The cold water struck her like ice.

Myra gasped, her body shivering as another bucket was poured over her head.

The maids helping her barely looked concerned, as if washing a former princess like an animal was normal, like another chore.

Nora, the head maid—a woman with sharp eyes and a prim mouth—pushed a bar of rough soap into her hands. “Scrub yourself clean. The Alpha despises filth in everything that's his"

Alpha. Myra gritted her teeth at the title.

Hours ago, she was a princess, even though she was in chains. Now, she was nothing more than a slave.

Another bucket was dumped over her head, making her teeth chatter as the coldness stung her.

She scrubbed her body hard, trying hard to wash away not just the dirt, but the shame eating the heart.

Servant. The word hit her harder than a club would. It tore apart her pride, reducing her to a status worse than a commoner.

She heard a cough and turned just in time to catch some pairs of eyes peeking through the half-open door.

Guards. They looked relaxed, arms folded, lewd smirks on their lips. Not the least bothered to hide their lascivious stares.

Her cheeks burned red-hot. These monsters had murdered her people, stolen her freedom, and as if that wasn't enough, they entertained themselves with her shame.

“G-Guards" she stammered to the maids, “Guards are—"

A cold splash of water cut off her sentence. She coughed and wiped her eyes then looked into Nora's flat gaze.

“Shut up and bathe. Do you think you can make demands again like a princess?"

Her lips quivered as another wave of water washed over her.

She clenched her fists and turned her back to the door, holding down her embarrassment and anger.

She heard a few whistles and dug her nails into her palms, wishing she could kill those men or die right there. The heat of her anger burned away the ice-like coldness of the water.

Myra exhaled shakily while scrubbing herself, conscious of the maids's impatient gazes.

She would endure this bitter pill. Revenge would mean nothing if she didn't endure and survive to see it through. But she would never forget this moment.

Finally, a maid noticed the guards and shut the door.

Once she was clean enough to them, she was given a plain, brown dress. The material was rough against her skin as she put it on.

No corsets. No silk. No embroideries.

A reminder of her current status, she thought bitterly.

By the time she was taken out of the bathing room, her anger had cooled, allowing her to think calmly.

They took her down a narrow, dim corridor with cracked ceilings and dirty walls, until they reached a tiny room at the farthest end.

Myra just stood there, staring at the door as if she'd stepped into her worst nightmare.

“This is where you'll be sleeping" Nora hissed, nudging her forward. “Work starts at dawn. Don't fall behind"

Before she could respond, the woman and other maids were gone, leaving her standing alone in the cramped, airless corridor.

She walked inside slowly, because she felt as if the walls were closing in on her. It was harder to breathe. It was harder to walk, to move each foot forward.

She felt a sense of defeat as she looked around her.

The only light was from a narrow window high up in the wall. Cobwebs decorated the ceilings like chandeliers, and the only items in there was a straw mattress in the corner, yellowed with age, and a small brown bowl.

Myra didn't know how long she stood there, absorbing every detail of the room.... and her new life.

She walked over to the mattress and slid down onto it, ignoring the sting of the straws.

Myra felt really scared and useless for the first time in her life.

“She is weak. Just like her sister"

“If she was truly strong, we wouldn't be in this situation"

She closed her eyes, seeing their broken faces filled with disappointment.

They were right. What kind of leader allowed her kingdom to fall, her people to be captured and herself to be reduced to this?

Instincts made her want to kick and fight her way out of there, to stab that Alpha in his heart and save her people.

But she couldn't. Because he had the life of her sister in his hands. One wrong move and Evelyn would pay the price.

The thought made her sick, tormenting her in that dark, confined space.

She had no kingdom. She had no pride left. She had nothing.

Failure and helplessness wrapped around her. She took a deep breath, but it wasn't enough to cool the ache inside her.

A tear dropped. Then two.

A second later, Myra drew her knees to her chest and buried her face in it, sobbing so hard she couldn't breathe.

It went on for a long time, exhausting every single emotion pent up inside her.

She was not a woman taught to believe in God so much, but now she prayed.

For one last chance at redeeming her pride and kingdom, she'd do anything, give anything.

Even give up her dark, empty heart.

