Royal Outcast

Chapter 11

Seri's POV

I slowly opened my eyes, and as I did, a wave of realization washed over me—Mr. Dillon was not beside me anymore, and the vehicle was already moving, carrying me toward an uncertain destination.

I sat up abruptly, which caused a sudden wave of dizziness to wash over me, prompting me to instinctively hold my head in an attempt to steady myself.

From the passenger seat, Mr. Dillon turned his head and looked at me with a curious expression.

“Ms. Seri, you’ve finally awakened. Are you feeling unwell?” he asked kindly.

Despite the throbbing pain in my head, I shook my head carefully, trying to convey that I was alright, all the while attempting to hide the fact that I had just been holding my head due to the dizzy spell.

Mr. Dillon chuckled softly, but His Highness immediately shot him a disapproving look, furrowing his brows in a way that made Mr. Dillon quickly feign a cough and turn his gaze away.

His Highness then fixed his attention on me, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.

“What is it?” he inquired, and I shrugged innocently in response. The moment I did, his expression shifted dramatically. He turned away again, coughing as I could have sworn I saw him clench his jaw. His face flushed slightly, which only left me more confused.

Was he upset again?

Had I done something wrong, even after just waking up?

If I had, what could it possibly have been? I couldn’t fathom how my simple act of sleeping could irritate him. I had thought that a long sleep was preferable to engaging in a potentially uncomfortable interaction with him, considering how our conversations usually went.

Mr. Dillon stole another glance at His Highness, and I noticed him purse his lips, his face reddening as he seemed to stifle a laugh. His Highness, however, was not pleased in the slightest; he glared at Mr. Dillon, his face growing increasingly flushed.

I looked beside me and spotted the familiar dark gray coat, and then glanced to my other side to see a neck pillow resting there. Titling my head in curiosity, I couldn't recall falling asleep with those items. Did Mr. Dillon provide them to ensure my comfort while I slept? But why did the coat seem so familiar to me?

Without thinking, I grabbed the gray coat and inhaled its scent, instantly recognizing the warm and captivating aroma that belonged to my mate—His Highness, to be precise.

I glanced at His Highness, who was now staring resolutely straight ahead. Had he done this for me? Why, after all this time being hostile and aloof, had he suddenly performed such a thoughtful gesture?

I carefully set the coat aside and turned my attention to the window, only to realize it was already dark outside as we passed through a road flanked by towering trees.

After about twenty more minutes, the vehicle slowed down, and I noticed a magnificent golden gate opening before us as we drove inside. Beyond the gate lay a sprawling field and an expansive garden, and as we continued further into the grounds, I finally caught a glimpse of an imposing palace.

Moments later, the car came to a complete stop in front of the grand structure. Through the windshield, I observed both male and female wolves in uniforms lining up just outside the car.

Mr. Dillon stepped out first, and as he did, everyone bowed before His Highness in respect.

He followed closely behind, but then Mr. Dillon turned back to peek inside the vehicle with a kind look, offering assistance as I prepared to get out. Although I felt hesitant, I couldn’t bear the thought of being a further inconvenience, so I steeled myself and exited the vehicle.

Standing outside, I suddenly became acutely aware that every eye in the vicinity was on me, including His Highness’, who had turned to look at me with a piercing gaze.

I felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over me, and I could have sworn my cheeks turned bright red in an instant.

Mr. Dillon moved towards His Highness, handing him the dark gray coat that had been resting beside me just moments earlier. Then, His Highness approached me, stopping a few feet away and locking eyes with me for a moment.

He extended his hand toward me, and I hesitated for the briefest second before glancing at it and then back at him.

Carefully, I reached for his hand, and once our fingers touched, an electrifying sensation rushed through me. I could tell he felt it too, as his jaw clenched involuntarily at our contact.

His Highness then draped the coat over my shoulders, looking me over for just a moment before turning his back to me to face his royal subjects.

“This woman is my guest. She will stay here for as long as I please. Attend to her needs as you would mine. Anyone who dares to cause her distress shall answer to me,” he proclaimed with an authoritative tone. “But most importantly…” He paused momentarily, turning his gaze back toward me,

“She is my property. No other male shall handle her beside myself. Any male who is foolish enough to attempt anything with her will face my wrath. Ensure that every wolf here understands this,” he declared before striding away.

