Chapter 3

“You are making the biggest mistake yet, Akira.”

What a warm, pleasant greeting from my least favorite sister. I let out a long, exhausted sigh. I believe the palace will not give me a rest tonight, after hearing about my actions at the House of the Wolves.

“Werewolves, really? And without even consulting Father?” She sneers. Her lady’s maids were whispering behind her. Mine were awfully quiet, to my surprise. I doubt they haven’t been gossiping before I returned.

“Why not werewolves? They are strong, formidable allies. The most ferocious in all the realms,” I defend, raising a brow at her. She huffs.

“Most ferocious and barbaric. They’re the most dangerous House in all the realms! What were you thinking?”

“What is this commotion?” Aesira asks, nearing us. Our other sisters followed suit. Great. I have yet to make it to my chambers and I’m already being bombarded in this random hall of the palace.

“There is a strange rumor going around. I ought to have it verified by your own tongue, Akira,” says Deyanira, our oldest. There were only seven of us currently in the palace, but I have in total nine sisters and not a sign of a brother. But I’d say four sisters are enough to corner me like a pup right now.

Clara scoffs. “It’s ironically more strange if you hear it from her, sister.”

“Let us not discuss in the middle of the halls, it is improper.” Eudora takes a step towards one of the sitting rooms. She cranes her neck and urged us to follow. “Come, sisters.”

I uncomfortably cleared my throat. Did they strategically sit around me to make me feel uncomfortable or were the seats just really positioned like this? Because I could really feel their sharp gazes darting me down at the best possible angle.

I shifted in my seat.

“Akira,” called Deyanira. Our fearsome crown heir and oldest sister, who I knew would be first to ask. She’s not a fan of beating around the bush. I expected this, so I prepared for her question — “Sir Flavian Fauntleroy is your betrothed now? Who are you to decide that for yourself?” Though her boldness is one you can never be prepared for. I did not expect that question.

“I… believe I at least have the freedom to choose my husband, since I am not the crown heir.”

“You are making it sound like the family owes you this freedom to choose. You may not be the crown heir, but you are the Princess,” she shot back mercilessly. “What do you think our people will think after hearing their Princess has no dignity nor pride in her title that she offers herself to a man? We are the pride of the realms, we are not mere aristocrats. We must not make hasty decisions where the public interest was not carefully considered. Just because you’re not the crown heir does not mean you have no responsibility to carry. You are still royalty.”

I looked down, not too late, before I saw the others nod in agreement. I hate how she’s right. I know I’ve been impulsive lately, but now that Deyanara’s said it… I do feel like I have to think about it more.

“Have you no shame? A princess, offering her hand in marriage when your dowry is worth just as much as their entire generation’s wealth?”

But the House of the Wolves’ territory isn’t one to be underestimated. I’ve been to their lands. They are wealthy. They are successful. Sure, not as wealthy as the royal family, but I’m sure they can level to the top Houses… had they not been so uncouth. Well, they’re wolves, after all.

“Mayhap you were determined to marry him, and only him?” Eudora asks. She leans into me. “Tell us about this Alpha, sister.”

Deyanara crossed her arms. I will not ignore her words that were heavy with the truth, but I have no answer to them now, so I will only entertain Eudora’s question. I wish not to be the stubborn sister, but it is true. I am determined to marry him. And only him.

“Flavian is a kind, charming, and honorable man,” I start. “I promise to introduce him to you all when I get the chance—”

“He shall come here to meet us,” cut Clara, who rolled her eyes and raised a brow. “We will never set foot in that uncouth pack’s territory.”

“Fine.” I also roll my eyes. What a way to ruin the mood. “Flavian is soft-spoken which is uncommon for an Alpha. His pack loves him because he is much more reasonable and diplomatic, unlike the past alpha he replaced, which is also his older brother. Though, I hear his position’s being challenged by said brother again.” I shrugged. “I know he can handle it. Flavian’s also very loyal, I heard.”

As I talked about him, I did not notice the smile that slowly curved and appeared on my face. My sisters just watched me quietly, probably observing, analyzing, and pondering. Sometimes they would ask questions and I would answer.

“Have you ever seen him cry?” I shake my head. They go quiet. I continue… until they ask another.

“What about his plans for the future? Does he want to settle down or expand his territory?”

I shake my head again. “I have yet to ask him about that.”

More questions that I… cannot answer, were asked. Until Deyanara spoke again, the first time in a while.

“You barely know the man and you’re certain you want to marry him?”

I avoid her gaze. I am feeling pretty embarrassed now. There were a lot of things about him I am yet to know, but isn’t that what marriage is for? Isn’t there a stage in a marriage where the partners discover things about each other?

“I… I want to marry this man because I am sure of my feelings,” I answer, though not sounding too confident. I just want to get out of this palace, prove to my sisters that my life has ambition, and show my gratefulness to this man who saw me when I was invisible to everyone. “I believe I’ve said everything I want and everything you need to hear. If you are still against my betrothed, then do not bother attending my wedding.

I spring myself up. All heads follow to watch me. “It will happen no matter what, and I do not want half-hearted support during my special day.”

My feet were quick to find the door. Though I said that, I still would appreciate it if a few of them would show up. After all, they’re my sisters. They’re my only friends. I closed the door, but could not find the strength to walk away. I leaned my back on the door and heard a few of their remarks, although muffled.

“… she won’t survive out there.” I did not know who spoke, but her worry reached me through the walls.

“I am strongly against this marriage.” That was Deyanara’s unmistakable stern voice.

“I believe in Sir Flavian’s kindness, for I’ve met the man. It is his brother I am worried about…” My brows furrowed hearing Eudora’s muffled remark.

Though, there is some truth in her words.

Even I, myself, am worried for myself should I run into his devil of a brother.