" 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

"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 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

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

"Rhiannon, you are so lucky to marry me," the count said in a slurred voice."Perhaps, you should slow down sir," Rhiannon said putting the glass away."Let's dance," the count stood up pulling Rhiannon along with him. Startled, Rhiannon whimpered, but his clasp was so rigid. She could not resist.Vasilios gripped his goblet in anger. It put a slight dent in the golden cup. He could have easily crushed the ware like wax but it would have resulted in questions. He was here to get the tribute.But the moment he entered the Castle he could smell her. Her scent was everywhere, this was her home. He knew it right away. His keen senses soon picked up the details about her. She was the bastard daughter of the duke.Not that it mattered to him. His wolf didn't care about societal reputations but his mother wou