Chapter Two

Celine

The world tilted beneath my feet. “No… that’s not true,” I whispered, shaking my head. “They promised-”

They promised to take me home after I was released from the palace.

“They lied.” Sheila’s words cut me as sharp as a blade would. “They don’t care about you. They don’t even remember you exist. Honestly, you should thank me. At least now you know where you stand. On your knees, scrubbing floors. It suits you.”

A tear slid from my eye. My parents lied about the service term. They were never going to get me after five years?

“Please don’t do this to me. ”

Sheila smirked, her eyes glinting with malice. “Oh, Celine, this is what you are good for. Now refill my cup, slave.” She sneered holding up her tea cup for me to fill.

I sniffled back my tears as I took small steps to the chair she and Anya sat in, looking at me with hatred in their eyes. I didn't believe her words. Mother and father would never allow this. She probably brainwashed them like she did to Anya.

The porcelain tea jug shook in my shaky hands as I poured tea for Sheila, but as I was about to return, I felt a nudge from Sheila causing me to trip and fall onto the table, breaking all the fine China and sending the porcelain tea cups crashing to the ground with a deafening clatter. Gasps filled the room, and my heart sank with the realization of what just happened.

“Celine!” Princess Anya jumped up from her seat and angrily accused me. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

“I... I didn’t mean to!” I stammered, my hands trembling as I bent down, trying to gather the shards. “Sheila pushed me-”

“She’s lying,” Sheila interjected smoothly, stepping forward with lies out of her mouth so naturally.

“I saw her, Anya. She wasn’t paying attention, and then she just... she just tripped on her own self. It’s disgraceful.”

“That’s not true!” I cried, straightening to face her. “You pushed me, Sheila! You’re the one who caused this!”

Sheila gasped innocently, pressing a hand to her chest. “Me? Why would I ever do such a thing?” She turned to Princess Anya, her expression the picture of innocence. “I know you’ve been kind to her, Anya, but maybe it’s time we admit the truth. Celine simply doesn’t belong here.”

“You liar!” I shouted, protested for myself. Frustration and anger streamed through my veins.

Anya’s icy gaze landed on me. “Enough!” she snapped. “That tea set was an heirloom. A priceless piece of my family’s history and you’ve destroyed it!”

“I didn’t mean to,” I pleaded, my voice trembling with desperation to be heard... “It wasn’t my fault!”

Her hand shot out, striking me across the face with a sharp slap.

Pain shot across my cheek, and I stumbled back, stunned.

“I gave you a chance because we were friends once,” she hissed, not hiding the venom in her words. “But now? You’ll pay for your clumsiness and disrespect.”

“Anya, please,” Tears streaming down my face.

“Guards!” she barked, her authority filling the room..

The guards stormed in, their heavy boots echoing against the stone floor.

“Take her outside,” Anya commanded coldly. “Let the entire court see the punishment for someone so careless.”

“No, please!” I cried, but the guards seized me roughly, dragging me toward the door.

They shoved me to my knees on the gravel outside, the sharp stones biting into my skin. A crowd gathered, murmuring and pointing, the maids who hated me laughing with delight.

The guards struck me harshly, their fists and boots raining down.

“Learn your place!” one snarled as his boot connected with my ribs.

Silver, my wolf, spoke softly in my mind, her words soft and soothing. “We’ll get through this, Celine. Stay strong.”

But I couldn’t believe her. I couldn’t see a way out.

The beating continued until, suddenly, the sharp blare of a trumpet silenced everything.

“The Alpha King has returned!” a booming voice announced.

The crowd went still, and for a moment, all I could hear was the sound of my own ragged breathing.