Chapter 3. Escape The Ordinary

*Princess Jasmin*

"Maleficus, do you have it?." 

I stare at the old man with my eyes that is shining with expectation, for a positive response. Pleading at the deepest part of my heart, that the wizard will say yes. I needed one of his potion once more,  and like always, i assured him no one will ever know i got his help most of the time. The time when sneaking out of the Palace is what I needed desperately.

"Yes Princess, but please I couldn't make anymore potion portals for you. The King will have me questioned if he knew i am helping your escape". With a slight perspiration gleaming in his forehead, Maleficus gave the answer I have expected.

"Oh Maleficus! Thank you so much". Ignoring his complaint, my lips suddenly curved into a sweet smile. Then my eyes rolled down to his hand who holds the small bottle of potion. A good feeling of relief flooded through my viens.

"I swear no one will know."

Without wasting another second, I took the tiny bottle in his hand, and place it inside my chest. Unmindful of the coldness it felt through my skin.

"Princess it's already time for the celebration, your brother and the Queen must be looking for us. We need to be present otherwise, they will come looking for me too."

I took in a deep breath and walked ahead of him. Similing cheerfuly at myself. Tonight is the announcement of the Alpha King's heir. Queen Carmela finally conceives a child, an heir to the throne. A new member to our family! it makes me forget the dilemma which have bothered me for many nights now.

In two months time I will be eighteen and will soon find my mate. But I should forget all that. My mate is not someone who's eager to have me. He's a wolf who's cruel and ruthless, he only loves power and dominance to his pack. He does not know me. My knowledge about the truth is breaking my heart in two.

I shook my head and tried my best to look happy, when Maleficus and I neared to the huge entrance of the Palace hall.

"Oh, the place is so crowded...Do you think, he's here?

I turned my head back asking a question to the old wizard behind me.

He blinked twice before meeting my gaze. "Yes Princess, he's already here. And he will agree to take you with him tonight.".

I swallowed a lump in my throat, I have one last chance to escape from him. I put my right arm above my chest, my long dark red gown plunges just on top of my breast. I could feel the cold small bottle of the potion in between my cleavage. Making sure it's in place, I continued walking.

"Well, let's see if he can."

Wearing a proud smile I took a step forward, entering the huge Palace hall. I heard the slow cough of Maleficus behind me. He must be surprised to have understood what I am planning to do. But he couldn't stop me. No one could. Not my brother or him.

I walked gracefully, turning a little to the familiar wolves that greets me. The Alphas of the four regions are here tonight. Celebrating with my family, and strengthening the alliances in between our packs.

I almost faltered my steps when I saw the table next to the throne. The three chairs around it are occupied and one of them is the broad back of the Alpha living in the North. He's wearing a dark leather jacket which made his aura so striking even from behind. As I prayed for him to not notice my presence, I pace towards the Queen Luna and my brother's table.

"I'm glad you're finally here Jas."

The Queen's complexion indicates she's delighted to see me, but my brother's was the total opposite. He's still mad from the last time I defied him.

"Same here Carmela, and I'm so excited for the baby."

I lowered my face to give her cheeks a peek and sat at a chair next to her. Ignoring my brother who didn't bother to greet me.

Maleficus took the moment to formally announced the celebration for the night. The four Alphas came forward one by one to offer their gifts and wishes for the coming of the heir.

I didn't pay attention to the three but I stayed still in my seat,waiting for that moment when the last Alpha has to move forward and greet the King and the Queen. 

Alpha Zero of the North, is the last in line.

"Congratulations King Alpha Jack! An heir at last. Thank you for inviting me tonight."

He's deep manly voice is distinctive enough to my sensitive hearing. I turned my head away, I felt that I might spill out myself if I would look at him.

"The pleasure is all mine Alpha Zero."

"By the way, my King. I'd like to remind you of the favor you asked. I don't see any reason why I shouldn't agree."

I could almost guess what Alpha Zero is talking about, and I was not able to contain the hiss coming from my mouth. 

"But I am leaving at dawn, as there is an important matter that I have to attend to in the Cold Mountain Pack. I assume the Princess can have enough time to gather her things. That is, if you haven't changed the plan on sending her with me."

His casual voice sounded normal, it's as if I am just an extra baggage he agreed to take.

"That's great Alpha Zero. My sister will excuse her self for the celebration and gather her things to go with you at dawn."

I gaze upon them wide eyed. There is a clear disapproval on my part, but I couldn't argue at a moment like this. Queen Carmela, put her hand on top of mine while I am gripping on the arm rest of my chair. I saw the dominance on my brother's aura, he's using the power as an Alpha King to make me follow.

This is so unfair, him deciding for myself. I am almost eighteen, don't I get the right to do things for myself and be in charge. He always says I am spoiled and our parents used to gave me too much freedom, that growing up, I failed to notice the difference between good and evil.

I clenched my teeth when I felt the Alpha's footsteps walked towards me. 

Queen Carmela removed her hand on top of mine, so I tried keeping both of my hands on my lap. With my posture erect against the back of my chair I slowly raised my eyes to look up at him.

He is towering in front of me, that my neck bent slightly upward to meet his gaze. His lips twisted in a wry smile and his stare penetrates deep into my soul. He has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, dark and unfathomable but paired with thick and long lashes below the prominent brows. His nose is long and unperturbed, while his lips are red and luscious. 

How could a beastly Alpha looked as attractive as him? I think the Moon Goddess was being unfair.

He just stood there for a few seconds, before he finally decided to speak.

"Well, Prin...cess..you're training starts soon so I suggest you better get your things ready. You will be staying with me for the period of three months or until the day i say you are fit to defend yourself alone."

It was obvious how he mockingly say the word princess to spite me. 

"Of course Alpha Zero, i just hoped you are as good as what my brother says you are. Otherwise i am opt to find a better warrior to train me".

I am not sure anymore why the tiny hairs from the back of my neck are slowly rising. Is it because of my irritable brain, due to thinking too much on how I could escape this two overbearing men. Or is it an attraction that I am trying to conceal with annoyance?

He raised his dark brows while his eyes locked with mine.

"I assure you, i am the best Alpha trainer you will ever meet. Even the Alpha King himself have his faith in me, and i am not going to fail him. So princess you better hurry to your chambers now and asked your helpers to pack your things, i will be coming to take you at three am."

The nerve of this wolf! I bit the inside of my mouth to not give him an offending words.

"Alpha Zero thank you so much, i trust you with my sister's life. She may hate me now, but after this is done, she would thank me for this opportunity".

I am not sure about what my brother had said, thanking him will be the opposite of what I felt right now.

"You're most welcome Alpha King Jack and Queen Carmela..I will give you both my word. To protect and train her well. Rest assured she will come back as a good warrior and not just a naive and vulnerable little Princess that you knew".

I released the breath I was holding when he bowed to my brother and the Queen. After that, he gave me one last look before he leaves with an arrogant walk.

The King and Queen must be impressed by how he gave his words, but I didn't say I would follow him. 

As the King and Queen indulged themselves in a sweet conversation, I rose to my feet and headed to the nearest exit from the huge hall. I needed to move fast.