Chapter 5-Belle of the Ball

Glaring at the ballgown hanging from the wall, I think about what will happen today and why my father is forcing me to wear it. Today is the celebration of a new Alliance. Future Goddess Geminie offered an alliance with my father earlier this year and negotiations finally went through. As such, Father announced this to all the packs in the world with happiness and even planned a ball of honor with packs such as Blood Moon of North America, Hauringu Uindo from Japan. La Chasse from France, and Silver Hounds from England, the strongest packs in the world.

Unfortunately for me, this meant that I would have to shift into my wolf form to howl with Goddess Geminie at the full moon to complete the ceremony. Even worse, this means my secret of being a runt will be revealed and could lead to one of three fates.

Fate number one, Father imprisons me to become a brood mare and produce strong pups to continue to royal bloodline with my mate.

Fate number two, I am disowned from the pack and become a Rogue.

Fate number three, my execution would be right on the spot. I prefer the second fate as turning Rogue meant I have a chance to train and fight for my throne back. Seeing how Father never liked runts and always shipped them off to a pack that will treat them as nothing more than slaves, I have a feeling he may choose the first option and sell any of my pups that are runts to the highest bidder for power.

“Princess Crystalline?”

My Maid Hanna calls out as she steps into my room.

“I’m still here.”

I chuckle out, seeing her remove the protective gloves from her hand. No one can enter my room without them, the silver on the door knobs preventing any from entering my room without being burned by the pure silver.

“Thank the Goddess for that. It is time to dress you for the ball.”

She sighs with relief, seeing me in front of said dress with my bear fur blanket draped around my shoulders for warmth and comfort for what is to come. Turning to the maid, I give her a sad smile as she places the glove on a side table and wraps me in her arms in a hug I desperately needed.

“Happy birthday, Princess. I know it’s not the day you wanted, but you are so strong. Just know the maids have your back and there is a surprise from us for later tonight.”

I smile, thanking her for her support and birthday wish before we both turn back to the ballgown hanging on the wall.

A white, strapless, corseted gown with lace applique. It is ironic, considering I am a white runt trapped by the societal norms my father created. I will be a white runt in a white dress ready to be exposed.

Hanna takes my bear fur blanket from me carefully, draping it over the nearby sofa before helping me into the gown. She is careful with helping me step into the gown so as not to ruin my hair or makeup. Only my shift can ruin my perfectly made-up look as I have to portray the look of a perfect royal doll to the guests.

Her praises of how beautiful I am and how the light nude eyeshadow placed perfectly on my eyelids brings out the multiple colours swirling in my iris, remind me of the fact that I am different. Only those with a strong bloodline can poses the prismatic eyes.

With my dress pulled up and Hanna tightening the corset to where I can barely breath, let alone eat if I wanted to, I am turned to the mirror looking like the perfect doll with a sad smile. I worry for what will happen tonight. Hanna rushes into my closet, most likely to bring the finishing touches of my outfit, and I wait silently for her to return.

“Crysta, its me!”

The sound of the door opening and closing followed by Matrix walking in makes me smile. At twenty, Matrix worked his way up the totem pole of ranks and soon became the Theta-in-training. When I take the throne, this wolf with Alpha blood will become my third in command.

His blond hair that is usually in a haphazard mess is now combed back and held down with gel, his tailored black suit doing little to hide the muscles underneath from years of training. It is the first time I have seen him today, and the hope of him being my mate is soon dashed when no sparks are ignited along my skin nor does his scent drive me crazy. I do my best to hide my disappointment, my one hope of the wolf who cares for me the most being my mate and co-ruler dashed. I will just have to search for my mate the old-fashioned way now.

“Happy birthday.”

He smiles at me, pulling away from the hug as he looks my body up and down, a hint of lust in his eyes. I can tell that the lack of mate sparks disappointed him as well. I know he wants me the same way I want him, the topics of us being possible mates always one we discuss since his eighteenth birthday two years ago. It sadly is just not meant to be.

“Theta Matrix, care to help put the silver tiara on our Princess?”

Hanna’s voice cuts through the silence as she approaches us, her carefully balancing the tiara on the pillow so as not to be burned by the pure silver. I chuckle as I realize she forgot to put on her gloves again.

“Of course, considering I am the only one who can touch it other than Crystalline and the Goddess.”

He answers, deftly picking up the tiara encrusted with diamonds and moonstones and gently placing the delicate jewelry atop my head without ruining my hairstyle, a bun with delicate curls and bangs swept to the left side.

“Perfect! Now off you two go before the Alpha King blows a gasket.”

Hanna states, shooing Matrix and I out of the room with a smile. The walk is long with the click, click, click sounds of my heels on the stone floor. With Matrix soon seven feet ahead of me due to his long strides, I find myself struggling to keep up.

“You okay, Crysta?”

My friend asks, turning to find me leaning on the wall trying to catch my breath.

“Yep. Just a heavy ballgown and heels makes it hard to keep up.”

I answer, glaring down at my gown. He chuckles, striding back towards me and scooping me into his arms.

“What are you doing!”

I squeal, quickly wrapping my arms around his neck so that I do not fall.

“Taking you to the ball room. If we are late, your father will kill me and punish you.”

He chuckles. The way to the ball becomes much quicker as Matrix comfortably caries me through the corridors in peaceful silence. There are no words to say between us as the hope we both felt wanting to be each other’s mates is diminished without mercy. His pine and fresh water scent wraps around me, comforting me while also fueling my disappointment.

Why couldn’t the Moon Goddess pair us together? Matrix is Alpha blooded, so he would have made a great Alpha King.

Keeping my thoughts to myself, I close my eyes to settle my emotions. I can’t let my father or anyone else see my turmoil and deem me hysterical and weak in front of the guests. As we grow closer to the double doors closed with the barest sounds of music coming forward, I open my eyes and find myself being gently placed on my feet moments before King Alexander comes into view, his own entourage including his Beta, Mikael, and the future Beta, Narin.

Curtsying to my father, I catch a whiff of something delectable, peppermint and chocolate, and know at once my mate is near. If it’s not Matrix, then they are in attendance tonight.

“Silver as always, I see.”

King Alexander states with dissatisfaction, his hatred towards me evident in his eyes. He hates that only I inherited the immunity of silver, while he cannot touch it without burning his skin. I keep my face a mask of calm, not wanting to cause a commotion today with what awaits me later.

Silver is the kryptonite of wolves, a metal used to kill us during the witch hunts for many years and is still used to this day by Hunters. After my mother watched in horror the night I found the moonstone necklace in the middle of a moonflower meadow and placed the silver chain around my neck, she realized that the metal did not harm me like it did other wolves.

Right away everything from my jewelry to the metal embellishments on my doors were changed to pure silver, as a way to keep me safe and out of harm’s way. A silver dagger was then gifted to me and I was enrolled into self-defence training as soon as possible.

“Father, silver is a way to protect me. As the only heir our bloodline will end if something happens to me, and the Goddess’ line will take over as the next royals.”

I remind him, watching his jaw clench with irritation. The thought of our bloodline being replaced by distant relatives infuriates him more than the thought of me wearing silver.

His irritation amuses me as he and I take the lead in standing before the doors. Matrix is behind me, his presence bringing me peace with having to deal with my father and the consequences of what will come after my shift. I pray to my ancestors and the Moon Goddesses that tonight will go smooth as the doors open.

“Presenting his Majesty King Alexander Theon Thorn, and Her Highness Princess Crystalline Evangeline Thorn.”