CHAPTER 8
AUDREY’S POV
So much for getting over it!
I had never been the type to give extra care to something that I’d convinced myself was not an issue to make me disturbed, but here I was, feeling so moody.
“Moody girl plus road trip, equals….” My mother communicated with me through our mindlink. I simply rolled my eyes and reclined into the seat of the carriage. At least, the carriage was not moving slowly, if not it would have seriously grated on my nerves. “So, you wouldn’t answer me now?” She prodded once more, making me finally give in and answer her.
“You’re not the one who got dumped by her bestfriend, who also turns out to be family.”
“Don’t tell me whatever Denver said, is still getting to you.”
“Why not? I have literally been the type to never care about anyone else. I only have a few friends, and the one I happen to care deeply for, just broke up with me.”
“Look, Audrey, you are finally stepping up your staus, and you should know that some things are better done away with. Denver is clearly not in support of your success! Keeping him around would only hold you back from achieving greatness. Soon, you’d be queen, and you must learn to do away with becoming emotionally attached to others. Have no friends! All you are permitted to have, are allies. No one can be trusted.”
“The only reason why I sat back and watched you nurture a bond so strong with Denver, regardless of the fact I knew how different you both were, was because he is family.”
“But I did think he and I were alike.” I muttered, half annoyed that the whole thing was getting to me, more than it was supposed to. Maybe my mom was right after all. I shouldn’t let myself become emotionally attached to anyone else again. Regardless of the fact Denver and I were family, I knew this friendship was very much over. Seeing as I may not return to my parent’s pack after the annual ball, I wouldn’t get to see him as frequently as I used to. Denver and I, were really over.
Maybe it got to me this much because I had always envisaged stepping up my ladder of success, with Denver cheering me on, by the sidelines. How wrong I was. He said he didn’t know who I was anymore. What did that even mean?
“You’re right, mom. I don’t need anyone burdening me emotionally. Denver and I, weren’t supposed to work from the beginning.”
“I’m glad you agree with me. Now, put on a sweet face before your father realizes something is off. You don’t want him feeling disappointed that you let yourself become so emotionally weak.”
“Right.” I sighed, before closing off my mindlink.Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.
“Alpha!” The coachman yelled out from the driver’s seat of the carriage, grasping our attention. At first, I thought there was a threat, until he informed us of what I had been longing to hear since we started this journey many hours ago. “We just arrived the Royal moon pack. A few more minutes, and we would be at the palace.” If that wasn’t a relief, then I didn’t know what. Goddess, I need to have a really warm bathe and relax before it was time for the annual ball. I had to look my best, when being introduced to the entire kingdom as Sebastian’s mate and bride to be. I was a famous wolf, but not many have had the opportunity of seeing me. They were going to see me today, and I had to ensure they were awed beyond reason.
True to the words of our coachman, we got to the palace after a while. Immediately our carriage came to a halt, a voice resounded from outside.
“Welcome to the Royal moon pack Alpha Dean and Luna Marion Chadwick. The royal family has anticipated your arrival the whole day. Do you wish to alight now?” Oh wow. I looked to see my mother fixing up the neckline of her expensive dress, before clearing her throat and giving her response to whomever had been talking.
“Yes, please.” She smiled. The next second, the carriage door was pulled open to reveal a very tall and athletic looking…. guard? He didn’t seem like a guard to me though.
But then, I recognized the outfit. It was what prince Sebastian’s personal guards always wore, whenever they visited my parent’s pack. Though this particular outfit was slightly different, probably due to rank or something. That was the least of my concern in that moment. Who I really wanted to see was Sebastian. Weirdly, I missed him. I guess I was becoming emotionally attached to Seb, but I doubt it was a bad thing, considering the fact that we were to be married.
“Gamma Luke!” My father grinned at the man, and I released a low sigh. Gamma Luke? This was Gamma of the Royal moon pack, and commander of the royal army? Oh, my moon! And here I was, reducing him to the level of a guard!
“It is a delight to see you again Alpha Dean, Luna Marion.” He smiled. My father and mother were always present at every annual ball, alongside other important officials of the Blood moon pack. But they had never taken me along with them, regardless of how much I begged to accompany them. Who knew I’d finally make it to this event? “Alpha King Xavier has asked me to specially welcome you to the palace and make sure you’re comfortable.”
Just then, a lady dressed in a cream coloured high neck gown appeared, a very wide and annoying smile on her face. She gave a very low bow, before Gamma Luke introduced her to us.
“This is Alara. She is the maid who has been specially assigned to the lady,” he made a gesture towards me. “under the instructions of her majesty, the Luna Queen.”
“Oh, beautiful.” Mom smiled.
“Yes.” Gamma Luke nodded. “And Zara here,” He pointed at another similarly dressed lady coming from the opposite direction. “would be the maid in charge of your needs throughout your stay here. Please, let her attend to you as best as she can. See you later tonight.” With a nod, he turned and walked away. I took the liberty of looking around the environment. Guards were stationed almost at every point in this place. How exactly had assasins been able to infiltrate this place and harm prince Logan? Oh! For a moment, I actually forgot it had been done with the help of Seb, who definitely had his way around it. I also noticed some more carriages driving into the palace, and being attended to, by different maids and guards.
Judging from the crest on the top of the carriages, I could tell these were people of high calliber, all arriving for the ball tonight. It was gonna be an exciting night, I guess.
“Alpha Dean and Luna Marion, please come with me. I would show you to the chambers prepared for your visit.” Zara said to my parents, who smiled and just followed her as she walked away, leaving me with Alara.
“I’m at your service, my lady.” Alara bowed once more, eliciting a nice feeling inside me. “Please come with me.” She smiled so widely again. Goddess! Did she have to be so fake? I didn’t even do anything to warrant that smile.
“What about my suitca…”
“The guards would handle that.” She rushed out. “Just come with me. The queen insisted that I make sure you are very settled, before it is time for the ball.” Of course.
“Okay.” I nodded. “Please lead the way.” I requested. To which she obliged. We made our way through the large doors of the palace entrance, walking through a wide hall that looked like a reception area. Just as we walked past the hall and proceeded to ascend the stairs, I saw different potraits hanging on different parts of the walls. On the 7th step, I looked at the wall there and saw a family portrait. I could already spot Seb and the Luna queen in it, so I didn’t need anyone to tell me it was the royal family potrait.
Stepping closer to it, I made out the older looking man sitting in the middle, and I knew that was the king. Then my eyes fell on the girl standing behind the king, with her hands on his shoulders. That was definitely princess Layla, the twin sister of crown prince….. Logan. Just then, my eyes shifted to the person standing beside Layla. Why did my heart drop to the pit of my stomach?
Maybe that was because I hadn’t expected the weak and wolfless prince to be so good looking.
“What a waste of good looks.” I muttered to myself.
“My lady?” Alara called out to me, probably wanting to know if I had been speaking to her.
“No, not you Alara.” I waved it off. “I was just admiring the royal portrait.” I gave a tight smile. “Keep leading the way please.” I said, to which she nodded and continued on her way up. Soon, we got to the front of a door and she turned to look at me.
“My lady, this would be your room for as long as you’re visiting. Please go in.” She opened the door and held it for me to walk in. I looked around the room and was very impressed. It was really spacious and very neat to the detail. Just how I liked it. “I would have the guards bring up your luggage, my lady. Please excuse me.” With that, she walked out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts. All I could think of, was how I couldn’t wait for night to come.