Chapter 2: Prince Liam

Aurora's POV

I was grateful I brought the nicer of my clothes. Though, it was but three outfits, I was still thankful for them. Everyone within the castle walls were all dressed to the nines, showing off their wealth. I french-braided my hair, leaving a few strands out to frame my face. 

I chose my white sundress that ruffled around my knees. I picked a pair of matching sandals and headed back downstairs to the dining hall, as instructed.  I found my father and Alpha talking to some of the other men and made my way over to them. 

"What the fuck is this?", Trent hissed, coming up behind me and tugging on my dress. "I'm trying to fit in", I replied, not looking him in the eyes. "Kind of hard to do when everyone knows you aren't a wolf", he cackled maliciously. 

I bit my tongue as I turned my head away to look at the details of the dining hall. Goosebumps spread up my spine at the sensation of being watched. I meekly scanned the room, clashing eyes with a rocky horizon. They flashed a beautiful burnt amber before returning to their original color. 

My breath caught in my throat. The man was gorgeous with jet black curly hair, a sharp law-line, and shoulders so broad I would never be able to wrap my arms fully around them. 

I felt a jab in my side, causing me to flinch as I turned to face my group. My father stared at me with disdain. "I don't know why we brought you. You never fucking listen. Always in your own little world, just like your mother", he hissed at me. 

"My apologies, father. There's a lot happening at once, I'm not used to it", I apologized. "Don't call me that here. It's a dishonor to have a daughter like you", he snapped, getting within an inch of my face. "Yes sir", I gritted out. 

"Prince Liam, it's so good to see you again. Man, the last time I saw you, you were yay high", Alpha Terry said, holding his hand up to his waist. My father had backed out of my face before the Alpha finished his greeting. 

"You remember my Beta, Lance, and this is my son, Trent", Alpha Terry's voice was abnormally light. I kept my head down. I'm not allowed to look up. I know that. The Prince's aura was strong, exceedingly dominant, but not oppressing. No. Instead, it was like a blanket of serenity, safety. 

"And yours?", his voice made my knees weak. I know he was talking to me. He had to be. There was no one else in the group to ask. "That's-", "I wasn't talking to you", Prince Liam cut my father off with a sharp tone. 

"Aurora, your highness", I uttered, bowing his way. "Aurora", he repeated, as if he was trying it out on his lips. He placed his hand out to take mine. I hesitated before obliging, knowing it would only shame my pack further if I refused. 

As my hand touched his, tingles spread up my arm, causing me to gasp. "It's a pleasure, Aurora", he bowed and touched his lips to the back of my hand. Why did he just do that? My heart hammered in my chest. This felt so intimate, but natural. 

My fear lies in the consequences I will face for this interaction. The prince gently released my hand, before turning back to the group as a whole. I could feel the anger rolling off of my three traveling companions. 

"Welcome to my home. I hope you enjoy your stay", Prince Liam said smoothly, before turning on his heel and walking away. Alpha Terry and my father stood side by side in utter shock and simmering in anger.