************

The council room was brightly lit with torches mounted sporadically along the walls, adding heat to the ongoing discussions.

Arthur sat at the head of the shiny oak table, surrounded by his advisors, ministers and generals.

A large map was spread out on the table, marked with green dots for conquered territories and red for those yet to be.

Beta Lucian—the man with him earlier— was the first to speak.

“Silvercrest is expanding beyond our expectations, which is good. But other packs are not too happy with this. If we strike again, we might invite trouble"

Arthur's fingers tapped against the wood. “And if we don't, we might portray weakness"

General Wesley spoke up. “I received letters from the Red Howl pack today. Alpha Viktor is planning to report us to the Elders"

“On what grounds?"

The general shifted uncomfortably. “He says that we are aiming to upset the natural order by invading the human territories"

A young man, with a calmer aura than the other men, said, “We are already incurring the wrath of other human kingdoms."

Advisor Charles scoffed. “Oh please Gamma Vincent. Vespera was pathetic, their king was down in minutes. It was barely a war"

Arthur's gaze didn't flicker. “And yet, despite their weakness, their princess did not cower"

Lucien smirked. “So?"

Arthur leaned forward. “So we shouldn't let our guards down. A wolf cornered is predictable, but a woman with nothing left to lose? That's a whole different situation"

“What you mean to say Alpha, is that we should be scared of her?"

For a long moment, deafening silence filled the room.

Some advisors glanced at Lucien, utterly dumbfounded at his question.

Arthur treated him to a cold, unblinking stare but the Beta barely seemed fazed.

After a tense minute or two, Arthur's fingers formed a tight pyramid. “Silvercrest didn't get to where it is now by depending on fear. Still, let everyone stay alert and cautious. Their weak surrender looks suspicious"

“Borthoris might decide to launch an attack, since they're an ally of Vespera" Vincent reasoned.

“And why exactly?" asked Arthur.

Wesley explained, “Because that's the kingdom of the Princess' fiance"

“And where is this fiance you speak of?"

Lucien chuckled. “The coward ran back to his kingdom the moment he sighted our wolves, leaving behind his helpless fiancee"

Arthur took in the information slowly. “A man that abandoned his fiancee does not have the balls to lead an attack. Borthoris isn't worthy to be our problem"

“What about the princess? Should we deal with her?" Minister Rudolph asked.

“Not yet. A fire that refuses to die is best studied first. Then if it proves to be a problem, we'll blow it out"

Vincent chipped in, “Speaking of which, Alpha, shall we announce a banquet? The warriors expect a reward"

“Begin preparations then. Invite the alphas of Ironfang and Moonclaw packs. Let them drink and feast but keep all your eyes open. This war is far from over"

“What about Red Howl pack? Should we begin a plan to end them?" Wesley inquired.

Arthur's lips twisted into a calculating smile. “Not so fast Wesley. Let's give them a chance to make the first move, then when they least expect it, we turn the tables and pin them on the map"

Later that night, Arthur stood at the window of his private study, holding a glass of alcohol in his hand, and overlooked the vast lands of Silvercrest.

Lucien lounged lazily in a chair, swirling a glass of wine. “You were staring hard at the princess today"

Arthur's eyes didn't move from the window. “I watch all my enemies"

Lucien nodded, sipping his drink. “So it's not because she's more beautiful than how rumours portrayed her"

His fingers tightened slightly around his glass. “It is essential to study your enemy whether they're as ugly as an ogre or as beautiful as a fairy"

“So she's beautiful"

“She's trouble"

“Ah. Trouble. That explains why you haven't killed her yet" Lucien hummed.

Arthur finally turned to face him. His eyes were cold, indifferent. “If I wanted her dead, she would be"

“Then why don't you? She's defying your authority already. Might as well end her now"

Arthur didn't respond. He remembered her defiance in the throne room, her snappy comments, the fire in her eyes.

She was dangerous. And beautiful. Dangerously beautiful.

And killing her was the most logical choice. Blow out the flame before it became an inferno.

Yet, he had left her. Alive and untouched.

He felt his wolf whimper inside him, an emotion that was entirely foreign to him.

Deeply uncomfortable, Arthur downed his drink in one gulp, feeling the burning liquid slide down his throat.

