It can't be… Aster looked at me with dread on his face but he let go of me and went with the guards toward Helena if the rumor was true. I, on the other hand, froze from the side of my bed, still couldn’t believe what I just heard. As if it was so surreal, the kind of nightmare just like I had with Aster’s g*dd*mned Beta.My mouth was gaping but I could barely breathe. Will this suffering end? Will I ever get a chance to have peace of mind just for a while before the world hits me again with another tragic news?!My head started to fill with rage as I clenched my teeth and screamed, throwing away the pillows and pulling the bedsheet away from the bed, ripping it with all my strength. I could feel the wounds on my back tearing open as the blood dripped down and the metallic smell of blood filled my nose like I almost tasted it in my mouth.The nurse attendants immediately rushed towards me and five of them tried to pin me down to bed, stopping me from doing any more damage to my body.
Meal time is always the time of the day when I wish to just vanish in thin air.I once asked not to attend dinner with them but Helena, who seemed to enjoy tormenting me with Aspen’s presence declined my request. She told me that as the Emperor’s concubine, I had to be always present in every repast to keep the good harmony and relationship between all the concubines and the people that the Emperor wanted him to join with his dinners.I kept my eyes low. The last thing I ever wanted was to catch a glimpse of Aster looking back at me because it will be torture to see him sitting beside Helena while they are discussing something that only both of them could hear. I wanted to eat fast and leave the dining hall as soon as I could but that would be so inappropriate and disrespectful, especially since there are five wealthy and powerful merchants that Emperor Aster invited as important guests of the palace. While in the middle of the dinner, I caught some of them looking at me with shy sm
One more minute and I think I am going to give up.I have been knocking on that heavy wooden door of Lady Marian's room. I know she is aware of my presence because of the small peephole she requested for her door, so her little parrot could check if it is someone she would like to come in or just ignore.And I think I am that someone she had been ignoring for several weeks already.Winter is coming and there are parts of the palace that are too cold that I had to wear layers of coats to warm myself. Unlike other werewolves, my body just doesn’t regulate heat as a normal werewolf does. I easily get cold which makes the other people in the corridor stare at me at how ridiculous I look in my clothes. Layers of clothes are not normal in this place and it makes me look funny in the eyes of others, especially when I was a kid and the other monarch children used to make fun of me. I could remember I was so upset and refused to wear my coats, making others think that I am as normal as them.
“What you are doing endangers your life, your Grace… I am afraid for your safety. Lady Marian and King Laurent were right. YOU should leave this place while you still have time, While everyone’s attention is on lady Helena. While she isn’t the Empress of this Empire yet.”Nina dressed me for tonight’s banquet, a congratulatory feast held by the Emperor’s friends for him and Lady Helena. I stare at my face in the mirror while Nina’s skillful hands braid my hair intricately, putting glinting gems on my hair. She is really working hard to make me look wonderful tonight and I love how passionate she is when she’s working with my dresses, makeup, and hair.This time, Aster didn’t send me a gown he preferred me to wear which he usually did. It made me sad for a moment though. I didn’t expect I would miss that kind of affection from him. “I know… but it is not that easy, Nina,” I murmured to her, “I know how much you all care for me but I already decided. I would never leave this place. It
“YOU—-” I felt sick in my stomach when he flashed his devilish smile at me. I squirmed away from him but his hands on my waist pulled me closer so that my body pressed against his. Some of the people are already looking at both of us. I can’t believe how insane this man gets. I almost lost an eye and a hand because of him and here he is, forcing me to dance with him in the middle of the crowd, all giving me a judging look.“Let me go, Beta Emyr!” I hissed at him, my hands pushing him on his chest, trying to get away from his venomous look. The hair on my nape stood with the touch of his hand. I don’t see him as the gentle, kind Beta anymore after he showed me his true color. He is as vile as Helena and both of them are the most dangerous people in Headow Stronghold that I should avoid.“Don’t tell me you are now that scared of me, lady Eodelle… where is that feisty lady? I love how you turn me on whenever I see that fire in your eyes every time you get angry,” he whispered in my ear
We went to the eastern wing of the castle tower, hoping the sky is clear for a great star gazing for tonight.And we both are not disappointed at how beautiful the night sky is. The dress made it difficult for me to go up the stairs though but King Laurent made sure of my safety by holding my hand while we ascended the spiral stairs. The last time I was in this part of the palace, it was not a pleasant memory for me because of Beta Emyr. But now, I want to appreciate the beauty of the Empire and the stars shining above it once more—but this time, with a person who really cares for me. I want King Laurent to appreciate the beauty of the Empire as well… that it is not totally bad at all despite all the horrible people living inside the palace. That the small people in this land are the ones who inspire me to be the right Wycliffe girl, an incorrupt one that can lead her people to progress without killing or hurting anyone. But my wolf knows deep inside that it is an impossible thing
"I couldn't believe you were his first kiss!""Shhh! Someone might hear you!" I chuckled at lady Marian. Both of us are in her room, having a short break for tea after our house chores. I was right all along. Helena had finally taken away the Eunuchs, making me and the rest of the concubines finally free from the eyes of those scary guards. —-which means Helena is really confident she will get the crown no matter what. I went straight to lady Marian's room as soon as my duties were finished. She is the only person I could tell everything that is happening in my life and her loyalty to our friendship means so much to me. She and King Laurent are the only people in this place who I trust all my life. "He is such a huge baby," lady Marian chuckled while pushing her shoulder against mine with a teasing smile. Lady Marian seemed excited for me and the King but we are both aware that we should be a little careful since we are not sure yet when the Alpha Aster will grant us our total free
[HELENA’s Point-of-View]“You shouldn’t be here!”“I know. But can you blame me? You are so beautiful up there on the platform sitting on your soon-to-be throne!”I glared at Emyr from the corner of my eyes while slipping my silk robes up my shoulders. I couldn’t sleep so I looked at the far horizon from the wide window of my room. My thoughts are filled with so many possibilities when I finally become the Empress of this land. All the people in the council favor me more than Aster. I used to love him but I just realized he is not the man I used to love anymore, seeing him so helpless in front of me just because of the power he knows I have within the walls of this palace. He knows I have him on his neck. Aster is basically just a symbol of the crown now and means nothing to the council. He is at my disposal anytime I grow tired of him.But Emyr… his desire for me never faded. He always had his eyes on me, adoring me from the tip of my heart down to the nails of my foot. He is the bes