5

Ember’s POV

After he left, I sank my ass into the bed. The foam was just so soft and mild. I had never for once dreamt of staying in such a room before. Even Uston’s room wasn't as spacious as this single one that I was assigned to stay in.

I scanned the room, eyes darting from one part to another, then I saw the furnished wardrobe, which glittered with fine wood. I stood and opened it, and in it were dresses of different kinds, hung in it.

“Was it kept in advance or always for his submissives?” I muttered to myself, still checking.

It stunned me to the bone how everything was taken care of before we arrived, although I still had doubts that no one had ever used the dresses there.

I saw undies too—which I know can't be shared.

“It's all new.” I assured myself and shut it back.

Standing there, my palms transfixed on my waist.

The round center table caught my attention, then the two seaters' sofa and two sized stools at the sides. Everything was heaven on earth.

I decided to check the restroom, which I guessed was led by the door forward. It was fucking neat that I was even scared of getting in.

Then the doorbell rang, pulling my eyes towards the door.

“This is Lady Camila.” a feminine voice spoke from the outside.

I hurried and opened the door, and there stood a young lady with two other ladies dressed in uniform at her sides.

She walked past me into the room and the other ladies followed. On their palms were metal and rubber trays.

I bowed to her as it was the only thing I could do, especially since I just perceived her scent—she was a beta, and the others were omegas like me.

“Drop them on the table.” she ordered the other ladies and they quickly did as told, then she averted her gaze towards me. “The metal contains your meal, and the other contains some necessary things you would need for your skin and health as ordered by the alpha king.”

I glanced at the trays before nodding to her.

“Your dinner will be served when the time is right, and there are so many servants who will take care of you, so you don't need to do anything yourself.” she licked her lips and glanced at her sides.

The other two ladies bowed slightly and exited the room, then did I notice the sudden shift in her facial expression. The once smiling lady wore a contorted face, her eyes narrowed, sending chilly glare down to me.

“Like I said earlier, my name is Lady Camila. I am the head-mistress of this palace, and the alpha prince's side mistress too.”

I nodded, unsure whether she was done or not.

“Well, I knew you weren't just a submissive to him, but you are also here to play the role of his Luna for a few days. That's why I have to warn you, never to fall for him.” she added, and that made my brows wrinkle.

What was she saying? She was just a mistress and shouldn't care about my feelings towards the alpha prince.

“Make sure not to stumble upon him after you're done playing your role. I am his chosen bride, and he has his reason for needing a substitute for now.”

I released a breath I didn't know I'd been holding.

The chosen bride.

What could make the prince not crown his chosen Luna but need a substitute instead? Isn't he ready to have a Luna? Am I going to take the blame or whatever on her behalf?

It got me worried that instant, but her voice snapped me out.

“Know your boundaries, omega.” she let out a sinister smile and made her way out of the room.

I stood there, my feet glued to the floor.

This wasn't supposed to bother me, but it was already.

Was that why he said being an outcast would make the role so fit? Because I was nobody?

At some point, I tried to shake it out of my mind. ‘So long as I'm not dying, and my mother will be revived, then no problem.’ I comforted myself, striding towards the table to check on the meal.

But, her voice rang again in my ear, this time freezing me at that spot.

I lost my appetite before I could even notice.

‘If this is going to damage my reputation, then is it really worth it?’ I scratched my head, grimacing. ‘I should talk to him about it. Can I even stand before him again?’ The thought of that alone made my body hairs stand.

I swallowed deeply, walking away from the table to the bed again.

‘Maybe, I should just wait until he pays up my mother’s hospital bill, then I will end the deal.’

I shook my head against it.

‘What the heck am I even thinking? He's the alpha prince and would certainly find me no matter where I hide.’

Goosebumps descended on my body. My skin pricked me constantly.

I wasn't just being myself. This lady would have just kept whatever to herself and allow me to play the role in peace. On what ground will I fall for such a man whose presence alone sends me to hell? I was yet to fathom how I gathered the courage to slap him yesterday.

My heart kept thumping harder across my ribs. My lips trembling.

I jolted from the bed. The foam was too hot for me to sit.

This was fucking bothering me. It was eating me up.

What I had tried all over my life to avoid was whatever that would take away my peace of mind. Now, I'm here because I slapped the alpha prince. There was no going away, or I would end up as the pack's slave.

“Miss Ember!”

I snapped my eyes towards the door when I heard my name. It wasn't him. The voice wasn't familiar either.

I rushed to the door and slowly opened it only to see a young man standing before me. He was well dressed in a suit and so decent.

Did I forget how handsome he was? But I had nothing to do with him, though.

“The alpha prince sends for you immediately. Please follow me.”

As he finished, he turned instantly, heading towards the elevator.

I reached to him and touched his arm, and he turned, “Is anything the problem?” My voice was shaky, and I knew he sensed it. But his expression was emotionless. He seemed cold like his alpha.

Without asking further since I got no response from him, I swifted into the elevator with him, my chest throbbing, fingers digging into my flesh.