The Alpha Queen

Chapter 4

Haywick pauses to think and says "That is a good question for which I do not have an answer but remember he was the one who took you in when your parent abandoned you, you owe him" "Not anymore!" Prince Farrel revolts "I paid my dues to him when I helped put him on the throne, I don't owe him a single dime anymore." Isabel and Rekka who are already at the sanctuary make their way into the open space. The place is filled with people almost everyone is present with their tributes, they stand on each side of the walkway full in number and awaiting the prince's chariot. Rekka Meets two of her friends "Hey!" she calls out to them "Guess what? I have been mated with one of the princes". "For real? Which of them?" one of the girls asks "I don't know yet but am going to find out soon. I can't wait till they arrive" Rekka replies even as Isabel stands silent behind them. "You're so grumpy" Farrel. You keep on holding on to the past, if only you had a wife, you'd be happier" Prince Haywick comments "And guess what? We did just that. We found a match for you." "You what!" Farrel exclaims, "You heard that right, with father's approval we got you a mate" he reaffirms, "And why would you do that" he asks frustrated, "Well you said no to Giodana because…. Well, she's crazy and you dislike her, I thought you needed someone else. Don't worry about anything, she's really beautiful, you'll like her," he says handing over the card with Farrel's name and hers spelled to it, Prince Farrel studies it "Rekka '' he calls out. He looks through the window again realizing they're at sanctuary are, " We're here!" Haywick utters, all the packs are bowed as the carriage moves through as it is the King's rule to bow upon seeing anyone of the royal family, Isabel slightly raises her head looking at the carriage, her eyes meets that of Prince Farel and time seems to slow down as their eyes lock on each other. The prince is instantly lost in her eyes as he admires her beauty but Rekka pinches her abruptly, telling her to bow her head. It takes a while for all the carriage to pass by and for the princes to come out. A platform is set for the princes, even as Prince Farel is wheeled. Rekka glances at Prince Farrel and then Prince Haywick "There's Prince Farrel!" she says looking directly at Prince Haywick lustfully. " Umm, that's not Prince Farrel" One of her friends interrupts "Yeah, that's Prince Haywick" the other reaffirms. "Then who's Prince Farrel?" Isabel asks " The disabled one" A woman standing beside them comments "Wheelchairhair? Disabled?" Rekka asks angrily which results in the other girl's laughter. "He's handsome at least" Isabel comments, trying to make the situation not too bad "There's no way I'm getting married to a disabled prince. What am I to do as his wife? Wheel him around?" "According to the rumors, I heard he was one of the mighty warriors who helped the king get into power. They say he was a cruel werewolf but got disabled and is now futile and the king despises him" one of the girls explain "Well, he certainly is useless!" Rekka replies " How do I back out?" "Back out!" Isabel exclaims " What do you mean back out?" her friend asks "You want to reject a prince?" "Are you trying to get yours and your father's heads chopped off?" " Your only hope is if he rejects you, not the other way around". "Well, he better reject me soon. I don't intend on being tied down to a vegetable prince. Just imagine the shame that would bring to a girl as beautiful as I am" Rekka reacts. "If you ask me, he isn't too bad, maybe his disability is temporary '' Isabel comments "Well what do you know? Let's see the low life who's going to turn up as your mate" she shoots back. " Calm down Rekka '' one of the girls urges her. About then Prince Farrel begins his address at the sanctuary, even as everyone watches "Good day everyone! People of Lycan, I bring you greetings from your Lord, Royal Highness King Martin Hardthrone on the occasion of his birthday". "Another year has been added to the king, my father, and as the law demands, it is your responsibility as his subjects to offer tributes of worship for his rulership over this great kingdom, with that in mind, may everyone bring their tributes forward". It takes the villagers just a few seconds to walk forward with their tributes of gold, diamonds, precious stones, silver coins, expensive ornaments, valuable artifacts, food, fruits, and other valuables. Rekka, Isabel, and her friends also bring their tributes forward, once again both Prince Farrel and Isabel gaze defiantly at each other, he's pissed off just being there, being probably judged and pitied by everyone seeing him but her smile lightens his soul, he looks intensely at her, admiring her beauty and confidence in staring boldly at him, all the others were too afraid to look him in the eyes for more than a second, he wouldn't blame them, his reputation had been tarnished in their eyes. He smiles at Isabel but she hurriedly walks away "And the slaves?" Prince Haywickwick asks the head of the sanctuary. "Yes, they're ready" he replies. And about thirty young and strong males step forward, all on chains as they're being dragged and whipped to where the prince is. "Why does the king need slaves?" Isabel asks one of Rekka's friends " Well because the king likes having youngsters under him, whom he can train to join his army to serve him and become not just fierce but loyal warriors, my elder brother was taken about two years ago, and since then we haven't seen him" the girl replies, Isabel frowns as she looks from Prince Farrel to Prince Haywick with displeasure in her eyes. The royal guards put the tributes in the horse carriage, getting ready to move and the slaves are all chained to the carriage too. Abruptly a loud sound comes from behind them.