Chapter 11 Chapter 10
Evelyn.
It's been days since the Alpha King has summoned me to his chambers and and with each passing moment, I found myself gradually adjusting to my new life as a slave. The palace, once an intimidating labyrinth of opulence and power, was slowly becoming familiar to me. With the help of my newfound friend, Amaris, I was learning to navigate the intricate web of duties and the complex hierarchy that governed this place.
My wounds have already healed and my limping had disappeared thanks to my quick healing properties as a shifter. Unfortunately, my wolf was yet to make her presence known. As the sun rose over the grand palace, casting a warm glow upon the marble floors, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for another day. The whispers and sneers that had become a constant presence no longer held the power to break my spirit. I had grown resilient, determined to prove my worth and rise above the prejudices that surrounded me.
Amaris, with her kind heart and unwavering support, had been my guiding light in this dark and unfamiliar world. We had quickly grown closer and she had become a good friend in this trying times. A friend I was grateful for.
"Are you done with the clothes yet?" Amaris asked as she walked into the maids quarters, heading to the spot where I was washing a pile of clothes as usual, a huge smile on her face. I returned with it with a small smile of mine, quickly focusing on the task at hand. It was already midday. "I've finished cleaning our portion in the palace." She announced as she reached my side. She was a much faster worker than I was.
"Almost done." I replied. "I just need to rinse this clothes and we can go to he mines." I said, gesturing to the huge pile of washed sheets beside me.
"Let me help you so we can finish faster." Amaris offered, quickly going to pick up a bucket.
"No, thank you. I can manage fine." I tried to refuse but she shook her head.
"I insist, my princess." She said adamantly. We bickered for a while but eventually I give in, laughing softly. Together, we washed the rest of the clothes, rinsing them and hanging it out to dry.
"Now, we are done." Amaris announced, clapping her hands. I smiled, silently concurring.
"Come on, let's go clean ourselves up and head to the mines." I said and she nodded. We went and cleaned ourselves before starting on our way to the mines.
As always, my far behind, my steps regal, slow and calculated while Amaris skipped ahead, humming a soft tune as she gathered flowers from nearby bushes. People jeered at me as I walked past them but I paid them no heed, already used to it. I dismissed their cruel jokes, focusing on my friend in front of me.
Suddenly, her steps slow to a stop, her voice trailing off. Slightly alarmed, I hurried towards her, a look of concern on my face.
"What is it?" I asked as I neared her. She glanced at me, her face already pale before pointing at the entourage entering the castle.
"That carriage and Royal Crest. I recognize it." She said, her voice low. I stared at the carriage entering the palace, a brow raised.
"Whose entourage is that?"
"It's the crest symbol of my mate's kingdom. Duke Ethan Ravenwood. I wonder what he's doing here." She muttered quietly.
I quickly realize why she's worried I do my best to comfort her. "I don't think he's here for you, Amaris. It may just be a routine meeting among Alphas. You don't need to be so worried." I explained, giving her a soft smile.
She looked at me and some of the color returned to her face, although she still looked forlorn."Perhaps you're right. I shouldn't be so worried." She answered. I held her hands, squeezing them reassuringly.
"Come on, let's go. We don't want to be late to the mines today. I really don't want to be on the slave masters bad side today."
Amaris chuckled at that. "Of course, let's hurry!" She yelled, sprinting forward. I just chuckled, walking faster behind her.
We arrived just in time to meet a very angry Slave Master and apologized quickly, getting into work. Our duties in the mines were grueling, the air thick with the scent of sweat and the sound of pickaxes striking stone. We toiled alongside the other slaves, our hands and backs aching from the ceaseless labor. But we didn't complain. We knew that in this place, complaints fell on deaf ears, and defiance came at a steep price.
I worked tirelessly, eager to the find valuables from the earth so we could retire early. Sweat beaded my forehead, trickling down to my nose and my hands was already filled with dust. Things were going well for me Amaris but the peace was soon short-lived as a group of bullies came to out direction and started hurling insults at me.
"Whore! Slut!" They yelled, laughing and jeering at me. "Murderer." They spat but I ignored them, not letting their words give them the reaction they wanted from me.
"Hey! Didn't you hear us!" One of them yelled, his footsteps pounding as he walked towards us. He pulled me up to stare at him, his body already coated with dirt and ugly looking. "Aren't you supposed to answer."
"As you can see, we are hard at work. Why don't you find someone else to bother?" Amaris snaps back, already angry.
"Just ignore them. You'll infuriate them further." I whisper to her, keeping my gaze on the ugly looking intruder.
Hey, who are you to talk back at us? We really need to teach you a lesson." He growled at Amaris before turning to me, his grip tightening.
"Still thinking yourself as a princess, eh?" He sneered, raking his lustful gaze all over me. "Better get your head out of the water, you're nothing but a measely slave and we can do whatever we want with you!" He stated as he grabs my hands.
"Let go of me." I gritted out through clenched teeth, glaring at me. Amaris quickly came to out middle, cutting us apart as she stayed in the middle, glaring at the man as well.
Amaris, ever protective, stepped in without hesitation "Let go of her!" She snapped, her voice carrying a steeliness that demanded attention.
"And if we don't, what will you do?" The stranger taunted Amaris, a sly smile on his face.