Chapter 6

Veronica's POV:

A few minutes after Beatrice left the room, I began walking cautiously around the room. Touching the pieces of furniture and hoping that an object in the room might strike a cord and help me regain my memories but my efforts were futile. I walked to the window and drew the curtains open, I marveled at the sight of the beautiful garden.

Everything in this place speaks a high volume of royalty and wealth.

Exhausted, I step into the luxurious bathroom, the tiles cold beneath my bare feet. I pause to take in the opulence around me - the golden fixtures, the ornate mirrors, the plush towels neatly folded on the heated rack. It's all so familiar yet foreign at the same time.

As I turn on the taps, the water cascades down in a soothing rush, inviting me to step inside. I slowly ease myself into the bathtub, relishing the warmth enveloping my body. I close my eyes, letting my mind drift as I soak in the fragrant bubbles. For a moment, I forget about the looming banquet, and the pressure to put on a royal façade.

But eventually, I must face the reality of the evening ahead.

After taking my bath, I stepped out of the bathroom and carefully chose a handmade designer gown from my wardrobe, admiring the intricate embroidery and shimmering sequins. I slip it on, the fabric hugging my curves in all the right places. I feel like a princess, even though I have no memories of who I am or where I come from.

As I gaze into the mirror, I try to piece together any fragments of my past. But all I see is a reflection of a woman with a blank slate, a mystery waiting to be solved. It's both exhilarating and daunting.

I heard a knock on the door. It was Beatrice.

"Wow, you look drop-dead gorgeous" Beatrice exclaimed, staring at me with great admiration.

I blushed slightly, ignoring the feeling of anxiety crawling on my skin.

"My lady, if you don't mind, I'll take you to the banquet hall now. Everyone is waiting" she genuflected briefly.

"Beatrice, can you drop the honorifics?" I asked raising my eyebrows slightly" it's making me feel weird besides we're in the same age bracket"

"Awwww, you're so flawless. But you see, I'm an omega and I'm not supposed to talk to you without honorifics. I'll be in trouble if the King or Queen hears about it" Beatrice replied, bowing slightly.

"It's fine, let's go to the banquet hall then"

"Sure, follow my lead" she became giddy again and smiled broadly as she opened the door for me.

I made my way to the banquet hall, the grandeur of the surroundings taking my breath away. The chandeliers sparkle like diamonds, the table settings are fit for royalty. I take my seat at the side of the table, the eyes of the guests on me. I try to maintain composure, to act the part of a regal figure. Irrespective of the friendly atmosphere, I still felt out of place and my palm was sweaty.

A few minutes later, the King and Queen stepped into the hall and everyone stood up to pay obeisance to the Lycan King and his Luna. The King took his seat at the head of the table and Malia, sat beside him.

"It's a great pleasure to have everyone gathered here today. Today is indeed a day of joy for me and my family", Tyler, the Lycan King said, his voice commanding so much authority that it ran a shiver down my spine whenever he spoke.

"My daughter, Veronica, is once again reunited with her family. And this feast is to celebrate my daughter's return" Tyler said, raising his wine glass.

"Here's a toast to my daughter's safe return and recovery. Welcome, Veronica" his voice roared as he grinned widely.

"Welcome," the members at the table cheered and raised their glasses in unison.

"Thank you" I muttered, smiling half heartedly as I raised my glass and sipped the wine, letting it caress my tongue.

"Now, let's eat and be merry," Tyler said

Everyone at the table began to dive their cutlery set into their food amidst discussion. Everybody chatted and laughed with so much happiness and I simply sat down and stared at the happy sight with awe.

I had barely touched the pasta and beef slices on my plate. As the evening wore on and the conversation ebbed and flowed, my eye caught someone who I'd barely noticed his presence on the table.

He was an elegant young man in his early twenties. He had a tall and lean frame, and his chiseled features were accentuated by his neatly trimmed hair and carefully groomed beard. His piercing blue eyes surveyed the room with a bored expression, while the chatter and laughter of the other guests fell on deaf ears.

As he sat at the table, his posture was impeccable, and he used his silverware with refined grace. But there was an air of detachment about him, as though he was only going through the motions of dining with everyone seated at the table.

Despite the delicious food that was being served, he ate in silence, barely touching his plate. He seemed lost in thought, his eyes flickering occasionally to the door as though he couldn't wait to leave the dining room.

As if on cue, he raised his head and looked at me, tilting his head to one side. His gaze was piercing as though he was scanning my face. I felt a surge of excitement race through my nerves as I stared at his breathtaking face. I swallowed hard as I watched him slightly raise his eyebrows and bite his lower lips seductively.

My heart began to race wildly. Who is this guy and why is he making my heart flutter?

I quickly tore my eyes from his gaze and turned to Beatrice who was standing behind my seat all this while.

"Hey, I'd like to use the restroom," I whispered to Beatrice.

"Is everything okay?" Malia asked as she noticed the slight discomfort in my voice.

"Yeah, I'm okay, I just want to go to the restroom", I said, forcing a smile.

"Alright, Beatrice, show her the way to the restroom"

As we walked through the brightly lit hallway that led to the bathroom, Beatrice looked at me curiously.

"My lady, were you feeling out of place at the dining table?"

"Not really", I replied, forcing a smile.

Beatrice smiled broadly exposing her dimples. She knew I was lying.

After I was done washing my face, I headed back to the dining room with Beatrice taking the lead. The maids bowed briefly whenever I passed but just before I got to the door of the dining room, I saw a familiar figure approaching me. He walked with grace and a confident gait. His eyes were void of emotions as he still held the boring look on his face.

When he got a few feet away from me, he stopped in his tracks and tilted his head just like he did before.

"You're Veronica, right?" He spoke. His voice was deep but mild and hearing him speak made me feel butterflies in my stomach again.

He made a quick scan of my physique from head to toe. His piercing gaze felt assaulting. Running his hand through his neatly trimmed hair, he grinned widely and walked away, leaving the scent of his cologne in his wake.

Who is he to have such a deadly effect on me?