CHAPTER SEVEN

The dream started as a whisper, gradually losing brightness and building in intensity over time. The surrounding within me shifted, the smooth bed linens dissolving into mist replaced by ancient trees. I have never been here yet and I could feel it in my bones. The tall trees danced in the fast breeze, their leaves sparkling silver in the blood-red moonlight. The air smelled of burning sage and damp earth.

From the shadows emerged a creature, its presence both terrifying, my body shook in fear but I couldn’t open my eyes, It was unlike anything I had ever seen, a being dressed in flowing black robes, its face a mix of animal and human faces, eyes glowing like gold, skin as glassy as though it were made from the stars themselves. The creature towered over me and as it drew near, a shiver ran down my spine. But it did not feel auspicious, It felt… ancestral, as if it were part of me, part of my lineage, it felt so real, like my own, as much as i wanted to run away from this unknown place, I still stood still to embrace this creature, because for once I felt a sense of belonging even if it was in my own dream.

“Child of forgotten blood,” the creature’s voice echoed, deep and resonant, as I stood in anticipation of what might come next. “You seek answers in the wrong places.”

Staring at the creature, my legs moved in bits, the powers in me aligned with this spirit, it sought to move to it, but I had to remain rooted until I was sure of it.

“Who… who are you?” My voice sounded more of trembling than inquisition

“I am the keeper of knowledge long forsaken,” she spoke in a slow way yet it sounds so loud at the same time.

“Your bloodline is more powerful than you know, buried under centuries of control, deceit, and falsehoods. You are more than the King’s prisoner; you are a witch of the old blood, with powers that have been kept dormant….until now but that is not all”

My breath caught in my throat.

I have felt powers surge and fight within me but until the day I healed from the marks on my face I was sure these powers weren’t mine.

But a Witch?

Were those the powers of a witch?

My thoughts had to be kept in check, this wasn’t the time to think but listen

“What do you mean, that is not all”

“You must escape this prison,” she continued, moving closer, her eyes burning with intensity. “Use the gifts that lie within you. You will find a book, hidden in the Lycan King’s chambers, a forbidden book of spells. It holds the knowledge you need, spells to awaken your power and free yourself from his grasp. Find the book… and claim your birthright.”

As I shook my head, fear creeped into my voice. The mention of Ralph’s name had sent signals to my heart

“How can I escape? Ralph will never let me leave.” I cried out

The creature leaned closer, its breath hot on my face.

“He cannot hold you if you learn to wield your magic. Seduce him. Put him into a sleep deeper than any man has known. Then, while he lies helpless, find the hidden library in his chambers. There, in the darkest corner, you will find the book. But beware, child. You are being watched. Others know of your power, and they will stop at nothing to keep you bound.” Be watchful… Her voice trailing off

I had to know everything, no, this wasn’t the only chance I got to come into light with my true self, but what if i get killed.

The world began to blur as the Keeper faded into the shadows. Her final words echoed in my ears. “Awaken, daughter of witches. The time has come.”

Jolting immediately from my sleep, as I gasped for breath, my body covered in a sheen of sweat. The dream had felt so real, the Keeper’s words still ringing in my mind. My heart didn’t stop racing as I looked around the room, the darkness of the night casting eerie shadows across the walls. The weight of this Keeper’s message pressed down on my chest. Looking down to my stomach, instinctively I touched my stomach, where Ralph’s child grew inside me.

How will I go about this task?

No one can save me, if not me.

For I've always known there is more to me than being the queen of this powerful kingdom ruled by a man who claimed me forcefully as his mate.

And with that thought, I moved up from my bed, Ralph and I stayed in different rooms, he suggested I move into this chamber but I'd rather have my personal space with my child.

I had to make a plan as quickly as possible, process and start acting on it tonight.

Thoughts ran through my head as I paced through my room.

The ancestral creature had shown me the way. I couldn’t stay here any longer, not with my child’s future in jeopardy. If Ralph truly planned to keep me and take the child, then i really have no choice but to escape, and for that, I needed power.

The palace was a large one, I had taken months to study the hidden doors and road, and the feeling of satisfaction ran through me as i’m now sure I would do this effortlessly but I have get through the book.

How do I go into Ralph’s room to seduce him?

Is that even possible because I have never thought of it, nor do I have any intent to do so

But what choice do I have now?

I have to do this for my child, for my identity, for my being.

