Chapter 4 - His Caregiver.

- Aurelia -

The healer frowned in confusion as he looked from me to the Beta.

“Her eyes give off this unsettling excitement. Change her to someone else.”

I quickly bowed my head… my heart pounded in my chest.

How the hell did this man know I was smiling?

How could he tell I was excited?

Damn! How could I forget so quickly all I have heard about Beta Ilan Yonimas.

Stories said he is a very sensitive and cautious man. Nothing, they say, catches him off guard.

Stories also have it that he could literally smell out one's thoughts, his eyes could pierce even the hardest soul and get what they are thinking out of them.

Well, I had shaken it off, thinking it must have been exaggerated but I am not so sure anymore… because it seems they weren't.

“I don't feel comfortable with her.” Beta Ilan said again as he raised his hand and moved it to the corner of my vision, I took in a shaky breath, my hands trembling.

“Why are you on a veil?” He asked.

He was about to take a hold of my veil when I quickly took several steps back, away from him, still with my head bowed.

My heart raced and thudded loudly against my ribs…

Think Aurelia! think!

I tried to find an answer, just anything to say but words weren't coming, it was as if I had suddenly lost the ability to speak.

He took a step forward again, “I asked,why are you putting on a veil?’

I said nothing.

“If I don't get an answer, I am ripping it off you.”

My eyes widened, my feet buckled almost making me lose my balance.

My veil was my largest disguise, without it, I would be exposed even without me saying a word.

My plan would be exposed and the last I checked, the Western Kingdom had insane punishments. I would probably have my head on a platter.

I feel my veil go damp as cold sweat broke out over my face, I kept swallowing down on nothing, my palms grew wet … what do I say?

I tried to take another step back but his hand caught my veil, his fingers tightened around it, ready to pull.

My heart leaped in fear because just one slight tug, my veil was sure coming off.

Oh Moon goddess!

Please… please…

“Beta Ilan.” Elder Sage called and rushed over to us, he placed his hand on the Beta's, “don't commit a sacrilege.”

The Beta looked down at the Healer, the healer tried to remove his hand from my veil but the Beta won't budge. He held the veil firmly.

I also turned to the healer… what was he saying?

Sacrilege? What sacrilege?

“What?” Beta Ilan sounded so confused.

He was the only one confused, I was too, but in my confusion I tried to fish out any reason that would be solid enough to have the Beta off my neck.

“Women, maidens, girls that go veiled are dedicated to the goddess by birth or by choice. Don't you see the Blessed Circlets around her wrists?”

Both of our heads turned, I and the Beta's, towards the bracelets I had around my wrists.

I blinked… these bracelets are Blessed Circlets?

I had gotten this bracelets while I was sent to the market to get food stuffs. They were beautiful and were called praying beads.

Night and day, I prayed to the Moon godess to make my mission a reality… so they were this special? They had special meanings?

Slowly Beta Ilan’s hand left my veil, I quietly released the breath I have been holding, the pounding in my chest slows its pace.

I watched his feet take several steps back, before raising my head, I also took several steps back.

“My apologies.” He said staring straight into my eyes, I bowed again not entirely out of respect but just so I don't have to look at him.

“Oh child, carry on with your duty.” Elder Sage said as he and the Beta moved farther away.

“Tell me about the veil, Blessed Circlets and all.” I heard Beta Ilan say as they walked away.

From his tone and how he tries to keep my gaze from earlier, I could tell he wasn't fully convinced, he still doubted me and I have to do something about that.

I can't have Beta Ilan doubting me, as I have heard, the Alpha King listens to him and let him make decisions most of the time.

***

Everyone was asleep, well… except me.

I couldn't sleep, my mind have been flooded with different kinds of thoughts.

I needed to make Beta Ilan stop doubting me and I have to find a way to end the Alpha King without anyone noticing… well until I was out of the land.

I think they would have answers for me.

Slowly I stood to my feet and with the help of the rays of the moon that filtered in to the room, I made my way out.

I was about to take a step when I hesitated, my heart began pounding hard, I have to be more careful because my wolf was suppressed, my heightened hearing, vision and smell had faded

For a moment, I stood plastered to the door and hoping that all is clear, I took my steps stealthily.

I looked to my right and saw the two guards stationed there, they were dozing already… I smirked.

In no time, I found myself outside the palace, and with hurried steps, I started my journey into the forest.

****

I am here.

I was about to place my hand in my mouth and whistle, to give my signal when a familar, loud stern voice cut me off.

“All rise! Her Royal Majesty, the second after the reverend moon goddess, the custodian of the Northern kingdom. All Hail Queen Aurelia Isolde Draxmere the fourth.”

“All hail!” Another voice responded.

My lips curled into a smile beneath my veil.