LYCANS

POV Diana’s I was serving drinks at the grand ball held to celebrate King Solomon the Second and Queen Anastasia's anniversary. The palace was packed and filled with royals and commoners from far and wide. In fact, this is the only ball I have ever seen commoners attend. I am so used to seeing only the royals, and this was quite a surprise for me. "Maid,” a young lady called out. She was dressed in a fancy gown with pearls hanging from her necklace. She was a beauty. "Excuse me,” she said to me. I looked at her, fumbling my words. "Yes, mam, what would you like me to get you?” I replied. “I would like some tequila for me and my girlfriends, "she said to me. "Sure, I will be back in a minute," I replied to her. She smiled at me as I turned around and walked off, heading towards the kitchen. I was happy to see the ball and be there, but Miss Rose had forced me to work even though the king said that the maids would be accommodating the attendees. I am not a maid at all; I am a gardener, and I sometimes work with the animals, but Miss Rose demands that I work today, saying that I have all the easiest tasks and that I should help out the maids for tonight’s ball. God, I hate her, but it’s not like I had a dress, so I just accepted it. "Diana," a voice from behind me shouted. I turned to see Aria; she was my best friend and someone who used to work along with me in the garden, but she got married to her mate and was now a noble lady who was married to a baron. "Aria,” I replied with excitement. "You look so beautiful, and that dress is magnificent, "I said, showering her with compliments. "Oh, Diana, I miss seeing you,” she said while wrapping her arms around me. I looked behind her, remembering that I had to get tequila for the young ladies. "I am fine, Aria, but I have to go. Let’s talk when I get back, ok?” I replied. "Okay” she said, pouting her lips. On entering the kitchen, I could see that all the maids were busy, and the chef was really hard on everyone. "Diana, stop staring into space and hurry up, will you?" he said to me. Who’s got his panties in a bunch. Maybe this man and Miss Rose should marry; they are similarly annoying. I grabbed the bottle of tequila and filled four wine glasses, and after putting them on a tray, I turned to go back outside. On exiting the kitchen, I heard an announcement from the king. "Thank you, noble subjects, for gracing us with your presence today. Your loyalty is the bedrock of our kingdom. I extend my heartfelt appreciation for everyone who was able to attend this ball. Now, I declare with great enthusiasm, to let it be known that we welcome a new pack to join us. May their strengths fortify our realm, and their spirits intertwine with ours in unity and prosperity." Hmm does the king even know what he is doing? I thought to myself not daring to say those words out loud. Welcoming another pack into the kingdom is a very big deal, and if the king doesn’t keep an eye on the newcomers, things could take a turn for the worst, like in-group pack wars for land or even the worst challenge for the throne. Now I see why the king chose such a day to make this announcement; it’s the king's anniversary, and who would be brave enough to upset his mood? I sighed a little and took a step forward in the lady's direction. “Excuse me for your drinks,” I said to them, holding the tray in my hand. "Oh, thank you,” they replied. I smiled and walked over to the corner where Aria sat, stuffing her face with cake. "I told you I would be back,” I said to her as she turned to look at me. The piece of cake that was on her fork smudged her face. “I was starting to get lonely,” she replied. I quickly grabbed a napkin, handing it to her, indicating that she should clean her face. “Oh my, you're always so thoughtful, Diana, thank you," Aria said. We talked for a while; it felt good catching up with her and reminiscing about old memories. She told me that the baron treated her very well and that I should come visit when I have the time. I really wish I could, but it was like I was bonded to this palace, and Miss Rose did not make things easy on me either. When the baron was finished socializing with his friends, he came over to introduce himself. He was such a nice young man, and I could tell by the way they both looked at each other that my friend was in love and well cared for. The dance floor was now filled with aristocrats and businessmen trying to Negotiate with each other. The obvious lines were drawn between nobles and commoners. The commoners sat at tables that were made for lower class even the tablecloths were cheap materials whereas the nobles had fine dishes and fancy tableware. Who was the one responsible for this must be the king's assistant Vladimir Cooper. The man was as cold as ice. Even so, what did the commoners ever do to deserve this? If this is how the king allows his subjects to be treated, I could only imagine how he was going to manage another pack. Aria and the baron saw the obvious