The Dreaded News

Next Morning.

Masha fiddled with her nails as she awaited the maidens to finish up with her face. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest, unable to express all the nervousness she felt. 

Two servants were in the room with her, while Terra sat on the bed behind her. But at that moment, Terra's presence could only do little to placate her. 

She was being primped up to meet with the prince and the mere thought of it was driving her nuts. For Absalom's sake, she never thought she'd ever have to feel so nervous about meeting with someone. How would she cope with the new life forced on her? What if she becomes too depressed and takes her own life?

She clasped her palms together as she let herself drown in her own thoughts. Just then, she heard her door open and glancing from the mirror before her, she discovered it was her brother. 

Her eyes dropped to her thighs as she felt him walk in from behind. 

"Greetings, Master Kona", Terra and the servants greeted simultaneously.

The young master looked so much like his father. Hence, he had a sting of savagery. 

"Greetings to you all", he answered calmly, anyway, his gaze on his sister who still had her head bowed over. 

He had been trying to reach her since the previous day, even waited for long in her room but left when she took so long to return. That morning, he had heard from his mother that she'd be meeting with the Prince for the first time. So, he decided it was the best time to come see her. 

He pottered toward her and placed a hand on her shoulder. His touch seemed to bring so much relief as Masha lifted her head to look in the mirror. 

"Hi", she muttered inaudibly, returning her gaze to her thighs. 

"Are you okay?" Kona asked after a brief pause, his hand moving to her neckline. 

All Masha did was bob. She couldn't say the lie to herself. Kona drew a deep breath and withdrew his hand from her shoulder. 

"I waited for you yesterday, but you never came back" he said. 

"I did. You just didn't wait enough", Masha sniffed in nothing. 

There was a brief pause. 

"I just wanted to talk to you, little sister, not to be afraid of the challenge being thrown at you. You've always been a strong woman and I know you'll definitely survive this. I'm sure of it. So, can you do that for me? Quit the worries and just fight like you've always done". As Kona spoke, Masha looked up at him from the mirror again.

At that moment, she couldn't pick offense at the "little sister" because he indeed, felt like a big brother. For the first time, she was seeing the master in him. Although, he looked so much like their father and may be as strict as he is, but his love for her was genuine. 

"Have I ever been a fighter?" She cocked her brows and asked, having a glint of doubt in her eyes. 

"Are you talking about the rude daughter of Lord Galadriel?" Kona scoffed. "My sister has always been a fighter, one that would never allow herself be intimidated. Surely, she can survive in the midst of those wolves. I know she can".

Masha shook her head and sighed. A knock at the door drew their attention from the conversation. Masha gestured Terra to check it out and upon opening the door, she discovered it was Lord Galadriel's right-hand man - Vader. 

He stood there, tall and intimidating with his face being as strict as ever. He always seemed like one ready for a fight. 

"Good morning, Vader", Terra bowed in obeisance, still holding the door open. 

But Vader ignored her and penetrated his eyes into the room for Masha. He found her there before the mirror and the two made an eye contact. 

"My lady, your father demands your presence in in the guest room", he informed.

As Masha looked at him, she noticed there was a way he ogled at her. It was strange and different. She looked away to calm the raging of her heart, but it was nearly impossible. Her father demands her presence in the guest room. It was obvious, wasn't it? It was time to meet with the Prince. 

Her heart raced and her breath came quickly. Kona noticed this and quickly took her hand. 

"It's fine. I'll go with you", he heartened her. And holding onto his words of encouragement, Masha got to her feet. 

She gave herself one final stare in the mirror, confirming how she looked like a bride-to-be. She couldn't believe her father made the servants do to this to her just to impress the Alpha's son. 

Still staring at the mirror, she found the huge Vader goggling at her. A lot of people rumoured how cruel and arrogant he was, but Masha had never experienced it. She broke their eye contact and still holding Kona's hand, they all left the room together. 

Vader was in front of them, taking the lead, while Terra was behind with the other servants. As they walked down the hallway, Masha kept imagining how her time with the Prince would be. He had almost knocked her down with his horse the previous day and showed no remorse. Would he show any now they were about to become a couple? Would it even make a difference?

Kona squeezed her hand in his, snapping her out of her reverie. She looked at him and let out a deep breath. 

"This... prince Czar", she exhaled. "What do you know about him?"

Kona looked at her and shrugged. "Well...not much. But, just like everyone knows, his mate is dead".

"About that... I thought a wolf can't get married to someone aside his mate?" Masha inquired. 

They spoke so lowly, but it was loud enough for everyone around them to hear. 

"Yes. But since his mate unfortunately died, he'd have to move on. Although, I heard her body was never found. But she's obviously dead, else, the Alpha would have felt her a long time ago. They all believe she's dead".

There was a brief silence. 

"They say he's a great fighter, has a really strong wolf. But he has no regard for anyone. A lot of people consider him their Alpha already because he does majority of his father's responsibilities. And in no time, King Gregory might be handing over to him".