“She's still the rightful ruler of Vespera regardless of her current status. Killing her would be a waste, she's much more valuable alive"

Lucien shrugged. “You're the Alpha, you know best. Let's just hope she won't be any real trouble"

Arthur set his glass down his desk with an unreadable expression. “She might be stubborn but she has a weakness. She knows the life of her sister is in my palms"

Lucien stood up and switched the topic. “Okay whatever you say. By the way, lord Alistair wants to speak with you tomorrow"

Arthur turned back to the window. “Fix him in before my meeting with the ministers"

Lucien nodded and exited the study, leaving him wrapped in the sudden silence and his thoughts.

“Crown Princess Myra of Vespera" he murmured, his gaze fixated on the black sky.

Even in rags and dirt, she was more beautiful than he would care to admit.

Arthur's jaw tightened as he recalled their conversation in the dungeon. He told himself he had been studying her, not observing the deep blue of her eyes or the soft curve of her lips.

As he stared blankly at the sky, his thoughts were consumed of the fiery princess who had stood up to him.

And for the first time in a long time, the wolf within him was waking up.

The golden rays of the sun barely grazed the sky when Myra was awoken by the loud bang of metal against a wall.

She groaned and turned over. Every single limb of hers ached, a consequence of a night spent on the thin, straw mattress.

Barely a second later, the door slammed open and Nora walked in, hands on her hips and mouth pulled into a tight frown. “Didn't you hear the bell? Get up!"

Myra sat up wearily and disoriented, trying hard to suppress a yawn and process the woman's words. She succeeded at neither. “What bell?"

Nora's gaze sharpened to a glare. “Do I look like a joke to you? Get your bottom up or I'll let the Alpha know you're slacking!" Her voice rose an octave, furious by now.

Myra bit back a retort and stood up, fighting the urge to lay down. Her mind was fully purged of sleep when she was thrust into the bathroom to receive a splash of cold water.

After the gruesome bathing that could barely be called one, Nora handed her a black apron.

“Hurry up! I haven't got all day" she snapped, clearly impatient.

She held back her tongue from spitting out an offensive comment, and obediently tied the apron, which was weak with age and had loose threads dangling at its seams.

From the moment she stepped into the servant's hall, whispers began to circulate among the maids, earning her keen, watchful stares.

“Hey, isn't that the princess of the fallen Vespera?"

“Correction. She isn't a princess anymore. She's a maid"

“Ouch. It must really hurt to lose all those luxuries"

The whispers hurt but she schooled her expression, taking them with a pinch of salt.

Clearly set out to suffer her, Nora had ordered her to scrub all the floors of the Eastern Wing, handing her a bucket and a rag.

“What?"

“Get used to it. That's how life is around here" Nora sneered.

“What....about food?" She asked reluctantly, ashamed she had to depend on these wolves to survive.

Nora gave a short bark of laughter. “Food aren't meant for maids like you. Get to work"

Myra's fists clenched as she took in the harsh words. Denying her food was cruel, conscious of the fact she hadn't had food in days. But she swallowed her rising complaints, well aware so many eyes were gauging her expression.

She tipped her chin up. “Fine by me"

As a princess who had never had to do a single chore in her life, Myra found the task exhausting and herculean. She scrubbed the floors until her fingers ached and her back screamed for rest.

Sweat slid down her hairline and into her eyes, stinging them.

Other maids whispered and giggled as they walked past, some casting her pitying glances but no one offered help.

“Scrub harder princess-maid"

Embarrassment burned her cheeks. She wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out.

“For Evelyn. It's for Evelyn" she murmured, strengthening her resolve.

Her stomach growled in protest but she pretended she didn't feel it. Her fingers swelled and reddened as the hours passed by, yet she continued.

When she finally finished, she was ordered to fetch water from the well, carrying buckets heavier than she could ever imagine as she staggered down the corridors.

She paused to catch her breath and possibly a minute rest or two, only for a servant to push her and grunt, “Keep moving!"

“Tired already?" A maid taunted, smirking.

Myra bit her lips, fighting the urge to lash out and kept on walking. For Evelyn, she reminded herself.

By midday, when her stomach couldn't hold on any longer, she swallowed her pride and walked up to Nora.

