SIX
I scooped up the apple pie sitting beautifully on my plate and ate it generously, savoring the sweet taste as it melted in my mouth. I closed my eyes, feeling so content in that moment and even nostalgic.
When I was smaller, my mom used to make pies like this. I remember how excited I always was whenever she announced that we would be having Apple pie for dinner. If only…
“Hey, Freya. That’s your name right?” Addy whispered to me as she shifted her seat closer with a cheerful smile on her face. I nodded.
“Where are you and your sister? Hope you don’t mind me asking”
“Not at all. We stay at the western part of the kingdom, Not too far from the border. What about you?”
“Oh I stay in the kingdom city. My house is only a 30 minutes drive away from here.” Addy replied enthusiastically. You just know she was from a wealthy family and she has been showered love her whole life. Unlike me, who had been maltreated for as long as I can remember. My gaze turned to Kelly who was sitting on another table with the rest of the ladies, Jessica and Aurora. They were listening attentively to whatever she was saying. No doubt, she was probably lying to them about how father was rich and fancy. She tended to do so with her friends at home too.
I couldn’t help the snort that escaped my lips.
“Oh did I say something wrong?”
My eyes widened. I had forgotten Addy was beside me. “No no! I.. I was just thinking about something else, Addy.”
“Freya.. I hope we can somehow be friends? I think I have always been a good judge of character and something just tells me, you’ll be a good friend.” Addy commented, that same cute smile on her face. How could I tell her that I wasn’t here to make friends? I was here to escape the terrible fate of being maltreated by my family.
“Besides..” She continued “We all need to have a friend in a place like this. Competition or not. Don’t you think?”
“Um.. I do” I answered.
Just as she was about to say something else, A dark beautiful woman walked into the room, a paper in one hand and a box in the other.
“Hello beautiful ladies, Good evening. My name is Aramatha and I am your guide while you are here. I will give you instructions on the programs you are to attend while you are staying with the Alpha and his family. Please, ensure you always follow the rules given to you and you are guaranteed a perfect stay here. I will leave you for now, the keys to your rooms are placed in this little box with your names engraved on it so your room is specifically made to your taste. Please proceed to your rooms once you are done with dinner. Tomorrow’s activities will be communicated with you later, Thank you beautiful ladies..” Without waiting for any of us to respond, the woman walked out of the room, leaving the box that had our keys in it on the table between our seats.
Kelly was of course the first to stand up and dip her hand into the box. “Kelly’s room.” She gloated, waving the key to our faces with a grin. Everyone of us followed suit and went to take our keys.
I stared at my key in wonder. It was made of gold as almost everything in this place was. My name FREYA was carved boldly on it. It felt oddly satisfying holding a key with my name on it.
I stepped into my new room in the palace, and I couldn’t help but gasp at the sight of it. The room was spacious with high ceilings, adorned with intricate patterns that glimmered under the light of the crystal chandelier. The walls were painted in a shade of royal blue, and the furniture was made of polished wood with gold accents. It felt like I had walked into a dream.
But I knew better than to get too comfortable. My step-sister, who also happened to be competing for the Alpha king’s hand, wouldn’t hesitate to sabotage me if given the chance. I couldn’t let my guard down, not even for a moment. I didn’t really want to be anybody’s breeder but if that was what I needed to be freed of my family, I would do it. How bad could being Alpha Rafe’s Luna be?
“Excuse me, miss?” A soft voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned around to see three young girls dressed in identical uniforms standing behind me, each holding a tray of refreshments.
“Hi,” I said, trying to sound friendly. “Who are you and how may I help you?”
“We’re your maids, miss,” one of them said, with a timid smile.
“Maids?” I repeated, confused. “I don’t need any maids.”
“Everyone has maids during their stay in the palace,” another girl explained. “We’re here to assist you with anything you might need.”
I didn’t know how to respond to that. Being waited on hand and foot wasn’t something I was used to, and it made me feel uncomfortable. “Well, thank you, I guess,” I said, still unsure.
“Is there anything we can help you with right now?” the first girl asked.
“Uh, no, I’m okay,” I replied, feeling awkward.
“Okay, then,” she said, bowing slightly. “We’ll be just outside if you need us.”
“Hold on,” I called as they turned to walked out. They quickly turned back, a hopeful look on their faces.
“Yes, Miss?”
“Sorry.. what are your names?”
They shared awkward glances with themselves before turning back to me.
“My name is Grace miss,” The first girl answered. She seemed to be more matured than the other two. “This is Clara and that is Flo”
“Alright, Grace, Clara and Flo. Thank you.” I said. “Good night and sleep well..”
“Sleep well too, Miss” They chorused before walking out and closing the door behind them.
I turned and stared out the window, taking in the breathtaking view of the palace gardens. The scent of flowers wafted in through the open window, making me feel like I was in a dream. I couldn’t belive just yesterday, I was still at work, cleaning and today, I was in the royal palace of the werewolf king, as a guest. Life can be crazy right?
A soft knock sounded at my door, jarring me from my thoughts.
“Who is there?”
“It’s Grace, Miss. I have a message.”
“Come in please,”
“Miss Freya, I was told to pass this information to you. The steward expects all the ladies to attend an orientation first thing tomorrow morning.” I nodded, curiosity piqued about what awaited me and my other competitors tomorrow.. So the games had begun.
“An orientation?” I asked, confused “What exactly does that entail?”
The blonde girl stepped forward. “All the contestants gather to receive instructions on proper etiquette and protocol while staying at the palace. My lord insists that everyone behave appropriately.”
I nodded thoughtfully, thanking Grace before she turned and left. The Alpha seemed quite strict. I only hoped he wouldn’t be as mean as my family had been. I don’t know if I would be able take anymore than Kelly’s wickedness while I was at the Crimson palace.
****