Chapter Thirteen

Ava

I woke up, curled up by the window.

How did I end up there? But then I remembered the men from the night and the shuffles.

Nothing else happened, and I waited until I fell asleep.

There was a knock on the door, and I rushed to it.

“Still sleeping?”The beta peered into my face.

“No…” I lied.

“Good, come with me.”

‘Where are we going?’My curiosity was eating away at me. I followed the beta down a dark corridor in hopes of finding answers. We passed through several doors before stopping in front of one.

“Make yourself useful. It's the King's order, not mine.” The beta opened the door and held the handle out for me.“Please go inside and wait.”He walked away before I could ask him more questions. The door slammed shut after he left.

I walked around for a little bit, but couldn't stand waiting around any longer, so I sat down.

“You must be Ava…” A voice said behind me, and I turned to see an old man.

“Come with me.” He led me out, and I heard neighs from horses as we went along.“Don't worry, they won't hurt you or try to eat you. You just have to help clean up their space.”

I wasn't the only one there, the maids were staring at me with curiosity.

“My part here is done; they will guide you.” He smiled politely as he left, and I realized I had no choice but to start working.

“It is her, isn't it?” A voice whispered to the other while they both stared at me.

“It is, don't know how though, I've seen her work in the kitchen and she doesn't look like that type.”

“Maybe werewolves never look like type.”

They started giggling, but the sound stopped when I caught them, they scurried back to work as fast as their legs could carry them.I looked back at the door and saw nobody. I felt uneasy, something wasn't right.I started walking around again, trying to figure out why I suddenly felt nervous.

“Are you just going to stand there and watch us?” I remember her. She was the lady from the kitchen who had told me there was no talking allowed there.

“Or do you think you are better than us because you might be fated to his Majesty?” She sneered. She looked younger than I thought, she stood there with her hands on her hips glaring at me. Her brown hair fell into her eyes and she shoved it away irritably.I didn't know what to answer.

“I haven't thought of myself as better than anyone,” I finally answered. She looked surprised for a second, then snorted at me.

“Well, at least you aren't denying about being destined to His Majesty.” She turned and focused on her work.

What was it with Lycans and werewolves? Were we not similar to ourselves than we pretended not to be? So why the constant hate? Why the jealousy and distrust towards each other? What was it all about?

It was only later in the day that I was allowed to return to my room.

I was drained and exhausted, bathing didn't help either.

The king sent for me later in the evening. My stomach knotted up as I entered, wondering what would happen.

“Sit here” I compiled without hesitation. “How are you liking your new home, Ava?” I was taken aback. Was I here for small talks?

I gave an honest answer, “It seems very different from what I was used to at home.”

He didn't say a word, he only kept sipping tea. He didn't look happy. In fact, he looked angry.

“Sir?”I broke the silence first, unsure if this was even possible. He raised his head slightly but kept his expression neutral.

“Is there anything...you wanted to talk to me about, Your Majesty?” I asked hesitantly.“Do you believe I have been doing this for the wrong reasons?” He asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. Did I believe in fate or destiny? I honestly didn't know anymore. But then, maybe I was simply afraid of what the answer might be.

“I'm not sure,” I admitted.

“That doesn't seem like much of an answer” He said.His tone made it clear how little faith he had in my words.

Was this how Royalg people talked?

I kept my mouth shut, unable to say anything.

“You are here because my mother wants to speak to you,” He stated bluntly.

“Your mother?” I repeated as if I was deaf.

“She wishes to meet you herself,” He clarified. “Now stop asking silly questions.”

He left, and I wondered why he was telling me all this in the first place.

Soon his mother came in, and I stood up immediately. Everything about her scared me, from her red lips to her piercing blue eyes.

“Queen mother,” I bowed.

“Why are you still here?” She snapped. I flinched back.

“I am honored to serve, Queen Mother,” I replied stiffly.

Her smile disappeared, and she glared at me.“I don't want you here. I don't like you. I have a feeling that you are cursed, and I don't want you to bring that curse down on my family.”I felt my body freeze up, and my eyes filled with tears. “I'm sorry,” I whimpered, lowering my head once again. “I'm sorry.”

Instead, she ordered a maid who brought in a wooden box.

When the maid left, she opened it. It was filled with gold coins, over a thousand pieces.

“Take these, they should be enough to last you for years or more.” Her voice sounded harsh and mean.

“But..why?” I got the words out, my throat tightening painfully, my eyes blurring with unshed tears.

“Because this is the price for leaving my son. Take it, and I will help you escape. I know a secret passage. ” She added. “If I ever catch you here again, I'll kill you, understand?”

I stared at her to see if she was joking but her eyes were deadly serious, fear gripped me.