The Lycan King arrives

Khalshara's point of view 

Although the ceremony was yet to begin, the air in the Alpha King's residence was already filled with festivities. The aroma of different delicacies filled the air, as did the scent of different flowers. Now that everything was set in place, courtesy of Brandon and me, Luna Grace finally decided it was time to check things out. First, she went to the reception area, then to the kitchen. On the other hand, my twin stepsisters also pretended to do some work. It wasn't even like they did the work because the maids did it all for them under their instructions.

While we women checked out the rest of the preparations, the men were at the border, patrolling to ensure everyone's security. I overheard my brother speaking to our father this morning about how they have already strategised how to strengthen the borders. That way, some of the men, including Zack and our father, would also be able to attend the banquet with their families.

I was still arranging some wine glasses on the luxuriously decorated tables when one of Matilda's maids came yelling, "The Lycan King and his entourage are here! The Lycan King and his entourage are here!"

"What?! The Lycan King is here." Matilda uttered, her cheeks turning rosy while the maid dipped her head in a nod.

"Oh, my goddess! I can't believe the Lycan King is finally here," Matilda said with dreamy eyes while I wondered what exactly is special about the Lycan King's arrival.

I get the fact that he is referred to as royalty. In fact, not referred to as royalty, but he is royalty. But apart from that, I don't see what the fuss is all about. I've heard stories of how cruel the Lycan King is. Everyone knows he is a tyrant who kills without hesitation. So, what's there to be happy about?

Still, he was the most important guest of the banquet. So, I need to take good care of him and the rest of the royal family. Hopefully I don't lose my head in the process.

Heaving a heavy sigh, I turned to Matilda and said, "I will go and attend to the royal family now. Then, I'll take them to their rooms after the reception so they can get someone to rest before the banquet begins."

But Matilda stopped me. "Who told you to welcome them?"

I raised a brow because I didn't understand what she meant by 'who told me to welcome them' when I was the one who did all the preparations. While she and Linda were busy enjoying themselves, I was busy working my butts off to make everything perfect. So, I know everything about the banquet and how it should go better than she does.

"Matilda, I prepared the banquet and even planned the reception. So, I should be the one to welcome the royal family. Besides, you don't know anything about welcoming such a dignified entity. Why not let me do it?" I responded only to receive a resounding slap.

"Who do you think you are?" She lashed while I held my cheeks in pain.

"Have you forgotten what Father said? Do you want the royal family to know of your existence so you can bring shame to the whole pack?" She added, yelling at me again.

I bit back the tears that threatened to fall while I lowered my head, locking my eyes with my feet. "I'm sorry, Linda; I didn't mean it that way," I apologised before walking out on her.

It was true; I really didn't mean it like that. I was so drawn into the preparation that I forgot that I was just a nobody and a maid of the Alpha King's residence. With tears welling up in my eyes, I ran to my room and fell on my tiny bed. My work was done for the day. All I need to do is wait for the end of the banquet to clean up the mess while my step sisters take all the glory for the preparations.

More tears formed on my face at the thought of everyone enjoying the party and all my hard work. I cried to the extent I didn't know when I slept off.

In a few hours, I was awakened by the sound of soft music. The banquet had already begun. I got off my bed and hurried into the bathroom to have my bath. Then, I searched my bag for one of the hand me down clothes I knew was a little presentable. A satisfied smile formed on my face when I finally saw one that was to my liking. I changed into it and put on my slippers; then, I took some snacks and orange juice into a small bag. I also took a piece of cloth I could sit on and headed down stairs.

Although the house was completely empty because everyone was already at the banquet, I still made sure to carefully slip out. My plan wasn't to attend the banquet but to stay hidden while watching the whole ceremony unfold. The whole banquet was a result of Brandon and my hard work. So, I need to make sure I enjoy the fruit of my labour even though other people take all the glory for it.

After snucking around the large venue, I finally found a blind spot behind the garden where I could watch the whole banquet. I placed the piece of cloth on the floor and settled down to watch the banquet. I could see that the whole place was already filled with invited guests. And they were all laughing and exchanging conversation with themselves. However, as soon as I settled down, the laughter and cheerfulness that filled the whole place ceased.

What is happening?

Why did the smile on their faces disappear?

Before I could think too much, I spotted the reason everyone went shush.

They are here! 

The Lycan King and his entourage are here!