Chapter 5: Ceremony

Lila’s Pov.

I tried my best to avoid Alpha Kelvin after my wolf informed me that he was my mate but it wasn't easy. Also the mating festival was happening soon and I was sure he would find out then.

'So what would be his reaction, he obviously can't choose a low-life over his queen?' I pondered, feeling my heart quicken out of fear.

"But what if he does?" I questioned myself knowing it would soon be time for him to touch me.

Due to the rumors going around, it is said the Lycan king needed an heir desperately but what was wrong with Queen Aurora, why couldn't she conceive for him?

Later that evening, I decided to take a walk in the garden with the help of a maid who was educating me based on everything I needed to know in the palace.

"Alpha Kelvin seems to like his women submissive." She pointed out and I nodded but then Kate (the maid) suddenly got on her knees and bowed.

"Queen Aurora." My eyes widened and I was about to do the same when she scoffed, glaring at me before raising her leg up and hitting me in the chest.

Agony ripped through me as I reared backwards, tripping on my heels and falling to my butt on the ground.

"Who do you think you are now, why couldn't you greet?" She demanded, gritting her teeth against one another while I took my hand to my chest, breathing heavily.

Kate was astonished, her jaw dropping as she got on her knees and tried pleading for mercy, but Queen Aurora shut her down with a glare. Just then, a middle-aged woman emerged from the shadows and got Infront of me.

"Apologies my Queen, she probably didn't see you." The woman apologized on my behalf and Queen Aurora seemed to hear then walked away with a bunch of maids trailing behind her.

'Just who was this woman?' I wondered and soon got my answer when she came to my front and looked at me deeply like she knew me.

"Get up and follow me." She ordered and I struggled to get to my feet before following her back to my chambers where she ordered Kate to get rid of my dirty clothes.

The old woman stopped to assess me, and I think I saw something like pity flash through her grey orbs, but when I blinked, it was gone.

“I am Madam Grey, head maid and head of the servant Quarters” she introduced, her expression stern but warming.

‘Madam Grey, she was named after her eyes’. I looked at her for a while, before replying weakly.

“Lily”. Her eyes widened at the mention of my name.

“Lily? as in lilac from persia?” She questioned and I nodded briskly, stunned she knew the meaning of my name because not many did, they often mistook it for Lila, purity.

She went silent for a while like she was doing some thinking in her head before she gestured to Kate, who has frozen to continue with her work.

I was suddenly grabbed and taken to the bathroom where I was thoroughly washed.I was bathed with warm, petal water; my hair was washed with shampoo and other treatments, making it natural and bringing out its curls.

“Whoa! I love how curly your hair is,” One of the maids commented, and I thanked her in appreciation.

Afterward, I was dressed in a thin, free nightdress with a linen Jacket.

“Would you love to have dinner here privately or with the royal family?” Madam Grey asked, observing me again and I wondered why.

My chest tightened as I realized Dinner with the royal family meant facing them. The Lycan King and his wife who would probably make Dinner miserable for me too.

'But why did she hate me so much, I hope she doesn't see me as a threat or something?' I wondered, feeling my hands trembling in my lap.

"No, thank you. I will just eat here." I replied to Madam Grey who nodded, before squatting to my bed level.

"In the next two days, we would have the mating ceremony and that is the day you lose your virtue to the king if you still have it, so prepare yourself." Madam Grey told me and I shook.

Beads of sweats gathered on my forehead as I suddenly felt a huge lump in my throat, saliva gathering in my mouth.

'So soon? I thought he would wait or something.' I thought as I watched Madam Grey leave but then she stopped in her tracks, her hand on the door knob.

"And Lila, trust no one here no matter how genuine they might seem." She said softly but I could hear the warning in her tone.

Confusion grew in me. What exactly is going on?.

Two days later.

It was today, the full moon was out and the mating ceremony would begin any moment from now.

I rubbed my hands together feeling sweats growing in my palm as I swallowed, trying to breathe as the maids dressed me up.

Countless thoughts ran through my mind as I left the room and headed into the mighty hall where everyone was gathered joyfully. Children present all ran around the moon goddess statue, giggling.

As young couples who had found their soul mates danced under the blooming moon light, to songs played by the best musicians in this realm.

Some parents stood in a corner having a fill of the delicacies, enjoying themselves and speaking of parents, I sighted mine at the corner and decided to go greet them but as I got closer;

"Oh! She is not child of ours, just a means to our fortune." I heard them tell their friends as they paraded a beautiful girl whom I never seen before Infront of them as their daughter.

My heart clenched tightly in pain as I let out a gasp, tears rushing to the brim of my eyes. They saw me and sneered, before immediately looking and walking away to distance themselves.

'Why?' I wanted to scream but turned around instead to run out of the hall when I bumped into someone and the most delicious scent ever, filled my nose.

"Mate!" A familiar voice growled and I froze, my mouth hanging open..

No, not now.