Chapter 116
As I sat in the dimly lit room, I couldn't help but sigh as Amara, my favorite aunt, helped me prepare for yet another one of my father's tedious dinner meetings. I fidgeted with the hem of the beautiful white gown she had chosen for me, feeling trapped in its elegance.
"Aunt Amara," I began, my voice tinged with frustration, "I wish I didn't have to go to these boring dinners. I just want to be out there, exploring the world with my books in a bag now that would be exciting." I smiled I could just imagine the freedom that was waiting for me out there.
Amara, her hands gently working on my hair, sighed as well. She was heavily pregnant with her third child, her condition showing beneath her elegant dress. "I know, Astrid," she replied softly, "but you must understand, the world isn't as it's made to seem in your books."
I looked at her with curiosity. "What do you mean, Aunt Amara? What's wrong with the world?"
Everyone had something negative to say about the world out there. My mother says that the world is a dark place 'Astrid' and my father won't hear any of it .He says that my place is here and that is why people I have never set my feet out of this territory my whole life. This is my prison and it is so frustrating sometimes I wish I could just run away.
She finished braiding my long, white hair, expertly weaving jewelry crystals into the strands to make it shimmer like the moon. "It's not all rainbows and butterflies, dear," she said, her voice carrying the weight of experience. "There's death, war, and a whole lot of nothingness out there."
My curiosity deepened. "But why did Mom and you, being human, accept being mated to werewolves when they took over your world?"
Amara's eyes met mine in the mirror's reflection, and a small smile played on her lips. "Ah, that, my dear, is a story for another day," she said cryptically. "For now, just remember that love conquers all."
I took in my reflection, admiring the elegant gown that draped over me and the glistening crystals adorning my hair. Despite my misgivings, I couldn't deny that Amara had transformed me into a vision of grace and beauty. To be honest I kind of liked this look, I smiled at my aunt before giving her a kiss on the cheek and we both walked to dinner with four guards behind us.
As the dinner carried on, I found myself stifling yawns, struggling to stay awake amidst the dull business discussions between my father, Alexander, and the imposing Alpha Roman from the dead lands. Alpha Roman had always held a certain allure, and I couldn't help but steal glances at him despite my better judgment. His strength and commanding presence were impossible to ignore. Maybe I had a little crush on him, the man was undeniably handsome for days.
However, my attention was soon drawn away from him as my eyes fell upon Iris, Alpha Roman's mate. She was truly a vision of uniqueness and beauty. Her fiery red hair flowed like molten lava, cascading down her back in waves. It was the kind of red that seemed to shimmer in the candlelight, a vivid contrast to her fair skin. But what truly mesmerized me were her eyes - the most striking shade of green emerald I had ever seen, like rare gemstones glistening in the sun. Iris was not just beautiful; she was ethereal, a goddess among us mere mortals.
As my father and Alpha Roman continued their conversation, I couldn't help but wonder how someone as captivating as Iris had ended up with a mate like Alpha Roman. I supposed love had its mysteries that even I, an avid reader, couldn't fully understand.
The discussion at the table droned on, and I fought to stay focused. My father spoke with his usual seriousness, his face a stoic mask as he addressed Alpha Roman. "Roman, I've been thinking about fortifying our territories. We should increase the number of men stationed near our borders."
Alpha Roman nodded in agreement, his deep voice resonating through the room. "A wise idea, Alexander. Safety is paramount."
My mother, Lucy, interjected with her characteristic confidence. Despite being human, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her wavy raven black hair framed her face in cascading elegance, matching perfectly with her doe brown eyes. She had a natural beauty that needed no adornment.
Lucy's voice rang clear as she suggested, "Perhaps, Alexander, we could take this opportunity to exchange knowledge. Your warriors could train some of Alpha Roman's younger men, and in turn, Roman's pack could teach some of ours. It would be a win-win situation - our men could learn new techniques while strengthening the bonds between our packs."
I couldn't help but admire my mother even more in that moment. She was not only beautiful but also possessed a strength and wisdom that transcended her human nature. Her ability to voice her opinions and influence the conversation left me in awe.
Unfortunately I couldn't bear another moment of the seemingly endless dinner. With a half-hearted attempt to disguise my intention, I slid my chair back ever so slightly, hoping to make a quiet escape. As I inched my way towards freedom, my eyes darted between my parents, who were engrossed in their discussion, and Alpha Roman, who was listening intently.
Just as I was about to make my daring move, a sharp voice cut through the air, sending shivers down my spine. "And where do you think you're off to, Astrid?" It was my father, Alexander, the Lycan King, his narrow eyes locked onto mine.
My heart raced, and my tongue suddenly felt tied in knots. I had no real destination in mind, just a desperate desire to escape the tedium of the dinner table. I stammered, struggling to come up with an excuse, but the words eluded me. I couldn't even muster a coherent thought.
His voice held a firm command that I couldn't defy. "Sit down and finish your meal," he ordered, his tone brooking no argument. I returned to my chair, defeated and embarrassed.
I couldn't bear to look in Alpha Roman's direction, certain that my father's intervention had made a spectacle of me. My attempt at a quiet escape had been foiled, and I was left to focus on my steak, my cheeks burning with humiliation. My father's aura, one that screamed strength, leadership, and authority, had once again reminded me of the role he played in our world - that of an Alpha, a king, and a father who always knew when his daughter was up to mischief and this is why he can never find out about my secret runs.