Confused

Mira's Pov

I had never been more confused in my life. One moment, I was walking through the thick timber, trying to find a way out, the next I was being dragged by a group of women I had never seen ahead. Their grips were firm, their movements swift, and they did not say a word to me. 

I struggled, but it was no use. These women were strong, much stronger than any ordinary human. I could tell by the way they moved gracefully, strong, and determined. 

As they pulled me along, my heart pounded in my chest. Where were they taking me? And why were they not speaking to me? 

Eventually, we reached a large balcony overlooking the vast lands below and I saw Prince Perry come to a halt. I gazed around to see a breathtaking view, but at that point, I had no luxury of enjoying it. 

My gaze shifted back to the Lycan Prince who was bracing us and I wondered what was going on with him. He was quiet for some moment and because I couldn't see his face, I took my time to gape at him. I had heard of him before, Prince Perry, the most powerful Lycan of the Blue Ivory Pack. He was known for his strength, his ruthless nature, and his unchanging strictness to pack members. Many feared him, and now, standing in front of him, I understood why. 

His tall frame was intimidating, his silver eyes piercing. His dark hair fell in soft waves over his forehead, and his sharp jawline made him look both regal and dangerous. Why had he brought me to the kingdom? I couldn't help but ask. 

Thinking of it, I knew I was going to be punished. Though, I had no idea why he had brought me out of the dungeon but I knew I wouldn't be able to avoid his penalty for trying to run away the other time.   

Suddenly, I watched him swirl around to face us. “Clean her up,” he ordered. “Change her clothes and make sure she looks her best.” 

The women threw me a glance before facing him back. "What… What did you say, Prince_"

"Do as I say! "

His words were simple but authoritative yet, they had shocked me. Clean me up? Change me? I kept staring and our gaze finally met but he was quick to move his face away leaving me to wonder what he was up to. 

The women slightly nodded and snappily led me down once again. This time, we were the only ones. They took me to a beautifully decorated chamber filled with warm candlelight. A large bath was already prepared for me with steaming water and scented lavender. 

The women quietly worked, helping me strip and step into the bath. The warm water calmed my aching body, and for the first time in days, I felt good. 

No one said anything, they just kept bathing for me. The bathing took a long time but as soon as they were done, they brought me out and dressed me in a soft silk gown which fabric settled against my skin. They brushed my tangled hair until it shone and even applied a bit of natural scented oil painting to my wrists. 

I could not understand what was happening. Why was I being treated like an honored guest rather than a captive? It was unrelatable but something told me to remain calm and I did. 

Once I was ready, they led me to a beautifully furnished room. The large bed was covered in plush coverings, and the fireplace clicked warmly in the corner. The windows were open, allowing the cool night breath to enter, carrying the scent of the near lavender fields. 

I stood in the center of the room, doubtful of what to do. I was alone now, left with my thoughts. Why had the Lycan prince done this? Why had he not punished me? 

The cold wind brushed against my skin as I stood near the open window, staring at the distant moon. The scent of lavender filled the air, but it did little to calm my restless thoughts. Why had the Lycan Prince done all this? Was it truly an act of kindness, or just a way to lull me into comfort before the worst came? 

Too different. And now, just when I had started to question it all, a knock came at the door. 

One of the maids stepped inside, her expression unreadable. "My lady, the prince has requested your presence." 

My breath hitched. A new fear crept into my heart. Did I just hear her say my lady? Like, what exactly is going on? 

"My lady?" her voice broke into my thoughts and I threw her a glance. She gave me a reaction that said she was right about what she was saying. 

My legs refused to move at first, but the other maids standing around me made it clear I had no choice. However, they would drag me to him, If I hesitated any longer. Taking a deep breath, I lifted my chin and walked forward, her heart pounding with every step.

The moment I strode onto the grand balcony, a wave of lavender scented air enveloped me. But my eyes were not on the flowers, rather, they flirted around, taking in the unexpected sight before me. 

The entire balcony was filled with maids and guards. Too many people. My fingers curled into fists as confusion and fear gripped me. Why were they all here? 

At the center of it all, stood the Lycan Prince himself. His silver hair glistered under the moonlight, his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine. 

My breath caught. Why was he looking at me like that? 

“Come forward,” his deep voice commanded, steady yet unreadable. 

I hesitated. Every instinct told me to run, but there was nowhere to go. With slow steps, I approached, my mind racing. 

The prince remained silent until I stood just a few feet away. 

"You must be wondering why I’ve summoned you here," he said, his gaze never leaving mine. 

I swallowed hard. Yes. Yes, I was. But I dared not speak. Then, I heard the unexpected. "From today henceforth, I declare you free from being a slave!" 

I stood frozen, my heart pounding in my chest. Have I heard correctly? Was this a dream?

The prince’s voice echoed once again in my mind. “From now henceforth, Mira is free. She is no longer a maid. ” 

Tension filled the grand hall. The guards and maids rumored among themselves, their eyes wide with shock while I watched some noblemen exchange looks, murmuring questions.  

My hands trembled as I gripped the edges of my gown. Freedom? After years of scrubbing bottoms, carrying heavy servers, and serving without question, I was free? 

I dared to look up at the prince. His expression was calm, yet firm. His deep brown eyes held no remorse. It was as if he had made the easiest decision of his life. 

I wanted to speak, to ask why? But my voice failed me. I could not question him, not in front of everyone. 

A lady looking more elegant than other maids suddenly stepped forward. “ Your Highness," she countered and lowered her head. "Forgive me, but why have you freed this maid and does the King know anything about it?" 

With her audacity, something told me she might have a higher rank in the Pack for her to confront him that way. 

The prince suddenly turned to her. “Because I chose to and the king has no business with mine,” he said sharply as more whispers spread through the crowd. Some looked at me with envy, others with curiosity. I felt their stares like a heavy weight on my shoulders. 

My heart raced. Was this some kind of test? A cruel trick? It was unbelievable. Since childhood, I had served, obeyed, and expected nothing in return. Freedom had never been an option and to top it all, it came from the ruthless Prince.