7_ ruined

this morning with excruciating pain in my shoulder. Every movement I make sends a sharp jolt of pain through my body.

"Ouch!"

I slowly opened my eyes and surveyed my surroundings, realizing that I was back in my room. I examined my right shoulder and noticed a healing wound, which explains the discomfort.

I carefully got out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. As I undressed, memories of the events leading up to my injury flooded my mind.

Just as I opened the bathroom door, I was taken aback to find Killian standing there, his concerned golden eyes fixed on me, with a hint of fear.

As I looked at myself, embarrassment washed over me as I realized I was only in my underwear. Panic immediately set in, and I instinctively reached out for something to cover myself.

"Yah!" I screamed and hurled the soap at him, hitting him on the forehead. Killian, startled, quickly shut the door, his face showing a mix of fear and upset. I could see the tension in his strong jaw.

Shouldn't I be the one angry? I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself and avoid lashing out at my foolish security guard for his thoughtless action.

I decided to soak in my bathtub, which was filled with roses of various hues. The scent instantly relaxed me, allowing me to forget about everything else.

Wait, what happened again? The last thing I remember is Killian shielding me from an incoming crossbow, his golden eyes filled with fear once more.

I let out a sigh. No wonder he constantly calls me clumsy, even though it doesn't suit someone as strong-willed and assertive as me. I wished to see his concerned face like I did the first time I met him. However, there seemed to be something different in his expression after that incident.

I couldn't help but reminisce about the sparkle in his captivating eyes. Why am I suddenly recalling that day? I thought I had buried the memories of that dreadful day long ago. It wasn't just Killian's hurtful remarks that made me want to forget, but also the increased strictness and restrictions imposed by my parents on my freedom. All I ever wished for was a sense of liberation.

And to make matters worse, I had developed an infatuation for the most foolish man in the underworld. If there were an award for the coldest and most heartless person, Killian would undoubtedly win. Gradually, my infatuation faded, and he became the person I despised the most.

After finishing my bath, I grabbed a towel to dry my damp hair. Absentmindedly, I walked out of my room, forgetting that my guard could still be inside since I had grown accustomed to him always being outside and no one entering without my permission.

Once again, I was taken aback to find Killian sitting on my bed, staring at me as if he had seen a ghost. I dropped the towel and let out another scream.

"Waaaaa!"

"Calm down, stop screaming; you'll damage my eardrums if you keep it up. Besides, no one else can hear you since the other guard isn't here," Killian said, pointing towards the door. "And just a reminder, your room is at the top of the castle.”

Killian responded in a bored tone and flashed a mischievous grin. He shifted his position, seemingly unaffected by my outburst.

"Why did you come here? Get out of my room!" I shouted, my frustration reaching its peak.

I let out a scream of irritation, unable to contain my awkwardness and frustration. I wished I could just kick him out of my life.

"Can you at least cover your unattractive body first?" he retorted, his words hitting me like a slap in the face. Was he aware of the admirers I had at school? Of course, they had no idea about my true identity as a princess in this realm.

Frustration consumed me, and I clenched my hand tightly. Feeling powerless, I picked up the towel from the floor and stormed into my closet, slamming the door shut. I hastily searched for something to wear, making sure it was stunning to prove to the blind man standing in front of my closet that his vile insults were completely unfounded.

I settled on a simple yet beautiful pink dress and stepped out of the closet. However, as soon as I caught sight of his face, I let out another scream.

"How dare you enter my room without my permission! Did I tell you to get out?" I exclaimed, my face contorted with anger.

"First of all, I don't need your permission because your parents granted it to me. I am here in your room to guard you, as ordered by the Alpha, who happens to be your father. Secondly, why are you assuming that I have any interest in your body? To be honest, I wouldn't want a girl like you in a million ways. And thirdly, your parents instructed me to inform you that a guest has arrived and you need to prepare," Killian responded, his tone matter-of-fact.

I wanted to retaliate and assert my authority, reminding him that this was my room and I had the sole right to invite anyone I pleased. However, his second reason struck me like a blow, leaving me speechless. I found myself retreating back into my closet, my feet heavy with a mix of emotions.

It felt as if I was seven years old again, and his hurtful remarks were like a sharp dagger piercing my heart. "A girl like me..." Why was I allowing his words to affect me? Hadn't I grown accustomed to his anger? Why was I even listening to him? I knew my own worth!

"Hey, are you changing your clothes again?" Killian knocked on the door of my closet, oblivious to the hurtful things he had just said.

"Inconsiderate..." I closed my eyes, trying to maintain a composed tone.

"Yes, if there is a guest, I want to make sure I am presentable," I replied, swallowing the pain that lingered within me.

****

I took a seat beside my mother, with my father seated in the middle. We were gathered in the dining hall, sharing a meal with the Beta family, who held the second-highest position in our pack. However, their presence was not due to discussions about another battle. Instead, it was because my father had asked the Beta's son to marry me. Could there be anything else that could make this already dreadful day any worse?

As they continued to talk, I found myself lost in my own thoughts, feeling drained from the events of the day and, most significantly, the hurtful words that Killian had uttered. They echoed in my mind, tormenting me.

But amidst it all, I couldn't help but wonder if it was possible for me to defy m

y father this time. Was there a way for me to disobey his wishes?