difference in status being highlighted and as the night grew dark, they decided to leave. Eventually a lot of attendees also left. The ballroom started to become vacant, and I knew that if I didn't leave, Miss Rose would make me stay up all night cleaning and washing. So, I sneaked out of the back door and into the garden. I was heading back to my residence. POV Prince Xavier I hated everything about the ball. How could father allow such people to cross our borders? They are not to be trusted I told him, but did he listen, nope. Julius was not to be trusted and I hated the fact that father granted him a Nobel title. Picking up the wine I sipped from the glass half of the Nobel ladies fawned their seductive looks at me. Tonight is going to be a good one but first I need the Lily from amongst the weeds. I gazed around the ballroom then I saw her. White skin as white as milky and the pearls necklace gave off an elegant look. "Xavier " a voice said, I turn my head to my right to see Jared he was the prince of kingdom of Java and an old-time friend of mine. " What do you want Jared" I replied I was a bit annoyed, and it seem my lily was gone because when I turned back to look, she wasn't in the crowed. " How has life been treating yah" he said while throwing his hand over my shoulder. Does he really think I don't know what he is trying to do? "It hasn't been too good, but I am sure you can already tell" I replied brushing his hand off my shoulders. " Yes, you know me far too well" he said while trying to look a bit hurt by my sudden reaction. "Jared am sure I told you fighting for dominance would not attract the ladies plus you already know who will win" I said while smirking. " That's what you think Sebastian, don't you know how strong I've gotten" he replied. I could remember his father bragging about how much Rogue wolf his son killed during the southern attack. Hm my father didn’t say because he doesn’t like to brag like king Caleb, but I have also fought off invaders not Mer rogue but armies of frost-fang beast of the deeper forest. I speculated the Julius was behind this, but father had thrown out my ideas saying that it was impossible. “Are you still here” Jared said while waving his hand in-front my face. I held his hand still holding it in place as I looked over his shoulder “the Lily” I said to myself. “ the what” Jared Replied. I walked past him grabbing her attention right after the maid handed the drinks to her and her friends. As she turned to look at the king my huge figure blocked her view. She scanned my chest before looking me in the eyes. “Oh my, she bowed her head and said, “greetings my prince”. “Would you like to go somewhere quieter” I asked she looked backed at her friends who shot her an encouraging look before replying with a yes. I stretched out my hand holding hers in mine as we walked out of the ballroom. After a while of walking, we were now in the hallway right in front of my bedroom door. I opened the door of my bedroom. She looked at me as if she was asking for permission to enter. Hmm could she be new to all this is she a virgin. I smirked at her and said, “come in”. She looked around my room touching my bed post. “Is the Royal emblem” she asked. “Yes, you are in the prince’s room after all” I replied. I opened one of the shelves to take out a wine think maybe I should set a mood. When I turned to hand her a drink, I found her undressing. Her pearl necklace was placed on the nightstand and her creamed colored dress was sliding down her milky white body. Her underwear was lacy and the corset she wore made her Breast even more delicious. Before I knew it her arms were wrapped around my neck, and she kissed my lips. Maybe she wasn’t as innocent as I thought. I placed the glass on the table and lifted her up, now her legs wrapping around my waist. f**k I thought she is so sexy my shaft was pressing through my pants, and she moved her hips pressing into it even more. I carried her to the bed and placed her down kissing her as she moaned helping me to remove my clothes. “I want you my prince, tame me” she said. After my shirt was off, I ripped her lace underwear revealing her bear self to me, she buckled my belt and spilled her hand down my shaft. She moved her hand up and down as I send my fingers in and out her p***y. “f**k you big” she said I’ve heard this quite a lot with all the ladies I’ve had s*x with, so it wasn’t surprising. Before she would c*m, I took my fingers out pressing my d**k into her p***y. I slipped d**k into her p***y in one go, “help, help me” she cried out in pleasure as I thrust faster and deeper into her, holding her tight before Cumming deep inside her. I was hard and ready for another round, but I was interrupted by a noise from outside of my balcony “Who was there?” I shouted, "Who dared to spy on me, the prince. I grabbed a robe, throwing it over trying to catch the intruder. “Aww '' I heard someone cry from the bushes. If it was an assassin, it sure was a flimsy one before