Chapter Five

The Sleeping Beauty

/-Jade-/

"You're getting it all wrong, your highness. I am really not who you think I am. I grew up on the streets of RedClaw pack..."

"RedClaw? What is that?" She asked with genuine confusion. I couldn't even blame her for not knowing.

They were Elites after all and RedClaw was merely a lowly werewolf pack.

"It's my pack," I answered.

"Nonsense!" The Queen blurted almost immediately. "You are not one of those lowly wolves. You are from one of the most prestigious Lycan dynasties. Your pack, Moonspire, ruler of the northern and southern regions, is a worthy ally of ours. I can only imagine the terrible experiences you must have gone through."

I stared blankly at her. It was obvious that nothing I would say would get through to this woman. Unless, of course, I risk my uncle's head and mine and confess my real mission here.

"Is that so?" The King asked with a hint of sympathy. "I can't even imagine how much you must have suffered, without a home or family. Those lowly wolves must have cost you trouble, didn't they?"

His words hit me harder than I anticipated. A wave of sadness swept through me.

"Perhaps if she saw the face of the one she loves, it would help revive her memories," The Queen suggested.

No! No! No! We absolutely cannot do that. I couldn't take things further than this. It will only bring more trouble for me and increase the consequences of my offence.

"You can't do that," the White-haired man cut in. "This woman is not Annabelle. She is a criminal and must not be allowed near the Prince..."

"And who asked for your opinion?" The Queen cut him short. "You are always so quick to forget your place, aren't you?"

"It is my duty to protect the Prince with my life and eliminate all potential threats," his tone darkened and dread pooled in my stomach. "If any harm comes to him..."

"You will simply bear it," The king interrupted. "Or did you forget what you are, Levi?"

Levi...

Was that his name?

His eyes lowered, shoulders slouching in defeat. "No."

"Good."

I was beyond curious now. What was he? From his aura, anyone could tell he was more powerful than the Lycan King himself so why was he letting them walk over him?

I shook my head, trying to get those thoughts off. This man didn't hesitate to fling me over a bannister. I shouldn't feel sorry for him!

Despite that, I kept my mouth shut and followed them. It wasn't my place to tell them how to run their family.

As we ascended the stairs, I couldn't help but feel him behind me, and it sent a trail of goosebumps down my skin. My heart was constantly racing as my mind brought up many scenes of him stabbing me in the back.

"Are you uneasy, dear?" The Queen asked softly. "Does he bother you?"

I gulped hard and she rested her hand on my shoulders.

"Don't worry, he cannot hurt you even if he tries," She told me with a reassuring smile. "You are royal blood. If he even tries to harm a hair on your head, he will lose his sanity and bleed from every hole in his body."

A chill crawled down my back. That wasn't reassuring, it was a death sentence wrapped in a smile.

I gathered courage and glanced over my shoulder. Those rose gold eyes looked right through me as expected, but at the same time, he moved up two steps until he was beside me.

"I'm certain you know that doesn't apply to impostors." his tone was calm yet void of emotion. "Make one wrong move, and I'll kill you before they even realise their mistake."

Sweat broke out on my forehead, and I gripped my dress tightly for support. He walked past me like he didn't just threaten me, and when I looked at the Queen, she seemed pretty oblivious, too.

I willed myself to stay calm even though I was panicking. How the hell did I even get into this mess? My uncle didn't even think twice before abandoning me. Heck, he must be plotting to leave Skyspire already.

I was led into a different hallway, heading towards the east wing. The servants bowed as we walked past them until we finally got to a set of double doors.

The guards opened the door,r and I waited for them to enter before trailing behind them like a lost puppy.

The room was big and spacious. All the furniture was on point, and it was pretty much the kind of place ordinary wolves could only dream of having.

They led me past the living room to the main bedroom and my breath hitched.

There, lying amidst the sea of pale satin sheets, was the most handsome man I had ever seen.

He looked almost ethereal. Raven-black hair swept across the pillow, a few loose strands brushing against his impossibly sculpted face. His skin was pale, almost glowing, and his lashes were long and dark, fluttering ever so slightly with every breath. His lips were parted just enough to reveal a sliver of his teeth.

So this was the Lycan Prince. The one whose fiancé I was mistaken for.

The one they claimed I loved.

My stomach churned. I had so many questions. Like why was he asleep on his father's birthday?

"Isn't he divine?" the Queen whispered, stepping closer to the bed. "He's been like this ever since the plane crash three years ago. Sleeping. Not in a coma or anything. It would be foolish to assume it was just a normal crash."

"You mean he hasn't opened his eyes in three years?" I gasped. "How is that even possible?"

"We believe that the plane crash might have been a result of a collision with a cursed energy, but we can't say for sure. We've tried everything! Doctors, healers, sorcerers, name them all, but all to no avail. If only Levi had been on that plane with him, my baby would still be awake," She paused. "Or perhaps he is just waiting. For you."

