Chapter Three

Aria's POV

"The Alpha King would like her to be cleaned up for Alpha Carrington." The guards pushed me to the maids. "She's a tough one so hold her with care."

I shot the guards a dark look as they walked away. I was not a dog; I was perfectly capable of bathing and cleaning myself. I most certainly didn't need the help of these "women."

Three sets of eyes slid toward me, curiosity and envy radiated from them as they fully noticed me. The first maid with blonde hair glared at me with anger, the second seemed indifferent but it was the pity in the eyes of the third that truly enraged me. I didn't need or want anyone's pity.

"Let's go," the leader amongst the maids grabbed my hand roughly. "We don't have all day."

They led me to Carrington's room and threw me into the bathtub. The women fluttered around me, scrubbing my body roughly as they talked quietly.

They didn't say a word to me nor did I speak to them as well. They exchanged gossip, talked of the men they liked, and spoke of the men they desired in the royal family. From all the whispers, I learned that the blonde maid fancied Carrington. Within me, I prayed that she could take my place.

"When was the last time you washed this mess?" The blonde maid asked, raising her nose in disgust as she washed my hair. I clenched my jaw and hands, refusing to answer the very annoying question.

"Why do you think he chose her?" The second inquired, tilting her head to study me closely.

"I don't know," the blonde who fancied Carrington replied. "She is certainly not the prettiest maid he has seen. I'm very sure she wore that short maid's dress and threw herself at him. Such a disgusting child!"

I managed to keep my face impassive. "Do you think I wanted this? If you so badly want to be in Carrington's bed, why don't you take my place?" My voice was thick with unfiltered anger.

"Sneaky just like her father." The blonde spat. I wanted to slap her but I forced myself not to react to any of her words.

Though I felt I was no competition to her, the blonde apparently felt threatened by me for some reason. I wanted to tell her that she could gladly take my place because I wanted nothing to do with the palace or its people.

I winced as my arm was twisted in the process of pulling me out of the bathtub. I shifted uncomfortably as they cleaned my body and brushed my hair.

"Put this on," one of the maids said, handing me a transparent night dress. "And quickly."

I hesitated before putting on the dress and gasped when I saw my reflection in the mirror. Indeed, the maids had done a great job scrubbing me clean but they couldn't take away the bruises and scratches that covered my skin.

I pulled the night gown down but it didn't get any longer. I had never worn anything so revealing or short in my life. I looked naked in the gown, my nipples and cleavage clearly exposed.

"Isn't there anything else I can wear?" I asked the maids, biting down on my lips in shame.

"No, this is what you'll wear." The second maid replied. "You should like it. The gown reveals all your features that you wanted Carrington to admire."

They giggled and shot me dirty looks as they walked past me and left the room. I exhaled, not allowing their words to get to me. Immediately I heard the click of the door, I rushed to the plate of food and wine on the table.

I knew it was served for Carrington but I didn't care as I devoured it. Starved for several days, it didn't take more than two minutes for me to eat the entire meal. I downed the red wine and instantly felt much better.

After eating, I began to think of an escape plan and an idea flitted into my mind. I dashed to the door, hoping my plan would work.

"Hey," I said to the maid guarding my door. "Don't tell anyone I told you this but Alpha Carrington wants another maid to join me. If we satisfy him, he will take us out of this palace."

Her eyes widened with shock as the meaning of my words hit her. "Are you serious?" She asked, drawing closer.

"Of course, I am," I slightly opened the door for her to see my revealing night dress. "I'm just waiting for him to come." I saw the excitement on her face and knew she would fall for it.

She nodded. "Can I join you?" Immediately, I opened the door to let her in.

"You can change in the bathroom," I said. "Hurry up because he's about to come."

I watched as she took off her coat and dumped it on the ground. At that moment, I knew it was time for me to execute my plan.

I grabbed one of the bed lamps and approached her slowly. When I was within reach, I struck her head with it and she collapsed to the ground. After tying and gagging her, I pushed her to the corner of the room.

I took her maid's coat and wore it over the night dress. Walking out of the room, I examined the hallway and corridors for any guard or maid. Luckily, due to the banquet, everyone was either occupied in the hall or running errands.

With a scarf around my face, I dashed out of the palace. My heart was racing as I ran past the hallway and the banquet hall, my lips saying silent prayers. No one noticed me and I truly felt invisible.

"Stop right there!" A voice boomed off at the palace gate as I wanted to walk out. I tried to steady my breath but my chest was rising and falling. "Where are you going?" A guard walked up to me, his eyes scanning my body.

"Alpha Matthias asked me to deliver a message," I replied, hoping he couldn't see through my lies. "It's a very important message."

He walked around me. "And where is your maid's pass, young girl?" Damn it! I completely forgot that every maid needed a maid's pass to leave the palace.

I flashed the guard a smile as I searched the pocket of the coat for a pass I wouldn't find. "I think I must have left it inside. Please let me quickly go and deliver the message. I don't want Alpha Matthias to get angry."

The guard studied me, contemplating if he should let me go. And just when I thought he would, his walkie talkie beeped. "There's a missing slave from the palace. Do not let any one out of the palace gate!"

Run! The words rang in my head like a bell. Run!

At the same time, the guard leaped toward me but I quickly averted his hands. "Stop! Don't move." I heard him say but I wasn't listening.

The cracked pavement hurt my legs as I took off and into the open space. The palace guards were everywhere and I tried to think of what to do next. With little time to think and several guards coming toward me, I dashed toward the main entrance gate of the palace.

"Everyone!" I heard one of the guards yell into the walkie-talkie as I started to run. "The missing slave is at the palace gate. We need more hands to catch her!"

"Hey!!! Stop running." He called out, running after me." My heart was thumping in my chest. I couldn't afford to be caught. I couldn't afford to be humiliated in front of everyone.

I turned toward one of the statues pointing at the entrance. There were guards around the gate. People were everywhere.

If my legs could carry me across the gate and behind the houses on the other side, I might be able to escape without being caught.

It wasn't a well planned escape especially since the palace guards were searching for me hastily. It wasn't an escape at all, I was setting myself up for punishment.

"There she is!" One of the guards yelled and I turned to see him pointing at me. Three more guards popped up, their faces contorted with anger.

Before I could think of anything, my feet were already moving.

"Stop her!" I didn't know where I was running to but I was certain I couldn't be caught. I wouldn't be able to bear the consequences if I was caught and dragged back to the palace. I heard heavy footsteps behind me, the guards chasing me doubling their speed and intensity.

"That way! Run!" My wolf, Ezrine, suddenly resurfaced and guided me. It was unusual but I didn't have time to think about why she chose to take control at that moment.

As I ran up to the entrance gate of the palace, I noticed a fleet of cars coming in. "Yes, I can escape while the guards are distracted." I thought as I sped toward the cars.

But then I saw him. I saw my mate and everything and everyone faded away. He was sitting in one of the SUV's, his eyes boring into mine with fierce intensity and desire. I didn’t know who he was but his power radiated across the entire street.

My legs stopped moving and I froze at the spot. The guards caught up with me but nothing mattered to me anymore as I stared deep into his eyes.

"Mate," my lips trembled as I acknowledged him. "Mine."