I could transform or even chase after the person, I got a glimpse of a maid's dress. “Sorry my prince, ' the voice said before running to the forest-filled side of the palace. There was no point in chasing whoever it was but if it was indeed an assassin, I would have to pay the consequences for my decision. I turned to the door, walking back into the bedroom. “Who was it? '' the lady from the bed said. “A maid doesn’t worry too much” I replied she was now wrapped in my bed sheets. “A maid or your lover” she questioned. “That’s none of your business,’ I replied. I could tell that I was appalled by my response. I needed some air, so I walked over to the bathroom to take a shower. POV Diana While heading back I heard a woman crying. It was coming from an entrance into the palace. It looked like it was the entrance to the prince's room. There could have been an accident, I thought. By the sounds of the woman, she was in real pain. "Help me," she cried. I wasn't a nosey person, but what if the prince was in danger? I climb up the balcony onto the porch. After doing that, I realized how stupid I was. If there was an assassin, I wouldn't have anything to protect myself. I did not even have to take a step further because you see the lacy curtains blow up, and what I saw was the beauty I met earlier being pounded by the prince; she wasn't in pain, though she was crying because of the pleasure. I couldn't help but be a little embarrassed now that I had climbed up the balcony without thinking, and now how am I supposed to explain this to the prince and his lover, who were clearly having an intimate moment? I took a deep breath, turned around, and sneaked closer to the balcony, trying to leave without being noticed. "Who is there?" the prince shouted. I scrambled the maids dress I was wearing and hoped over into the blushes. "Aww," I cried. I forgot that there were torn bushes at the bottom of the balcony, and they perched on my skin. "Hey, you," the prince shouted while staring at me from over his balcony. He had a robe on, but the moonlight that shone on his skin really made his muscles more defined. Wake up, Diana. I snapped myself back to reality before running out of the gardens. I shouted, "Sorry, my prince," and ran as fast as I could. I knew the moon was out tonight, but I hope he only saw my solute and not my face. What am I even saying? I hope he doesn't remember anything. After a few minutes of running, I reached my cottage, a small hut outside the garden. When I got inside, I locked the doors and dropped onto my bed. The sweet scent of vanilla filled my nose. “This is where I should be,” I said before falling asleep. POV Prince Xavier After taking a shower I came back out into my bedroom. That young lady was still in my bed, she still looked a bit sad so I turned to her and told her that she too can take and shower and if she wants to sleep the night there is a guestroom opposite my room seeing that the sheets were now dirty. She smiled at me and replied, “thank you my prince”. I finish putting on my clothes and walked out of the room when I reached downstairs, I called one of the maids and instructed her to help the young lady who was now in the guess room. The maid nodded in response then I left for the forest. The forest was dark but the moonlight made it so u can see the pathways to the lake. Who was that person from earlier my mind ponder. The forest of the palace only stretched so far, and my father had fence in a large plot of land maybe just maybe whoever was spying on me is still on palace grounds. I didn’t want to transform but I knew that it would be quicker if I did. I howled in pain as my wolf came out from inside of me as I transformed into a big sliver wolf. I started running faster and faster, I was only going to stop when I reached the huge walls separating the palace forest from the outlands. It didn’t take too long for me to reach the walls and I started sniffing around trying to capture any unfamiliar scent. Nothing, I smelt nothing, how could it be I’m sure I saw someone head off into the forest in this direction earlier. Turned back to palace to run back in the direction from which I came. When I arrived at the palace grounds I shifted. Maybe I should check the lakes for any evidence in the morning. I thought as I climbed the balcony of my room. POV Diana At 8:30 a.m. in the morning, the sounds of a hungry chicken woke me up. My head was in a mess, and my leg felt sore from all the running last night. Only if I had my wolf could I have shifted, but here I am, 20 years old, with no sign of shifting or mate, so I guess I would be stuck in this palace. I got up from the bed and walked carefully to the kitchen. I placed some herbs in a teapot and toasted a piece of bread. Dinner is served, I thought while placing them on my table. I put cheese on my bread, and I was going to eat. It was delicious. A sudden bang came from my door. "Diana, get out here this instant.” Oh, my goddess, what does she want? By