“What now? Broke a nail or something?" Nora asked.

She hid her hands behind her dress and clenched them into fists as she muttered, “F...Food"

Nora perked a brow. “Maids who complain don't eat. Return to your work"

Her hands trembled and she gritted her teeth and continued, ignoring the ache in her belly.

They wanted to work her to death, that much was clear, but starve her?

“I will prove them wrong" she whispered. “I will show them I can survive without their damned food"

But it got harder with each passing second that made her head light and her stomach pound angrily.

As Myra carried fresh bedsheets down a corridor, her steps paused when she saw a young woman struggling with crutches, in a matching gown and apron and blonde hair pulled behind her ears.

The woman noticed her stare. “If you want to mock me, just say so and save yourself the time"

Myra walked forward, dropping the linens on the floor and helped her to regain balance. “I find no joy in mocking people neither do I take pleasure in others suffering" her voice was calm and steady.

Obviously startled at the action, the woman cleared her throat. “Thank you and I'm sorry for my rude tone earlier. It's just that a lot of people mock me. I'm Lily, by the way"

“Myra"

“Oh, the princess-turned-maid right?" Lily asked casually.

Myra stiffened, narrowing her eyes. “What did you just call me?"

Noticing she had stepped out of line, Lily rushed to add, “I don't mean it like that. I'm sorry if it came out that way"

Myra parted her lips but her stomach growled first. Her cheeks turned a slight shade of red, clearly showing her embarrassment at being caught.

Lily gave her a sympathetic smile. “They're pushing you hard, aren't they?"

Myra didn't respond. There was nothing to say.

Lily shook her head, muttering something under her breath before limping forward. She dug her hand into her pocket and brought out a small, bread roll. “Take it"

Myra glanced at her, puzzled. “Why are you helping me?"

Lily smiled. “Because you helped me first"

That didn't justify her action in Myra's eyes. “I don't need a reward. And I'm fine—"

Her stomach broke her sentence with a low rumble.

Lily giggled. “I think your stomach disagrees with you. Now take it"

Myra narrowed her gaze with suspicion. She couldn't trust anyone here. “What's your ulterior motive?"

Lily blinked. “Wait a minute, do you think it's poisoned?"

Her lack of response confirmed it.

Lily laughed harder. “I can never poison what I eat. I'm not really excited at the prospect of suicide. Now take it, before someone sees"

Myra hesitated. She didn't need pity or sympathy but she was really hungry.

Finally, she snatched the bread and muttered, “Thank you" before biting into the bread. She hated how her pride was crumbling, reducing her to this.

Lily beamed, her eyes sparkling. “I should be the one thanking you"

Her kind smile made Myra feel a little lighter, something she hadn't felt in days.

While the sun gradually moved lower, Myra moved onto her next chore, exhausted beyond reason but determined to push further, to show them she was tougher than she looked.

She was wiping the windows when she heard mocking laughter behind her. She turned slightly to see two stunning she-wolves dressed in silk and jeweleries , walking into view.

One, with smooth dark curls and an arrogance to match, leaned against a pillar. “Oh my" she purred. “We've finally met the fallen princess Nicole"

Nicole titled her head. “Are you sure she's the one Christine? Because she doesn't fit the description I was given"

“I'm sure Nicole. No other maid looks this pathetic"

Myra contained her work, ignoring their presence.

Nicole clicked her tongue. “Ignoring us? How rude"

Christine's mouth twisted with displeasure at her silence. “It seems Nora hasn't really taught you humility yet"

“What do you expect from a princess forced into slavery?"

Anger threatened to explode within her but she played it cool. Don't talk, don't talk, she soothed herself, willing herself to stay calm.

She picked up her cleaning tools, ready to leave, but Christine stepped in her path. “Not so fast human. We're not done talking"

Myra was pissed at this point. “Get out of my way wolf"

Christine's smile dropped. “Who do you think you're calling wolf?"

“You, of course. You are a wolf, aren't you?" Myra shot back.

A cruel look hardened Christine's eyes. “I'll show you how a wolf behaves"

Then, she took Myra by surprise by kicking the bucket of the water, spilling it onto the floor.

“What did you just do?" Myra gasped, glaring daggers at her.

