Chapter 34 The announcement of the century.
Amarien’s POV
Walking back home was surreal.
I was just in the presence of the great Alpha of the South moments ago.
And I’m still alive?
I’m alive!
I jolted, heartbeat pounding with joy.
I’m alive!
I thought I was going to die!
But why didn’t he kill me?
My eyes settled on the bracelet he gave me.
The questions linger in the air. Why will Alpha Theron try to help me?
My mind narrowed, and fear suddenly pricked my skin. No one must know where these bracelets came from. Especially Daevir. Theron is his mortal enemy. What would he think of me when he sees the enemy, if the human race, the dreadful mirror, he doesn’t want to look at, the man who has haunted him all his life, gave me a bracelet?
These thoughts made me want to snap the bracelet off, but that would mean Alpha Theron would be back here with me.
The thought of his return sent shivers through me. Even after our harmless conversation, his presence rattled me.
I tucked my arm with the bracelet in my robe. My other hand held a basket of herbs and books. The letter was still safely tucked in my bosom.
Oh, the gods!
At one point, I thought Alpha Theron was going to reach out to them and snatch them out. What would he do when he finds out Daevir is the chosen one?
I know what he will do. And I don’t want to think about it.
It broke my heart to know Grandma Chichi held these secrets in her heart for so long. But why didn’t she tell me anything?
If she were a werewolf, what does that make me? I’ve never had any impulse on the full moon. I don’t even know what I am expecting. I killed my mother, and I was born.
And what’s it with my scent that drives all these men crazy?
Daevir,
Emperor Darian,
Alpha Theron.
Why does my scent drive them all mad at once?!
“Who goes there?!” A masculine voice cuts through the air.
My gaze shut up and behold, the palace stood right ahead.
I’m back!
I was ushered into the palace by a group of guards who walked me to Eunuch Corvin.
“You’re back! And alive!” Corvin said with so much glee.
“I didn’t roam too far.” I smiled, happy to be back in this place I once dreaded with my life.
I still dread it. But the palace was better than being stuck in the woods with Alpha Theron.
“The Emperor had been whining about your absence. Wait till you see the silks and rubies he ordered for you.” Corvin cooed. “Tonight’s going to be the party of the century!”
“Tonight?” I blinked dizzily.
“Yes, silly girl,” Corvin snapped restlessly. “I’ve had a sleepless night just for the imperial banquet. Come now! Let’s get you dressed!”
I got whisked away by Corvin’s attendees.
I strolled carefully through the halls, escorted by a fleet of guards on all sides. The last time I came into the Imperial banquet with Corvin, I was escorted in by him alone. Now I have generals tailing my every move.
Is this what it’s like to be loved? To be desired?
Corvin spoke no vain words when he said the emperor ordered the best silk in the land for me.
My dress is one that queens wear to their weddings. Who has ever heard of a white silk dress that floats like the clouds? The silk flowed all the way down, floating on the marble palace floor.
The material was so frail and soft that my complexion shone through it. Yet there was a light simmer through them like the stars of the sky were meticulously lined into the dress.
Thankfully, the dress wasn’t tight this time, and the colours on my face were less grotesque. I looked regal, like a queen.
My heart thumped in my chest. I wondered about my expectations for tonight. I’m here only for the Emperor. But all I want to see is him.
They say he’s back from the war. He’d be waiting for me at the banquet.
I know the last time we were together, things went really rough. I know he said he never wants to see me again.
But he needs to know.
He needs to know I think of him all the time. He needs to know I can’t give up on him.
He needs to know…the prophecy!
He needs to accept who he is for all of our sakes!
As we got closer and closer to the imperial hall gate, I could hear the music humming in the air. It sure sounds lively in there.
I swallowed as Corvin proudly stepped right in front of me, held my hands, and walked me through the door.
Suddenly, I felt all eyes on me. Everyone froze, and those who were distracted with other things turned around. Their gaze fixed on me.
I gulped again, looking at Corvin. He looked even more proud and excited about the attention, and a gasp filled the air.
“Is that her?”
“The cursed concubine…”
“It can’t be her…”
“It is her…”
“Shhhhsss! She can hear you!”
The sea of eyes on me made me shiver. But my eyes were searching for just one person in this room.
One person who could make me feel at ease among these strangers.
Corvin walked me through the crowd as they stared. We got closer and closer to the front, where the music grew louder, and the stares became even more fixed.
My eyes searched the room for Daevir.
Would he turn to me and stare in awe or envy like these people in the crowd? Will he smile at me, stretching out his hand for a dance?
Will he whisper in my ears as he did in the cave or in my room - “I want you, Amarien…I want you badly…”
I want you too, Daevir. Please forgive me for not fighting hard enough for you.
As if he had leaped out of my imagination, the crowd parted before us, revealing Prince Daevir standing before the emperor. The emperor was addressing his son, and Daevir had his back against me.
But an unfamiliar sight caught my eye. There was a woman beside Daevir. And she was in an equally radiant dress. Even more radiant than mine.
My breath caught in my throat. It’s Princess Catherine. The princess from the West. She was the first to turn to stare at me. Her jaw dropped, and there was a flicker in her eyes.
Her red hair was tied down this time, dripping to her hips. She really has long hair.
Daevir was the next to turn, as he noticed Catherine had her eye on someone.
Our eyes met in what seemed like a quick flash. And then, almost as soon as he saw me, he switched his gaze away from me and returned them to the emperor.
My heart dropped.
He didn’t even stop to stare.
The emperor was the last to see me. He seems quite excited. He lunged up to his feet.
“Bring her to the seat next to me.” He commanded.
Corvin quickly and proudly obeyed, whisking me up to the seat by the throne of the emperor. I was right in front of Daevir now. But he wouldn’t match my eyes. His eyes remained on his father.
Even Catherine tried to catch his gaze. Her eyes peered at me, and quickly I lowered them. I mustn’t be caught staring at the prince. Not when my eyes are meant for the emperor alone.
“I’m delighted to have you back, Amarien.” The emperor chuckled happily. “Corvin told me you brought loads of herbs and books back. Oh, I see how much you care for me. But look at me…I’m better now!” The emperor chuckled happily.
I forced a smile, forced myself to bow. “I’m happy you are, your highness.”
I felt Daevir’s eyes stir towards me and quickly lifted my head to catch his eyes. Our eyes met, and this time I felt my heart crack.
I saw nothing in his eyes. No emotions, no love, no admiration. Just those icy ember eyes peering at me.
I lowered my gaze.
Forgive me, your highness. I had to lie just to find a solution for you!
It’s you I care about, not him!
“Shall we proceed with the announcements?” Zephyr stepped forward and bowed to the emperor.
“Yes, right.” The emperor's gaze shifted from him to his crowd. He rose to his feet, and everyone immediately bowed.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate.” He lifted his goblet.
Everyone cheered.
“This is no ordinary party. It’s the party of the century. It was a party where we celebrated the engagement of my son, Prince Daevir Jarek, of the Black Sun, and Princess Catherine of the West.”
A roar of cheer blazed through the crowd.
I felt myself going dizzy.
What did I just hear? An engagement?!
Daevir is getting married to Catherine?!