the angry voice and loud bangs, I could tell right away it was a mess, Miss Rose. I got up from my breakfast table and walked over to the door, opening it. “Good morning, Miss Rose,” I said to her while faking a smile. “You lazy b***h, how dare you leave the party without cleaning up? The workload was a lot for the maids, she replied. I was pissed, but I continued smiling and told her that the maid's work was not my job. "Hm, I could see why the orphanage threw you out; you're just a waste of space,” she said to me. "Are you just a b***h?” I replied. “What did you just say?” she said to me in shock. "I asked if you're a b***h. If you have a problem with me not working as a maid, speak with the king; he assigned me this job,” I said to her with my face dead serious. "You," she stuttered. I slammed the door and walked back to my breakfast table. That felt amazing. After finishing my breakfast, I took my towel and a pail and headed deep into the forest outside my cottage. There was a lake there, and I know I would usually bathe in the palace, but the maids and Miss Rose are no good, so I decided to take a bath in the lake. Plus, what’s the worst that could happen? There is hardly anyone who goes deep in the forest, plus the water was refreshing and so beautiful. When I arrived, I placed my towel on a big rock and started removing my clothes. My hair was still a mess, and I knew it would be hard to put up, so I just let it down. I was now wearing my bra and pants. I played with my reflection in the water a little. I knew I had a nice figure. It’s a shame I didn’t have a mate. I knew we would be pleased when the time came. I leaped into the water, wetting my entire body, and swam around the lake. After a while of exploring and swimming, I started to bathe, wash my body and scrubbed the soles of my feet on the small rocks. I then put my towel around me, grabbing the pail to leave. “Why leave so soon?” I heard a voice say, oh my god, was there someone here? I started to look around frantically, trying to find the person. Am right here, he said. From behind me, I screamed in fright, and he covered my mouth with his large palms. It was the prince. What was he doing here? His face was inches from mine, and he just stared into my eyes with his hazel eyes. “Let go,” I said, pushing him off. He seemed a bit shocked, then he smiled. "You dare hit your prince,” he said. "I didn’t hit you; I pushed you,” I replied. "Interesting," he whispered. The prince was nothing more than a player, and I had to get away from him. I continued to walk away from him, and he just stood there like we saw a ghost. Not every girl is interested in a player. Plus, I was saving myself for my mate. And after last night's encounter it only confirmed that the rumors were not so false after all. As much as I hated miss Claudine attitude, I felt bad for her she bragged so much about how she loved him and that they would soon be engage but he is out here sleeping with everything that crawls. After walking for a while, I arrived back home, drying myself and putting on my gardening uniform. I began my chores around the palace, feeding the animals, cleaning their homes, and watering the plants. As I completed my tasks, my mind drifted back to Aria's invitation. I returned to my cottage, had lunch, and changed into more comfortable attire before heading into town. On my way, I encountered the arrival of the new clan. Their presence was commanding, exuding strength even among the women and children. Intrigued, I observed their arrival from a distance, wondering about the impact they would have on our peaceful town. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity about the changes this new clan might bring to our community. I hurried past them and took another route into town. Oh lord, the sun was so hot, and these clothes didn’t make it any better, I wanted to borrow the carriage, but I am afraid that Miss Rose would not allow it. I Was walking for some time before coming across a market. I didn’t ask Aria her address but the baron was quite well known in the community of Eliste so I decided to ask for directions and before I knew it, I had arrived. I stood outside her house for a while gasping for air before I knocked. “Aria” I shouted while knocking on the door. “Coming” she replied before opening the door “I am so happy that you came Diana” she continued while grabbing my arm pulling me inside the house. Aria pulled me to the living room it was quite vast and big with a huge chandelier hanging in the middle of the ceiling. “You can sit right here” she said before leaving the room. For a baron his house was massive. I didn’t expect less as the nobles were very rich, but it was nice to know that Aria was living well off. After all the treatments in the palace were quite harsh. I was also thinking of leaving the palace and opening a small cafe, but the palace pays so well. I thought that maybe this year at the start of the spring season I would leave that miserable