Chapter 4

We arrived in front of a huge door, the lady looked at me and from her expression, I instantly knew this was it. “Your Highness, would you like to use scent blockers before the ceremony?” I was confused by the question but Ron answered in my stead.

“Her Majesty, the Queen insisted that the princess must use it, to prevent certain issues.”

I didn’t say a word, from the name I guessed that it was used to block out a person’s scent but why would the princess need to use it? “What issues?” I mumbled loud enough for their hearing, I was almost comfortable around the guards but not the new person in our midst.

Blaze chuckled. “Your Highness, this is a Mate Choosing ceremony and a lot of people are looking forward to you attending. The Queen is worried that you might be claimed by a male that isn’t your true mate, that’s why your scent has to be blocked at least before the main ceremony begins but of course, you can choose not to agree.” He received a warning growl from Ron.

Ron nodded at the lady and she brings out a syringe filled with a substance that was sparkling. I was quickly dazzled by the color but the sight of the needle snapped me out of it. “Pardon my actions, Your Highness.” She gently took my hand and inserted the needle to one of my veins. I flinched a little, it wasn’t as painful as expected, nothing could be as painful as being the pack’s punching bag. The memory of everything beating was registered in my head, a princess was being treated like a jewel while I was treated like the scum of the earth, that’s the vast difference between hierarchy.

“It is done.” She suddenly announced, I didn’t feel any different but I smiled at her.

“Thank you.”

She looked flustered and rushed away with a hint of pink on her cheeks.

“Your Highness, you shouldn’t attract the ladies too.” Blaze cried out in a grieved tone of voice as his eyes watered a little. He had a rather attractive face with his thick red hair styled, tousled and combed nicely. His hair bangs framed his face nicely and neatly.

“I did nothing.” I couldn’t help but pout. Ron stared at the both of us without saying a word. “What’s next?”

For a response, Ron proceeded to push the door open. A lot of eyes fell on me and I froze. “Remember the Queen’s words, Head high, chin high. Smile and do not cower.” I heard Blaze mumble behind me and quickly composed myself.

I smiled as I took a step forward, Ron and Blaze took their places by my side as they led me into the hall, through the stairs to the wide array of people who were staring at me. With their help, I didn’t trip on my gown and make a fool out of myself, Ron went behind me and expertly unclasp the brooch pin securing the fur cloak. Multiple gasps were heard as my gown was revealed to them.

“Thank you for gracing the ceremony Princess Davina.” A loud voice came from the podium.

Blaze subtly nudged me. “The pleasure is mine.” I raised my voice to the hearing of everyone and heard a relieved sigh behind me. The conversations, laughter and noise continued, I could see that a lot of people wanted to approach me but they did not.

I was both worried and confused at that moment. I was addressed as the princess once again but where is the true princess? I kept a smile on my face as I was led by an omega to a corner where a couch was placed. I thanked her as a two other omegas came with a bowl of fruits and a tray of champagne which was collected by both guards. The omegas were dismissed.

“Little Princess, I have to say I’m impressed. You have never been good with public speaking and that was the main worry of your mother.” Blaze said.

“Here comes the best part,” Ron continued. “Socializing. You have just a few minutes to prepare yourself to mingle with a lot of people here.”

“Is that compulsory?”

“Yes. One of the Alphas here will be your mate and you have to flaunt this,” He pointed at the bracelet and the badge in my hand. “The king’s orders.”

“He always likes to follow orders.” Blaze whispered.

“What about my orders?” I didn’t know where the boldness came from but I instantly regretted my words. I was not the princess! I don’t have the right to command her guards!

“I will only completely submit to you when you best me in a duel,” Ron smirked at me. “The scent blocker will still be active for more than an hour. You just have to meet people and exchange greetings but remember, do not be too close to any Alpha. Even if your scent is blocked, your mate is still able to sense your presence and I’m not prepared to break fights.”

“Ok.” I was already in deep, there was no way I could change my mind now. I placed the badge on my chest where I had seen other girls put theirs. I grabbed a glass of champagne, sipped it and stood up. “Let’s do this.”

“Blaze will accompany you, I have to scout the area for threats.”

He left before I could say another word. “Come on princess, it’s time to show those Alphas what you’ve got.”

As we stepped out of the area which I assumed was closed off because of my presence, we were approached by some girls who wanted to become best friends with me, not that I would ever accept them. I knew their kinds, they only wanted to leech off me and once I’m down, they’ll be the first set of people to ditch me. I noticed their eyes were fixed on my badge and bracelet for reasons best known to them. I was thinking of an excuse to get away from them when I noticed an Alpha heading towards us. His pheromones was strong but not overwhelming, the group of girls quickly excused themselves.

“Princess.” He nodded his head once towards me.

“Alpha.” I returned the gesture, I was bold on the outside but I was a wreck inside. I was ready to see his face morph to that of anger but that never came.

