Tamed By The Lycan Prince

LADY RASHIDA

CHAPTER SIX- 1

-THORIN-

Throughout my travels after high school, I had yet to find a place that compared to the spectacular Lycan Empire. The weather was always pleasant, and despite being a werewolf, I was welcomed by the friendly and open Lycan people. But it was their cuisine that truly stood out, surpassing any other I had tasted before. Moving from one domain to another was always a breeze, and it provided a sense of calmness.

During my travels through the empire, I had lodged at several hotels and resorts. However, none could compare to the Viridian Baron, renowned for its luxurious atmosphere and top-notch hospitality. It was there that I met a Lycan who would become a dear friend.

One morning, while staying at the Viridian Baron, I decided to go down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. As I descended the grand staircase, I surprised to find the lobby unusually empty. This was unexpected, as the hotel was typically bustling in the mornings, with guests checking in and out, preparing for a day of exploration, or enjoying their first meal of the day.

"Excuse me, sir?" An employee at the front desk called out.

I turned to face her. "Si?"

The young woman in an immaculate uniform appeared slightly surprised when she saw me. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "My sorry to disturb you, sir," she stuttered, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "But the restaurant…it's been reserved for the morning. It won't be open until the afternoon."

I raised an eyebrow at her words. The whole restaurant has been reserved? Someone important must be here, I thought. I glanced at the restaurant doors. They were closed.

"If you don't mind me asking," I replied. "Who has reserved the restaurant?"

"You must have not heard, seeing as you aren't from here," she smiled. "Baroness Savina, the hotel owner, has organized a party for her daughter's birthday tonight and has invited almost all of the aristocracy to attend."

"Interesante," I replied.

The young woman looked at me with a puzzled look, clearly not understanding my words. I flashed her an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, English isn't my native language."

"No need to apologize, sir," she replied warmly, her cheeks flushing a deeper pink. "We're honored to have guests from all corners of the world. If you don't mind, where are you from? We don't get many werewolves around here."

"I hail from the distant shores Croicia," I replied smoothly, my accent deepening at the mention of my homeland. "However, my mamá decided to move us to the Gravemaw Hounds territory shortly after my 14th birthday."

The young woman's eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. "How fascinating! I've always wanted to visit Croicia."

"It's a beautiful place," I said, allowing the memories of my homeland to wash over me. "The moonlit lakes, ancient forests, and the majestic mountains... It's a sight to behold."

She looked at me with bright eyes, her excitement palpable. "Do you miss it?" she asked.

I smiled at her, a sweet, tender smile that spoke of the melancholy of homesickness. "Every day," I admitted. "But life moves on, doesn't it?"

"Indeed, sir," she said, her gaze soft in understanding.

Our conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a striking young woman clad in an exquisite silken gown of midnight blue. Her raven curls tumbled over her shoulders, and in the dim light of the lobby, her emerald eyes seemed to glow with a strange, enchanting radiance.

"It's Lady Rashida. She's Baroness Savina's daughter." The young woman whispered reverently, her eyes wide with awe and a touch of envy.

I turned my gaze towards Lady Rashida. She moved with grace, her every step exuding an aura of power and elegance. The scent of wild roses and fresh rain filled the air as she passed by us. Her emerald eyes caught mine. A flicker of surprise flashed across her face, quickly replaced by a coquettish smile as she walked our way.

"Lady Rashida," the young woman curtsied beside me.

"What is your name, sir?" she asked.

"Thorin Dawn," I replied, my gaze locked with hers. I gave a shallow bow, my arm sweeping across my torso in a traditional Lycan greeting.

"Thorin Dawn," she echoed, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips. "And you are werewolf, correct?"

"Indeed, Lady Rashida," I admitted, straightening to meet her gaze once again. There was a curiosity in her emerald eyes, a burning question that she wished to ask but didn't dare to voice.

She drew in a slow breath and sighed. "I've never had the pleasure of meeting a werewolf before," she admitted, "let alone one with such handsome features."

I laughed lightly, surprised at her boldness. "You flatter me, Lady Rashida."

"Dawn, is it? That's an unusual last name for a werewolf," she continued, her gaze never wavering from mine.

"I am from Croicia, the land of Dawn. My name is a remembrance of my roots," I explained, a touch of pride in my voice.

Her eyes sparkled with unspoken interest. "Croicia... I've heard tales of its beauty and grandeur."

"Yes, it's a beautiful place, filled with vast forests that stretch to the horizon and mountains that kiss the sky," I said, my voice softened by the nostalgia her words stirred. "There's nowhere else in the world where dawn breaks quite as beautifully."

"Would you like to attend my birthday party tonight?" she asked.

I blinked, taken aback by the abrupt invitation. "Tonight? Wouldn't it be inappropriate for a werewolf to attend a Lycan celebration…"

"Nonsense," she cut me off with a dismissive wave of her hand. "I believe it could be fun and... enlightening to have a werewolf from Croicia at my celebration."

Her lips tilted up into a smile. "Tell me, do you have anything nice to wear?"

"Unfortunately, travel attire is all I have," I confessed sheepishly. "I have been journeying across the globe for a few years now, and I haven't had the chance to acquire any other garments."

"No worries," she said, her voice a soft velvet against the afternoon air. "I can lend you some of the clothes from the hotel wardrobes. They are filled with outs for every occasion."

"Generous of you, Lady Rashida," I said, giving her a nod of gratitude. I couldn't help but mirror her smile, which was infectious and warm.

"I insist you call me Rashida," she smiled, her warm gaze softening any resistance left in me. Rashida turned to the young woman beside me. "Can you take Thorin to my father's wardrobe?"

"Of course, my lady," the young woman responded promptly, a flutter of nervous excitement in her voice. She turned towards me, a shy smile playing at the corners of her lips. "This way, please."