Chapter 12: Anything But a Fairy Tale

"Sorry, but I have to do this," Gwen said, giving Lacey a sheepish look. "This is your bedroom. Alpha Grey gave strict instructions that you were to remain in here until he comes for you." She shook her head, letting out a deep breath. "I'm so sorry."

Lacey shrugged. "It's not your fault, Gwen. Don't worry about it. I'll use this time to organize my room."

Gwen gave her a wholesome smile. "When I heard you were coming, I gave your room a thorough cleaning."

"You heard I was coming?" Lacey asked, tilting her head to the side.

Gwen nodded happily. "Yes! It was all arranged before Alpha Grey even left."

Lacey's eyebrows pulled together in concern. "So, Julien arranged this with my parents before he had even left?"

Gwen's eyes grew wide again. "I... I... I don't know. All I know is that he was going to visit your pack and bring back his mate."

Lacey chuckled. "Oh, I'd bet Scar wasn't very pleased about that."

Gwen giggled and then lowered her voice, pointing toward Lacey's bedroom. "I'll tell you inside." It was obvious that she was scared of Scarlett, and probably had good reason to be.

Gwen opened the door and it was a round room... and nearly as small as her closet was at home. Looking around, Lacey envisioned herself as Rapunzel, locked up in the tower, awaiting her Prince Charming. But her prince wasn't a prince at all. More like Beast in Beauty and the Beast.

Lacey sat on the full-sized bed. Well, at least that was a bit bigger than she suspected it would be, but it took up most of the room and was completely unadorned. But she didn't need much to make her happy. Her choice in mate was her case in point.

Lacey patted the bed beside her. "So, tell me. How did Scar react when she heard the news?"

"Well, she threw a fit and broke a lot of glass," Gwen said. "And she nearly broke a priceless urn before Alpha Julien stopped her."

Lacey laughed. "Really?"

Gwen nodded. "You should have seen her! It was actually comical! Like a spoiled child not getting her way." She giggled, and then leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, I'll leave you to settle in."

"Could you tell me how to get to the dining room?" Lacey rolled her eyes. "Julien told me not to be late."

Gwen's smile faded, sympathy prominent in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Princess. But he said for you to stay in here all night." Then she lowered her voice again. "But don't worry. I'll bring you something to eat, even if I have to sneak it to you."

Lacey nodded. "Thanks, but I'm going to pretend you didn't tell me."

"Oh, please don't tell the Alpha!" Gwen begged. "He'll blame me! I don't want to be locked in the dungeon again!"

Lacey's eyebrows rose nearly into her hairline. "Seriously?"

Gwen nodded, her eyes wide.

Lacey patted her hand. "Gwen, I promise you. No one will lock you in the dungeon again... as long as I'm here."

"Oh! Thank you, Madame!" Gwen pulled her in for a huge hug, but quickly released her when she realized what she had inadvertently done. "Oh! I'm so sorry!"

Lacey waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, don't worry about it," she said, tilting her head to the side. "But you're serious. About being locked in the dungeon." I was more of a statement than a question.

Gwen nodded vigorously.

"Well, you just leave it to me," Lacey said. "I'm going to dinner. And if you'll excuse me, I need to dress."

"Oh!" Gwen popped up from her seat, startling Lacey. "Would you like help?"

"Heaven's no! But thanks, anyway." Lacey chuckled, realizing that this lifestyle was going to take some getting used to. "Don't worry! I'm not going to bite your head off...." Gwen nodded, smiling. "Today." The maid's smile quickly faded. Then Lacey burst out laughing. "I'm just kidding with you!" She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Stick with me and you won't be so scared anymore. Gwen, you can't live your life that way."

Gwen nodded and her smile returned as she bobbed a slight curtsy, and then hurried out the door.

Lacey looked through her clothes still in her suitcase, and then pulled out a strapless hand-me-down bright, floor-length red dress. It was old, but still looked good. "Yes! Why not?"

***

After Lacey dressed, she looked in the full-length mirror, satisfied with her efforts. Then she pulled her hair up, knowing that he liked it better down. She slipped on the only dress pair of shoes she had, a pair of black pumps, which made her look taller. When she was ready, she opened the door and walked downstairs.

On the bottom floor, Gwen saw her and did a doubletake.

"Gwen, where's the dining room?" Lacey stage whispered.

Gwen smirked and then whispered, "Down the hall to the right."

"Thank you." Lacey felt like she was sneaking around just going to dinner. Then she remembered herself. She promised herself long ago that she would never walk on eggshells for anyone... and especially not her future mate. So, she squared her shoulders, raised her chin, and walked in.