The onlookers were left in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.

Mr. Dillon sighed heavily and looked at me, shaking his head before following after His Highness inside the palace.

A man who appeared to be in his fifties turned to a group of female helpers nearby, gesturing for them to approach me. They walked over, bowing their heads respectfully as they did so.

“Please follow us inside the royal palace, miss,” one of them said, and although I felt awkward and unsure of myself, I nodded shyly, allowing three helpers to escort me inside, while two others moved ahead to guide the way.

As I stepped inside, my eyes wandered around the vast and stunning palace. Everything felt extravagant and beautifully adorned, with paintings and sculptures decorating nearly every corner.

We ascended a grand staircase and made our way down a hallway filled with numerous doors. After a brief walk, we finally reached a pair of double doors. One of the helpers opened them, revealing a spacious bedroom within the palace that was beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

I looked around in awe, feeling both overwhelmed and astonished.

The sheer size of the room dwarfed the sleeping quarters I had shared in the orphanage, and the bed looked to be at least five times larger than the one I was accustomed to.

The helpers quickly gave me a tour of the lavish space. To my surprise, it was even larger than I had initially thought, and I truly couldn't comprehend how a single person could occupy such an extensive area all alone.

Furthermore, the bathroom was generously spacious, and I was taken aback when the helpers revealed a walk-in closet designated for my belongings. However, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened, as I lacked sufficient clothing and personal items to fill it.

“And lastly,” the helper concluded with a flourish, “you have your very own vanity area, miss.”

I nodded in appreciation, though in my mind, I doubted I would utilize it much, as I had no skills in the art of beautification. At most, I would probably only use the vanity mirror to comb my hair.

“I understand. Thank you,” I said politely, noticing the helpers bowing their heads once more, which only added to my discomfort.

“Uh, if it’s not too much trouble, may I ask a question?” I ventured timidly.

“Of course, miss. You can ask us anything,” one of the helpers replied, her tone warm and inviting. I offered a shy smile.

“Could you tell me your names?” I asked. They exchanged flustered glances but nodded in agreement.

“We apologize, miss. It seems we completely forgot to introduce ourselves,” one helper confessed with a slight chuckle.

“Oh no, there’s no need to apologize. I completely understand,” I reassured them. “In fact, why don’t I start the introductions to help ease the situation?” I suggested.

The helpers exchanged glances once more, and their smiles widened in response.

“Such a wonderful idea, miss,” another helper chimed in, prompting me to perk up, which made the group giggle with delight.

“Hello, ladies. My name is Seri Isles. I recently came of age, and I am from the northern lands of Lunar. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” I introduced myself enthusiastically.

The helpers responded with deep bows, smiles adorning their faces. They then shared knowing glances before introducing themselves in turn.

“Welcome to the palace, Ms. Seri. My name is Faye. I have been a helper here since I was fifteen years old, and I have been serving the royal family for ten years now,” the first helper introduced herself, and as our eyes met, I smiled warmly at her.

I figured she was seven years older than me, and from my observation, she seemed to be the oldest among the group.

“Good evening, miss. I am Sandra, and I have been serving the royal family for seven years. I am currently twenty-three years of age. It is a pleasure to meet you,” the second helper said.

So she was the second oldest, five years my senior.

“Greetings, Ms. Seri. My name is Yara. I have been in the palace’s service for five years, having joined when I was just fourteen,” the third helper said.

Oh, she was nineteen—only a year older than me. Perhaps we could become friends.

“Hello, Ms. Seri. My name is Cassie, and I am eighteen years old as well. I have been at the royal family’s beck and call for the last four years. I’m glad to be of your service,” the fourth helper introduced herself.

I felt a flicker of excitement at discovering that we were the same age. I hadn’t expected any of them to share my age, and it made me feel a sense of relief to know someone in the same age range.

Finally, we turned our attention to the last helper, who introduced herself last.

“Hi, miss! I’m Elisha, and I’m sixteen years old. I just started working here in the palace two years ago with my older brother, who serves as a royal guard,” the youngest helper said cheerfully.

After our introductions, I took the opportunity to ask a bit more about the palace and its staff, and they were all gracious, patient, and accommodating as I navigated through my myriad of questions.

