Tamed By The Lycan Prince

BREAKFAST

CHAPTER THREE - 4

-WILHELMINA-

The following day, the sun began its ascent and its rays peeked through the parted curtains, illuminating the opulent suite. I rose early, my sleep having been restless and disturbed. The room, although majestic in design with its high ceilings and lavishly draped windows, felt empty and too large for one person to inhabit. The ornate furniture was made of rich mahogany and the bed was luxuriously dressed with velvet quilts and silk pillows that were fluffed to perfection. On the walls, priceless art hung in ornate frames that told stories of battles won and lost, of love found and squandered.

Stepping into the attached washroom, I was met with a row of gleaming golden faucets and a wide mirror framed with intricately carved silver. The opulence was suffocating. After a long, comforting shower, I wrapped myself in a plush robe hanging from one of the gilded hooks and meandered back into the suite, the plush carpeting cushioning my bare feet.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. My heart fluttered nervously as I called, "Come in." The door creaked open and Trisha entered, followed by a maid. The maid looked small and fragile. She was dressed in a simple gray uniform that was several sizes too large for her petite frame. Her eyes darted to and fro nervously under the stern gaze of Trisha.

"Good Morning, Mina." Trisha’s voice was as sweet as honey, yet there was a cold edge to it that made me uneasy. The maid pushed a trolley heaped with fruits, pastries, coffee and other breakfast items into the room. She carefully arranged the table.

"I can see you've already taken care of your hygiene. Well done." She motioned towards the maid. "This maid is here to assist you in changing into appropriate attire for a Luna."

"Thank you," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. Trisha smiled at me in the way a snake might smile at a mouse, all teeth and no warmth. The maid seemed equally as uncomfortable under her gaze.

"But I don't need someone to help me change. I can do that alone." I said.

"Of course you can, darling," Trisha cooed, with an indulgent smile. "But we wouldn't want you to strain yourself. It's important for the Luna to look her best. This is a grand occasion, after all."

"Grand occasion?" I asked.

"Yes, darling," Trisha's eyes twinkled with undeniable satisfaction. "You and Boris are going to have your first breakfast together. It's that wonderful."

My heart dropped into my stomach. Before I could say anything, she clapped her hands, summoning the maid who was standing meekly by the door. She started pulling out garments from a large wardrobe in the corner: an array of silk gowns in jeweled tones, adorned with delicate embroidery and intricate beadwork. Diamonds glistened and pearls shimmered under the morning light; each one more extravagant than the last.

"But I-" I began again, only to be interrupted by Trisha's stern glare.

"No buts, Mina," she curtly said, her facade of honeyed sweetness rapidly slipping away. "You mustn't keep my son waiting. You never keep the Alpha waiting." Her voice echoed through the vast suite with a sharp edge of finality.

The maid, shaking slightly under Trisha's oppressive gaze, finally settled on a gown that was a deep emerald green and appeared less extravagant than the others. She held it up in front of me, her hands trembling slightly. Even though it was less ornate, the gown had an austere elegance to it; the silk fabric and intricate embroidery still exuded an air of refined luxury.

Trisha nodded her approval with a tight smile, turning on her heel and sweeping out of the suite as suddenly as she had arrived. The door closed behind her with a soft click, leaving me alone with the timid maid once again. We stared at each other for a moment; her fear-filled eyes echoed my own apprehension.

"I am sorry, Luna," she began in a voice that was barely above a whisper. "Lady Gravemaw can be very…demanding."

"I think that's one way to put it," I replied, trying to infuse a little humor into the tense room. A few seconds of silence passed before her lips curled into a timid smile. "Apologies, Luna. I did not mean to speak out of turn."

"Oh, don’t worry about it," I said, waving away her concern with my hand. "And you can call me Mina, if it's alright."

She looked surprised at my request but nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright … Mina." The name felt foreign on her tongue, as if she was breaking some unseen rule by addressing me so informally.

It took some time for us both to manage the dress's many layers and delicate fastenings. But soon enough, I was staring at myself in the mirror. I barely recognized the woman staring back at me.

The dress seemed to transform me into an ethereal creature, shimmering with each graceful movement. The emerald green silk hugged my curves in a way that was both sensual and dignified. The gown's neckline showcased the glimmer of a diamond necklace that cascaded down onto my chest, reflecting the morning light. My hair, which had been hastily arranged by the timid maid, was swept into an elegant bun, leaving my neck exposed.

The face in the mirror was mine but the fear etched beneath my eyes made me look like a deer caught in headlights. It all felt surreal; dressing up in extravagant gowns, being waited on hand and foot by maids, having breakfast with Boris – my soon-to-be husband. A part of me still refused to believe it.