Christine smiled. “Learn your place here human. You've no right to talk to me"

“How dare you? How dare—"

“Careful there" Nicole added. “Wouldn't want anyone to suffer on your behalf"

Myra balled her fists, struggling to keep her rage at bay.

They were threatening her. And the worse part was she couldn't do anything.

“Look at her. She wants to cry"

Christine glanced at her, feelings smug and cocky. “She's going to cry a lot here so she better get used to it"

Myra bit the inside of her cheek and quietly crouched to clean the floors.

“That's where you belong missy" Nicole said, smirking down at her. “On the floors"

After that painful blow, they walked away, laughing.

Her eyes clouded with tears yet not a drop fell. She wouldn't cry. Not now. Not ever.

By the time her chores were over, Myra was half dead. Her legs felt like stone as she wobbled into the garden. She barely had the strength to move, her body was drained and her spirit bruised.

The night air cooled her sweaty skin, offering relaxation to her stiff muscles.

The garden was quiet and secluded, its flowers glowing faintly under the silver moonlight, oozing out calmness and peace.

Exactly what she needed. Peace. From the hell she suffered today.

As she lowered herself onto a wooden bench, all the humiliation, anger, embarrassment she had bottled out of her, seeped out.

“That's where you belong.... On the floors"

No. She couldn't allow those words to define her. She was strong. She was.....

Her chest burned and she shut her eyes, forcing back tears.

That's when she heard a faint sound behind her.

She stiffened, her senses on alert. Had someone been watching her?

She felt the presence of someone and turned quickly, searching the darkness.

But instead of a guard or a maid, she saw a small, thin figure. A boy.

His large, frightened eyes met hers as he stepped forward hesitantly. Something about him struck her as familiar. Like she had seen him before.

Then, realization hit her like a ton of bricks.

Her wedding. She had saved him during the chaos when a wolf was hot on his trail.

“Princess Myra" he whispered.

For some reason, her throat tightened. He remembered her as well.

“Hello. Do you remember me?"

He nodded quickly. “Yes, you saved me from a wolf. Thank you"

Her throat tightened again. “I'm not worthy of your gratitude. What's your name?"

“Andrew. Andrew Harris"

“How did you get out of the dungeon Andrew?"

He leaned in and muttered, “I slipped out of there. No one noticed me"

Myra's eyes widened with alarm. “What? That's dangerous! Go back now before someone—"

“No" he interrupted, shaking his head. “Someone's waiting for you. Behind the dungeons"

Her brows furrowed. “Waiting for me? Who?"

Andrew bit his lip. “I'm not allowed to tell." He motioned for her to follow him.

Caution rang inside her, making her doubtful but curiosity pushed her up.

Myra glanced around the empty gardens before following Andrew.

He led her past the hedges and down a narrow stone path, leading to the back of the dungeon.

Then, Andrew stopped in his tracks and pointed.

She followed his gaze and froze to the spot.

It couldn't be.....

Half-hidden in the shadows was someone she never thought she'd see again.

Her voice came out on a breath. “Henry"

Myra's breath quickened and she took a step back, unable to believe her eyes. Her fingers tightened into fists as she stared at Henry.

The man she had been willing to marry. The man who had betrayed her when she needed him the most.

Now, he stood before her, in the flesh, looking alive and healthy.

Anger replaced her shock.

“You" she spat venomously. “How dare you come here? How dare you show your face to me? After what you did"

“Myra" Henry began. “I can explain—"

That was all it took for her to explode.

“No!" She interjected, her voice rising. “You stood beside me, vowed to protect me, then turned your back the moment things turned bloody! You sided with the enemy"

Henry flinched but held his ground. “You don't understand"

“I don't need to. You're a coward. You panicked the moment things went downhill and threw me to the wolves, literally. Now you're back to lie straight into my face and deceive me again"

“I had no choice!"

“There's always a choice!" She hissed, resisting the urge to slap him. “You made yours. You stood there, blank faced and watched as they dragged us away. You—" her voice faltered, the memory of that day coming back.

She was suddenly back in the hall. The chaos. The screams. The weight of her father's lifeless body in her arms.

