Chapter 4

“Of course,” I replied to his question. His smile widened as he planted a kiss at the back of my hand before he stood up and guided my hand to hook on his arm.

“Great. Then, shall we?”

I nodded my head and smiled sheepishly. The guard opened the door for us and bowed their heads. I was so overwhelmed at everything. I could not believe there's a world like this. Everything seemed surreal. One minute I was in an abusive pack, and in a blink of an eye, I was suddenly beside the prince himself, walking side by side—comfortable with each other's presence.

“Lady Sidrich, how were the maids assisting you? Did the maids make you, somehow, uncomfortable? Did they take care of you well?”

I looked up at him and smiled sweetly. I tucked the few strands of my hair behind my ear. “They are so nice at me and they cleaned my body, just like what Lady Karheel did before we went for travel.”

His eyes sparkled. “You like the shower?”

I shyly nodded my head. “Uhm... I am not used to water that much because...” it was forbidden to us to use water unless we went to the river. 

“Because...?” the prince asked.

I shook my head sadly. Omegas could only take a bath once a week and it didn't even take 3 minutes because masters will be searching for us. If we go back late, we will be punished.

“I... I love to bathe,” I said instead, lifting my own mood. “I hope I can take a bath in that chamber again.”

He smiled gently. “You can always take a bath, Lady Sidrich.”

“Really? Am I able to bathe in milk again?”

He chuckled. “That was not exactly milk. It has a lot of essence, but yeah, it's still milk.”

My smile widened. “Thank you so much, prince Alastair.”

“You're welcome.” He now has a gentle smile on his face.

I didn't notice we had already reached our destination when prince Alastair suddenly halted. We were now standing in front of a huge double door.

He nodded to the guards and they opened it for us.

My heartbeat speeded as a blinding light welcomed my poor eyes. I momentarily lost my vision as loud noises invaded my ears.

Slowly opening my eyes, I saw hundreds of people wearing beautiful dresses and formal attire dancing and chatting around. 

Then someone suddenly announced our arrival. “Blessings to the crown prince of Sharmai and his fiance! Prince Alastair and Lady Sidrich!”

I gasped as hundreds of eyes darted towards our direction. But that didn't only surprise me, it was the fact that I was announced as the prince's fiance...

“I will explain everything to you later,” he said in a low voice, before smiling at me reassuringly. I smiled back, albeit hesitantly.

“Goddess, she's beautiful...”

“I have not seen her before.”

“I heard the prince's fiance is a half-breed. She's a human.”

“Look at her face. She looks like a deity.”

“What race is she? She smells like a dog to me though.”

“You do not offend our race, you ugly piece of bloodsucker. We are werewolves, not dogs.”

“Well, whatever.”

I heard gossip around the place as all eyes scanned me from head to toe. The overwhelming feeling began to overflow within me and I found myself trembling in fright.

“Lady Sidrich? What's the problem?” His worried voice made my eyes snap to him. Prince Alastair shot me a confused yet worried gaze. My chest was heaving as my hold on him tightened. I couldn't breathe.

As if getting what was happening, he put him hand on my back and dragged me towards the not-so crowded area. He gently rubbed my back.

“Hush, it's okay. No one's gonna hurt you here,” he said reassuringly. I bit my trembling lower lip and looked on to the floor, feeling ashamed of myself for reacting that way. I am not used to seeing a lot of people. Even though the Shadow pack has an annual ceremony where all members should go, I didn't felt this kind of overwhelming feeling before. Their stares made my knees wobble. I could feel their aura. All of them were powerful. And for some reason, I felt strange again. Dark smoke crossed my mind for a brief second before it vanished away.

After calming down—which I was thankful for with the prince because he didn't leave my side— we sat on a round chair specifically designated for the second prince. We sat there side by side.

“Today is my mom and dad's 70th wedding anniversary,” he suddenly said with a smile on his face, which brought a smile to my face as well. I felt happy and at the same sad. Happy to see him smile at the mention of his parents, and sad because I didn't get to experience having a happy family. 

“Is she the queen?” I asked. I really have no idea about the royalties. Well, in the Shadow pack, the royalties are no secret from us. But we are not under any empire and kingdoms. Or maybe, we are. I just have no idea because I am uneducated. All I know is that the world outside the pack is huge and complicated. That's why most of the members—old members—didn't dare to leave the pack because either we get killed by the rogues, or we may be killed by some other races.

“Yes.” He chuckled, probably finding my question humorous. Well, it is. He's a prince, thus his mother is a queen.

I blushed.

“O-Oh...”

I looked away and bit my lower lip as I felt embarrassed. I'm so stupid.

“Blessings upon the sun and the future moon of Sharmai.” A beautiful, petite woman suddenly came and curtsied in front of us. I looked up at her and feel my jaw slacking. I've never seen beauty until today.

“Erima,” prince Alastair spoke with authority in his voice, which made the woman slightly flinch.

“Your highness, my apologies for interrupting your conversation with Her Lady, but His Majesty called for your presence in the hall.”

“Where hall?” His voice came out annoyed.

“At the dining hall.” I could hear the sarcasm in her voice, although her face remained stoic and her posture was still formal.

I looked at them curiously. Prince Alastair rolled his eyes and huffed a breath. The woman rolled her eyes, too.

“Fine.” He sighed, then looked at me. “I will be back, my lady.” He took my hand and kissed the back of it before he disappeared in a blink of an eye. My hair flew at how fast he ran.

My eyes widened as realization drew me. 

Is he... a vampire?

“Hi!” 

I jolted in surprise when the woman suddenly exclaimed after the prince had left. She excitedly sat beside me—to the chair who the prince occupied earlier.

She extended her hands.

“Hello, princess. I'm Erima, the great general's daughter. I've heard you're a half-breed? What are you? Which kingdom did you come from?”

I gaped at her. Is she talking to me?

Of course, she is.

But... Why is she talking to me?

She looks so beautiful and friendly.

“H-Hello...” was all I managed to reply to her as I felt heat creeping to my cheeks.

“So? Can you tell me when and how you two met each other?” she excitedly asked.

I am perplexed. I don't know how to actually respond to her. I don't want to look rude but I honestly didn't know what to do.

I gulped and watched in fear as her smile slowly vanished. Now, she's probably mad at me because I was being rude. 

“Is there... any problem?”

I shook my head and smiled hesitantly.

“Oh... you don't want to talk to me...?” she sadly said.

“U-Uhm, n-no...” I stammered, panicking. “I-I'm sorry.”

She smiled sadly and stood up. She bowed her head. “My apologies, my lady. I'll leave you alone, then.”

She turned around and was ready to go but a man suddenly came and encircled his arms around her waist. “What's the problem here, Erima?” a man wearing formal attire said.

“Prince Levi!” Erima exclaimed as her eyes brightened up.

He smiled charmingly. His dimples showing. “Long time, no see, Erima. You still look beautiful as I remember,” he said in a friendly tone. Erima giggled. The said prince looked at me. 

Just then, I noticed how they look so much alike with prince Alastair...

“Hello there, Lady Sidrich,” he said with a knowing smile on his face.