Live by the rules

 Sasha

Since I can remember, I don’t think I have ever had a day to myself doing nothing, but since I came to the capital a week ago, all I have done is sleep in this bed and stare at the wall.

I haven’t spoken with His Grace since he called me to his room that day to tell me he wanted me to carry his child. I have asked Ariel what I can do to help, and all she said was whatever you want, but I don’t even know what I want to do. Everything for me was decided for me since I could talk.

Maybe I could help in the kitchen? I am good at that. I think, biting my nails. I could ask Ariel if she needed help with anything when she brought me lunch. I will ask her.

A knock comes, bringing me out of my thoughts as I turn to look at the opening door. I know it’s Ariel who has brought my lunch.

“Ariel,” I smile, getting up to my feet. I have been feeling a bit low, but seeing her brightens up my days. But when she comes into view, she has no tray in hand.

My smile fades from my face. “I thought today you might want to have lunch outside,” she says, her eyes roaming all over my face. She looks like she is holding her breath.

“Is that fine? His Grace said…” I paused, not sure what to say to her. I don’t want to upset him or have him punish her for wanting me to do something different.

Her lips turn up in a smile, then close the space between us. “You are about to be his bride. So, I am sure he doesn’t mind. Come on. Get into something else, and we can go,” she said in a comforting tone. She seemed so sure.

“This is all I have. I don’t have…” I pause, playing with my fingertips. I wore a brown sleeveless floor-length dress with my worn-out black sweater. Her eyes widened, staring at me.

“Are you not the alpha’s daughter?” There’s a questionable look in her eyes.  Looking at me like this is the first time she has seen me. She usually brings me my meals and comes to help me with my hair, but I don’t think I have ever mentioned my clothes.

“Give me a minute,” she says, pulling out her phone from the pocket of her sweater and then putting it to her ear.

“Blake, I need your help,” she says through the phone, looking at me from head to tall. The person she is talking to responds, and she is nodding.

“Fine. I will do it. I just need a few things,” she says, and I can only get her side of the conversation. I am curious to know what she is talking about

“No. You will have to send the bill to the finance team.” She adds, and my eyes widen. She is not thinking of getting me clothes. I don’t want to be in trouble.

“She should be a size six?” She raises her brows in question, and I shake my head, trying to stop her. My heart is racing so fast, I feel like I might pass out.

“Not six? I don’t know. She should be smaller than I. Fine, I will bring her over, but for now, she needs some urgently. Can you ask Lottie to bring them?” She asks, coming closer to me. She looks at my feet and then my hair.

“She’s a size five. Just sandals.” She turns away from me when a knock on the door. She rushes to open the door.

“Great.” She responds and then bows her head before whoever is standing behind the door.

“Is she in?” The man’s voice comes, and I recognize his voice. Something flutters in my chest when he walks in.

“Come in,” Ariel steps aside when Taylor walks in. he is in a suit and looks like some sort of businessman.

“Ms. Thorne,” he dips his head to me, and I raise a brow. No one has ever treated me like that. Should he even bow to me?

“I brought some things for you.” He says, handing me the bag he was holding in his hand. I stand there, not sure I want to take whatever it is that is in there.

“It’s a phone. His Grace would like to be communicating with you since you are wolfless,” he explains with a smile.

“Oh.” I hesitantly took the bag. I have never had a phone before. My father always made sure of it.

“Thank you,” I say, taking the bag.

“It already has all the numbers you need. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me or Ariel.” He adds as I nod my head. He offers me one of those weak smiles before bowing and then turning to Ariel.

“Help her get ready. The King would like to see her later tonight,” he said in a monotone voice. He turned to me, then smiled at me before closing the door.

“Well, open it,” she insists, walking towards me with a smile. I don’t know if I should. What’s the point when I don’t even know how to use the damn thing?

“Let’s leave it. I would like something to eat,” I say, putting the bag on the table before looping my arm with hers.

“Of course not. You are carrying it. In case His Grace calls.” She rushes towards the table; she goes on unboxing it and then gives it to me. Taking a deep breath, I took the phone from her.

“Can we go now? I would like to see where we are having lunch,” I insist with a smile as we step out of the room.

“Are you really that excited?” She laughs, leading the way, and I nod, looking towards His Grace’s quarters, my heart pounding hard. Is he there? Something in me stirs, urging me to go and check, but I shake my head.

No. Trouble.

Live by the rules. It’s easy. I remind myself. Then go on to follow where Ariel is taking me.

The lunch goes by quietly, and Ariel takes time to show me how to use the phone on my way back home. I continue scrolling through, heading back up to my room. My phone rang, and I stared at it. It’s His Grace calling me. My heart races, thinking of how Ariel showed me. I answer. “He…Hello…”

“Did Taylor tell you about dinner tonight?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Good, I expect you to be there. Don’t be late,” he says, and without waiting for my response, he cuts the call. I sigh heavily, shaking my head. I can survive this. I have been ignored and treated worse than this.

But why does it hurt when he treats me like this? I am about to walk away when someone bumps into me.

“I’m sorry.” I curtly bow my head.

“Watch where you are going!” A husky, deep voice snaps at me, and I quickly dip my head.

“Forgive me. I didn’t mean...” I pause, lifting my gaze when I see His Grace standing before me.

“Your Grace, forgive me.” I bow my head again, my heart racing, but he just walks away without responding.

“Your Grace?” I call after him before he can walk away. I have never been to events. Ariel says it’s important and important people will be there, but I don’t know what’s expected of me.

He turns to face me, his expression as cold as ice. “Thank you for the phone. It’s beautiful,” I say, flashing a smile. His eyes narrowed, and a low growl escaped his lips. Without another word, he spins around and strides away, leaving me standing there, heart pounding.