Her expression cracked. “You abandoned me"

“I'm sorry" Henry said, coming closer. “I know what I did was unforgivable but I had a reason. It was either betray you or watch my family be killed"

He took a deep breath and continued, “They had my father at knifepoint and my mother was being dragged away. If I hadn't done what they wanted, they would have died. And it wouldn't have stopped them from taking you"

She moved away and shook her head. Her eyes welled up with tears. “So why did you come to see me? Aren't you scared they'll kill your parents if they see you? Just go, I don't care about your excuses"

“Then care about this, I'm here now. And I want to make up for it. Try to fix my mistake"

She scoffed. “Fix what? The dead? My lost throne? The ruins? You can't fix those"

He said on a sigh, “But we can save what's left"

Myra gritted her teeth, taking another step backwards. Her fingers itched to strike him, but with the way Andrew looked up at Henry like he was a saviour, she couldn't. “There is no 'we'. Leave Henry and never come back. I don't need your help"

“Wait—"

“You should feel happy you're free. Not from this mess but also from the marriage. We both know we don't love each other, so it's a win-win for you"

“That's where you're wrong" Henry said quietly, reaching for her hand. “I love you Myra. Now is probably not the right time to tell you this, but I'm in love with you. Since the first day I saw you at the Summer Ball"

Myra's jaw dropped. What? Love her?

No. This was just another lie. Another deceitful tale.

He didn't love her. He was just lying to get into her good graces.

She jerked her hand free. “Don't you ever say that to me again. You're such a disgusting liar. Love me? Ha, what a joke! If you loved me, you would have stood by me"

She turned around, fed up with his nonsense and dangerously close to lashing out.

But his next words halted her. “Your father knew all along he would die in the war"

She stilled, the information freezing her bones. She glanced at Henry, unable to believe her ears.

This was another trick. A lie. But the serious look in his eyes proved her wrong.

“What did you just vomit out of your mouth?"

Knowing he had caught her attention, he went on, “From the moment Silvercrest declared a war, your father knew he wouldn't be able to defeat them. That's why he wanted to marry you off"

Far from convincing her, Myra's eyes glowed with rage. “My father never accepted defeat. Stop with your lies!" In a flash, she was right before him, twisting his collar beneath her hands.

“I am not lying—"

“You are! You're a pathetic liar! First it was your lame excuse, then your fake confession of love and now this!" Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I'm resisting the urge to kill you here Henry. Now, go back to Borthoris and don't show your face to me"

Henry's eyes saddened. “I feel your pain but you have to believe me. He wanted me to give you this in case he didn't make it." Saying that, he dipped his hand inside his pocket and brought out a crumpled paper.

She eyed the paper then glared at him. “If this is a joke, I will sink my nails into your chest and squeeze your heart"

She snatched the paper and unfolded it, scanning the contents quickly.

--My Star,

By the time you're reading this, I'll be nothing more than a ghost in your memory. If fate had been kinder, I would have stayed by your side, watching you take over the throne. But fate has never been kind to men like me.

There are things I should have told you. Secrets I should have entrusted to you, but I was a coward, Myra. A father first, a king second. But I was never a good father to begin with. I have done........--

Tears filled her eyes, making it difficult to see. Not that she would have cared to go on, her heart was bleeding already.

She crumbled to the floor, clutching the letter to her chest as tears engulfed her.

This.... This couldn't be true? H-He knew? And he didn't tell her?

The letter opened up a wound that was far from healed. Her father, the king, was dead.

Dead. And had left her a note....and the responsibilities of catering for their people.

Her father, the man she had always respected yet resented. She had always felt he was forcing her into the marriage, pushing her into the arms of a man she didn't love. “I-I am s-sorry father"

Henry knelt beside her, consoling her. “He had always loved you Myra, even if he never showed it."

She cried harder while sputtering nonsense. Images of his lifeless form flashed in her mind and also the day he had announced her engagement.

*********

“Father you called for me" Myra stepped into her father's study.

Williams was standing by the fireplace, his back towards her, his hands clasped tightly behind his back.

“Have a seat Myra"

Myra did as she was told, wondering what news her father had for her.

“Do you remember Henry? Son of King Gabriel of Borthoris" Williams asked slowly.

