Chapter 2

-HER-

I couldn't get the encounter out of my head. I made my way home through the pitch-black, icy forest with my thumping heart and my worried snow leopard, Dal.

Though I was most perplexed by the Lycan King's unexpected and odd hourly arrival in Zeifa. He must have been called here for a very important reason.

I tried my best to block out his thoughts. I didn't want to be paired with the vicious monster that he was. He was a lycan, the King of Lycans, not even a werewolf. They had a reputation for being brutal and cold.

The songs would be better lived alone than with him. His reputation was already damaged, but the fact that he continued to pursue my leopard despite knowing that it belonged to me further damaged his image.

Whether it was my mate or not, I wouldn't put up with anyone putting my snow leopard in danger.

What have you been doing? As soon as I entered my wing through the rear entrance, my mother questioned me. Even though I knew it was already quite dark outside, she seemed much more concerned about something else, and I couldn't help but wonder why.

I hid my disbelief and said, "I was out for a run, mom." Despite the fact that a part of me wanted to go into her arms, sob like a baby, and tell her everything. I paced restlessly as I stood, unsure of how she would take it. At that moment, I wanted to tell her everything.

"Anyway, tonight is the Royal Dinner, and you and your father must attend. quickly get ready "As she hurried me to my room, she told me. I quickly guessed the reason why this dinner was called off so abruptly.

For the Lycan King, that is. I didn't want to see him tonight for a second time. My mum began blathering on about topics I didn't care about while my chest began to race with worry. She selected the dress I would be wearing tonight when she was browsing my closet.

She threatened to tell Lawrence to expel me from Zeifa if I showed up to the dinner wearing old pair of pants as she spread out some lovely gowns on the bed for me. I regarded the clothes, and a frown began to spread across my face.

Though incredibly lovely and vibrant, none of them ever seemed to fit me. My mother disagreed with my perception that I looked unattractive and out of place in them.

Is it possible for me to skip tonight's dinner? Instead, while slouching on the bed and saying, "I don't feel like going," I asked my mother, "Why not?" She grimaced. I tried to tell her about the Lycan King when I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Instead, I found myself sighing and telling her a lie. I'm not feeling good,

She immediately asked me in a worried voice, "What took place? Do you have a cold? How many times would I have to warn you that spending too much time outside at night would be bad for you, but you would never heed my advice? I am..." She started talking again, and I sighed and slouched down in my bed

"I never get your attention. You mistakenly believe that you are an independent lady who is fully grown, Athena, but in reality, you are only 117 years old. You still have a lot to learn, and" She kept talking, and I continued to roll my eyes.

"Okay, good. I'll be there!" I yelled at her to get her to stop. She paused for a second and gave me a slit-eyed look.

She said, "I'll be waiting," and then she was gone. I located the dress she had picked out for me, had a warm bath, and changed. To complement my platinum blond hair, it was a lovely pastel blue garment with a greyish undertone.

She said as soon as she saw me, "That looks better. "Detangle your hair. It's long and lovely, "She commented while taking out my braids and combing my hair.

Dal was watching us in interest as he perched on my bed in the interim.

"You look stunning!" She fawned after finishing with my hair, saying, "I can't wait till you find your partner," inflicting an unintentional blow to my self-confidence.

Again, I wondered if this would be the right time to tell her everything, but I abandoned the thought. We finally exited my wing after he showered me with a dozen more compliments.

I didn't trust Lucian or his men, so I let Dal stay in my bedroom. He appeared to be the type of person who wouldn't give up until they got what they wanted, therefore I was certain he was after my leopard.

As I made my way to the Royal Dinner, I felt worried. This anxiety was a first for me. This caught my mother's attention, and she repeatedly asked me whether everything was alright. I repeatedly told her lies.

Embry, Locros, and Jacob, three of my boyhood pals, were waiting for me outside the enormous ceremonial hall where the meal was scheduled to take place. The fact that they would be there made me sigh with relief. They never failed to amuse me, and I always felt secure in their presence.

When I approached them, the three of them stopped speaking to each other. They continued to stare at me for a second. Before the three of them screamed with laughter, I grinned awkwardly.

Before leaving to meet some of the witches who were also invited to the dinner, my mum gave them the side-eye.

What do you have on? Asking while choking on his own spit, Embry. I scowled "Why? Do I not look nice?" As the three of them stopped laughing hysterically, I questioned.

"You do. You certainly appear gorgeous, but we don't often see you dressed like this," Locros said."

I grinned at him and said, "Oh, thank you, Locros, for the praise. Of the three, he was the most considerate and modest. And you two may go to hell, I said as I turned to face the other two.

I put my arm around Locros' and entered the large Ceremony Hall, where the Royal Dinner was going to be held. They both came after us.

Where is Dal? Jake enquired. They enjoyed playing with my snow leopard as well; in fact, Dal was the main focus of most of our early memories. I responded, "He is now under my wing. I don't have faith in tonight's visitors."

"This came so quickly. I'm curious why he's here "Embry raised her voice and echoed our interest.

"He appears to be seeking increased military collaboration. Increasingly, he is enlarging his empire in opposition to the dragons "When Jacob spoke, I found myself agreeing with his viewpoint.

Lucian was renowned for his military prowess and infamous methods of kingdom expansion. Some claimed he was reclaiming territory that the Dragons had previously inhabited, while others claimed he was simply a mad King out on a murdering spree.

I held both views.

"I want to spend some time in the mortal realm. Anybody else keen?" Embry enquired.

Jacob said, "Well, if you're going then we're bound to go with you."

"What for?" Instead I asked.

Embry shrugged and took a drink "I'm about to ascend to the kingdom. I need someone to stand by my side," He spoke in a fairly casual manner, but I could still see the longing and grimness in his eyes.

He was a prince who was on the verge of becoming Zeifa's King. His eagerness was understandable, and I knew we would support him no matter what course of action he chose or where he looked for his spouse. We would have to go our route.

I couldn't help but wonder, though, if Lucian shared my haste and yearning for a mate. After all, he was a powerful King who oversaw one of the biggest empires. Someone must be able to assist him. However, I couldn't picture myself as that person.

My eyes suddenly turned to the Royal balcony that overlooked the entire area as I thought of him.

The Royal Couple and the major guest weren't there yet, so it was still vacant. Despite the fact that everyone else was already here and mingling.

How long do you anticipate being away? I then addressed Embry.

"I'm not even sure if I'd be permitted to travel in the first place. I already have a lot of responsibilities here, and the King and Queen wouldn't be pleased if I left, "He responded.

"What if she runs into Zeifa while we're waiting? I suggested to him. What if she is in Zeifa but hasn't yet reached old age?" Embry rejected my offer by shaking his head in disapproval.

He only said, "I know she's not here. I was going to ask him how he knew it, but an abrupt howl forced everyone in the room to turn toward the Royal balcony.

Finally, the royal couple and the visitor arrived. As I stared at him, I tightened my jaw. Despite the fact that there were so many people about, I was confident he couldn't see me, but I was incorrect when his eyes met mine, sending a chill down my spine.