Chapter 36 Luna Training Etiquettes
Vanessa
"Vanessa?" a voice sounding very much like Trish whispers. Why does she sound so close? Like she's right in front of me?
My eyes fly open at the thought and I bolt from the bed, almost butting headfirst into her.
"Trish, oh my God!" I screech.
"Um, who's that?" she asks, her forest green eyes wide with curiosity.
"What? Hey! Why are you here? How did you get in?"
"You left the door unlocked," she points at the door, then continues quickly when I open my mouth, "yes, I did knock - for a very long time actually - but there was no response and I was worried maybe something had happened to you but alas, you were into here snoring like a baby," she smiles like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"FYI, Trish, I don't snore," I grumble, not really knowing how else to respond. Besides, it's the longest sentence she had ever spoken to me.
"Why are you here?" I ask again.
"Yes!" she claps her hands. "It's time for your Luna Training Etiquettes Class," she beams.
I blink. "Luna what?"
"Luna Training Etiquettes Class," she repeats, as if I actually wanted to hear her say that again.
"What the fuck is that?" I ask incredulously.
"It's a training organized by the Royal Council members every six to eight months, especially for women betrothed or mated to a Royal, whether the union is within or outside the pack. It's an ancient tradition that has been passed down for centuries and every Luna has passed through that, including the late Queen, Moon Goddess rest her soul," she rushes out and all I can do is to gape at her, my mouth refusing to close no matter how much I try.
I try to wrap my head around that little bit of information but it won't sink. "The fuck?" I exclaim finally.
Trish cringes at my french. "Now, that's something that'll need to be worked on. A Luna never curses, Vanessa," she corrects gently.
"Fuck that-" she winces and I roll my eyes inwardly. "Sorry. But this training, is only for women? No Alpha Training Etiquettes Class?" I ask, genuinely curious.
She gives me an odd look, then shakes her head, her dark hair bouncing as she does. "No, there's no such thing."
Imagine that. Talk about fucking sexists!
"So, now, I'm expected to be present for this training, right?"
"Yes."
"Time?"
"The time is nine o'clock."
I reach for my phone and almost swear for the umpteenth time. I only have fifteen minutes to get ready, and I haven't even brushed my teeth.
"Alright, I'll try to be done within the remaining time. Now, shoo."
"I'll be waiting just outside your door. Please don't be late." She bows slightly and leaves, closing the door gently behind her.
Hopping from the bed, I strip out of my nightdress quickly, shower with a lightening speed, almost even knocking my teeth on the bathroom counter, but that's nothing new for me.
Today, I go for a sapphire-colored heavy satin long-sleeve dress, pairing it with a thin golden necklace and earrings, and low strapped heels. Considering the kind of training, a formal attire is most likely required.
As soon as I step outside my room, Trish gasps, her green eyes widening in pleasant surprise. "Wow. You look like a snack!" she exclaims and I wink, then motion for her to lead the way.
The room we enter is exactly like the Royal Court room but instead, two times bigger, which is saying a lot.
Already seated are about ten to fifteen different women - probably the mated. They're seated in chairs arranged into rows. A group of elders I don't recognize except for Wade and Elias, My eyes light up a little when I notice the latter. The elders are seated at the other end on a round table, like judges.
But the light in my eyes dim quickly when they land on the petty bitch I had encountered in the gardens the other day. Alice, I think.
Huh, so she's a Royal future bride? I can't imagine how sorry I am for them right now.
Her brown eyes turn the coldest I've ever seen the moment she notices me, and I probably would've been affected if I wasn't holding my own share of hostility.
Ignoring her existence, I pass the first row and make sure to sit right in front of her, flipping my hair over my shoulders. I feel the heat of her gaze but I focus on the important thing.
Trish signals to me that she's leaving and I wave her off.
An elder with blond hair and sharp green eyes speaks up. "Now that you're all here, the Luna Training Etiquettes Class will be starting now. As you're all aware, this is a life-long tradition that must be upheld continuously..." I tune out of the long lecture but my ears perk up at the first task.
We're all asked stand from our seats. Then a female trainer, dressed similarly to me, her back turned to us, takes us through the first step which is our posture. She places her clasped hands in front of her, head held high and no slouching.
Our eyes are to be lowered. A queen is seen not heard, except when referred to, are we expected to speak.
The list of do's and don't's go on and on and start to think of a way to run out of here.
The trainer makes sure to inspect each and every one of us and I subtly scoff at the ridiculousness of it all.
This is so sexist and unacceptable! But I don't say anything. Five hours later and I can't help releasing a deep sigh of relief as soon as the training ends.
I'm the first person to hightail it out of the room, not having any strength left to make conversations with anyone.
A slight shove makes me stumble but I catch myself in time.
I spin around to find Alice and a different blonde bimbo snickering.
"I can't believe his Highness will go for such a weakling," she sneers and they giggle at their stupidity.
I sigh, too tired to stir up a fight. Walking into her personal space, I smile and hers which is mocking falters. My eyes trail slowing from her head down to her toes, a look of pity in my gaze and a wicked smile lingers on my lips at her look of confusion.
"Alice," I begin softly. "Who did you expect my Xander to go for instead? Someone like you? He's smarter than that." Her face pales a little.
"Well–"
"Shh, save it darling. You're pathetic and will never be worth his time. Face the Alpha you're forever stuck with and stay away for Xander, or else..." I let the threat linger, satisfaction filling me at the way her skin pales further, tears gathering in her eyes and her new blonde bimbo glares at me as she comforts her, steering them away from me.
I wave and blow them a light kiss, cackling like a fiend as I turn in the direction of my room.
Xander's bound to me. Mine to do with as I please, for however long the contract lasts.