Myra's brows knitted as she searched her memory. “Yes. We met last Summer Ball"

Williams nodded then turned to face her. He dropped the bombshell with a flat expression. “I have accepted his marriage proposal for you. The wedding will take place in a month's time"

The words were issued like a demand, and for a moment, she thought she heard wrong.

Her voice was a hoarse whisper. “What?"

“You heard me Myra. You are betrothed to Henry. Preparations for the wedding have already begun"

“I'm sorry father" she refused, standing up. “I can't accept this. I can't accept this marriage"

William's eyes narrowed and he demanded harshly, “What do you mean 'you can't accept'? I have already taken care of everything"

“I can't be forced into this—"

Williams slammed his fists on the table, cutting her off. “I don't want to hear any of your tantrums. You're going to be twenty next week, officially making you the official successor to the throne. You need a man by your side"

Myra knew this was coming. She knew she wouldn't have the privilege of marrying a man she wanted, but she hadn't expected it to be so soon.

“Just go through with it. You don't have to love him" Williams said grimly as he observed how upset she was.

“Father please" she pleaded. “Give me some time and I'll find a man I want"

His eyes softened for a fleeting moment. “There's no time. Silvercrest has been sending threatening letters, stating they want to invade our territories. We need Borthoris' help"

“I can't marry Prince Henry" she insisted, close to tears.

“Vespera needs you to Myra. Just suck it up and marry him for my sake. We are on the verge of losing our kingdom to power-hungry werewolves"

“But I—"

“You will get married to Prince Henry and that's final. I do not want to hear another whine. Am I clear?"

There was no use arguing with Williams when he spoke in that tone.

Myra swallowed hard, hurt beyond reason. “Fine then. Have it your way father, the same way you always do"

“Wait—"

She turned on her heels, furious at her father. He had decided her marriage for her without her consent. Just like how he dictated her life, pushing her to the throne.

She didn't see the misty look in her father's eyes or the single tear that dropped onto his cheek.

*********

“I-I couldn't save him Henry" she said with a cracked voice.

“You tried" He consoled her. “It was not your fault"

But it was her fault. Everything was her fault. If only she had been stronger. She would have saved him. Saved them all.

“But you can avenge his death and take back what's yours"

Myra looked up, asking warily, “What are you saying?"

Henry scanned the surroundings then whispered, “I have a plan"

*********

Far away from the dungeons, in the Alpha's study, a different conversation took place.

Lucien sat back in his chair, scanning the scrolls in his hands. “Alpha Viktor is planning to meet the Elders next month"

Arthur traced the rim of his goblet, hardly disturbed by that piece of information. “He's free to do as he pleases"

Lucien gaped at him. “You can't be serious"

“Oh but I am"

“If he reports us to the Elders, there will be trouble"

Arthur shrugged and lifted his goblet to his lips. “That doesn't bother me"

“It has to bother you Arthur. Once the Elders get to know about your latest conquest, they won't be happy. And if they aren't happy, our pack can't be happy"

Arthur stared straight into his Beta's eyes coolly. “I don't live my life to please others, least of all the Elders. This pack is my territory, so I do what I damn please"

Lucien massaged the lines on his temple. “Let's not be reckless Arthur. The Elders are very important people. Pissing them can spell danger for this pack"

“So what do you suggest I do? Release my slaves or hide them and pretend I didn't win a war?"

“I don't know, maybe..... I don't really know"

“Then allow me to control this game, I have all the cards stacked in my favour" Arthur sounded confident and self-assured.

But Lucien still looked doubtful. He rubbed his neck, murmuring, “If you say so"

“Now, how are the preparations for the banquet?" Arthur asked, smoothly diverting the topic.

Lucien knew what that meant—discussion over. He sighed, “The banquet will be held a fortnight from now"

“And the invitation letters?"

“From the letters received today, Alpha Alfred is honoured to grace the occasion while Alpha Eric is yet to think about it"

Arthur smiled. “That's very typical of Eric"

Lucien stared at him, confusion written on his face. “Why are you inviting them? What's your plan?"

Arthur's smile grew wider as he leaned back in his chair.

Lucien knew that smile—mischievous with a trick up its sleeve.

“Why do you assume I have a plan?"

