Chapter 4 - List of tasks
1304 Words
Lilly's POV
It's been two weeks since Beta Zack's visit, and things were slowly changing for the better.
The warrior brothers, Jacob and James, were now practically living here with us and were staying in the guest room—they were instructed to watch over me.
It felt good to feel safe for once—well, sort of. Angelica's and Sade's glares were nerve-wracking. I wasn't sure when the two would strike.
My wounds were now properly healed, and miraculously the scarring was almost non-existent—all thanks to Beta Zack's proper care.
"Miss Lilly," James called down the hallway. He was the friendliest of the two warrior brothers.
"In here," I replied, as I placed the dish on the drying rack.
A moment later, James and Jacob entered, both carrying a box. They were smiling and seemed a bit excited about something.
"What's this?" I inquired as I walked around the counter, drying my hands on the apron.
"Just a little something," James said as he and his brother placed the boxes on the kitchen counter.
Jacob quickly stepped towards me and handed me a white envelope.
"For me?" I asked, surprised. I had never received a letter before.
"Yes, Miss Lilly," James said, looking toward his brother.
Who would send me a letter?
Confused, I turned the envelope around and noticed the golden royal seal on the back.
"Goddess," I internally moaned. "The letter is coming from the Royal Pack."
Was I in trouble?
I held my breath, my hands shaking, and I carefully opened the envelope and retrieved the letter inside. I folded it open, surprised to find a neatly handwritten letter inside.
"Dearest Lilly,
I believe you need something special for tonight's occasion...
We took great care in selecting this. We hope it is to your liking.
Best Wishes
Beta Zack"
My stomach twisted strangely as I placed the letter back into the envelope and set it down on the counter.
"Is all this for me?" I whispered. Tears were threatening to spill over. No one has ever been this kind and generous.
The two brothers smiled and nodded.
"Open the boxes," Jacob urged, gesturing to the one he had just carried inside. "We're curious to know what they have picked for you."
"They?" Sade spat, coming down the stairs. She wore a silver robe and had already styled her hair for the occasion tonight.
Was she eavesdropping on our conversation again?
I sighed.
In the past two weeks, I received regular gifts from Beta Zack. They were mostly winter clothing and small personal items, which obviously made Sade jealous and envious that someone so high-ranked wanted to take care of me.
The two brothers glanced at each other before they looked back at Sade.
"The future king and his beta, of course," James said, his face turning hard. He didn't like Sade much.
The breath left my lungs. I didn't expect to learn that Prince Lex was involved too.
Sade's gaze darkened, and I could feel her stare burning into the side of my face. She didn't like the idea that the prince was giving me any attention at all. The hatred and coldness in her eyes made me shift uncomfortably.
"Come on, Miss Lilly," James almost begged. "Show us what they chose for you, please!"
I hesitated, looking back at Sade. She went closer, stood in the doorway, and leaned lazily against the doorframe. Her eyes are almost black.
"Show us Lilly," she said in a kind and sweet voice. "We all want to see your new private collection..."
"No, no, no," I shot the suggestion off. "I'll look at it some other time. Besides, the ball is only late tonight, and I am still busy with my chores..."
"I insist," Sade said, her overly sweet voice sending a shiver down my spine. "You must show us! You can't have the royal warriors waiting. They have been so nice to you... It's the least you can do to say thank you!"
I swallowed hard, my gaze shifting to the two brothers. They seemed a bit surprised by Sade's attitude.
"Please show us, Miss Lilly," Jacob said. "We really would love to see what was chosen for you."
"Besides," James added. "We'll be leaving in an hour…"
"And we won't be able to see how pretty you look in the gown..." Jacob completed James's thoughts.
An unknown emotion crossed Sade's eyes. She was trying to keep her emotions in check.
"Okay," I gave in.
I slowly opened the first box and gasped when I saw all the beautiful accessories inside.
My heart pounded uncontrollably while my hands were shaking visibly.
This gift was too much. I can never accept this!
What did I do to deserve this?
My hand instinctively moved over the small white, diamond-colored clutch bag. I had never seen such a lovely handbag before.
I carefully lifted the item from the box—it was surprisingly heavy.
I turned and quickly showed them the item, and the warriors gasped before I hurriedly put the clutch back in its box.
"Show us the shoes next," Jacob said, extremely excited. "A trusted source informed me that a renowned shoemaker crafted the shoes. They are imported from Europe."
I carefully lifted the white stilettos from the box.
They were gorgeous.
Small diamonds laced the straps, causing the shoes to glitter in the late afternoon sun.
Sade's eyes burned out of desire.
The jewelry and hairpieces that accompanied the rest of the accessories were even more breathtaking.
"Now the box with the gown," James urged, gesturing to the larger box standing untouched.
"Do I really have to?" I asked. I was terrified of what was inside the box. I had never received such expensive gifts or worn such priceless items before.
The brothers pouted, making me laugh.
"You two are the world's biggest manipulators," I said and slowly opened the box.
My heart seized in my throat.
A yellow, soft, baby-colored chiffon dress waited inside. It was beyond words. It was stunning.
"I am going to look and feel like a real princess," I muttered to myself.
I pulled the dress from the box.
It was perfect.
It was beautiful.
It was my favorite color and size.
How did they know?
I held the dress before me and spun around, long forgotten about anyone around me. I felt so happy. I was excited!
Someone cleared their throat, causing me to abruptly freeze in place.
Angelica was standing on the stairs; her face was hard, and her green eyes were staring right at me.
She slowly descended the stairs, passed her daughter, and stopped in front of me.
"You will only be going when your chores are done," she said, making Sade snicker behind her hand.
I internally groaned. She was doing this on purpose. She will add more for me to do—just to make a point.
"That is unfair!" James said, coming closer.
"Yeah," Jacob added. "Besides, all unmated she-wolves need to attend; Miss Lilly included."
"True," Angelica replied. "But the invitation did not state at what time she should arrive...."
My heart fell into my shoes.
"Very well," James said, a mischievous smile following on his lips. "Where is the list of tasks she needs to complete?"
Angelica's face fell, startled at the question.
"Come on, show it to us," Jacob said, annoyed.
Angelica hesitated as she retrieved a list from her pocket and threw the paper on the counter.
Jacob grabbed the list, opened it, and checked it. He calmly showed the list to James.
"When all those chores are done," Angelica said, a vile smile on her lips. "Your little Miss Muffet can attend the ball."
James nodded and smiled, and his eyes gazed over.
Oh Goddess, what were the twins planning to do...?
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- Writer
