Royal Outcast

Chapter 6

Seri's POV

I find myself wondering what the prince looks like for some reason...

I ponder about the kind of personality he possesses...

What sort of person could he possibly be?

Is he kind-hearted, akin to the princes depicted in the enchanting tales of children's fantasy books?

Yet, those stories predominantly revolve around human princes, don’t they?

I can’t help but think that werewolf princes must be quite distinct and different, right?

Or perhaps, when it comes down to it, they’re not all that different after all?

One possibility is that he could be strict and refined, embodying the qualities that an Alpha is generally expected to have. Maybe, even more so, considering he is royalty, after all.

But could that really be the case, though?

I can’t say for certain, since I've never realky had the privilege of meeting royalty in my 18 years of life.

The strongest designated wolf I’ve ever encountered is an Alpha; in fact, I've met a few since my father was still alive. He, too, held the title of Alpha.

More specifically, he was the Alpha of our pack.

As a young child, I would listen intently to tales and rumors surrounding the royal family, though most of those stories typically centered on the Queen. Rarely did they elaborate on the Queen’s children. Occasionally, they would make mention of His Majesty, the Queen’s mate and husband.

I vividly recall my mother recounting to me how truly incredible and phenomenal the Queen is — how she was the finest leader that both the Lunar and Halo kingdoms had ever seen.

Her words still echo in my memory, especially when she described the Queen as being immortal, somehow bound and blessed by the Gods themselves.

I can still picture her explaining how it was the Queen who ultimately united the two kingdoms after so many years of enmity.

The sense of awe that washed over me when I first heard those stories is something I will never forget; I can still hear myself telling my mother that I wished to meet the Queen one day.

“Someday, when you’re older and wiser, you might have the chance to meet her, my love. But for now, you need to focus on becoming someone who is truly worthy of her attention and acknowledgment,” my mother would always tell me.

The Queen's stories were the absolute highlight of my childhood, but after the tumultuous events that unfolded within my family, those cherished stories morphed into painful triggers. Whenever my thoughts drifted to the Queen, I would inevitably be reminded of my mother, leading to a flood of painful memories that would send me into uncontrollable bouts of tears.

“Seri.”

I snapped out of my introspective thoughts, jolting back to the present moment.

“Yes?” I replied to Annie, still feeling a bit dazed and detached from reality.

“Are you okay? You seemed to be lost in thought just now,” she pointed out, concern evident in her voice. I managed to chuckle lightly, attempting to shake off the lingering sadness that wrapped around me.

“Uh, yeah. I’m sorry about that. I was just reminded of something from the past,” I explained while offering her a small, reassuring smile.

Annie gently rubbed my back, her concern manifesting in her touch.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” she asked softly, her voice filled with tenderness.

I nodded, striving to reassure her.

“Yes, I believe I’m feeling just fine,” I said, projecting confidence with my smile.

Annie didn’t appear entirely convinced, but she reciprocated the smile and enveloped me in a comforting hug.

“I’m here for you, okay? You can always count on me. You have all of us,” she said warmly, her voice soothing.

I returned Annie’s hug, a small smile tugging at my lips, feeling a bit of warmth return to my heart.

“I know, and I truly appreciate that,” I told her, my voice sincere and heartfelt.

Annie tightened her embrace, and I couldn’t help but chuckle softly, feeling a flicker of guilt for worrying her.

“I’m sorry for making you feel anxious. I never meant to cause you any distress,” I said, my tone genuinely apologetic.

“You don’t need to apologize for anything, Riri. It’s not your fault,” she reassured me.

“It was never your fault…” she whispered, her voice gentle and comforting.

I managed a forced smile, though it felt heavy under the weight of my own guilt.

It’s not my fault...

Annie and I finished getting ready, working together to finalize everything since the guests could arrive at any moment.

I spent the next while with the younger children, ensuring they were prepared and looked after.

Once every pup was ready, I gathered them in one spot and sat them down, taking a moment to make sure I had their undivided attention.

“Alright, pups! Eyes and ears on me!” I called out, making sure they focused intently.

The kids all turned to me obediently, their attention entirely on me.

I couldn’t help but smile at how adorable and well-behaved they were.

“I have something very important to share with you, so please listen carefully and try to understand, okay?” I said, keeping my tone calm yet serious. The children nodded eagerly in unison.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself before sharing the news that awaited them.

“A very important person is coming to visit us,” I began. “Alongside this individual, there will be other significant people accompanying him.”

I paused, allowing the information to sink in.

“These visitors are coming to meet us and hopefully offer us a helping hand so that we can live comfortably for a long time,” I explained. “Now, we’ve met other important individuals who have already provided us with tremendous help, but this particular person… he’s different.”

I could see the confusion etched on their little faces as they tried to process my words. One of the pups eagerly raised their hand, anxious to ask a question.

“Yes?” I said, smiling at them encouragingly.

“How is he more important than the others, Seri?” the curious pup queried, his wide eyes filled with anticipation.

I considered my response for a moment before continuing.

“Well, this person just happens to be the son of the most powerful family to ever exist,” I explained, feeling the gravity of my words.

The reaction was immediate. The pups stared at me with wide eyes, brimming with awe.

It occurred to me, now that I reflected on it, that I had never really discussed the royal family with the children before. It wasn’t something that had ever seemed relevant to our daily lives, especially since our primary focus revolved around teaching the children basic survival skills and manners—things that would serve them better in the long run than an in-depth knowledge of royal history.

Most wolves who find themselves here at the orphanage either come of age and leave in search of their mates or opt to stay and assist in caring for the younger pups for as long as they are able.

I chose the latter.

This orphanage has become my home.

This is where I truly belong.

As I looked at the kids, watching them chatter and laugh together, I felt a warm glow of happiness in my chest.

These pups, who had been unwanted and abandoned by their families, had found refuge here; the orphanage had taken them in, offering them the love and care they so rightly deserved.

Every wolf within these walls has a story to tell—stories that can break your heart, ignite your anger, or steep you in sorrow and disbelief.

Just like my own story.

I used to be one of those unwanted pups, too.

The orphanage provided warmth when I had nothing left, offering me food, shelter, and a family that genuinely cared for my well-being—things I would never take for granted.

Although we didn’t have much, particularly at the beginning, we found contentment in what we had. We learned to appreciate the small joys in life and worked diligently for the things we had yet to acquire.

That’s why I vowed, with all my heart, that I would give everything I had, for as long as I could, to support this orphanage and the wonderful people within it.