Chapter 4

CLARA

Maria’s words rang in my head as I paced in my chamber. It had been three days since our last encounter, and it was as if he had disappeared entirely.

I hated it, but I felt worried about him and ashamed even. I wanted to fix things with him, but I wondered if I even deserved it. Furthermore, I had treated him horribly as if he were the one to blame for my sister’s running away and the mantle being placed on me. Likewise, I had been foolish and immature in my way of handling, most women wished to have the kind of husband I had, one that was kind and patient even when he felt upset.

The sound of the door being swung open captured my attention.

“Still no word of him, Maria?” I asked, turning to face her, trying to make my tone as calm as possible even though I felt as if I was losing my mind.

“I am afraid not, your Majesty.” She said her tone a bit grave, her attention on the floor. “If what I am hearing has any accuracy to it, then I believe he traveled for some serious business that needed attention.” She continued and I swallowed as my heart dropped.

“Serious business?” I repeated the last part as a question.

“Yes ma’am.”

And he didn’t tell me? I was afraid I must have pushed him to the edge for him to make such a resolute decision. I nodded and attempted to force a smile.

This was my fault, I couldn’t even play the victim card here even if I wanted. I had treated him terribly, so why should I act hurt when he had not thought to at least inform me before traveling? I had made it clear to him, that I did not care for his whereabouts.

As if sensing the depression that seemed to be quickly falling on me, Maria spoke again, this time trying to reassure me.

“I know how it must be for you to think he didn’t tell you before he left, My lady. I want you to know it’s not your fault, it’s entirely his alone.” She said, her voice soft as he took a step closer to me, her eyes looked like they were trying to comfort me, but I did not want comfort.

I deserved this.

“No, Maria, it is intact my fault. I had treated him like nothing, the most feared and respected man in this pack, like he was nothing even though he treated me with kindness and affection. I had made it clear to him over and over again that I hated him, and that I wanted nothing to do with him, and he had granted me my wishes. He left me alone as I desired he did, I have no right to be upset at him Maria, I have no right.” I said, my voice cracking as I tried to swallow the tears that were beginning to form in my eyes.

My lord, I was so stupid, so embarrassing.

“It does not have to be this way, the mistake is done, but it must not remain this way.” She said, this time around her voice was firmer, and the emotions of sympathy were far gone from her eyes and replaced to suggestiveness.

“What do you have in mind?” I asked immediately switching up also. If she had an idea to help me undo the damage I had caused in our strained relationship, then I was more than interested.

“I am assuming that due to this relationship between you two, you haven’t had a wedding night yet, right?” She asked suggestively.

“No, we haven’t,” I responded I felt like I had a little idea as to what she was getting to, but I remained quiet as I listened to her next words carefully.

“Men are simple, My Lady. Especially men like Roberto, he already has feelings for you, that which he has made abundantly clear, so why not take advantage of that? If you want to win his heart and get your relationship back on track, then you must go through his bed, it works every time. Moreover, it’s one of the rules that you must have a wedding night of the Alpha is not yours and can steal my another maiden anytime.” She stated the last part with a pointed look.

I stood calmly as I thought about what she said. It was true that Roberto already found me attractive and liked me, but would he even be willing to accept me into his bed? Especially after how I had treated him in the past?

“What if he doesn’t want me? Then what.” I finally asked, my insecurities speaking for themselves. It would be annoying to say I was not attractive, I knew I was, and I knew he found me attractive, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be upset about what I did and not want me. He did not seem nearly as lustful as the other Alphas my father had tried to introduce my sister to.

He was the most gentlemanly out of all of them, so was feeding his lust, which seemed almost nonexistent, a way to get him to warm up to me and cast a blind eye to my mistakes?

“You should not worry about that at all, what you should do is get yourself ready for him. If he doesn’t want you, then make him want you, it’s the only way!” Maria urged passionately, trying to make me understand her perspective and I did.

I nodded at her, she was right, I had to do this. Not only to correct things of the past but to also bring us closer.

“Are you married, Maria?” I found myself asking her quietly.

“Yes, I am, my lady.” She said, her cheeks tainting a bright pink color. It was clear her marriage was a happy one, she didn’t mess everything up, lucky her.

“I agree with all you have said Maria, and I want to do it, but I have no idea where to start. I am not seductive, I don’t know to not make him want me.” I said with a sigh, and she smirked, excitement entering her features.

“Then we, My lady, have a lot of work to do!” She said as took my hand gently and led me out.

“Where are you taking me?”

“I am taking you to the official designer, My lady, she designs the outfits of all members of the Alpha’s family, including you.” She said with a smile as she led me to the other side of the castle before we got to a small designer shop.

It seemed she made clothes only exclusively for the Alpha’s family. Maria went in, and I followed her behind, taking in the place. It was like any other seamstress shop, but filled with expensive-looking fabrics.

Upon seeing us, she stands up and takes a bow.

“Your Highness, Lady Maria, a pleasure.” She said as she rushed and ushered us in properly. Once we were seated, Maria began explaining what it was we wanted, and within minutes I had some samples to test on.

The first one was a black long lace dress, it was extremely thin and transparent.

Then the next one was a white dress, the material was so thin but stretchy, and it was comfortable and also transparent.

I tried on a couple of other dresses but at the end of the day, I decided to go for Just two. The black and white one.

“Are you sure that’s all you want, My lady?” Maria asked me a bit unsure.

“I am fine, these two are my favorite, the rest are quite scandalous and uncomfortable for me, Maria,” I said as calmly as I could, and she nodded before she turned to face the designer.

“Thank you, Agatha, we will take these only. You’ll get called on.” She said, and the seamstress nodded, and we were on our way.

When we were back in my chambers, I turned and stared at Maria.

“Is this all?”

“Not at all, this is only just the beginning. Now that you have gotten your dresses, it’s time to teach you the basics. I am no seductress myself, but men love confident women who are just themselves. He does not expect you to have experience or to know how to do anything, you are young and inexperienced, it’s not a weakness or flaw, instead, it will be an endearment for him, so do not worry about seducing him, just be yourself.” She advised, her sincerity made me feel a lot better about myself.

“Thank you, Maria.”

“You’re welcome, Ma’am, now I must leave.” She said as she went and dropped my clothes on the bed before ringing for servants.

“What’s going on? I asked, confused.

“I also heard that he will be back today! If I’m not mistaken, he is now.” She said with a smile as she instructed the maids to prepare a bath for me.

I guess it was time.