The maid whispered, "We should make our way to the dining hall, Mina. Lady Gravemaw won't be pleased if we keep the Alpha waiting for too long."

I nodded at her, my reflection mimicking the movement in the mirror. I sighed, steeling myself for what was to come. "Alright," I said, glancing at the maid one last time before turning towards the door.

My shoes, delicate things made from dyed satin to match the dress, clicked softly against the marble floors of the castle corridors as we made our way towards the dining hall. The maid led the way, her steps unsteady and meek in comparison to my own. We passed by numerous paintings and grand statues, each one more opulent than the last.

Nearing the grand double doors that marked the entrance to the dining hall, I could hear the low murmur of conversation and the clinking of fine china. Taking a deep breath, I nodded at the maid. She reached out and pushed open the doors.

Instantly, all sound seemed to cease and every pair of eyes in the room turned towards me. The dining hall was as breathtaking as the rest of the mansion with a long, set table that could easily seat fifty people. Stained-glass windows hugged the room; the morning sun painted vibrant colors across the polished granite flooring. Exquisite chandeliers hung from high ceilings, their crystals glittering with a thousand rainbow reflections. The scent of fresh flowers, lilies perhaps, wafted through the room.

The occupants of the room stared at my entrance - their gazes ranging from curious to hostile. Seated at the head of the table was Boris. His mother, Trisha, sat to his right and offered me a tight smile - satisfaction dancing in her dark eyes. Beside her was Leon, her husband. His eyes held a softer gaze, his features more worn and gentle compared to the sternness of Trisha. He offered me a nod, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, as though he was attempting to ease the tension within the room.

As I walked towards them, my heart pounded in my chest like a war drum, each step echoing in the cavernous hall. The silence was almost deafening, only broken by the soft rustle of my gown against the marble floor. The maid trailed behind me, her whispers of encouragement barely heard above the roaring silence.

I came to a halt beside Boris and gracefully curtsied, mimicking the etiquette lessons I had taken from Trisha. He rose from his seat, a wide grin spreading across his rugged features.

"My radiant bride-to-be," Boris said, his voice gruff and filled with warmth. He held out his hand for me to take. I placed my hand in his, feeling the rough texture against my soft skin. He led me to the empty seat on his left, pulling it out for me to sit.

With a deep breath, I eased myself onto the chair, smoothing my dress as I did so. The room was filled with an almost palpable tension that made my heart flutter uncomfortably in my chest. Boris bent over, his lips grazing my cheek with a gentle kiss, "You will need to meet me in my office sometime this afternoon."

I nodded, swallowing down the lump that had formed in my throat. His dark gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before he straightened and took his seat.

The meal began in earnest, course after course of fine food brought out by silent, efficient servants. All the while, conversation flowed around me like a river, touching on everything from politics to art and music. I remained silent for the most part, usually only speaking when spoken to. Boris was attentive, charming even, but his smiles didn't quite reach his eyes.

Trisha dominated the conversation with her words like a conductor leading an orchestra; her voice resonating through the room with an effortless grace. From time to time, she would glance in my direction, her gaze assessing. I could feel the weight of her scrutiny, evaluating my every move and posture, no doubt searching for any signs of weakness or defiance.

Leon, on the other hand, remained quiet and thoughtful. He seemed to observe more than participate in conversation, his eyes flickering over each person as they spoke. There was a kindness in his gaze when it fell upon me, a stark contrast to that of his wife.

Suddenly, the conversation faltered - stopping as if time had frozen - as Trisha turned her scrutinizing gaze towards me. "Mina," she began, her voice smooth like silk, "you have been rather quiet this morning. Tell us, are you excited about moving into the Gravemaw Manor soon?"

I froze under the weight of her gaze, feeling every eye in the room turn towards me. I swallowed carefully before responding, "Of course, mother," I began, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. "Gravemaw Manor is a beautiful estate. I am looking forward to making it my new home." Plastering on a smile, I added, "And I cannot wait to be a part of this family."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she was looking for any hint of deception in my words. I held her gaze steadily, refusing to break away under her scrutiny. Finally, with a curt nod, she seemed satisfied.

"I am pleased to hear that," she said, her voice cool and unyielding as ice. "Gravemaw Manor has been in our family for generations; it will be a great honor for you to become its lady."

Boris’ hand brushed mine under the table, his thumb drawing circles on my knuckles as though trying to provide some semblance of comfort. His touch, however, made me feel even more uncomfortable. Soon enough, breakfast came to an end and Trisha excitedly whisked me away to continue with our wedding arrangements. However, unlike the day before, my brother was nowhere to be seen.