The Palace?

I was crying so much that I drifted off into a deep sleep. It was icy and cold, I could feel the snowflakes falling onto my face, it was snowing! I slowly began to open my eyes to see that I was still in a wagon, but, not the same one... I must have been sold while I was asleep. I sat up and began to speak.

"U-um excuse me... who are you and where are we going?" I asked as sweetly as I could.

"It doesn't matter who we are you dog girl, you are have already been sold and you're gonna do what ever we tell ya." The man said while steering the horse.

"I am not a DOG! I am a WOLF!, that's the least you could say to me, I deserve some respect!" I said in anger.

Without knowing the consequences for yelling out, I got hit with a whip out of nowhere.

"Aaaah!" I screamed in pain.

"That's what'll happen if you continue to act out, now shut up!" he said in a loud angered tone.

I sat their in pain and traumatized...I began to realize that I had no choice but to follow the rules. I may be strong, but I still feel pain, and the fact that I am still a child makes it even worse. I can feel blood trickling down my back, If I try to move it hurts even more. I don't wanna live like this, but it's all for the pack!

"Hey boss, even though she's a wolf, she is also just a child, and the Empress may not want a harmed servant at the palace..." The second man said to the first.

"When we arrive, we can have her washed up, they won't want an untamed one either." The first man said as a reply.

The Empress? Palace? Am I going there? I am not some pet, I am a werewolf, I can't, and I won't be tamed so easily. You can harm me all you want, but It's not gonna happen. I thought to myself. I must have fainted from the pain because I am now laying in a bed, a quite fancy bed though. I groaned in pain as I sat up, I looked around the room. It was fancy, bright, and had the scent of flowers. I walked toward a mirror that was standing in a corner, to see how I looked.

My hair was washed and nicely brushed into long whitish silver curls, my face was clean and I could see my ember eyes sparkle in the reflection. I was also wearing a crimson colored hanfu with white flowers flowing down it. I feel a bit uncomfortable, because I don't like when people touch my hair. Well, at least I can hide my tail. I turn around to see a note on the bed side table, I don't recall it being there before. I opened it and read it out loud.

"Welcome to the Xiao Palace, you will be escorted to the Empress shortly to receive your tasks and status. Be prepared to pay respects to the Empress, and others who may be at the party, located in the Central Hall, thank you."

I was surprised to see this invitation, but why not just drag me there instead of send me a nice note. That's weird, but okay! I heard a knock on the door and began to walk toward the door to open it.

"Yes?" I said while opening the door.

"Lady Ruby, please come this way, the Empress awaits you." The girl said with a smile.

"Um, Okay." I said kindly.

I was a bit confused but I think I would be alright for now, except for the fact that I would probably get lost in this huge place. I continued to follow her down the stone steps and on a few stone paths until we finally came to a stop at two large doors.

"Okay Lady Ruby, we have arrived, please enter and pay respects." She said nicely.

"Okay thank you miss." I said in gratitude.

I entered through the door and nervously walked up the long red and gold carpet, I had no idea what she meant by pay respects. I never had to actually "pay respects" to anyone...what should I do. I did the first thing that came to mind. I kowtowed and spoke with as much respect as possible.

"Greetings, Empress." I said while kowtowing as nicely as possible.

"Hmm, what a great introduction, Mei Ruby. I will be giving you your rank and status."

"Yes, ma'am." I said with a sweet smile.

"From today forward, you are my son's personal servant. He may be young, but he is the only heir to the throne, so treat him dearly and with absolute respect, or there will be consequences." She said.

"Yes, ma'am." I said again.

I was sweating so much that I felt like I couldn't breath. I did not want to make any mistake, I don't want to get hurt or punished...but where and who is the young master? shouldn't he be here? I am really scared. What do I do If he doesn't like me, well I don't need him to like me, but what If he doesn't even want me as his servant? So many thoughts were filling my mind, until I turned around from the loud creaking noise of the large doors to the "Central Hall" opening. A boy with black hair, and violet eyes, was walking slowly toward the Empress, but with a fan covering his face, I could see him, but I could only see his violet colored eyes and jet black hair, in a half up - half down hairstyle. He seemed to give off a sense of sadness.

"Greetings, Mother." The boy said with an emotionless face.

"Hello my son, I have a surprise for you." She said to him with a grin.

"And whatever could that be mother?" He said while looking up to her.

"I brought you your own personal servant. She will take care of you and do anything you need." She said to him.

"But--, I mean, surely appreciated mother, I will cherish this gift." he said while forcing a smile.

I could now see his face. I was surprised by how youthful he looked. But, I realized how important it is for me to try to not get in his way to much. I should not get into any trouble, with anyone, at least not yet. Although, it is sure to happen in the future. I just hope not too soon in the future.