I scooped up the apple pie sitting beautifully on my plate and ate it generously, savoring the sweet taste as it melted in my mouth. I closed my eyes, feeling so content in that moment and even nostalgic.
When I was younger, my mom used to make pies like this. I remembered how excited I always was whenever she announced we'd be having apple pie for dinner. 'If only...'
"Hey, Freya. That's your name, right?" Addy whispered to me as she shifted her seat closer with a cheerful smile on her face. I nodded.
"Where are you and your sister from? Hope you don't mind me asking."
"Not at all. We live in the western part of the kingdom, not too far from the border. What about you?"
"Oh, I live in the kingdom city. My house is only a thirty-minute drive from here," Addy replied enthusiastically. You could tell she was from a wealthy family and had been showered with love her whole life. Unlike me, who had been mistreated for as long as I could remember. My gaze turned to Kelly, who was sitting at another table with the other ladies, Jessica and Aurora. They were listening attentively to whatever she was saying. No doubt, she was probably lying to them about how Father was rich and fancy. She tended to do that with her friends at home too.
I couldn't help the snort that escaped my lips.
"Oh, did I say something wrong?"
My eyes widened. I had forgotten Addy was beside me. "No, no! I... I was just thinking about something else, Addy."
"Freya... I hope we can somehow be friends? I think I've always been a good judge of character, and something tells me you'll be a good friend," Addy said, that same cute smile on her face. How could I tell her that I wasn't here to make friends? I was here to escape the terrible fate of being mistreated by my family.
"Besides..." she continued, "we all need a friend in a place like this. Competition or not. Don't you think?"
"Um... I do," I answered.
Just as she was about to say something else, a striking woman walked into the room, a paper in one hand and a box in the other.
"Hello, beautiful ladies. Good evening. My name is Aramatha, and I am your guide while you are here. I will give you instructions on the programs you are to attend while staying with the Alpha and his family. Please ensure you always follow the rules given to you, and you are guaranteed a perfect stay here. I will leave you for now. The keys to your rooms are placed in this little box with your names engraved on them, so your room is specifically made to your taste. Please proceed to your rooms once you are done with dinner. Tomorrow's activities will be communicated to you later. Thank you, beautiful ladies." Without waiting for any of us to respond, the woman walked out of the room, leaving the box with our keys on the table between our seats.
Kelly was, of course, the first to stand up and dip her hand into the box. "Kelly's room," she gloated, waving the key in our faces with a grin. Each of us followed suit and went to take our keys.
I stared at my key in wonder. It was made of gold, like almost everything in this place. My name, FREYA, was carved boldly on it. It felt oddly satisfying holding a key with my name on it.
I stepped into my new room in the palace, and I couldn't help but gasp at the sight of it. The room was spacious with high ceilings, adorned with intricate patterns that glimmered under the light of the crystal chandelier. The walls were painted in a shade of royal blue, and the furniture was made of polished wood with gold accents. It felt like I had walked into a dream.
But I knew better than to get too comfortable. My stepsister, who was also competing for the Alpha King's hand, wouldn't hesitate to sabotage me if given the chance. I couldn't let my guard down, not even for a moment. I didn't really want to be anybody's breeder, but if that was what I needed to be free of my family, I would do it. 'How bad could being Alpha Rafe's Luna be?'
"Excuse me, miss?" A soft voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned around to see three young girls dressed in identical uniforms standing behind me, each holding a tray of refreshments.
"Hi," I said, trying to sound friendly. "Who are you, and how may I help you?"
"We're your maids, miss," one of them said with a timid smile.
"Maids?" I repeated, confused. "I don't need any maids."
"Everyone has maids during their stay in the palace," another girl explained. "We're here to assist you with anything you might need."
I didn't know how to respond to that. Being waited on hand and foot wasn't something I was used to, and it made me feel uncomfortable. "Well, thank you, I guess," I said, still unsure.
"Is there anything we can help you with right now?" the first girl asked.
"Uh, no, I'm okay," I replied, feeling awkward.
"Okay, then," she said, bowing slightly. "We'll be just outside if you need us."
"Hold on," I called as they turned to walk out. They quickly turned back, a hopeful look on their faces.
"Yes, miss?"
"Sorry... what are your names?"
They shared awkward glances before turning back to me.
"My name is Grace, miss," the first girl answered. She seemed more mature than the other two. "This is Clara, and that is Flo."
"Alright, Grace, Clara, and Flo. Thank you," I said. "Good night, and sleep well."
"Sleep well too, miss," they chorused before walking out and closing the door behind them.
I turned and stared out the window, taking in the breathtaking view of the palace gardens. The scent of flowers wafted in through the open window, making me feel like I was in a dream. I couldn't believe just yesterday I was still at home, cleaning, and today I was in the royal palace of the werewolf king, as a guest. 'Life can be crazy, right?'
A soft knock sounded at my door, jarring me from my thoughts.
"Who's there?"
"It's Grace, miss. I have a message."
"Come in, please."
"Miss Freya, I was told to pass this information to you. The steward expects all the ladies to attend an orientation first thing tomorrow morning." I nodded, curiosity piqued about what awaited me and the other competitors tomorrow. So the games had begun.
"An orientation?" I asked, confused. "What exactly does that entail?"
The blonde girl stepped forward. "All the contestants gather to receive instructions on proper etiquette and protocol while staying at the palace. My lord insists that everyone behave appropriately."
I nodded thoughtfully, thanking Grace before she turned and left. The Alpha seemed quite strict. I only hoped he wouldn't be as cruel as my family had been. I didn't know if I could take any more than Kelly's wickedness while I was at the Crimson Palace.