*knock knock*

We all turned our attention to the door, and Sandra opened it to reveal Mr. Dillon standing there.

“Captain Dillon,” Sandra said, bowing her head in respect, and the other helpers followed suit.

I looked at Mr. Dillon with a mix of surprise and admiration. Captain? Mr. Dillon was the captain of the royal guards?

Mr. Dillon acknowledged the helpers with a small nod before directing his attention back to me.

“Ms. Seri, His Highness wishes to invite you for dinner with Her Majesty, Queen Liviana herself,” he announced, causing my eyes to widen in disbelief at the unexpected invitation.

Dinner with Her Majesty, the Queen?

“Prince Lucas requests that you clean up and prepare yourself for Her Majesty’s arrival. Your ladies-in-waiting will assist you with everything you need. You have one hour to prepare,” he added, and I felt my stomach drop nervously.

“I… understand,” I replied, my mind racing as I attempted to process the gravity of the situation.

Mr. Dillon bowed his head in respect before leaving, and I was left there with the helpers who were quietly observing my reaction.

“Are you okay, miss? You appear pale,” Cassie noticed with concern.

“I… um… I’m fine. Just a little nervous, that’s all,” I managed to say, trying to mask my anxiety.

“Do not fret too much, miss. Her Majesty is wonderfully kind. I’m sure all will be well,” Elisha reassured me.

“Is that so?” I mumbled, still feeling slightly dazed by the turn of events.

“Shall we begin the preparations, miss?” Faye asked gently. I nodded, drawing a deep breath to compose myself.

I took a warm bath, and both Sandra and Yara insisted on helping me wash, thoroughly scrubbing my body with an insistence that allowed no room for refusal; I simply had to yield to their care.

After my bath, I was dressed in a white robe and seated at the vanity where Faye dried my hair while Elisha applied ‘skincare’ treatments to my face. Once Elisha was finished, Cassie took over, expertly applying makeup to enhance my features.

As soon as my hair was dry, both Faye and Yara tended to my locks, styling them with great care. Throughout the process, I felt somewhat odd, as they did not allow me to lift a finger in my self-preparation.

Eventually, after my hair and makeup were completed, they ushered me to stand. When I turned around, I was met with the sight of Sandra holding an exquisite dress that immediately captured my attention. It was a cream-colored gown with long sleeves and a corset-style bodice, adorned with intricate designs, frills, and ribbons.

“That’s not my dress…” I said, feeling bewildered.

“Apologies, miss. Upon inspecting your luggage, we found not a single article of clothing that would be deemed fitting for you. Especially not one worthy of meeting Her Majesty,” Sandra explained gently.

“Oh…” I murmured, not offended, as I knew all too well they were right about my limited wardrobe.

Sandra approached me, holding the dress in front of me to check for suitability.

“This belonged to Her Highness, Princess Lia, from when she was younger, as it should fit you perfectly, given your petite stature,” she informed me.

Her Highness’ dress?

“Will Her Highness not mind parting with her dress for me?” I asked, concerned about the potential consequences.

Sandra shook her head reassuringly. “No, miss. This dress, along with many others, have been outgrown by Her Highness a long time ago, and I am certain she will not take issue with your wearing it. If you are worried, do not be; I consulted with the head mistress, and she has given her approval,” Sandra assured me once more. I nodded in understanding, somewhat relieved.

With the help of Sandra and Faye, I donned the beautiful dress while they diligently applied the final touch-ups before stepping back to assess me from head to toe.

The five ladies broke into smiles as I stood before them, feeling taken aback by their positive reactions.

“You look absolutely stunning, Ms. Seri,” Elisha complimented, and a blush crept onto my cheeks.

“Thank you,” I replied, slightly flustered by the attention.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Yara opened it, and in walked Mr. Dillon once more.

As soon as he caught sight of me, his eyes widened slightly before he averted his gaze and cleared his throat.

“Are you prepared now, Ms. Seri? His Highness is waiting for you,” he asked, and I nodded, thanking the helpers for their assistance before departing the room alongside Mr. Dillon.

Taking deep breaths to calm my nerves, I followed Mr. Dillon through the ornate hallways of the palace, aware that my heart was racing from the overwhelming anxiety washing over me.

Yet, I knew I should act as carefully as I could in this place and around the people who resided in it

I just couldn’t afford to mess this up.