Four
1020 Words
AURORA'S POV
My brows furrowed but I responded, "Aurora. Luna Aurora." I wasn't one to brag but there really was something unsettling about this woman.
As Benita takes a seat in the gazebo, her blonde hair catching the sunlight, a smug smirk plays on her lips. "Aurora, such a quaint name." She said, ignoring the title, "How's the royal life treating you?" she asks, her tone dripping with something that was definitely not concerned. "I mean, it's only been a day. It must be a big change from your former life as a commoner."
I sighed before offering a polite smile, trying to keep the atmosphere light. "It's, um, quite an adjustment. But everyone has been welcoming," I respond, feeling the weight of her condescending gaze.
Benita chuckles, a sound that seems to dance on the edge of mockery. "Ah, the warm welcome. I'm sure they've been overwhelming. After all, royalty comes with its own set of... charms."
I nod, my fingers nervously playing with the edge of my satin dress. "Indeed, it's a whole new world," I admit, attempting to steer the conversation away from the subtle jabs.
Benita leans back, her brown eyes narrowing slightly. "Tell me, how did you find the ceremony? I'm sure it was everything you dreamed of," she says, her words laced with a biting undertone.
I swallow the discomfort rising within me. "The ceremony was beautiful, and the castle is stunning," I responded, choosing to focus on the positive aspects.
She smirks, "Stunning indeed. A bit much for someone not born into this, don't you think? But then, everyone loves a good fairytale story."
I glance around the garden, trying to maintain composure. "Well, I feel fortunate to be here. It's like a dream come true."
Benita's laughter rings out, a sharp contrast to the peaceful garden. "Dream come true, how quaint. And here I thought fairy tales were meant for bedtime."
I offer a weak smile, determined not to let her provocations get to me. "Well, I suppose reality is stranger than fiction sometimes."
Benita leans in, her tone conspiratorial. "Milady, let me give you a piece of advice. In this world, it's not always about dreams and fairy tales. Sometimes, it's about survival."
I raise an eyebrow, uncertain of her intentions. "Survival?" I ask cautiously immediately, feeling threatened.
Her smirk widens, "Oh, Milady, you have much to learn. But who knows, maybe you'll catch up."
The conversation, filled with Benita's snide remarks, leaves me feeling a mixture of embarrassment and confusion. As she stands to leave, she places a final barb, "Enjoy your fairy tale while it lasts, Lady Aurora." With that, she stands up and bows sarcastically, turning to leave.
"Wait." I stopped, "who exactly are you?" I finally inquire, my curiosity getting the better of me.
A smirk plays on Benita's lips as she stands. "Oh, just someone passing by." She turns back and leaves.
I watch Benita's retreating figure, her snide remarks echoing in the air. Turning to Mia, I can't help but feel a mix of confusion and hurt. "Mia, who is she? What's going on?"
Mia hesitates, her gaze dropping to the ground before meeting mine. "Milady, that's Lady Benita. She's... well, she's Alpha Lance's favorite breeder."
I furrow my brow, my heart sinking. "Breeder? He still has…breeders? But I'm his wife. Why would he have a breeder?" I ask, the confusion evident in my voice.
Mia takes a deep breath, as if choosing her words carefully. "Milady, Alpha Lance has had... Well, he has many breeders. But Benita is... she's the closest. She always wanted to be his wife, and, well, she's not too happy that it's you instead."
The revelation stings, and I feel a knot forming in my stomach. "But he's my husband. Why would he...?" I trail off, unable to comprehend the situation.
Mia offers a sympathetic look, "I don't rightly know, Milady." She bows, "perhaps you should talk to him.."
Deciding that lunch might be an opportunity to unravel the mystery, I stand abruptly. "You're right, Mia. I need to talk to him."
As I head back towards the chambers, Mia's voice follows me, "Goodluck, Milady."
The corridors seem longer, the castle walls closing in, as I made my way to the chambers to change and prep myself I stopped, changing my mind and deciding to confront Alpha Lance directly. I approach a passing guard and inquire, "Excuse me, where can I find Alpha Lance?"
The guard, with a respectful nod, directs me to the Alpha's study room. I make my way there, the corridors echoing with the heaviness of my footsteps. As I reach the door, a familiar voice sends a chill down my spine – Benita's voice, a low murmur, floating through the door.
I stand there, my hand hovering above the doorknob, hesitating. The weight of uncertainty presses on me, and my heart pounds in my chest. Gathering courage, I knock softly.
The door swings open, revealing Alpha Lance's surprised expression. "Aurora, what are you doing here?" he asks, his tone tense.
"Alpha.." I bowed subtlely, suddenly at a loss for words, "I... I heard voices, and I wanted to talk to you," I admit, my voice quivering with a mix of confusion and hurt.
He sighs, his gaze flickering with annoyance. "This isn't the time, Aurora. I'm busy. Go back to your chambers."
Confusion deepens as I stand there, wounded by the dismissal. "But I just wanted to understand. Who was that inside?"
Alpha Lance's stern expression remains, and he interrupts, "It doesn't concern you. Go away, Aurora." He shuts the door.
I stand there, feeling the embarrassment wash over me and the pity that this was my life now. Filled with neglect.
I looked around, seeing the servants walk away as my gaze fell on them. They saw what happened and probably couldn't stomach the second hand embarrassment.
The words hang in the air as my eyes filled with tears, and I'm left standing outside the study, the door now a barrier between the truth and me. Hurt and confusion envelop me as I walk away.
- Writer