Lucien gave him a duh look. “Because your every breath has a plan stitched into it"

“You're smarter than I thought"

“Thanks so much for the compliment" Lucien joked then said seriously, “But what's the plan?"

“These Alphas are—"

The door opened, interrupting his speech. Heavy perfume filled the air followed by the click of heels.

Christine approached him, a sultry smile fixed on her lips. “I heard you were having an important meeting" she purred, slipping in beside Arthur. “Thought I'd come keep you company"

Lucien rolled his eyes. “In case you didn't notice, we're busy here Christine and we have no need for you"

She shot him a glare. “And who decided that? You?"

“Maybe. What are you going to do about it?" He retorted.

“I'm staying and there's nothing you can do to change that"

Lucien pinched the bridge of his nose. “Just because you're his mistress doesn't mean you have the right to barge in on us"

“Actually" she corrected. “I do, because I'm his woman. Right Arthur?"

Arthur's expression was unreadable. “What do you want Christine?"

Lucien smirked. “See? He doesn't need you so leave"

She ignored him and leaned in, stroking Arthur's arm. “You need a break and I'm happy—"

He caught her wrist. “Leave Christine. I'm busy"

Her smile faltered. “But I—"

“Leave" his voice was colder now, and brooked no argument

Lucien covered up his laugh with a cough as she pursed her lips, clearly unhappy.

She huffed, then turned for the door, fuming as she shut the door.

“She acts like a baby sometimes" Lucien said, annoyed yet amused by her behaviour.

Arthur didn't respond. Instead, he rose to his feet and stretched his shoulders. “I'm going for a hunt"

“Alone?" Lucien asked, arching a brow.

“I need to clear my head"

“Whatever you want" Lucien shrugged. “Try not to kill anything too important"

Arthur rolled his eyes and walked outside. “Very funny Lucien, very funny"

Moments later, the mighty black wolf that ruled Silvercrest disappeared into the trees.

*********

Back in the shadows of the dungeon, Henry took a deep breath and repeated, “I came back because I have a plan"

Myra folded her arms, eyeing him cautiously. “A plan that benefits you, no doubt"

Henry scratched the back of his neck with an awkward smile. “Maybe. But it'll benefit you more"

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why should I believe a single word that comes from your mouth?"

“Because I can help you achieve revenge"

Revenge had been her only thought since the moment she was dragged here. But she couldn't allow herself to be fooled again.

“I don't need your help. I can achieve my revenge on my own"

“How exactly? You're a slave to them, a maid, a prisoner. You can't accomplish your mission if their eyes are trained on you like hawk"

That was a painful truth she had been ignoring until now. She was their slave and they had their eyes on her, most especially the Alpha.

Yet, she couldn't allow herself to trust Henry completely.

“Why should I trust you?" She asked coldly.

“Because he's our only hope Princess" Andrew murmured, gaining her attention.

Myra turned to him, noting how his hands twisted his shirt nervously.

“Please princess" he begged. "Just hear him out"

Her heart squeezed painfully at the pleading look in his eyes, the same way a child would hang onto any promise of hope in the dark.

She let out a sigh as she glanced back at Henry. “Okay what's your plan?"

Henry looked relieved at her compliance. “I can't explain it in details here but the motive—"

“Why can't you explain it in details here? Scared you'll be caught?" She asked sarcastically, folding her arms.

“No. My time is running out. I came here by carriage and my coachman will be impatient by now"

“I'm surprised your father allowed you to come here" she mumbled, staring up at the sky.

“He didn't. He doesn't even know I'm here. I sneaked out of the kingdom"

“Your actions still baffle me Henry" She still didn't believe him, showing it evidently in her suspicious glares.

“Princess please" Andrew said again, forcing her to sigh.

“Okay whatever. What is this motive you speak of?"

“The main goal behind my plan is to learn the Alpha's weakness and use it against him"

Myra laughed hard. “Weakness? Alpha? I don't think those two connect"

Henry wasn't amused. “You may not believe it but everyone has a weakness, including this mighty Alpha. And I'll need you to get it"

“Me?" She asked, confused. “How would I be able to do that?"

Henry chose his next words carefully. “I'll need you to seduce the Alpha"