Chapter 8:My Dream and Reality

Damon grabbed my arms tightly and dragged me along.

"You can't escape from an Alpha like me," he growled.Just as he was about to take me away, I let out a loud scream.

I jerked awake, breathing heavily. My heart pounded against my chest as I looked around my room. It was only a dream... a nightmare about Damon.

The sound of my scream had startled Ethan awake. He immediately sat up and stared at me with worried eyes.

"Was it a nightmare?" he asked softly.

"Yes," I replied, forcing a small smile. "Let's go back to sleep."

I gently tucked him back into bed until he closed his eyes again. Once I was sure he was asleep, I lay down as well, though it took me a while before sleep finally claimed me.

The next morning, I decided to spend some time at the beach. I wanted to clear my mind and forget everything that had happened. The cool ocean breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore were exactly what I needed.

I swam for a while before returning to where I had left my belongings. As I dried myself, I noticed Victoria approaching with her guards and maid. I had invited her to the beach earlier.she wore a warm smile as she walked toward me.

"Greetings, Princess Lisa," she said politely.

"Greetings," I replied with a smile. "How have you been?"

"I've been doing well. And you?"

"I've been alright."

I picked up my glass and took a small sip of wine before asking, "Have you heard anything about King Damon?"

Her smile faded slightly.

"No. Nothing has happened."

"Really?" I sighed. "That means our kingdom is truly his next target. He came to our kingdom last night... and he killed two of our people."

Before I could finish, Victoria suddenly interrupted.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Princess Lisa. I completely forgot to introduce you."

She stepped aside, revealing a young woman standing quietly behind her.

"This is Rose. Her father oversees all of our kingdom's weapons, equipment, swords, and firearms. If there's any powerful resource you can think of, their family is responsible for it. They have served our kingdom faithfully for many years."

She turned toward Rose.

"Rose, this is Princess Lisa." Then she looked back at me. "Princess Lisa, this is Rose." I smiled and extended my hand."It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too, Princess," Rose replied as she shook my hand.

I invited both of them to sit beside me.

"I'm sorry for interrupting you," Victoria said. "Please, continue. I didn't catch everything you were saying."

I lowered my gaze for a moment before speaking.

"We found two bodies this morning."

Victoria's eyes widened with shock.

"I'm so sorry. Thank the Lord it wasn't more than that. Please inform your father that we have weapons and equipment ready to support your kingdom if needed."

"Thank you," I said with a relieved sigh.

After a brief silence, Victoria looked at me nervously.

"I want to tell you something, Lisa. I think I'm in trouble." I raised an eyebrow.

"What happened?"

"His Majesty has started talking about finding a husband for me. I just turned twenty-one. It's not fair."

She frowned and looked down at the sand beneath her feet.

I chuckled softly.

"Haven't you ever thought about getting married?"

"What?" She looked at me in surprise, her expression practically asking, What about you?

"Of course I have," I admitted with a smile. "Wouldn't it be wonderful... someday?"

"Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed dramatically. "You and Papa are always talking about marriage. Besides, you're only nineteen. Come on."

I laughed.

"Well... not now, though."

"Good," she replied with relief.

After a moment, her expression became serious again.

"I know what Papa is trying to do. I think he's looking for someone else to become the heir."

I immediately shook my head.

"No. Your father wouldn't do that. Stop overthinking. You're his daughter, and you're the rightful heir. Why would he choose someone else over you?"

She gave me a weak smile.

"I hope you're right."

Feeling sorry for her, I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around her in a comforting hug. She hugged me back, and for a brief moment, the worries on her face seemed to disappear.

"What would you do if you found yourself in the same room with Damon?" I asked after pulling away from our hug.

Victoria answered almost immediately.

"That depends on him."

"How do you mean?"

"If he insists on fighting me, I'll defend myself as quickly as I can. Of course, he'll be much stronger than I am." She shrugged. "But if he ends up liking me..." A mischievous smile spread across her face. "Well, you know he's quite handsome, and I'm sure he'd like a cute girl like me."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"And then what?" "I'll pretend to love him," she said confidently. "I'll earn his trust first, and then..."

She paused, wearing the most devious smile I'd ever seen.

"And then?" I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her answer.

"Boom!" she exclaimed, raising one hand dramatically as if something had just exploded.

I frowned in confusion. "I don't understand the 'boom.'" She waved her hand dismissively.

"Forget about it. Honestly, I don't even know what I'd do if I were really standing in front of him."

I chuckled and shook my head.

Victoria could be surprisingly cunning sometimes. Still, I couldn't imagine a monster like Damon ever falling in love with anyone. The thought alone sounded impossible.

Soon, we pushed the conversation aside and spent the rest of our time talking about beautiful dresses, jewelry, upcoming celebrations, and all the other things princesses loved to discuss.