Chapter Seven

Catherine POV

The evening was drawing near and I simply watched through the window, the amazing effect of nature. The event of the afternoon had my mind hooked up for a moment. I wouldn't have imagined in a lifetime that I would feel comfortable with Phillips, but it was the case at this moment. He was slowly gaining my trust and I believed he could further show out his affection as well.

The door opened and Rose stepped in looking stunning in her apparel. She had been given the maid's apparel to wear as I decided she would only answer to me alone, thereby ranking her as the most senior maid in the mansion.

"Greetings Luna.." I chuckled as she lowered her head to greet me. It usually sounds odd, to see Rose refer to me in that manner.

"Listen, Rose, you don't have to call me Luna like the rest. I mean we have been through a lot together these past few months and I wouldn't mind having someone beside me, who can be a friend other than Philips." I noticed a small twitch of a smile on her face, as she nodded her head in agreement. 

I motioned for her to sit on the chair, which was directly proportional to the bed. After taking her seat, I noticed her body language and her eyes, claiming they wanted to say something, but it appears that she was worried about speaking out

"Whatever it is you want to say, say it out loud, I am all ears," I mentioned to her, after concluding at her slight discomfort.

"Luna...I mean ma'am...Miss Catherine..." I smiled seeing her struggle to use the right phrase in addressing me. "Today, I noticed for the first time the affection that Alpha Philips was showing to you. Doesn't that bother you?" She asked, greasing her eyebrow together.

"I don't understand what you are trying to say.." I replied in all honesty.

"These past few months, Alpha Philps placed you and me in the dungeon and we were made to suffer afterward, in the hands of the servants. Out of the blue, he suddenly summons us and begins to shower affection on you?" She asked.

I had thought in the same manner for several minutes, why would Alpha Philips begin to show affection, but seeing Rose confirm my curiosity, is a testament that something was amiss.

"Listen, Rose, I know you are curious and that's the same feeling I have as well. However, I need you to understand that I am going to be cautious around him. Despite his change of character and attitude, there is no telling what he is capable of doing." I admitted, realizing Alpha Philps was the ruler of the Blood-Slashing Pack, a menace in the eyes of my previous pack.

Just when she is about to speak, a knock comes through the door and after giving her the approval, Rose walks to get the door opened. The moment the door opened, William stepped in with a smile directed to Rose; I had been noticing a connection between the duo, even though I couldn't reach a definite conclusion about it.

"Apologies for intruding into your privacy, but the Alpha says I should let you know that the women of the Blood-Slashing Pack are heading your way. You must tell them to know the role they would be playing in the forth-coming annual Werewolf celebration." As William finished speaking, anxiety clouded my entire existence.

Having to stand in the presence of the women was one thing, but speaking and trying to show them I was confident was another major problem. Aside from the previous council meeting, where I had acted perfectly and spoken my mind to Councilor Thomas, I had never spoken in public before now.

I simply shook my head and with one last look at Rose, he walked away, shutting the door gently behind him. 

"You like him don't you?" I asked as Rose returned to her seat.

"Uhmm..I... don't.." She stuttered, placing her hands in the back of her neck, while looking away from me, thereby confirming my suspicion.

"Listen, Rose, I am not saying you should go after him as if your life depends on it, but if you see yourself developing feelings for him, then give love a chance..." As she thought through my statement, I got up from the bed and rushed to the wardrobe, thinking of what exactly to wear for the short meeting.

I laid my eyes on a beautiful dark gown, which had golden stones crested on its every part, and realized it should be great to wear.

As Rose and I step out of the room after she aids me in getting dressed, I slowly realize that in the end, I was a royal figure, and just as Philps would constantly say, I would have to act as royalty for all to behold.

The moment the doors to the chambers were opened, I stepped in to take my seat on my part of the royal throne. I looked at the women before me, whose heads were laid in courtesy and respect, and urged them all to have their seats.

"I will keep this very simple and straightforward; the annual celebration needs every one of you to work hard." I began, getting my confident state back. "Let's abide by the rules and ensure that we give our guests a befitting event to remember." Suddenly, a hand was raised and I approved for them to speak.

"Why would you come out of the blue to give us instructions?" Several gasps followed her statement, as she was being pulled to sit, but the lady refused. "You just became Luna months ago and before this meeting, we couldn't find you. And now, you chose to give us orders?" I watched as some of the pack soldiers attempted to assault her, but I stopped them.

"What is your name?" I asked the young maiden.

"Elizabeth." She replied.

"Well, Elizabeth, I don't know why you choose to rebel, but I would have you know that disrespect to me, is disrespect to the Alpha and that would not be taken lightly. You can keep wailing all you want, but I am the Luna and I am not leaving this throne for you." I stood up from the throne and headed out of the chamber, as I didn't want to show any further outburst from my end.