April's POVWe got to the Royal Empire quite late in the day. As we drove in, I marvelled at the landscape and marvellous architecture.I thought I had been to the Royal Empire, but this place looked very different from where Conrad had taken me previously.I turned to him, "Where are we? This wasn't where you took me last time."He smiled and gave me a wink."You have a sharp mind, April. Yes, this isn't where I took you last time. Where you were was simply the pack that was under my management. I am the alpha of that pack. This, however, is the real Royal Empire, and I am a prince here. My father manages this part, and this is also where the ball will be held."We pulled up in front of a mansion, and we all alighted from the vehicle. Conrad, however, stayed inside as the valet brought out our luggage."I have a meeting and some matters to attend to. My assistant will take you to your rooms so you can get settled in. Your rooms are all very close to each other, in case you girls love
April's POVThe next day, I was up really early. This was the first time in my life that I had gotten a good night's sleep without worries or the fear of having to go downstairs to see Dorian and Susan.I got out of bed and had a long, cool shower. The water pressure was amazing, and I felt I could spend hours there.I got out and dressed. Just as I finished, Lucy entered my room with a breakfast tray.“I intercepted the maid bringing you breakfast and told her I would give it to you. We could have breakfast together and get started on our gifts."I beamed at Lucy, and we ate and shared laughs and jokes. After our meal, I took out my pallet and brush, and Lucy took out a laptop and immediately set to work.We were fully engrossed in our work and were unsure of what time it wasKnock!! Knock!!I jumped in fright and nearly ruined my painting. Lucy also stopped what she was doing, and we looked at the door. Who on earth could be knocking?The loud knocking came again, and I was forced t
April's POV He still looked at me in shock as though I had told him something unbelievable. I was certain about it, though. I was sure I wasn't going back, not after what Dorian did to me."April, are you being serious? You are really staying?""Yes. I wanted to stay in my father's pack; It was my home, and I had so many good memories there with him when he was alive, but now that he's gone, I think I need to find my own footing. I have decided to stay in the Royal Empire, Conrad. I've made up my..."Ring! Ring!I turned my head abruptly to the table and saw my phone buzzing loudly. I took a peep at the screen and saw that it was Dorian. Why was he calling me now? I ignored the call, silenced my phone, and turned back to Conrad. "I have made up my mind."He looked at me with a smile on his face."Is there any other reason why you finally made up your mind after so much time? It's been quite a while since I asked you to join my pack, and I know that you have been going through some
April's POVEvening came, and I was painting quietly in my room. I heard a knock at my door, and I jerked in fright. The door opened slowly, and Lucy walked in, all dressed like she was going out somewhere."You are still painting? Aren't you tired?""I am," I said wearily. "This picture just isn't coming together."“Then, in that case, I suggest that you drop the brush. Alexa and I are going out to explore the city. We've been cooped up in here since we got here, and I think we should explore. So, are you in? I looked at them and smiled. Lucy was right; maybe some fresh air would do me good, and maybe I could get inspiration to paint from the city."Okay. I'm in." "Great," Lucy clapped happily. "Alexa and I are downstairs. Meet us in the living room."She dashed out of my room, and I immediately began to rummage through my bag for something nice to wear.I finally settled on a pair of jeans and a sweater to curb the slightly chilly evening.I met Alexa and Lucy downstairs, and we
Conrad’s POVI had my back turned to a large group of people that were standing in my room. “Any news so far? What is the word on the street? Are we making any progress?”The room was silent, and my personal aide was standing behind me. I looked out of the window, and from his reflection in the thick glass, I could tell he was shaking.“Are you deaf? Didn't you hear what I said?My aide was sweating, and he slowly opened the document file after wiping his sweaty palms.“Speak!”“No…nothing yet, your highness. We haven’t heard any confirmation from the king, your father. He hasn’t hinted at anything, and I assure you, we are keeping strict tabs on him, morning and evening.”I heard what my aide said, and I turned to him angrily. I addressed him as if he had the answers to all the questions that I was asking.“So we are not making progress?" I asked, my brows creasing tightly. I had spent the last year using most of my resources to build my influence and reputation.Jonas hurriedly sh
April's POV Lucy and I tried to chase down the mysterious and familiar figure, but she disappeared into the crowd like a ghost. We were gasping and trying to catch our breath when we bumped into a wandering Alexa.She looked terribly unhappy to see us, and her eyes darted from me to Lucy and back to me."Argghh! What are you brats doing here? Asked Alexa, visibly annoyed and irritated. "I don't know what your problem is,” Lucy pushed back. "I didn't know we would bump into your walrus-looking face. It's not like you own the place, you know.”“Lucy. It's alright,” I said softly to her. I didn't want a fight breaking out.“Well, she started it. She called us brats,” Lucy said in defence. I saw Alexa's face turning bright red, and she was on the verge of attacking Lucy when somebody softly tapped me on the shoulder.I turned around and saw the butler who had brought us. With his appearance, Lucy and Alexis's impending battle rapidly ended before it could even begin."Good evening, lad
April's POV I woke up on the floor, and Azura gently pawed my face. My eyes fluttered open and met her deep blue slits."What are you doing? Is it morning already?""Meow."I rubbed my eyes and sat up. My back ached, and I looked up at my painting. It wasn't done yet. I remembered putting my brush down for a quick power nap. I must have dozed off.I stood up and saw that the sun was up. I grabbed my brush and continued to paint. I had to get it done today. I resumed my artistic strokes, and I felt the creativity begin to flow anew.I had gotten several knocks at my door, but I ignored all of them. I was determined to get it done, and nothing would distract me...Knock! Knock!I groaned and finally decided to go to the door.I opened it and saw that it was a maid."Good morning, Miss April. I apologise for bothering you, but you are needed at the breakfast table."I nodded and headed back inside my room. Azura was on the bed meowing."I have to go for breakfast. I'll get you something
April’s POVLucy slept in my room. It wasn’t the worst experience, though she did snore quite a lot. I smiled and tuned her out.There was a knock at the door, and I jumped out of bed, rubbing my eyes sleepily. As I opened the door, I found a maid standing there with a bundle in her arms and a smile on her face.“Good morning, Miss April. The Prince asked me to give you these.”She placed the strange bundle in my arms, and I looked at it quite puzzled.“What is this?” I asked innocently.“They are clothes and shoes for the banquet. The prince wants you and your friends to look your absolute best. I haven’t seen Miss Lucy this morning and left hers in her room. Please tell her to check them out if you see her. I need to know if they fit or if we need to get new ones for the three of you. We will also arrange for a stylist to finish your hair and makeup later in the evening.”I nodded, smiled, and returned to meet Lucy, who was still snoozing soundly. I shook her violently to wake her u