He ran his hand through his head, I was surprise to see that he was nervous. I glanced at his badge, Sean Mendez, Strength (8/10), Age (18), Rank (Alpha). “So you are a Princess?”

“Yes,” I tried not to laugh while Blaze chuckled behind me. “And you are an Alpha.”

“I’m sorry, I really don’t know how to act around royalty. I’m Sean, future Alpha of Green Lake pack.” Sean had a gentle looking set of almond shaped eyes which looked pure and innocent, for some reason, I could tell that he wasn’t my mate but it won’t be bad to be friends with him. Ron’s warning was completely forgotten.

“You should relax, I hate social gatherings.”

“Really?” He looked at me with disbelief and I nodded in affirmation. “I assumed that this should be something you are most comfortable with.”

“I’m not your typical Princess who love this kind of gatherings, my face hurt from smiling too much.” Sean burst into laughter and I heard Blaze chuckle behind me.

“Then why are you here?”

“I tried to escape and was bundled here by Ron, he’s so obstinate and likes to follow my parents orders.” I felt calm and tried to be the princess.

“My dad forced me here and threatened me too, I would like to see his face once I tell him that I’m friends with the princess.” He bragged.

“Friends? You want to be my friend?” I inquired.

“Duh,” He seemed to relax around me. “Since we are not mates, it’s best to be friends. Not everyone can brag about be friends with royalty.”

“If you say so.”

Sean took out his phone. “Can I have the honor of having your number?”

I turned to Blaze with a nod, he collected the phone from Sean and dialed a number. “You are lucky that Ron didn’t switch places with me. Here.” Blaze smirked as he returned the phone and stood behind me.

“Thank you.” Sean nodded.

“I have to keep socializing.” I assumed that I had already spent enough time with him and I had to meet more people. The thought of meeting people that aren’t like Sean made me uncomfortable but having Blaze by my side through it all was helpful.

“Good luck with finding your mate, princess.” I smiled at him before walking away.

I knew that the mate choosing was going to begin soon, in fact, I was dreading the entire process because I didn’t want to await someone to decide that I’m good enough to be his mate. Most females were excited and couldn’t wait for the mating ceremony with hopes that a pack’s Alpha might choose them.

I could see a lot of males eyes on me. They were filled with approval and lust? It wasn’t surprising because the princess had a high rank and strength. An Alpha male who wanted strong pups will want to choose a strong female to ensure that their pups will be as strong as possible. That is just the way it is.

I began to dread what would happen if the princess suddenly appeared from nowhere, I could imagine the scorn on the faces of the males who males who were lusting after me and disgust on the faces of the females who were fawning after me. I would not be able to give an explanation for my action, I might be tortured and even worse, killed. I inwardly started to pray to the Moon Goddess to help me.

“Princess Davina.” A man suddenly appeared before me with a smile on his face.

I shuddered and glanced at his tag. “Alpha Justin.” I bowed my head a little in his direction but did not submit..

His pheromones became stronger that it made me nauseous. The smirk on his face was strange and I tried to imagine the reason behind it. Blaze suddenly appeared before me, shielding me from the most of it. “Alpha could you control your pheromones? It’s affecting a lot of people” His tone of voice was cold as he gritted his teeth in anger.

“ I’m sorry.” He quickly retracted his pheromones.

Blaze handed me an handkerchief which I used to dab my forehead where beads of sweat had gathered. The Alpha’s pheromones was enough to make me submit but my willpower wouldn’t let me so I felt nauseous and dizzy instead. I looked around and saw that some of the females around us were pale while others had fainted.

“Now I understand why you got a gold bracelet. You are strong enough to not submit to just my pheromones. I’m impressed, everyone here is,” The smile on his face became kinder. “Forgive my impulsiveness Princess. You should understand that no princess of my kind must be weak. It is not acceptable.”

The gazes from the males around me became fierce, it seemed as if they wanted to claim me but no one made the first move..yet

'No princess of my kind must be weak, it is not acceptable’ The words replayed in my head. He was right. The princess got a gold bracelet and her strength was ranked at eight but I still had to prove myself in her place and luckily, I passed.

“Princess, are you okay?” Blaze tapped me gently.

“I’m fine.”

“Your highness, are you using scent blockers?” I noticed that three other males were before me, another Alpha and two Beta wolves. Seeing the rank on my badge, it would be wrong for any wolf lesser than a Beta to approach me.

“Yes, just until the ceremony begins.” I replied the beta who inquired.

“Oh,” Alpha Justin said and continued. “If I hadn’t known better, I would have assumed that you were wolfless.”

That stung.

I was wolfless but they don’t know.

“That’s funny Alpha Justin, Princess Davina is a Beta and she wouldn’t have gotten a rank if she had no rank. Am I right, Princess?”

“You are.” I forced out a smile and screamed inwardly ‘Are you testing me Moon Goddess!!!!'