Chapter 5: A disgrace

Aurora's POV

"Go get our suits hungs up, and clothes unpacked. If you do that, you can have some free time before the ball", my father instructed, taking me by surprise. I almost tripped over my feet as I jumped up from my seat. 

"Yes sir. Thank you", I bowed, quickly turning and speed walking out of the dining hall, before he had a chance to change his mind. 

As soon as I rounded the corner into the hall, I bolted down it towards our wing. The sooner I finish what he asked of me, the sooner I am free. 

I decided that doing Trent's room first was smarter. I'd rather be in my father's room, or even the Alpha's when they come back, rather than his. I quickly unpacked his clothes and set his suit out for the evening, before moving on to the Alpha's room. 

As I was coming out of my father's room, Trent was walking past the door. "Why don't you come with me? I'll stay with you while you do my clothes", his voice was calm, but I knew better. He's worse when he is calm. I slowly backed away towards the stairs. 

"I already did your clothes", I chuckled nervously. "Then come with me to make sure that you did it right", he growled, his calm expression slowly fading. "No, thanks", I said, turning on my heel and dashing towards the steps. 

I have no idea where the courage came from to run, but it wasn't a surprise to hear his angry footsteps falling heavily behind me. I glided down the steps, using the handrail for majority of my support. I wasn't two strides off the staircase before I hit a brickwall. 

Large arms wrapped around my waist, steadying me on my feet, preventing me from falling on my ass. "Easy there, princess", my heart stopped. That voice. What did he just call me?

I scrambled a step back and bowed. "My deepest apologies, your highness. I wasn't going where I was going. I mean", I froze realizing my grammatical error. I flooded with embarrassment, as I made eye contact with Trent who stood on the staircase. 

If looks could kill, I would be in the ninth circle of hell right now. The Prince's head followed my line of sight before looking back at me. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I'm so sorry", I apologized. "Where are you going?", he asked, studying my face. "Outside", I uttered, looking back towards Trent who was backing up the steps. 

"Very specific", he smirked. "May I join you?", he questioned. My heart skipped a beat. "Oh, uh. Sure", I agreed, not wanting to be rude and decline him. "Perfect", he grinned, gesturing the way to go. 

"So, Aurora", he said, enunicating my name slowly, like he was savoring it. "You are Beta Lance's only child", he stated. He was not asking a question. He was making a statement. "Um", I stuttered, not knowing what to say. 

"I heard what he said to you, princess. Why would he treat you that way?", he questioned, as he led me down a white cobblestone path. I rubbed my arm in an attempt to self-soothe. "It is a disgrace, your highness. To not have a Beta to take over for you", I explained, my throat going dry. 

"Liam", he corrected. "I'm sorry?", I frowned. "Just, Liam, princess", he said. "I'm not a princess", I uttered, shaking my head, since we were correcting one another. Prince Liam chuckled. "Oh, yes you are. You just don't know it yet", he smirked. 

A warmness in my chest sparked at the way he looked at me. "You aren't a disgrace", he spoke lighting, leading me into a large gardened area. "I'm not a Beta. I'm barely a witch", I frowned. "Still haven't heard how that makes you a disgrace. Instead, I believe that makes you special. The moon goddess doesn't make mistakes", he said, stopping and facing me. 

I was stunned into silence. I've never been told that before.