palace never to return. As long as everything goes to plan, I should be leaving in the next three weeks. “Sorry to have you waiting” aria said to me while bringing out a tray of snacks and drinks. “don’t be aria we are friends after all” I replied. “So, what do you think” she said to me while looking around the house. “I think it’s very beautiful and large” I replied admiring the beauty of the house. Aria smiled at me taking a bite from one of the cakes she brought out. "Eat" she mumbled at me pointing at the other cake that was placed next to me, but I just lifted the cup and drank some of the juice. "Honey" a voice said from the kitchen, as I placed my glass down to pick up the cake the baron walked in. His shirt was unbuttoned, and he had a look on his face. Opps could I have ruined a moment for them. In embarrassment he turns around "umm I was just leaving". Aria looked at me with her face flustered. "I'm sorry Diana" she said before following behind the baron. My oh my they seem to be at it quite a lot for him to come in dressed like that. I ate my cake and read one of the books to pass the time. It was a Romance novel, quite interesting. After a few minutes aria came back in apologizing again for her husband behavior. " It's okay aria" I said while getting up from the chair. "Are you leaving so soon" she said to me. " Yes, unfortunately I couldn't use a carriage you know miss rose acts" I replied to her. she nodded her head before suggesting I take the baron carriage back to the palace. I was glad to not be walking back to the palace, so I thanked her. "Wait right her" she said to me, before returning with a bag. "What's inside" I questioned. "Goodies, snacks" she said to me with a smile. I hugged her before leaving for the carriage. As the carriage door closed, she waved me off and I also waved slightly back to her. The carriage then leaves for the palace and couldn't help but admire the designs, it was just fancy looking from the outside. The inside of the carriage had soft cushions and it was well kept and clean. Today was not all that bad I thought to myself, maybe after I get back, I will head to the kitchen first to get some matches to light the fire. I Dozed off after a while and was later awaken by the driver. Miss, you have arrived, he said as the door opened. I got up from my laying down position and picked up the bag getting up to get out from the carriage. The driver extended his hand helping me down and out of the carriage. I thanked him and walked off to the palace gates handing the guards my card. Come in Diana, a familiar voice said it was Lucas, he used to be my classmate back in school, but he had grown so big and tall I couldn't recognize him. I hugged him while complementing his good looks and how tall he has grown. He blushed a little before saying " thank you and you also look as beautiful as ever, even more beautiful and mature than when I last saw you". I smiled and reached into my bag offering one of the many caked aria had given me. " Here you go" I knew he had a sweet tooth and had always loved aria baking when we both grew up. "Thank you" he replied, "no need thank aria she gives them to me" I said. He smiled at me before excusing himself back to his duties. I nodded my head and walked to the palace. As I opened the door to the backdoor entrance, I could hear the sounds of a loud argument. " You dare to go against me" a voice said by the sounds of it I could tell it was miss rose. I sneaked into the kitchen area not far from the entrance. Peeking through the hallway I could see a maid; she was on her knees in tears. How weak doesn't she know how to fight back? I walked away minding my business when miss rose shouted "Diana don't move and inch". She walked closer to me know invading my personal space. " Are you out seeking male attention what a b***h you are "she said. Did she real think by saying that she did something two other maids stood behind her grinning their teeth. Hmm I see she has her crew so she thinks she can intimate me. My gaze moved from her eyes, and I looked at the maid who was kneeling on the floor. She wasn't in full maids' attire just an apron. I simple walked pass Miss rose leaving her stunned I stretched out my had to the crying lady. “Excuse me “I said “are you perhaps a maid or chef” I asked. She let out little cries Before answering “I am not I was assigned to clean the horses stable but”. I looked up at miss rose she use to be very intimidating to me when I was younger but now, I feel no fear from her. And frankly I think she is more afraid of me. “Should I tell the butler about this” I said while glaring at miss rose the two maids behind miss rose ran off and miss rose eyes began to widen like she saw a ghost. “No need for that” she said “Melissa you can get up now and don’t worry I will clean the floor” she continues. Melissa got up off her knees and turned to me grabbing hold of the hand I had extended earlier wiping her tears she said to me “thank you ”. ?