I didn't respond. Couldn't.

Not when every instinct screamed that getting involved with this sleeping god-like creature would lead to my death.

And what did she mean by waiting for me? Was Annabelle supposed to do something when they found her? Why did she even think that Levi being on the plane would have stopped the crash? He might be powerful and all, but in the end, he was still human. Not a god.

I let out a wince without realising it. My head was hurting from overthinking.

"You feel something, don't you?" the King asked, watching me carefully. "A connection?"

No, I felt terror, but I didn't dare say that. At this point, there was no turning back. It was better to pretend until I could get out of here. I nodded faintly to his question.

They seemed satisfied with that.

"I knew you would. Perhaps," the Queen said slowly, a smile forming on her lips. "...a kiss might awaken him?"

What?! Was this some kind of joke or something?

I spun to face her, stunned. "I... I don't think that is even a possibility. Maybe some time... or more rest..."

"Oh, don't be shy, dear," she cut in gently. "You're his mate. His body will know you. His soul already does."

I blinked at her. What kind of conspiracy theory was that? What did she think this was? A sleeping beauty retelling? All because her son was cursed with eternal sleep?

"Her Highness is right. We should take all the chances we have," Levi said suddenly,y and my head snapped to him. "Since you are indeed Princess Annabelle, you shouldn't have a problem with kissing your mate."

I gritted my teeth. The bastard! I should have known he wouldn't just let me pretend my way out of this. To make it worse, his face remained blank, like he had no malicious intent towards me.

And those were the kind of enemies one couldn't afford to have. I would have preferred if he outrightly smirked at me like the evil asshole he was!

"Go ahead," The Queen urged. "Give it a try. Even if it doesn't work, it doesn't really change anything."

Those words brought some form of relief to me. Since I had nothing to lose, I might as well get it over with.

It's not like he'll wake up furious at the wrong girl kissing him. Life just doesn't work that way.

I stepped forward. One, two, three hesitant steps, until I stood at the edge of the bed.

The prince's chest rose and fell softly as I watched him up close.

I leaned down, trembling slightly. My hand hovered above his chest, and the absence of a mate connection made my breath catch.

I didn't feel him. Not the way a true mate should.

But the Queen's eyes burned holes in my back.

So I closed my eyes. Inhaled. And pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

A spark shot through me. An instant danger alert. I opened my eyes to look at him, just in case, andas expectedt, ed nothing happened. I was ready to pull away when those lashes fluttered. My heart skipped as his eyes slowly opened.

Before I could even react, a hand shot up, gripping my throat and flipping me onto the bed.

Gasps echoed around the room as I choked on my own scream.

The once-unmoving prince was now on top of me, pinning me down with a strength I couldn't fight even if I tried.

My eyes locked with those fiery amber eyes.

You've got to be kidding me!

Chapter Six

An Enemy?

/-Jade-/

"Jalaal!" The Queen exclaimed with excitement. "You're finally awake!"

Yes, he was but he was also strangling me. I struggled to breathe, thrashing underneath him as I hit his hand helplessly.

"Help..." I choked out.

The King and Queen rushed over but before they could get to us, he collapsed on top of me, and I gasped, finally dragging air into my lungs beneath his crushing weight.

I managed to roll his body off me and my body immediately slouched in relief.

"You did it! You're really Annabelle!" The Queen exclaimed, while the King went to check on the Prince.

"He's unconscious," he informed us. "Must have passed out from weakness.

I sat up from the bed and the man looked at me with a proud smile. My mind was spiralling with so many questions I didn't dare ask.

The Queen took my hand, "Thank you so much, Annabelle. After three long years, I was finally able to see my son move again. Thank you."

She was sobbing now, showering me with thanks while I stared at her in confusion.

How was I able to wake him up? Was this some kind of trick?

I glanced at Levi, since he was the only person in this room with a clear head. His eyes were fixated on me and I could tell that he wasn't buying this.

"Uhmmm..." I cleared my throat awkwardly. "Your highness, please may I go home now?"

The Queen pulled away with a frown. "This is your home, Annabelle. We'll have the maids prepare your room for you so you can rest up."

"Your highness, please don't get me wrong. I meant go home to my family. They must be worried about me now," I tried explaining calmly to her. There was no way I was going to spend a night in this place.

"You can't get to Moonspire tonight, dear. We will send words to your parents tomorrow to let them know that you are safe,'' she started and my eyes widened.

Why does this woman keep saying the opposite of what I mean? I opened my mouth to say something but she raised a hand to stop me.

"No more arguments, get some rest okay?" The Queen spoke. "Show her to her room, Levi. We'll stay here with the Prince."

My heart skipped. Levi? Of all people? Does she have any idea what he'll do to me when we're alone? I've had enough murder attempts for today.

