After three years -
Alfred the 19-year-old duke of Allendale, looked out of the carriage window. It had been 3 years since the war. Three years since everything changed for good.
Rhiannon made her way through the shrubs, she circumvented the huge field that she had just been walking in. This was the best time to be up and about. She was 18, she was a pretty girl with porcelain skin, dark brown hair, and striking green eyes.The vibrant forest beyond, the clean, crisp air. The dew-wet grass that made up the lands around the castle somehow made the day ahead seem easier to get through.It was such a contrast to the dark castle where she lived with her father the Duke of Allendale, her stepmother, and her half-siblings. She was usually ignored by the rest. It was quite apparent no one liked her. She was the unwanted daughter of a mistress after all.She sighed in happiness, there was still time until the sun was up in its full glory.Before the farmers and workers would arise. Their busy figures roamed about the p
" You are late for breakfast again?'Rhiannon winced at her step mother's curt tone. She had learned it was prudent in such situations to remain silent."I am sorry," Rhiannon replied politely.She preferred to eat alone in the kitchen, with old nan, in the barn, or anywhere where she would not be spotted. But today was special, her father the duke was going to make some special announcement. Hence the entire family and the household was ordered to be present in the dining hall.The servants scurried around serving the warm rolls, and tea.Margaret her 18-year-old half-sister was stuffing her mouth with the rolls when the duke stepped in to speak.The duke of Allendale was a tall imposing man, he could strike fear in the bravest of men. For now, he was one of the most important men in the court, the king of Lidio trusted him.His wife, Catherine was the daughter of a baron and second cou
The hamlet was small and isolated, nestled in a narrow valley among majestic peaks. Less than 100 families inhabited the hamlet. The land was suitable for some crops like barley.The winter was harsh though. Deep snow often made the single road that led in and out of the village impassable for months at a time.Most days were routine. Work started before dawn, and by nightfall, the villagers were in bed. It was a quiet and simple life for most of the villagers. However, all that changed the night that, their village was attacked.A band of 20 shapes surveyed the village from the mouth of the valley. Their blood lust driving them mad.The leader of the band grinned with evil anticipation. It was time to have some fun. He turned aside to give instructions to his men."Remember, don't spare anyone.No me
"Come on nan, just one more sip," Rhiannon forced the bitter medicine down the nan's mouth."That which! why do you go to her for such nasty stuff?" Nan complained, squinting her wrinkled face."This bitter medicine is making you well nan," Rhiannon chuckled."The Duchess wants to see you miss, she is waiting for you," one of the maids announced."The Duchess?" Rhiannon paled. The Duchess only conversed with her when she wanted to yell at her or humiliate her over something. As far as Rhiannon was concerned she had followed all her commands and kept a low profile during the king's visit.There was no reason for the Duchess to get upset with her."Miss, you must not keep her waiting," the maid reminded her.Rhiannon nodded, she wiped he
Rhiannon stood patiently as the seamstress measured her body. It was probably the first time in her life when she was getting a new outfit that would fit her.Since she was was officially"engaged" to count Belfort. She was required to appear more respectable, and attend the banquet. It was no surprise that her protests went in vain. Dejected she just allowed the seamstress to do her work while she planned her escape."I want a pink dress mother!" Margaret squealed."Of course dear, " Catherine replied."Pink would look horrible on Margaret because she is a redhead but who cares," thought Rhiannon.She was not even interested in any of this."Alright! That should be enough, by when can we expect the dresses to be ready?" Catherine asked the seamstress.
Rhiannon closed her eyes and held in her breath. This was much better than walking. Of course, her father would have had her hide if she attempted to borrow a horse. She wasn't even given a proper riding lesson. However, the stable boy was kind to her and so was Alfred. He used to let her ride in secret.Their group made their way towards the grassy fields. Rhiannon felt the cool wind on her face. Why not enjoy the moment while it lasted. She thought."I haven't seen you around, why is it so?" Matthew asked Rhiannon startling her.She didn't realize when he arrived right next to her."I...I don't like socializing much, your grace, I like being indoors on my own, usually," she lied."Oh! So you are a homebody, what do you like to do?"Rhiannon looked aroun
Rhiannon shivered and wrapped her hands around herself. Her wet clothes clung to her."Rhiannon!" Alfred ran towards her.Ignoring the dishevelled state he hugged her."Thank God! You are safe sister, you frightened me."Rhiannon felt genuinely grateful, "I am ok Alfred, I was saved....by a wolf," she said."What?" He peered at her as if she had grown horns."When I woke up a wolf was staring at me.""Maybe he was contemplating lunch," Alfred commented," anyway let's go. The prince is worried about you."Alfred wrapped his cloak around Rhiannon which she accepted gratefully."I am relieved to see you safe, my lady," Prince Matthew said as Rhiannon
Damius smiled then took a sip of wine from his goblet."There is nothing special to know about mate bonds, which you already don't know, Vasilios,"Vasilios looked at his goblet and glanced back at his tutor."Perhaps, I was not specific, I understand the concept of soul mates and it's strengths, I want to know why most Alphas shun it, specifically with humans?"Damuis kept his drink on the table and stared at his wife's portrait."Let me tell you a story, it was long ago, I was around your age. One day I went to a nearby village for the summer festival of Venus, oh ! what fun it was, they don't do festivals like that anymore," he paused," anyway, there she was dancing in the ring, I was mesmerized, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. My wolf was uncontrollable, that was it, I had found my mate."He stopped a silly smile played on his lips as he remembered t