10

TEN
He was still staring at me. His gaze boring into the tiny pores on my skin, eliciting goosebumps that betrayed how I felt inside even though I was trying my possible best to keep a straight face.
I simply could not believe it. He couldn’t be that Wolf I saw last night. He would have mention it to his guide by now and asked them to throw me out of the palace for attempting to trespass.
But then again, maybe he wanted to keep me here only to torture me slowly? I couldn’t be sure. I straightened my spine and turned away from him. I focused on Aramatha who was still addressing us. I didn’t hear much as my attention had been on King Rafe.
“Ladies, you each have the opportunity to curtesy to your king and ask him one single question. He will answer you and whichever one of you he wishes the continue the conversation with will sit and have lunch with him. Miss Jessica, please step forward..” Aramatha said to Jessica who was first in line where we stood in front of the king.
king Rafe smiled at Jessica as she cautiously approached him where he sat with another man who looked a bit like him. I knew he wasn’t his father because the former king and Queen had passed away years ago. The news of their death had hit the whole kingdom hard and the cause of their deaths has been a secret for so long. Whoever this man was, he seemed to adore King Rafe so much. He was constantly straightening the king’s clothes or setting his hair right. The same with Connor.
I wonder how it felt like having people that would do anything for you. Do just about anything to make you happy.
I could never relate. Since my mother left, I never had anyone who wanted to genuinely make me happy without getting something in return. I was the one that always tried to make someone else happy.
We all watched as Jessica curtsied graciously and greeted him, telling him her name. She placed her hand in his outstretched hand and he lifted her up gently and motioned for her to sit down next to him. We couldn’t hear what they discussed but it seemed fun because Jessica was blushing and laughing constantly, or maybe that was how she was because what was so funny that made her laugh so much?
After some minutes, Jessica stood up and curtsied before walking back to her position. The person next to her was my sister, Kelly. She all but cat walked to the king who was watching her amusingly, a smile that didn’t look genuine on his face.
“My Alpha king, I’m Kelly Hadid. I am here to make you as happy as you’ll ever be.” Kelly announced. Her voice was loud enough that everyone could hear her. I sighed. Kelly was just something else.
The king motioned for her to sit down which she did. I took my attention away from them as they continued to talk, occasionally laughing at something. After about five minutes, Kelly stood up and returned to her position. The same process happened with Addy and Aurora. Addy was so excited as she spoke to the king, her voice melodious and her beautiful face animated with joy and wonder. Aurora seemed shy. It felt somewhat comforting to know that not everyone was a natural at capturing the king’s attention. She didn’t last up to 2 minutes before the king dismissed her with a decent bow of his head and a forced smile.
The moment she returned to our line, her eyes met mine and I caught the sad look in her eyes. She looked very disappointed even though she didn’t directly show it. I took in a deep breath as the four girls stared at me, no doubt waiting for me to somehow embarrass myself.
Now is not the time to be shy, Freya.
I stepped forward, fisting my sweaty palms as I approached the king. I tried to avoid his gaze as I stopped in front of him. My heart thrummed a nervous rhythm. The murmur of the court room softened to a distant hum as I focused on the imposing figure before me. His presence commanded attention, I couldn’t help but spare a glance at him. He was impossibly handsome. The features of his face were clearer now and I had to take in deep breaths to calm my racing nerves.
“Hello, my Alpha king,” I proceeded to dip into the practiced curtsey. But then, disaster struck-a sharp, grating sound sliced through the silence as the bottom of my dress tore open with a loud rip that echoed off the stone walls. Loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Her dress just ripped!” I heard Kelly say out loud. She sounded a little too excited.
“Did she not check the quality of the fabric she would put on to present herself to the king? This is so bad for her..” I heard another person say. I could not make out whose voice it was but it was one of the girls. Shock washed over me like a cold wave, and for an eternal moment, the room held its breath. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as dozens of eyes turned upon me, their expressions morphing from anticipation to astonishment.
My gaze found Kelly’s and I saw her smiling wickedly at me. That was when I realized what had happened. Kelly.
I groaned in a agony, my mind recalling when Kelly had suddenly hugged me. She had somehow removed a rope that held the back of my dress together, patiently waiting for me to be in a situation like this and embarrass me in the worst possible way. I couldn’t stop the tears that escaped my eyes as I remained in that position, aware of the eyes on me. They were all whispering. I even heard someone laugh. Kelly had done this to me for no reason at all.
I should have known better. I shouldn’t have allowed that evil witch to hug me. My head went up to look at the king. He had an unreadable expression on his face. I knew without a doubt that he was already irritated. I moved to step away from him, I had to disappear to my room immediately.
Before I could react, Rafe pulled me swiftly against his firm chest. His large hand pressed over the tear, shielding my exposed underwear. My palms instinctively flattened against the hard muscle beneath his tunic. Shock jolted through me at his sudden proximity. His earthy scent flooded my senses, woodsy and warm. Our eyes met and my knees almost buckled beneath me. The whispers in the room had seized now and everyone was watching us now. I could picture the fuming look on Kelly’s face right now.
Rafe pulled me even more closer to him. His breath fanned my cheeks softly as he turned me around completely away from the others.
“Are you alright?” His voice rumbled low in my ear.
I nodded, unable to form words. My torn dress suddenly was not a problem, not with his strong body enveloping mine this way. My hand moved from chest to his arms as he pulled me up till I was staring so close into his eyes. Now I had no doubt that he was the werewolf last night. The Alpha himself.
He had spared me twice now. Why?
“Come here.” He clasped my hand and led me from the hall. Murmurs followed our exit, but his commanding presence kept others at bay. Once we were alone, I found my voice.
“Th-thank you, Alpha Rafe. I.. I’m sorry I didn’t know my dress would.”
His finally released me, stepping away from me to give me some space. I felt the air sweep into my lungs again. “You seem to not be able to stay out of mischief don’t you,” It was not a question. He chuckled as he caught my shocked expression.
My breath caught as his intense gaze held me captive. In that moment, my world narrowed to just the two of us. “You.. you..”
“I.. what? Miss Freya?”
“You were the one… last night…”
“So, will you tell me what you were doing outside your room at such hour, or do I have to punish you?” He questioned, a frown on his handsome face.
“I…”
I was tongue tied. Speechless. Suddenly, my head was blank and I could do nothing but stare at him, hoping the ground will open up and swallow me up.
****