Chapter 5

Nevertheless, I wasn't going to be a jerk and tell Macy that. Furthermore, we hadn't seen the Cliffgards in three years. Perhaps Gertrude has changed for the better.

That may be a big maybe.

"Oh, how interesting," is my succinct reply. I strip with careful fingertips and slide into the outfit. My back is painfully constricted, and the fabric of the shirt irritates my skin like sandpaper. I try not to let the discomfort get to me though, and I pull on the black leather boots, tying the laces into a tight knot.

Macy and I will soon be prepared to leave. In the window light, her brown skin has a golden sheen that makes her appear to be shining.

"The Dining Room is on the first floor. Just keep heading east and you'll get there eventually. If you get lost, ask someone for directions. No one expects you to know the entire layout of the palace yet. Hell, even I still get lost sometimes."

I give Macy a smile. I stop and say, "I'll try my best." "I wish I could come with you, though. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about all this." 

I won't call her a friend just yet, but she is an ally none the less, and in the little time I've spent in this castle, Macy has been the only person who has been primarily by my side. She has somewhat diminished the palace's size and intimidating quality. I would be lost in her absence.

She smiles sorrowfully at me. "I know. I want the same thing, but don't sweat it. You'll be fine."

"Gratitude," I say to her. After doing so, we open the door and enter the hallway. Macy turns to the left. I turn right.

I move toward the east side of the palace, as Macy has instructed. I walk with a pounding head and a knotted stomach from worrying about what's ahead. I try to divert my attention by thinking back on my session with Greta and everything she taught me. Despite what I had thought at first, Macy and Greta had been correct; having been a nobleman had given me an advantage in topic knowledge. Greta reported that we had completed the syllabus twice as quickly as usual. She would also attribute it to my intelligence, but I don't believe I'm that intelligent. Simply said, my memory is good.

When more and more royal people start wandering the halls, I know I'm in the proper spot. Guards scurry about, and maids bustle about. I follow them, and after a while I go through the last set of stairs and enter a lobby. There are two big double doors thrown open across from me, and as I hear the faint murmur of excited conversation leaving the room, I know I'm in the proper place.

I inhale deeply as I traverse the lobby's dimly lit tiles and pause to straighten my blouse. With my head held high and my shoulders back, I enter the Dining Room.

The dining room is very lovely. The walls of cobblestone are adorned with gold and silver tapestries. Between them, bracket torches flicker, and the orange-painted heavens above are visible through a dome-shaped skylight in the roof. Guards line the walls, their long broadswords with black hilts fastened at their sides as they stand at attention. The front of the room is lined with rows and rows of long, dark ash-wood tables and seats, all of which are empty. The front table is the only one that is in use; the maids hover around it while they wait for orders.

There are various reasons why my heart falters. The royal family is seated right there, to start with. As in... SITTING THERE, on high-backed black chairs upholstered in deep purple velvet. They are rapidly absorbed by my eyes. They really are just as the legends have depicted them. Galen, the king, had golden eyes and hair that's jet black. With her ice-blue eyes and beautiful brown hair, Queen Selene exudes grace and elegance.

Prince Kohl as well. What shocks me the most is his appearance. I didn't think he would appear that pale, his skin appearing stark against the dark clothing. Like his father, he has dark hair, but in the torchlight, it takes on a dark, almost navy hue. Additionally, his eyes...

As pure gold as his father's. An authentic Gahndor. The eyes of no other wolf are golden.

There's also the less romantic explanation for my heart's stutter. The girls of the Queenstrials are gathered around the big table that the royals sit at. I feel an intense and powerful wave of envy that nearly knocks me back. They are all dressed in exquisite gowns that would be impossible for even a noble to obtain. The overly black table is illuminated by silk, satin, and sequins of every color, all accessorized with extravagant haircuts and matching makeup. The knowledge that I ought to be with them, feeling beautiful, and sporting an exquisite clothing...

I gulp. It's going to be more difficult than I anticipated.

I move slowly in the direction of the center table. I look around the walls to see if I recognize anyone. I recognize a couple of the maids and guards from when I first arrived, but other than that, nothing. That is, until I catch a glimpse of sharp green eyes and a mop of golden locks. The guards at his sides have serious expressions on their faces, but Alex gives me a big smile. I smile back, my cheeks burning as I

immediately avert my gaze. What the devil am I doing wrong today?

I sneak one more peek at the table as I get closer to it. I look straight at Althea, and that toxic jealousy pierces me once more. Her skin has a special radiance, and her red silk dress draws attention to her curves. Her hair appears to be wearing a crown since it has been braided around the front of her head. Her skin tone is flawlessly matched by the golden pendants that dangle down from her neck and ears.

Our gazes lock. She gives me a sly smile that conveys more than words could ever hope to. I am better than you.

I avert my gaze. My heart hurts in my chest. Right now, I really don't need Althea to shove her accomplishment in my face.

As I walk by the table, I also manage to meet Jade's eyes. Her eyes are not filled with contempt, unlike Althea's. She seemed worried, even apologetic. 

But I don't want her to feel guilty. She is stunning in her green dress. It complements her eyes.

I let my imagination wander a little as I take my spot along the rear wall with the other maids, standing to have a good look at everyone at the table. I can practically see myself wearing a garment that is pale pink and adorned with trails of crimson silk and purple sequins. I picture myself seated among them, my cosmetics and hair done, ready to dazzle the prince.

My gaze returns to Kohl. I can see more details up close. I like how he looks at the gals and has a slight grimace on his face, like he's not happy with his choice. ... the black shirt he's wearing, which is covered with onyx pauldrons and a grey vest. I also see that he has a tiny silver chain around his neck, with a pendant that eerily resembles the fangs of another wolf.

I was skeptical at first, but now that I'm seeing Prince Kohl, the rumors Macy brought up make more sense. His demeanor was so closed off, his look so frigid, that I would not have been astonished if he had been cursed. Though I haven't encountered many harsh people, the ones I have always had this similar appearance—that is, what he currently has. I find myself thinking that perhaps he is truly incapable of experiencing love because I find it impossible for him to smile at the alter with any of these girls. It would make sense, after all, since Gahndors are unable to mate.

On the other hand, I am mute. Despite my sisters having found their partners already, I haven't paired up with anyone either. Jade hasn't turned down a wealthy city man, but I don't think she'll get married. It was unexpected to learn that Althea was a poor boy from a wolf city's periphery. It seems that she had gone by him while on a trip with our mother. The youngster had been demanding to meet Althea at our estate for a few months after that. Althea had no desire for it. He was too impoverished and too simple by her standards. Not surprisingly, she turned down the poor bastard, and not in a tactful manner either. She did it in broad daylight, in front of his loved ones. Afterward, she laughed about it, laughing at the boy's naivete in believing he would ever have a chance with her.

I turn to see Althea talking to the Lunous girl next to her. Perhaps she is also cursed with cruelty.