The Cursed Alpha's Queen

LUCENT “Does she know that she is to be mated to dire wolves?” My ears perked up as two maids walked past me. I was always invisible to the royals and the maids. Why would anyone pay attention to the halfling that Queen Lucrezia took in? “I heard they are a dying species and they are desperate.” The two pixie maids continued their conversation. They stood in front of an open balcony door and giggled, I peeked out of the small window that lit my alcove and rolled my eyes. Prince Aries, of course, it was him. He was prancing around with his horse and everyone was applauding him and his skills. “I always thought they would have married her to the prince?” I rolled my eyes, and everyone wondered about Aries and his women. I knew the truth about him though. “How desperate must they be though?” They whispered some more and moved on. Shaking my head I decided to head back to my quarters. There was no reason to explore the gardens, Aries and his entourage would be there and I would rather have peace and quiet. “Madam Lucent, please hold up a moment.” I stopped dead in my tracks and watched as the Queen’s eldest advisor limped toward me. “Mayweather, please wait there and I will come to you.” The old man smiled and I hurried over to him and he patted my arm. “Always such a good girl. I was told to find you and advise you that her highness is expecting you for tea.” Frowning I took out my pocket watch and shook my head. It wasn’t even time for afternoon tea. “She has something important to discuss with you. Please take the ratways.” I shuddered and he squeezed my shoulder with a look of pity in his eyes. “Thank you, Mayweather, get some rest and soak your feet.” He nodded his liver-spotted head and continued to hobble down the hall. Sighing, I tucked my book under my arm and hurried toward the nearest ratway tunnel. I hated the tunnels and passages that were hidden throughout the castle. Aries would always chase me through them when we were younger and once I was stuck somewhere near the abandoned East Wing and couldn’t find my way back. I murmured the spell to release the enchantment and the wall slid away sending out a cloud of dust. Coughing, I stepped into the passageway and tried to gather my bearings. The thing about Faerie and the castle is that nothing ever stays the same. One passage could lead to the library one day and the next you can find yourself in the moat. I closed my eyes and sent a silent prayer to the moon goddess. The castle really seemed to hate me, it had a mind of its own and it was always playing tricks on me. Mayweather told me that even buildings seemed to hold a life of their own in Faerie. “Please, just take me to the Queen’s chamber,” I whispered as I made my way down the dark passage. Music drifted slowly through the wall and I breathed a sigh of relief as I mumbled the enchantment to open the door. “Thank you.” Patting the wall to the castle, it seemed to shudder and I hurried out of the passageway. “Lucent, you’re filthy!” Rose hurried over and started brushing dust off my hair and dress. I waved her away and smiled. “Her Highness will understand. Is she in her office?” Rose smiled and gave a curtsey. “Yes, and she is expecting you.” Hurrying to the door, her pink and green wings fluttered behind her. She knocked and then disappeared. Inhaling, I straightened my spine and sauntered through the doorway. The Queen sat on a red velvet chair, her giant moth-like wings furling out behind her. “Please have a seat Lucent. We need to discuss a contract.” I stilled, what did she mean by contract? “Your Highness, there is no contract between us. I thought you took me in as a favor to my mother?” Her eyes flashed and I fell to my knees. When would I ever learn to keep quiet? “I am well aware of that Lucent; I mean your marriage contract.” Dread filled me. Marriage? “Will you stop groveling. The dire wolves may enjoy that sniveling and meekness but I do not.” Dire wolves? My pulse thundered in my ears as I walked woodenly toward her. She sighed in disgust and waved her hand to the empty chair. Sitting I tried to steady my pulse and reached a shaky hand out to grab the teacup. “As you know, you are a halfling and well your marriage prospects are not very good.” I could taste the bitterness in my mouth. Must she remind me constantly of my heritage? “Then why are the dire wolves accepting me into their pack? Wouldn’t they want a pure blood?” The queen smiled and showed her pointed teeth. “I may have stretched the truth a little bit. Now all I need is for you to sign the marriage contract and you will be on your way to the dire wolves.” She pushed the paper across the table and my eyes blurred. “You mean, the sooner I sign this the sooner you get rid of me right.” She scoffed. “Stop being so dramatic Lucent. It is because Aries has taken a special liking to you and his future bride has asked me to do something about this.” She handed a silver knife to me and I narrowed my eyes. “The contract must be signed in blood. Go on I know you aren’t a squeamish girl.” She was already dismissing me and I should have been grateful to get out of there. I signed the contract and it flared bright gold and then disappeared. I stood up and stalked to the door, before I stepped out, I had one last thing to say to her majesty. “Just so you know. Aries’s bride will be very disappointed when it comes time to consummate the marriage.” The Queen stood up and her power flared. I was playing with fire. “You insolent girl what are you talking about? If you have sullied your maidenhood, I will have you killed.” I snorted and rolled my eyes. “Your son doesn’t like girls he prefers the male courtiers and the stable boys. Have someone ready to take me out of here in an hour.” I slammed the door just as the porcelain teapot smashed against it. Shame burned through me as I hurried toward my quarters, how dare she auction me off to savages and what is going to happen to me when they find out I’m a halfling?