Chapter three.

ANGELINA'S POV:

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw what that strange man did. He didn't even use his hands to kill that bear! How can anyone hold such power? It's unheard of. After the strange man had disappeared into the forest I shifted back and ran home with a fresh revival of energy. I couldn't forget his words however, they were swimming around in my brain clawing at the back of my mind desperate for answers. " I didn't save you, I simply delayed the inevitable." He meant when I die naturally? Didn't he? It wasn't so much the words as the look he gave me that made my stomach twist uncomfortably and sent my mind into an uncontrollable frenzy of questions.

A part of me hopes to see him again tonight, the other part is terrified. There's a strange aura about him that screams dark and menacing but that smile seems to say otherwise. There's something about him that peaks my curiosity which excites me with the thrill of adrenaline at his mere presence. I feel unimaginably grateful to him for saving my life and I hope I can thank him in some way for it to show my deep gratitude. 

I was so lost in my thoughts I had not realised I had already approached the castles outta walls. I crept back in through the secret door making sure to close it before anyone noticed. I only hoped no one was aware of my disappearance, that would certainly cause an uproar and a scolding I was not looking forward to receiving. Especially after this mornings events. 

I lept back onto my balcony floor and crept into my room. I shifted quickly and slipped back into my silk nightgown. The sound of someone clearing their throat startled me, turning quickly I discovered my mother perched on the edge of my bed with a disapproving look plastering her face. I smiled awkwardly, "Good morning mama, you came to see me?" I blinked innocently at her, hoping she wouldn't be too severe with her scolding. 

"What were you doing this morning? Where were you?"

"I shifted and went for a quick run." 

"Where did you run to?"

"Just around."

"Did you go into the forest again?"

I looked down, I couldn't lie to my mother but I was too afraid to say yes, though I know my silence is enough to give her my answer.

"How many times do I have to tell you NOT TO GO IN THERE!?" Her sudden anger made me flinch slightly.

"But it's nice there, I don't understand why I'm not allowed to go when everyone else can. The people go there whenever they please."

"No they don't. It is forbidden to enter there because it is dangerous! People that wander in out of morbid curiosity are foolish! The creatures that dwell within there have no human soul. They are mere shells of their past selves. They have been banished from our lands and stripped of their powers, made to remain in their animalistic forms. They will eat you alive with no remorse! How are you so foolish!?"

By the time my mother finished with her rant I was in tears, I was nearly devoured by a beast this morning and all that dreaded fear returned at my mother's revelation. She had never elaborated as to why it was forbidden but me and my unending curiosity for the unknown caused me to disobey her. What if that mysterious man had not saved me? I would be a torn up corpse, hardly recognizable to those who know me. I would be dead, my life over and I have not even lived properly yet. My life is just beginning.

My mother seeing my tears, wrapped her arms around me, gently hugging me and stroking my hair. I soaked her gown with my tears as she gently rocked me, speaking soothing words to calm my aching heart. I was so scared. When my tears had stopped shedding and all that was left were sore eyes and a sniffly nose, my mother gently released me. Cupping my face with her hands she said gently with tears in her eyes, " promise me you will never and I mean NEVER do that to me again?"

"I promise mama" I sniffled slightly.

"You will not enter that forest again?"

"No mama I won't, I promise"

"Good girl, now your ladies-in-waiting are outside, I'll beckon them inside and you can get ready, we have a busy day ahead of us and I need you to focus. Understand my dear? Tonight is very important, okay?"

"I understand mama" I reply meekly.

"Good, now dry your eyes and give me a smile"

I wiped my eyes free of tears and smiled cheerfully for my mother to see, she returned it with one of her own before turning to open the door and slipping through gracefully, allowing my ladies-in-waiting to enter. 

The servants entered and began busying themselves preparing me for the day. Assisting me with bathing, dressing and styling my hair. I enjoy the daily pampering it makes me feel pretty. Once they have accomplished their tasks I dismissed them and turned to admire their work. I was dressed In a pearly pink A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline, the sleeves ending at my small wrists. The length of my hair was left to flow naturally with a few twists and braids to keep it out of my face. Satisfied with my appearance I turned to exit my chamber and make my way down for breakfast. 

When I arrived in the extravagant dining room, my mother and father were already present tucking into the delicious food our cooks had prepared. I took my seat elegantly as the servants began to offer me my food from several different platters. My mother and father began discussing the possibility of different suitors who might be to my liking I on the other hand began to zone out, getting lost into my memories of this morning unraveling in my mind. The nameless man, who seemed so mysterious and handsome. Those seductive green eyes with their dark glint. That handsome, charming smile. "ANGELINA!" I jumped. My father's roar, brought me out of my day dreaming, I blushed slightly at my thoughts. I looked at my father blinking innocently "Yes father?" 

"Were you even listening to a single word I've said!?"

"Sorry father I was just so lost in my thoughts I did not realise you had addressed me"

"Well you need to learn to be more attentive in future. I was saying that King Fraco of the southern kingdom is especially keen to meet you. He is a good man, you should give him special attention."

"Yes father" I reply automatically. The rest of the breakfast was eaten in silence, which to my ears sounded peaceful. 

After breakfast, I was busy with my mother assisting her in organising the servants in their tasks and confirming the selection of food to be prepared for tonight's celebration. It's always amazed me how much they can accomplish in such a small space of time, I don't know how they manage it.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting and it was time to prepare for the upcoming ball. I walked excitedly to my room fantasizing about meeting that mysterious green eyed man again tonight. I immediately noticed the glass doors leading to the balcony were wide open. "I'm sure I closed those" I muttered quietly to myself. I peeked out onto my balcony, seeing nothing I quickly shut the doors and drew the curtains

Deep down in the pit of my stomach i felt uneasy, as if I were being watched, I shuddered at the thought but pushed the thought away excusing it as nervousness for tonight's ball.

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