Winter Wolves

Chapter Four

The next morning, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled our tiny two-bedroom cottage on the pack lands. Maxine was already up, bustling around the kitchen, while I lay in bed, nursing a hangover from the previous night's festivities.

I groaned as I sat up, the events of the night before still a blur. I could hear Maxine humming a tune as she poured coffee into two mugs. The smell of the coffee was enough to coax me out of bed and into the kitchen.

"Morning, sunshine," Maxine greeted me with a grin, handing me a steaming mug. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I got hit by a truck," I muttered, taking a grateful sip of the coffee. "Thanks for this. You know I live for coffee."

Maxine chuckled, her hands gesturing dramatically as she spoke. "I know. So, are you going to open that envelope or what?" She nodded towards the envelope with the king's seal that lay on the kitchen table.

I had forgotten all about that stupid envelope until now. I let out a slow breath, "I don't think I should. I don't even know who handed it to me in the first place."

Maxine's eyes widened, her hands flying up in exasperation. "Eve, come on! This is from the king! You can't just ignore it."

I hesitated, the knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. "What if it's something bad, Max? What if it's something I don't want to deal with?"

Maxine placed her hands on her hips, her face a mix of determination and excitement. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. Now, open it! The suspense is killing me."

With a deep breath, I picked up the envelope, my hands trembling slightly. I carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter inside, my heart pounding as I began to read.

"Dear Evelyn," the letter began, "You have been selected to participate in the Luna contest. Your presence is requested at the royal palace tomorrow evening."

Maxine let out a squeal of delight, her hands clapping together in excitement. "Eve, this is amazing! You're going to be in the Luna contest!"

I, on the other hand, felt a wave of dread wash over me. "I don't know, Max. This isn't exactly what I had in mind."

Maxine grabbed my hands, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Eve, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You have to do it! Oh my gods! My best friend might become the queen!"

"Max, we both know I would be one of the first people eliminated."

Maxine shook her head, her hands flying up in disbelief. "Nonsense! You have everything it takes. You're smart, kind, and beautiful. The king would be a fool not to see that."

I sighed, feeling the weight of the letter in my hands. "I just don't know, Max. This isn't exactly what I had planned for my life."

Maxine's expression softened, and she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I get it, Eve. But sometimes, life throws us curveballs, and we have to roll with them. Who knows? This could be the start of something amazing. Who knows, maybe you will meet your actual mate while you are there. Maybe this ia all part of the moon goddess plan."

I know shes right but the thought of being around a bunch of people that don't know me freaks me out in a way I can't explain. I looked at the letter again, the king's seal staring back at me. "Alright," I said finally. "I'll do it. But I'm not thrilled about it."

Maxine beamed, her excitement contagious. "That's the spirit! Now, let's get you ready for the royal palace tomorrow! Maybe you'll even meet the King!"

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of preparations. Maxine, with her dramatic flair, insisted on helping me pick out the perfect outfit. She rummaged through my closet, tossing clothes left and right, her hands flying as she described each piece's potential.

"This one is too plain," she said, holding up a simple dress. "And this one is too flashy." She tossed another dress aside. "Ah, this one is perfect!" She held up a beautiful, flowing gown that I had almost forgotten I owned. It was almost a sun dress but a bit more formal than an actual sundress. The soft pink flowers that dotted the skirt look like they are dancing in the wind when I walk. It was perfect, it didn't show off too much of my body. I might even be able to wear a nice pair of flats with it.

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. I'll wear it."

Maxine clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. "You are going to look amazing, Eve. The king won't know what hit him."

As the evening approached, my nerves began to build. Maxine did her best to keep me calm, chatting animatedly about all the possibilities that lay ahead. Despite my reservations, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement.

The next morning, we set off for the royal palace. The king has sent yet another sleek black car. This time, though, I will not be drinking the champain. The journey was filled with Maxine's excited chatter, her hands gesturing wildly as she imagined all the grand events that awaited us. I tried to focus on her words, but my mind kept drifting back to the letter and what it could mean for my future.

When we finally arrived at the palace, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead. Maxine squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with encouragement.

"You've got this, Eve," she said with a smile. "Just be yourself, and everything will be fine."

I nodded, trying to believe her words as we stepped through the grand entrance. I need to believe her words if I am going to survive this. This is hands down the craziest thing I have ever done in my life. I wonder what my mother would think of all of this if she was still here with me. I know my father would never let this happen. He would probably think no man is good enough for me, not even the king.

The palace was even more magnificent than I had imagined. The grand halls were adorned with intricate tapestries and sparkling chandeliers, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers. Maxine's eyes were wide with wonder as she took in the opulence around us.

"Wow, this place is incredible," she whispered, her hands gesturing excitedly. "I can't believe we're actually here."

I managed a small smile, trying to push aside my nerves. "Yeah, it's something else."

As we made our way deeper into the palace, we were greeted by a servant who led us to a lavish sitting room. "Please wait here," he said politely. "The king will see you shortly."

Maxine and I sat down on the plush sofas, and I couldn't help but fidget with the hem of my dress. The anticipation was almost too much to bear.

Maxine leaned over, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Eve, this is it. You're going to meet the king!"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "I know. I just hope I don't make a fool of myself."

Before I could dwell on my worries any longer, the doors to the sitting room opened, and a tall, regal figure stepped inside. The king's presence was commanding, and I felt a shiver run down my spine as he approached us.

"Welcome, Evelyn," he said, his voice warm and authoritative. "I am pleased to have you here."

I stood up, my legs feeling like jelly. "Thank you, Your Majesty," I managed to say, my voice trembling slightly.

The king smiled, his eyes kind. "Please, sit. We have much to discuss."