"Come with me," he said before I could protest and I gulped hard. I bowed to the King and Queen and followed him out.

As I walked behind him, I couldn't help but notice how majestic his pose was. How could this man not be royalty?

As we walked down the halls, I saw the servants bow quickly and scurry off like one look from him could kill them.

If he was a mere bodyguard, they wouldn't be bowing right?

"I... sorry for asking... but are you royalty too?" I finally gathered courage to ask.

He didn't respond to my question and simply led me to my room. I wanted to curse him but I was too afraid to do that, even in my head.

He opened the door and walked in. I entered slowly after him. The room was spacious and bigger than anything I have ever stayed in. It was well furnished and I felt so undeserving of it. I was an imposter, about to live another woman's life.

Levi stood at a corner, staring at me as I took in the room. I cleared my throat awkwardly and played nervously with my fingers.

Seconds passed and I finally decided to speak.

"I know you don't think much of me..." I started.

"I don't. You're a thief," he said plainly. His words struck a nerve, even though they were true. I found myself glaring at him.

"There is no reason for you to judge me so harshly. I don't want to be here, either," I spat. "I just didn't have a choice."

He scoffed and I could feel my anger and frustration building.

"What?" I gritted. "This is all your fault, anyway! If you had just let me go when I begged you, I wouldn't be stuck playing princess for a woman I don't even know!"

He raised one of those thick white brows. "Are you blaming me for your theft and impersonation? Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"

I clenched my fists. How could he sound so calm and deadly at the same time? I wanted him to feel just as frustrated and agitated as I was right now.

"Why?" My lips quivered, heart hammering against my chest. My insides were literally screaming at me to stop trying to provoke him. "Aren't you just a mere bodyguard? What's so special about you?"

I expected him to be pissed, irritated, anything, but instead, those dead eyes looked through me. Like I was nothing but space and arguing with me would simply be a waste of time.

"You said you don't want to be here, right?" He said suddenly. I hesitated for a few seconds.

"Yes."

"So if I help you leave the palace, do you promise to never show your face again?" He asked and I sucked in a breath.

"You have my word."

He suddenly started approaching me and I strutted backwards, fear crawling through me.

"W...What are you d-doing?" I stuttered, moving back. "I already agreed to leave, didn't I?"

He grabbed my arm before I could put more distance between us and I shivered at the coldness of his fingers curling around my skin.

"What are you..."

"Shut up! You're being annoying," he snapped, yanking me forward. I crashed on his chest and a gasp escaped my lips. His scent was insanely addictive. Something along the lines of smoky oud and roses.

I tried to pull away but received a hit to my neck and just before I passed out, I heard his voice.

"Go to sleep, little thief."

This man was terrifyingly efficient. I really might never wake up again.

I don't know how long I was out but when I woke up, I was on the streets of Skyspire, resting by a dumpster.

"That asshole!" I cursed. "He couldn't even find somewhere decent to drop me off."

I hailed a cab and headed to the hotel where we were lodging, praying that my uncle didn't abandon me already.

"Auntie Jade!" Merida exclaimed, running to my arms the minute she saw me. I could already see the packed bags on the bed. Uncle Terad was really going to abandon me.

"What are you doing here? Are you alone?" He asked worriedly, walking past me to check the hallways before clicking the door shut again.

"Were you seriously going to leave without me, Uncle?" I asked him.

He let out a sigh. "Go and take your medicine, Merida." She whined a little bit, but complied, giving us time to talk. "How did you escape? Did you tell them anything?"

"No, I didn't tell them anything," I said and relief washed through him. "I don't know why but they believe I am Annabelle, the lost princess."

His expression changed as his eyes bulged in shock. "Really?"

"Yes, I tried to explain to them that they were mistaken but they wouldn't listen to me," I sighed. "To make it worse, I somehow awakened the sleeping prince. He's been out for three freaking years, Uncle!"

"WHAT?!!!" He gasped. "How is that even possible?"

I took my time to explain everything to him in detail.

"And that's how I managed to escape. We need to pack up and leave this place as soon as possible before they come looking for me. I know I..."

"What do you mean run away?" He cut me short and I blinked in confusion. "What about the reward money?"

"I... I don't understand..."

"What do you not understand, Jade? Ten million for information and fifty million for bringing her home, and you want to throw away our fortune?" He scolded.

I stared at him in disbelief. "What are you talking about? I am not the one they are looking for, you know that, Uncle! Do you know what will happen if they find out the truth or by some miracle, the real Annabelle shows up?"

He shot me a thick glare. "Let this be the last time you will utter such nonsense! If they say you are Princess Annabelle of Moonspire, then that is who you will be from now on, not Jade or whatever you prefer to call yourself! We are going back to the palace to get that money and of course, meet my future in-laws."

Oh goddess! Levi is so going to kill me!