Blending In

LARA

I’d cowered behind the king. Wondering if that door would hold. Willing to let that pack of nights stand between me and the vicious brother of the Alpha hunting me.

I’d let anything stand between him and I. As long as it kept him from getting me.

“You poor thing…” The king rubbed my hair down around my tearstained cheeks. Brushing away the dampness with old fingertips.

He had a kindly face. Gentle eyes but a hard jaw beyond that white beard, that told me that his hand could be as brutal as nice.

I was going to work for nice. I looked at him and wondered how far I could take this. How far will I go to avoid the wolves?

Any distance. I decided. Steadying myself to what might come.

I clung helplessly to the old king’s arms like a lost child. Forcing my face as vulnerable as I could make it. “Please, please help me. I’ll do anything…”

“Of course, Dear. Of course we will. My, my you are a pretty one, aren’t you…Beneath all those tears. You’re luck you made it. He nearly got you.”

You’ve no idea how pretty I’m going to be…

“Yes.” I admitted. “He nearly did.”

***

For days I worked to seduce that old king. Spending every moment haunting his steps and appearing in whatever room he was in until I made him mine. Persuading him to spend more and more time with me. To indulge my wishes a bit further each day.

I felt his eyes lingering on me and knew he liked the way I looked. With soft blonde features and keen blue eyes, I’d been told more than once I was lovely. But where I normally tried to hide those traits, here, amongst the humans I let myself free. I wore the lovely satins and silks the king gifted me. And participated in his dances and parties.

Eventually catching the eye of Bartholemew. One of the lords of a neighboring Kingdom.

I was kind to him to, willing to build my bridges where I might.

After one ball, the king walked over and offered me his arm. Collecting me from a dance with Bartholemew.

“He wants you, you know.” He remarked evenly.

“’Tis quite the shame, I only have eyes for one man.” I batted my sweeping lashes.

He gave a half-hearted smile. “Do you think one as lovely as you could learn to love one, such as me?”

A King? Definitely. I’d love every coin.

“But I already do, Your Highness.” I crooned.

He chuckled softly. “A smooth girl you are, indeed. You know I can give you no children.”

“I need none, My Lord.”

“After you pass, My Girl. My lands would go to Bartholemew’s children. He is my cousin.”

“I care not a wit.” I shook my head. “Only that I am with you.”

He leaned over and kissed my cheek. Patting my hand on his arm.

***

Soon, after he wed me. Giving my own sentries to protect me.

I strolled the wall now and again. Watching the treeline beyond the meadow. And I was sure, that I could see yellow eyes watching me from within the shadows of the trees.

Alaric. I could feel his presence there still.

Waiting for a day I forget. One day in which I emerge....

But I had no intention of forgetting.

The day of the wedding came and went. I wore white, which I felt was fitting. Since I’d managed to remain untouched. And I had plans of staying that way. I had high hopes that I could control my withered old king with a concoction of herbs I’d had my maids testing on the knights for their amusement.

It works.

The eve of the wedding came, and to my surprise, the King sent off those that’d vouch that the wedding had been consummated.

“I want no such trivialties ‘atween you and I, My Dear. When the time comes you wish for the act. I shall be here waiting.”

I was pleasantly surprised. Finding myself liking the man more and more by the day, despite my general dislike of males.

I took full advantage of his kindness and prolonged that day and when it seemed he was growing impatient, I relented and spiced his drink with my herbs then attempted to seduce him. To his dismay, and my great relief, we found he could not rise to the occasion.

Then came the time when I walked those perimeter walls and no longer felt Alaric’s gaze on me.

Does he know I am wed? That I was claimed by another? For some reason that thought didn’t bring me joy.

Despite the King’s kindness, I found myself lonely over the long months. Missing the company of creatures who understood what I was.

I’d never thought I would miss the wolves. But I, at least, miss the camaraderie of the she-wolves.

And Marta’s old wisdom.

I walked the walls again and felt no eyes, no presence.

I thought for sure, he’d finally gone.

Surrendered me to the humans, afterall.

I should’ve known better.