"He hates Vampires", Vader suddenly chipped in. "You're missing that part".

Kona and Masha exchanged awkward glances at each other. At that time, they had gotten to the guest room and stood before the door.

Vader gave r a cranky stare at Masha, a stare of "are you ready", and when she said nothing, he turned the knob and opened the door. 

This time around, it was Masha who enclasped Kona's hand in hers as they stepped into the room. The first person she noticed in the neat and cozy room was her father who was laughing from an antecedent conversation. Then, she found the Alpha King sitting adjacent to her father. And finally, the Alpha prince - Czar. 

Masha could not explain why her nervousness tripled when she set her eyes on him. It was not like he was looking at her. He was standing in front of the window and gazed outside with his hands crossed at his back. He was adorned in a black robe with a black band tied round his head. And just staring at his back, Masha was able to feel all the nervousness she felt. 

"Greetings, Alpha King", Masha and Kona greeted with a bow. 

"Greetings to you two. You look lovely, Masha", the King complimented. And while Lord Galadriel beamed, Masha could barely consider it a worthy compliment. 

She looked at the prince who was still facing the window and acting like he could not notice them.

"Let's go straight to the point, shall we?" King Gregory drew a deep breath. "Masha, Czar".

Masha looked at him, but Czar didn't make a move. The King had to go on, anyway. 

"I am sure we do not need to dally over the issue on ground because by now, we all know our stands. Although...I know it's coming as a big shock to the both of you, but one thing we must have in mind - it's for the best. You may feel offended now, but in the long run, you'll definitely be thankful to us. I know for sure you two will make a wonderful couple".

"We want to carry out the marriage rites as soon as possible. Hence, Lord Galadriel and I have decided to make it tomorrow at noon".

Masha caught her next breath in a startled gasp, her brows furrowed. Tomorrow noon?? Had had she become a toy or something?

"All our families would be present and people from our respective packs. I am sure the goddess will be with us", he concluded and got to his feet. 

"Czar, Masha, we'll be giving you two the room for privacy. You can... have a litter talk, get to know each other and ...that should do for now. By evening, both families will have dinner so we can equally get to know more of ourselved. Son, let me know when you're done".

He started toward the door. Lord Galadriel tapped Masha's shoulder and also left with Kona. 

Masha looked around and discovered they were the only ones left in the room, just the both of them. He was still facing the window, looking deliberately calm. And the thought of being alone with him spasmed Masha violently. 

**************

Lord Galadriel had a fulfilling smile on his lips as he headed to his chamber with Vader. Things were going as planned. Everything. 

He was hopeful Masha and the prince would have a good time in the room. He could not wait for them to finally be joined together and begin birthing hybrids. What history they'd make!

"My Lord", Vader suddenly called beside him. "Are you certain about this? Marrying the Lady to the Alpha prince?"

Lord Galadriel arched his brows like he had asked the most absurd question. "Of course, Vader. Why would you of all people even doubt it?"

Vader turned reticent. 

"Is there something you're not telling me, Vader?" Galadriel asked suspiciously. 

Vader let a few seconds slide before speaking up. 

"It's probably not important anymore, but... I thought the lady was too precious and should not be married off carelessly. Lady Masha deserves better, at least, one of her own people. I had interest in her and had plans of telling you before the news of the engagement broke out".

Lord Galadriel stopped walking immediately and so did Vader. He goggled at him, his eyes holding so much amusement. 

"You... like my daughter?" There was an echo of ridicule in his voice, but Vader looked pass it and just nodded. 

Then, the King scoffed and resumed walking. Shortly, he laughed. He found it funny that his right-hand man had interest in his daughter. Although, Vader was a strong man, protective and powerful, but his looks... He had the most horrific look to Galadriel and he was definitely not the type he'd want for his daughter. How could he even think of such?

Vader studied the Lord's expression and concluded he must be having ridiculous thoughts about him. And to that, he did not know how to react. 

They had gotten to the King's door and Vader was about opening it when suddenly, two men came running toward them. 

They were guards, but not guards that worked for the Palace. The place they guarded was different. Galadriel and Vader were both surprised upon seeing the men running in such way like they had been chased by their enemies. They shouldn't be there! Not unless there was a problem. 

"My Lord...!" They went on their knees when they got close enough. 

Vader had stepped away from the door and looked at the men with the same incertitude the King wore on his face. 

"Raksha, Dasan, what is going on? Why are you here?" Galadriel demanded peremptorily. 

It was unarguably strange that they were there without being summoned. Something was definitely wrong. 

"My Lord, we...we have a problem. A very big one", Dasan stuttered, his head bowed in mercy. 

Galadriel said nothing, but his entire body language communicated how badly he wanted to hear the next words, even if he felt they were words that might destroy everything.

"It is Jaha!" Edgar declared. "Jaha has escaped!"