The Apple Of His Eye

Chapter 11 The Move

Ace's POV

First thing in the morning, I made plans to bring Kaylee to my Castle. Gathering two of my best guards Shawn and Micah, I am sending them to Kayo and Lena's cottage. They are to pay the couple 3000 pieces of gold to reward them for saving her life. Sternly I gave them orders not to tell Kaylee why she is moving into the Castle. They were also not to mention that Kaylee is my mate. This was still part of my plan to test her. Our wedding is tomorrow, and she doesn't even know yet. I had her room beautifully prepared right across the hall from mine. Of course, she would only be spending one night in her room before joining me in my bed. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms all night. We hadn't even had our first kiss in human form. That would all change today.

I sent a mind link to Grace, who would be in charge of taking care of Kaylee. 'Grace, once Kaylee arrives and gets settled in, bring her to me in the Library." "Yes, Alpha," she replied.

The kingdom had been having an increase in rogue sightings, with small attacks here and there. Time was drawing near for me to end the war and take out Alpha Bane. Before I go off to fight, I want to be married. I couldn't leave while my mate was unmarked. While I am gone, my Castle security will be able to protect her.

Kaylee's POV

I woke up early and refreshed in the morning. I couldn't hide the smile on my face as I came out to eat breakfast. Lena had made a beautiful breakfast of scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. While we were eating, I told them that I would be meeting with Nanook again that night.

A loud knock at the door snapped me out of my happy thoughts. "Open the door at the request of the Alpha King." we heard the guard yell.  Startled and on wobbling legs, Kayo opened the door. "What can I help you with?" Kayo asked. "We are here to escort Kaylee Douglas to the Castle. Go and pack your belongings." "No, I can't go to the Castle. I have already found my mate," I screamed at him. The guard threw a bag of gold coins on the table. "Here is 3000 pieces of gold for payment from the King." "Lena, please don't let them take me," I pleaded. "Oh, Dear, you can not refuse the King's order. Think of all the girls we could save with this money. This is an answer to our prayers." She was right, but I didn't want to go. I was supposed to meet with Nanook and spend the rest of my life with him.

Kayo placed his hand on my shoulder, "Don't worry. We will tell Nanook tonight where you are." Hearing that gave me a little comfort. "Let me go and pack my things." I stumbled to my room trying not to hyperventilate.  It wouldn't take me long since there was not much to pack. I only had a few articles of clothing that Lena had given me. She brought me a small black duffel bag. "It will all be ok. God will guide you," Lena said encouragingly. I gave her a long hug and bravely walked toward the front door. "Tell Nanook that I love him and to come and save me from the Alpha." I looked over at the guard, and he chuckled. Seriously did he just laugh at me. Was my pain funny to him? My whole world was crashing around me for the second time.

After saying goodbye to Kayo and Lena, I hung my head down in defeat and walked out with the guards. What did the King want with me, anyway? Maybe he needed another servant girl? Nanook found me once, and I'm sure he would come for me again.

We arrived on the Castle grounds, and they walked me through a lovely rose garden. It seems we took the back entrance. Hunter's Castle was more beautiful than I had imagined. We walked into a large open ballroom with two thrones at the far end. People were busy decorating and bringing flowers. Caterers were preparing food (enough for an army). It was quite a sight. A young woman not much older than I. was standing in the hallway. "This is Grace. She is your lady in waiting and will attend to all of your needs.," one of the guards told me.

Abruptly the guards turned and walked away. "Hi," Grace said with a small curtsey. "Let me show you to your room." Grace turned and motioned for me to follow her up the stairs. We walked through a maze of hallways. I was utterly lost. She came to a room with large double doors and opened it with a key. "This is your room, Luna," she smiled at me. "Wait, why did you call me Luna?" I asked. "You are to be married to Alpha King tomorrow," she informed me. My mouth dropped open, and I didn't know what to say. I can't marry the King. What would happen to Nanook? I ran into the room and threw myself on the bed. The goose down duvet cover was the softest I have ever felt. I tried to cry, but the tears didn't come.

"I'm sorry, Luna, but you need to try on your wedding dress," Grace told me. Slowly I sat up and followed her into a side dressing room. There was a small raised platform for me to stand on and two seamstresses holding my gown. I couldn't believe it; I felt so out of place. Standing there, I am wearing my leggings and a loose shirt about to try on a wedding gown made for a Queen. The white dress had a long decorative train and a lace-up bodice in the back. It was sparkling in the light from all of the diamonds. The front was a princess cut with off the shoulder sleeves. It was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. I reluctantly took off my clothes and let the women help me try the gown on. I couldn't believe how well it fit; whoever made it must have had my exact measurements. The dress looks so beautiful on me. I smiled in the mirror, but I could only picture myself marrying Nanook.

When the seamstresses were satisfied with the dress fitting, they helped me take it off. Grace gave me a bathrobe to put on and showed me to the bathroom. "You've traveled far today. Take a shower to freshen up, and I'll get some new clothes for you." The shower worked wonders to help me relax. The fancy new clothes looked so much nicer than the ones I had been wearing.

"Do you like to read books?" she asked me. 

 A smile started to form across my face, "Oh, yes I love to read."

"Let me show you to the Castle Library. Follow me," said Grace.