Amani

Chapter 8

Amani's POV

The following day is freaking brutal.

And I'm not even exaggerating. We had to train in order to show the royal family that our respective packs have been taking the training of females seriously. I think I broke a rib or two out there but I'm glad we did that because I got to watch Likando wipe the floor with Poppy's face. Given that Poppy is supposed to be stronger than Likando with Poppy having Alpha blood and Likando having Beta blood.

"Oh man, I feel so used right now" is the first thing Likando says immediately we enter our rooms.

"If that was mild training then I don't want to know what real full-on training looks like."

"At least we get to meet the prince tomorrow" I notice a blush on Likando's face as she says that.

"Wait, do you like the prince?"

"Girl, who doesn't like the prince? The guy is pure perfection, beauty at it's finest. Like I ain't even exaggerating, the time I met him last year, I was blown away by how-"

"Wait a minute, did you just say 'the time I met him last year'? Why the hell are you even here if you know that you two are not soulmates?"

"Oh right, I might have forgotten to say that little detail," I snort at that "My family is the beta family of the Sapphire pack and because of that, I have to be here in order to represent my family."

"But why did you have to attend all the events?"

"Protocol" is all she says before heading for the bathroom.

Today's activities ended up early because they want us to relax and spend time with our friends because this might be the last time we get to see some of them. I really like Likando, and I'll just have to plead with Dad to let me tag along whenever he has something to do in Sapphire pack.

"I'm gonna hit the shower then we can head to the garden," Likando announces

"I thought we were prohibited from going there"

"Yeah, but the Queen said it's totally okay for us to spend time there before we have dinner tonight"

"Oh, that's really kind of her...." I reply awkwardly

"You don't like the Queen?"

"Oh, I think she's an amazing Queen. I just don't see any of the work that she does because all decisions are made by the council and the King."

"Amani, that's not how the royal system works. It's far more complicated than that and I'm surprised that you don't know this. The Queen and King make decisions together before the council and King go through everything together"

"Maybe that what they want you to think. That she actually has a say in things because let's be honest, the Queen never attends the live meetings or press conferences-"

"Look Amani, it seems your mind is already made up so I won't try to change it but you should try asking around about this," Is all Likando says before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.

After freshening up, the rest of the day goes by really fast and before I know it, it's dinner time.

"Alright, listen up girls. The prince will be arriving tomorrow afternoon and will stay in his wing until the evening ball. Until then, you are to spend the day prepaying and resting. They royal representatives that had travelled will also be back tomorrow for the ball so some of you might meet your mates. I'm pretty sure that was simple and straight forward so I will not be answering any questions" is all lady Penelope says before walking out of the room.

And suddenly I began to feel uneasy, "why don't we head in for the night?" I whispered to Likando.

"Great idea," and together we headed up the stairs.

Neither of us said a thing when we got to our room and began to prepare for bed and it was until my eyes began to close that I head Likando whisper into the darkness.

"I really hope I find my mate soon," I didn't know how to respond so I turned to the wall by my bed and fell into a dreamless sleep

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The following morning was chaotic and the atmosphere in the kingdom felt tense for different reasons. Some people anticipated the future Queen, others hoped it was them or their relative but most importantly, people really wanted Tycen to find his mate. Me, I was tense because I felt my wolf was restless and that means I might find my mate tonight. I really didn't think it was the prince because the moon goddess knew I couldn't handle royalty.

Time seemed to move really quickly and the next thing I knew was that it was time for the ball and I was getting more antsy.

The ball room looked amazing and the soft music playing made it look unreal.

"Wow the royal family really went all out on this huh," I whisper to Likando.

"Of course they did, the crown prince is about to have his whole life decided by this one night" she whispers back.

I look toward the front of the room and I'm also blown away with how royal everyone looks and I'm not just talking about the king, queen and princess. Aspen, Sage and Willow all stand with the royal family awaiting their mates and preparing to either comfort or celebrate with their friend.

And suddenly I understand why this whole event is so important for them. Sure if Tycen doesn't find his mate then Janelle will have to take over and she doesn't want the throne so their cousin might but it's mainly important because if he doesn't find her, he'll go nuts. Mates are really important and I would be devastated if I didn't find mine and suddenly begin to feel sorry-

The thought is cut off by the guards alerting us that the prince has arrived but I am too busy looking for Likando to notice the shift in the room.

"I swear she was standing right next to me," I whisper under my breath.

I am about to head to the gardens to see if she had sneaked out to go there when I feel it. The electricity in the air and the buzzing of my skin.

"This is it Amani, our one-way ticket out of that horrible house," I think to myself before I turn to see who my mate is and when I do, the connection is so strong that I lose my balance trying to control it.

"Are you okay?" someone asks as they try to hold my hand to help me up and when I look up to see my mate, I almost throw up.