Chapter 52

We sat on horses at the entrance of the castle. The king commanded a grand entry like it was a very important person visiting. Julian's cousin, how important is he? There are a lot of family ties I still do not know of in this territory. One of which is the one king's nephew who the almighty devil takes so important. Julian being the only child of this same almighty, the owner of thousand mistresses, is still a shock to me. I heard rumours once that he kills his mistresses once they take in, how cruel? It's too bad to be true but if it is, then I think I know why he would do that. The smart king wants to protect the seat for himself, his own family line only. He doesn't want rivalry between brother or betrayal due to jealousy. He's really a wise father. He must have been through hell while Julian was gone. Maybe not...I can't say.

Our visitors arrived, hundreds of horses and horsemen adorned with weapons of all sort. Their leader, I suppose the cousin, shook hands with us. He was tall, seemed to be in his mid twenties, his shoulder length black hair fit perfectly with his tanned skin.

They were asked to drop their weapons in the storeroom before meeting the king.

"Your majesty" he and his men bowed on seeing the king. 

"you are welcome Raleigh." he adressed his kinsmen. "you all should make yourself comfortable. You're one of us now." The members of the silver led Raleigh's kinsmen to the training ground leaving the tthrweyof is alone with the king.

"you must be hungry and tired. Let's eat." Roger suggested.

We sat at the table to eat. We were served meatballs, potatoes,toast and ham. A basket filled with assortment of fruit sat at the center of the table. A servant walked in and served wine in our cups.

They chitchatted while eating. I just watched and listened though my mind wasn't there all of the time but I was able to observe a few things. I felt a bit awkward. I hate being watched and I could sense Raleigh stealing glances at me. And the wine, I do not drink their wine, the sight alone gets me nauseous. In short, I could not eat. I was thinking, of Julian and everything I've gotten myself into.

I didn't snap out of it until someone tapped me. 

"Milady" it was Raleigh. I blinked, embarrassed."i just asked you a question."

"ehm...yes" I forced on a smile. The truth is that I didn't hear anything.

"you mean you don't like the food?" Julian said.

"oh no..." I paused. "it's okay. Just the ham."

"ladies don't like hams." Raleigh smirked.

" you'll never change Raleigh" the king said and they all laughed. It was strange. I've never seen Roger's teeth and now he's laughing. I just concentrated on my food, staring at their faces make me want to jump.

" Your wolf, what's her name?" Raleigh asked gesturing to Luna who sat on my lap.

"Luna." I placed a chunk of meat in her mouth. She ate and licked my face.

"She's cute..."

" We'll have a party tonight. I hope you can attend after you have rested." the king said. " it's a party organized for you anyway."

" I'll be there surely." 

***

I was in my study when some maids came in.

"My lady we shall help you prepare for the party."

I don't want to attend but it's obviously compulsory. They showed me several dresses to choose from. Most of which were revealing. I chose the least revealing one, a black turtle necked gown. They styled my hair beautifully and adorned my wrist with golden jewelries. This party, I might look very beautiful right but I still have a bad feeling.

I stood at the entrance of the extravagant hall. People in fancy clothes, eating, dancing, chatting and drinking, their voices mixed with music. I saw Julian, his cousin and father at a corner, chitchatting and drinking as usual. I got an empty table to seat, wishing that all these things could go away. I fed Luna the wine, it might be bloody but she likes it and I can't deprive her because I don't like it.

Suddenly I heard a voice. "may i have a dance, Milady?"

It was Raleigh.

" Sure."

"you look beautiful in black." he took my hands and kissed it.

"thank you" I took his hands and he led me to the dance floor. He danced so elegantly making us spin and glide over the dance floor.

"you're not as fragile as I presumed." he smiled.

"im a warrior." I smiled back.

" I hear you are an hybrid." I ignored and continued with the dance.

" Aren't you mindful of your wolf? You don't seem to be watching her."

" Are you thinking she might get lost?"

I looked over and saw Luna at Julian's feet. He was dancing with a blonde lady wearing. The lady with short black hair and a dress revealing all her cleavages. They were dancing so close and I could not help but boil within.

I was beginning to regret why I attended this party.

" yes, ain't you worried?"

" i can't be. Luna can't get lost." I managed to say. I felt hot, angry, and I guess he noticed.

" Are you okay, Milady?"

" yes I am." I forced a smile. "im not a good dancer, I know."

The music changed to a much slower one and our dance steps changed. I took a quick glance at Julian, he has changed dancers. Gush, he's such a flirt. I'll be killing myself if I continue to worry.

" I heard you're the king's nephew."

"yes, I am."

"you seem very close."

"aye, we are very close." I said." I'm closer to him than his son. I prefer him to my dad. He's very powerful and I admire that. As a child, I lived here. He trained me himself. He's the loving father I never had."

"wow." I said. "so you're older than Julian?"

"yes, I am."

He spined me around, brought me closer to himself, and whispered into my ear. "Can I see you in private? Now?"

I looked over at Julian, this time, our eyes locked. I'm glad he's seeing us this way—my own little payback.

"yes sure." he took my hand and we walked out