.

I hope she will master it quickly because I won't be there with her when she goes to school in Snow, and she can't have her ring on permanently.

"What are we wearing today?" She said, sitting at the vanity table, and I rolled my eyes.

"You're too young for that party. It's strictly for those twenty-one and above, and there will be alcohol. Plus, you should be getting ready to pack. Once our parents return, they're sending you to Uncle Miles. Your school session starts in a week," I reminded her, attempting to dissuade her from joining me despite having already promised to bring her along. She responded with a pout.

"I mean you. What would 'you' wear?" She asked, looking at me through the mirror, and I frowned.

"Trevor is hot, and he likes you. I think it is great he is finally back in Riverhead and hasn't developed the fear of Aeron like the others. So, Aeron can't scare him off. It is kind of boring with Aeron following us about the place when we should be having fun. The party will be a great way to unwind for you and a farewell for me since I will be leaving next week. I won't drink, I promise. We should go to the party," She said, and I bit my lip. 

Trevor extended an invitation to his party at his house tonight, and I'm eager to attend. I even promised Ivory she could come along if she kept it hush-hush, knowing Aeron wouldn't approve if he caught wind of it. Plus, I figured I could keep an eye on her there—she'd be turning eighteen soon anyway. It didn't seem like I'd be doing anything wrong, and she was right; I needed a break from the seriousness and monotony of my life, bearing the brunt of most of my mother's responsibilities.

Trevor, the most attractive guy in Riverhead, hailed from a wealthy Oakland merchant family. With his blond hair and warm, honey-coloured eyes, he exuded an inviting charm. His slender, well-toned physique was nothing short of a dream.

Despite his appeal, my brother despises him, and I sense Aeron feels the same, though I believe it's rooted in jealousy. My brother is undeniably handsome, resembling our father, but he rarely smiles and carries a tough demeanour.

Aeron, on the other hand, is very handsome but looks unhinged. His thick dark hair and dark eyes would have been pleasant to look at if his eyes weren't so cold all the time. 

Aeron had the height and the build. He was bulky and very intimidating to look at but downright dangerous and cold. Did I mention he was arrogant, too, and regarded me as a little girl? I hated him.

 I could see my appeal about Trevor. He was a breath of fresh air, normal, playful, and I liked it.

"Have you decided?" Ivory said, snapping me out of my thoughts, and I shook my head.

"Maybe we should visit Gezel's to get something to wear," I said, and Ivory smiled. She liked shopping.

Gezel was the biggest designer in Forest. I was shocked to learn that the woman once had issues with my mom and became friends afterwards. She turned out well. She made all my mother's clothes, Ania's and Lisa's, too, and they always looked impressive at events. The queens of Hill and Snow often patronised her, too.

"So Gezel it is," Ivory said, brushing her hair.

"So what will we do about Aeron? You know he won't let us go. And he always lurks around after we go to bed," She asked with a smile. 

Ivory liked Aeron. He was always warm towards her, and unlike everyone, she could not feel his emotions or see through him. She was normal around him, and I think that was the reason.

"That is a valid point," I told her, acknowledging that Aeron would be a problem. And I was sure he knew of the party. If we went to Gezel's, he was bound to follow us, and he would know we were shopping for the party. He wasn't stupid. He will be on high alert. 

"We can't go to Gezel's. We have to wear what we have," I told Ivory.

"Well, we still have stuff we haven't worn before," She said, and I nodded.

"Exactly. We will see what we can do about it. You have to promise me you won't drink or mingle with boys. Father will kill me if he finds out I took you to a party." I told my sister, and she smiled at me. 

She finished her hair and used her eye drops. It was to stop her eyes from shining in the dark. Once a day was okay, and she was covered as long as she didn't cry. Our parents did not want people to know of her eyes, so this was best.

I got off the bed and went to shower. I was giddy just thinking about the party. Trevor had invited me personally, so it meant he was interested in me. I wondered what he would discuss with me at the party. Maybe he wanted to ask me out. It was getting lonely having to only mingle with family, friends and relatives, and Aeron didn't make it easy either. I squealed with excitement inside the shower, my emotions running wild.

"Keep it down, Jas. I can't think straight," Ivory called out, and I grumbled under the shower.

"Then find a way to block me off or wear your ring," I linked her.

While in the shower, I heard the usual deep voice in my head and turned off the faucet.

"Are you awake, Your Highness?" Aeron's voice rang, and I contemplated responding. Sometimes, I remained silent, but I didn't have the time to deal with his constant links.

"Yes, and I am in the shower," I replied curtly, and he did not say anything again. 

I can't believe there was a time I crushed on the guy. He was just too cold for his good. Best of luck to whoever will settle down with him. I heard he does horrible things to the women who have gotten close enough to him. There is no emotional attachment, just sex. The guy was a monster.

I exited the bathroom, and Ivory was fully dressed. She never wears make-up, and she looks lovely without it. I do not wear make-up either, but I love my red lipstick and doubt I can do without it. I inherited my mother's features, and I liked to flaunt them.

 I took my time getting ready, and soon, Ivory and I were ready to head to the dining room for breakfast. The moment I opened my door, I gasped. It was none other than Aeron. 

He just stood there. He was wearing a white T-shirt that hugged his torso and arms, showing his well-toned muscles. He had jeans on. He looked clean- he always looked clean- but the darkness in his eyes remained. 

His dark eyes bored into mine, not smiling, not saying a word. He just stared at me as if I was an object. 

I think that was also the reason why I hated this douchebag. People always admired and liked me, but this guy never saw me. 

He also never greets. He isn't required to. 

We might be princesses, but we won't hold an office. Probably get married to wealthy merchants or Alphas or princes and leave. 

Aeron was much more important. When my brother takes over, Aeron will be his Beta, his second in command. He was that important in Forest, so he did not need to greet me. 

"Hello, Aeron," Ivory greeted with a smile, and he reciprocated with a smile of his own.

"Good morning, Princess Ivory," he replied, and I was taken aback. Did he just offer Ivory a warm greeting and completely ignore me?

"No 'good morning' for me?" I questioned, and he met my inquiry with cold, indifferent eyes.

"You are rude and arrogant," he remarked, motioning for us to lead the way.

I puzzled over what he meant by "rude and arrogant." I used to greet him as well, but he never responded with a smile. It seemed like he always tried to distance himself from me, almost giving me a complex.

As we walked to the dining room with Aeron trailing behind us, I glanced at Ivory, frowning. She simply smiled and shrugged her shoulders. I was starting to suspect that Aeron's indifferent behaviour was directed specifically at me. Perhaps it was personal, but I doubted I had done anything to warrant it.

Upon entering the dining room, Ivory and I took our seats. I looked at Aeron, who remained by the door.

"Aren't you joining us? You always do when Mathias is around," I remarked.

"I have already eaten at home," he replied, and I nodded, turning my attention to the food.

"Aeron, do you know when I will be going to Snow?" Ivory inquired.

"Your father has appointed an escort to accompany you to Snow. He is arriving next week, so I think it should be next week, Princess," he said, and she frowned.

"I thought it would be you," she said.

"I have a job, Ivory. I am Mathia's Beta. But I will visit you," he said, and my sister nodded.

"I do not need watching," I said, trying to get him off my back. 

"Take it up with your parents. I am just doing my job," He said to me, not sounding as nice as he did with Ivory.

We ate in silence, and he stood there watching us. The creep.