Morning came in its own newness and feeling, I always had to look out the window once my eyes were open, the sight from my room was the best sight I could every fathom, from my height, I could see the whole palace, beautiful and shiny as dews surrounded every part for most of the mornings till it disappeared, this feeling always helped me through my day as my personal maid make my bathe ready, the feeling of fulfillment and fear ran through my body, at least I have gotten a confirmation that of a truth, my identity lies beyond the four walls of this kingdom and at last I would gain my freedom.

And the fear came too, what if everything don’t go as planned, what if Ralph finds out about my plan even before I act on it, as much as he wants his child, he would be disappointed and angry at me, I tried to imagine his face when he learns that his mate has left him, but I couldn’t.

As much as I felt like a prisoner, he had shown me nothing but love, even more now as I'm carrying his child, Ralph always makes time for me and steps into my chamber almost every time.

But I have to do this for my child, it’s not just his, it’s ours, and I have to find out my true self.

“My lady, I await you, your water is ready”

Heaving a sigh of relief, I stepped down the steps from the balcony to start my day as a queen. I had other plans later this night. I had already ordered my maid to bring me the most beautiful dress in my collection, a powerful and long lasting oud that would attract Ralph during dinner, this mission has to work.

The day’s work was tedious as preparations for visitors from the country in the west were being made, they would arrive anytime soon to join us for dinner to discuss matters of the kingdom later with Ralph.

Throughout the day, Ralph made sure I was always comfortable, with nods, winks, smiles, he gave here and there each time we saw each other.

And I’m sure that with my dress and tactics tonight, I would win over him effortlessly.

“You look ravishing, My lady” Maria confessed after giving me way to grace myself with the mirror

A gasp escaped my lips, even I couldn't believe how beautiful everything came out. The gown was an exquisite masterpiece designed by the Royal seamstress herself, the colors so caught in blue velvet, while it clung to my curves.

Every fiber spoke elegance and it was sensual enough. Looking down to my waist through the mirror, the gown hugged my waist, revealing the delicate curve of my hips, down to the flowing, soft, and graceful folds that swept the floor as I took steps back.

The jewelry glittered and appeared incredibly luxurious, and my neckline showed off just enough of my collar to entice one's senses. Delicate silver embroidery drew delicate vines over the bodice, highlighting my small waist and chest. My skin was delicately evident due to the long sleeves' transparent lace design, which enhanced my beauty with an air of mystery.

Turning back to get a glimpse of the back view, I was satisfied that the gown’s back was open, a daring, swooping cut that exposed the smooth expanse of my skin, making it impossible for anyone, especially Ralph, not to be drawn in by my allure. Her hair, gold and shiny, lay down in loose waves, adding to the seductive allure of the ensemble. A silver necklace adorned my neck, its pendant resting just above the swell of her chest. This was enough for me.

In an instinct of satisfaction, I turned to face my maid and gave her a smile. She did well and will surely get an extra pay.

In no time, I was ready, walking down the hall that leads to the general dining room, my shoulders held high and head up straight knowing that tonight, I would have Ralph exactly where I wanted, completely under my spell.

As I stepped into the dining hall, the room seemed to remain still. Every gaze turned toward me, the air thickening with unspoken admiration. I moved with purpose, each step deliberate, graceful, the hall was big enough to contain thousands of people, but there I found Ralph, his mother and sisters, and the guests of course, I could feel their eyes tracing my movements, lingering on me with a mix of awe and lust from the eyes of the men.

But it was his gaze, Ralph’s gaze that I felt most intensely, burning through the space between us.

The air was filled with the scent of roses and sandalwood, but I knew the faint fragrance of my perfume was cutting through, as I deliberately moved beside his chair before getting to mine, the smell wrapped around him as I saw him swallow and close his eyes for almost a second, pulling him closer.

I could see it in his eyes, the hunger, the possessiveness. He picked up the wine on the table and gulped every bit of it in the sight of me. Every flicker of his gaze across my body was a silent declaration of how badly he wanted me. He didn’t need to say it; the heat in his stare spoke louder than words.

As I took my seat, I felt the weight of his gaze still on me, his attention drawn to me, as I sat right opposite his chair, we looked into each other’s eyes in an instant and I could see every lust in his eyes.

The conversation around the table faded ensued, as Ralph tried to get his composure back again and again, I never knew that I could make a man this weak in his knees.

I let my fingers trace the edge of the goblet before me, as they went over figures and plans on the new empire the both kingdoms were planning on building, I tried my best to keep my eyes focused knowing Ralph was watching my every move, watching and waiting.

“Okay ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your cooperation, shall we proceed to eat this sumptuous meal right before us” He said with a smile etched on his lips, that too was a sexy act, and he knew I understood

Moving towards me, I knew it was time, he bent and whispered

“Come with me, now!!!”