Raya took a bite from her plate. She could feel the Alpha King Rue’s eyes on her. It was only a moment before he asked.
“Tell me, Raya. Where is Arian?”
The question wasn't new to her. For the past two days, he hasn't had breakfast with the family, and it was for obvious reasons.
“He went out before the sunrise, my King.” Raya couldn't care less, but she had to act sober about not being seen with her husband and mate since their eventful wedding day.
She looked over to Luna Laura, who in turn gave her a warm smile.
“I'm sure Arian has some business to attend to,” Luna Laura said as she looked over to her husband.
“Today is the blood moon after all. All the villagers would gather to celebrate in the palace, and our prestigious friends from all over would be within these walls.”
Raya remembered what other blood moons were like. She never wanted to celebrate at the palace, but her father would force them. Lana on the other hand, always looked forward to it.
She couldn't blame them. They were all strong werewolves. And then there was her, weak.
“Raya, my dear, be ready for the opening dance. I will relay the message to Arian myself,” Alpha King Rue said.
Raya felt her stomach sink. All of a sudden, she had lost her appetite. So much for being invisible.
She excused herself from the table and went back to her room. Her tailored dress was sitting pretty on the mannequin. This was never the life she wanted.
Without thinking twice, she raced to the door of the palace. If there was anything that would make her feel better, it was a long ride with silver.
Far away from the castle yet still on palace grounds, Arian lay, buried in the rose garden he had planted for his supposed bride Lana.
This had been his haven for the past two days. He wallowed in self-guilt for not being able to protect Lana. And worse, getting married to her sister Raya.
How could Raya be his fated mate? He felt nothing for her. The galloping sound caught his attention.
He sat up immediately and caught a glimpse of Raya on a white horse. Her pitch-black hair flowed with the wind. He hadn't said a word to her since their wedding night.
Today was going to be their first appearance together after the wedding. He couldn't help but dread it. Deep down, he knew he had to fulfil his duty as the alpha prince.
***
Raya ran her fingers over the embroidery of her dress. The servant ignored her complaints about the corset being too tight.
Her hair was perfectly styled, draping over her right shoulder. She looked at herself in disbelief. Could all this be a dream?
The guests had already started arriving, and she was just in time for the first dance.
Arian stood at the end of the staircase, waiting patiently for her. She took a few steps before noticing that all eyes were on her.
Most of the people at the ball had Ill things to say about her. Their murmurs filled the room.
She came from a prestigious home, as a matter of fact, but she felt embarrassed. She was weak and had never transformed fully in her 20 years. How could the heir to the throne, the alpha King's son, be mates to a weakling like her?
Arian took her left hand in his and kissed it. Of course, this was all for show. This man hadn't said a word to her in days.
They both worked side by side in the middle of the room. The chandelier complemented her dress and the color of her eyes.
My God, she was beautiful. Arian's thoughts wandered before he shook them off. As the music came on, he placed his hand on her lower back, pulling her closer.
Raya held his gaze as she placed her hand on his shoulder. He needed to know that she was a better actress than he was.
They began gliding and sliding, dancing while everyone watched with utmost concentration.
Raya could swear time stopped for a moment. She felt like she was in safe hands, dancing the night away. The smell of her husband's cologne made her want to bury her face in his chest.
She felt a spark light up in her. What was this feeling? The mark that appeared earlier at the wedding was bright now, catching everyone's attention. Arian was not left behind.
His fate mark sparked. Could he be feeling the same way?
Arian hated the way he felt dancing with Raya. Why did things have to get this complicated? One minute he needed her out of his sight, and the next, he was burning for her. They both froze as they got stuck in a puddle.
The room was quiet, waiting for what was going to happen next. Arian tilted his head, lowering his lips to Raya’s.
Raya closed her eyes, fully aware of what was about to happen.
“Raya! Raya!”
“You betrayed me. How could you do this to me?”.
The familiar voice in the crowd called out to her. Everyone gasped at the sight of a young lad. He must have snuck past the guards into the ballroom. The villagers were meant to stay outside.
“Guards seize him,” Arian commanded.
Raya didn't utter a word. She just stood there looking at Simon.
“Raya, how could you? I loved you. For goodness' sake, I still love you,”
Simon screamed at the top of his lungs as he was being held down by two palace guards.”
Like Raya, he was a weakling.
Arian looked over to his wife and asked, “Do you know this man?”
“Yes, I do. He…he is a friend.”
The title friend killed Simon's spirit. The look in his eyes was sad and disappointed.
Raya watched as they dragged her boyfriend away. She hadn't forgotten about Simon, but this was her life now.
“I’m glad that has been taken care of. Everyone can enjoy the party,” Arian said.
And with that, everyone went back to sipping cocktails and gossiping.
A perfect time for Raya to slip back into her room and cry her eyes out.