Queen Test

Melina's POV

“Your hair is beautiful, My Queen,” Ella said softly, her voice carrying that familiar shy lilt.

“Thank you, Ella, ” I said, with a genuine smile.

I had only moved into the palace two days ago, yet they had already assigned a personal maid for me. I still found the whole thing ridiculous; we weren't living in some ancient monarchy, but it seems to be protocol.

Ella was an omega shewolf, a sweet and shy girl. At least there's someone I can talk to. I'm already feeling alone in this big place.

I miss Mom and Dad terribly.

“I'm finished, my queen,” she announced, stepping back to admire her work.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. They really expected me to dress up for every meal. A quiet sigh escaped me.

A soft knock sounded on the door. Another maid slipped inside and bowed her head.

“Your highness, the family is waiting for you in the dining room.”

‘Thank you, I will be right down,” I said gently.

I turned to Ella. “You can go.”

She nodded and bowed her head.

“Please don't bow to me anymore,” I said gently.

“But..”

“I meant it. You don't  have to do that with me.”

A small, grateful smile touched her lips; she nodded and quietly left the room.

The moment the door closed behind her.  I let out a deep groan.

I really don't want to see that Asshole.

I took a slow breath and made my way downstairs. The palace was still a maze to me. I half expected to get lost in one of its endless corridors  

I finally found my way to the dining room. 

“ Melina darling! come join us,” Helena Asrik's mother, called warmly as soon as I appeared.

Azrik's father sat at the head of the table. Helana sat to his right, while Azrik occupied the seat to his left. Across from him were his younger brother Ryker and his sister Aria. 

Neither sibling had made an effort to hide their dislike for me. They barely acknowledge my presence.

I smiled politely and took the seat directly across from Azrik. He didn't even glance my way.

 Good. As if I care!

“Let's begin,” Asrik's Father gestured.

The meal passed in peace. The food was rich and delicious. 

After dinner, we moved to the grand living room, except for Aria who retreated to her room.

“How has your stay here been so far? I know the palace can be quite overwhelming at first.” Queen Helena asked softly, her tone kind as she settled onto the sofa.

I sat carefully, folding my hands in my lap.

“The palace is beautiful… but it's very different from what I'm used to,” I replied honestly.

Azrik smirked from where he lounged across from me. His expression really says. Of course, you're not suited for this kind of life.

I ignored him.

“I understand.” Helana continued gently.

It's a lot to cope with when you're not born into royalty. The sheer size of the palace, the endless rules, the protocols, and heavy duties…"  she glanced at her mate with open affection. “But I eventually got used to it. My mate was beside me  every step on the way,” 

King Lucian returned her warm gaze, a small smile touching his lips.

“And you will definitely get used to it with the help of your mate,” Helena added, turning back to me.

Asrik set his glass down on the table with a deliberate clink.

“Speaking of duties, a  Queen has important and heavy obligations toward the people of the kingdom. She must be fit for the position. And I believe our kingdom deserves a strong and powerful Queen who truly embodies the role. So I think Melina should go through the traditional challenge before the mating and crowing ceremony that will be held in three days," Asrik said with a deep smirk.

“That would be unnecessary. That's an old tradition," his mother cut in sharply.

“That would be fun to watch. A wolfless omega attempting it,” Ryker added with clear amusement.

Asrik let out a soft, mocking laugh.

That bastard!

He wanted to humiliate me in front of the entire kingdom, convinced I would fail.

“Asrik! " As your mother said, it isn't necessary,” King Lucian said firmly.

“Mother, Father, with all due respect. I'm the king. It's my decision whether it's necessary or not. And I have decided it is. My Kingdom deserves to see if their future Queen deserves the title.” Asrik replied, his tone turning cold and authoritative.

He turned to me. “Isn't that right, my beloved chosen mate?” Asrik mocked, his eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction as they locked onto mine.

I clenched my teeth, fury burning in my chest  but I forced a calm smile onto my face. I refused to give him the satisfaction he so clearly seeks.

“It's okay. I'm ready for every challenge,” I said with a steady voice.

A victorious smirk plastered across that jerk's lips.

“It settled then. Mother will explain every step to you. Now, if you will excuse me. I have work to do. Goodnight, ” he declared.

Without waiting for a reply, he rose and left the room.

“I'm out,” Ryker announced, rising from his seat.

He left the room without another word, following in his brother's footsteps.

Helena cleared her throat and gently squeezed my hand. “Don't mind them. Dear. I chose you as the most suitable Queen for this throne. These silly tests and traditions don't make you any less qualified.” 

“Thank you, Luna. Your trust means a lot to me,” I said, offering her a genuine smile.

“But I will go through every challenge,” I said, my voice determined.

“ I know you will. Go take some rest now. " We will talk tomorrow,” Helena said softly.

“Good night,” I replied, offering both her and King Lucian a respectful nod.

Before returning to my room, I decided to take a detour through the palace garden. I needed some fresh air to clear my mind.

I sat on one of the benches, tilting my head back, and I gazed up at the sky. Thousands of shining stars light up the darkness, beautiful and peaceful.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the peaceful calm of the night.

A cool breeze soon brushed across my skin,  carrying a chill that made me shiver. I wrapped my arms around myself  and stood up. It was time to head back.

As I walked along the dimly lit garden bath toward the palace, I collided  straight into a hard chest.