The Escape of the Lycan Princess

4. First meeting

Raul's point of view

I knelt on one knee and lowered my head. It was a fortunate circumstance that this was exactly what was expected of me. The real truth was that I had to lower my head so that she would not see Rufus's excitement in my eyes. I also had to kneel because my legs just couldn't hold me.

"My princess." I said quietly. My voice was unusually hoarse and my throat sore.

"Welcome Raul, son of alpha Paul from the White Oak pack."

I heard and suddenly became aware that there was another woman in the room and that it was she who had addressed me. She had a deep and calm female alto and addressed me with respect. Although still appalled by the princess's presence, I thought it was a good reception. I dared to take a brief look at the woman who spoke. She was tall and big but not fat. Her hair was gathered in a neat but somewhat old-fashioned bun. She was about forty years old and seemed like a very confident person.

„Are you armed?“ she asked out of the blue.

"Of course I am." I replied without thinking.

The princess's laughter spread like pearls, but the older woman immediately stood in front of her. Hell, could I have been more clumsy at all.

„I would raise my weapons only in your defense, my princess. I swore to defend yours with my own life.“ I said.

I looked up and met her eyes. I was ready to get lost in them and it was only the voice of the older woman that startled me.

„Very good, I believe you. Get up and sit with us. We are not so formal in these chambers.“ the woman said.

I did as I was told but at the same time I realized that it was even harder for me not to stare at the princess now. Until then, Rufus had not been heard from and I assumed he was recovering from the shock as well. But then I heard him

„Give her that letter please. And don't look so confused. You're ruining our reputation.“

„It's easy for you to say.“ I snapped at him.

However, his words helped me to concentrate. I took out the letter and handed it to the princess. She looked at it for a moment as if considering whether to take it or not.

„What is it?“ she asked.

She had a gentle, girlish voice, though I thought I noticed a shudder of fear in it.

„It is your father's letter to you, my lady.“

Finally, she took the letter and immediately put it in the pocket of her dress.

"I'll read it later." she said quickly.

Well it certainly wasn’t what I expected. It actually smelled like a real disaster. I was absolutely sure that the guards would not let me in again. So I somehow naively hoped that she would read the letter and immediately decide to come with me. Now all of a sudden it has become very complicated.

„So now that you've completed your mission, you might want to have tea with us.“ the older woman said and then added with a smile „I'm Martha, I am ...“

„She is my friend.“ added the princess quickly.

Martha smiled and asked again

„So do we have a tea party?“

„I will be honored“ I said.

Rufus seemed pleased at last.

„Now you will have enough time to explain to them why you actually came. And then let's hope the princess agrees to go with us.“

Rufus was right, I had to take advantage of this moment because there will be no other. However, before I even thought of what to say, Martha said

„We truly thank you for bringing the letter.“

„You're welcome. But I didn't come just for that.“

„Then what is it, Raul?“ Martha's tone was tense.

For the first time, I looked directly at Princess Patricia and said as calmly as I could

„You are approaching adulthood, my lady, and you have, according to the contract, the right to return home.“

She looked at me almost angrily and replied defiantly

„It's none of your business.“

„In fact, it's my job to escort you to your home.“ I said.

The shock on their faces was worse than my darkest expectations.

„You alone?“ Martha asked in disbelief.

„Yes.“ I barely uttered.

„And my father ordered you to?“ the princess's voice had a strange tone.

I was taken aback by this question. I trusted my father absolutely, however, it could be rightly strange to them that I did not receive the order directly from the king. I tried to explain the circumstances under which I was given the task, but with each word I could see that they believed me less and less. Martha finally stood up, indicating that the conversation was over. She said they would study the letter and let me know what they had decided. I looked at the princess. She sat with her eyes downcast. She didn't even look up when I said goodbye to her with all due respect. Martha escorted me to the door.

Although without much hope, I said

„I'll be at the inn next to the palace for the next few days.“

She just nodded, let me through the door and closed it. I felt like screaming. I don't remember how I found my way out of the palace. I don't even remember what I was thinking. I was only aware of Rufus' pain and disappointment. I found the inn from this morning and rented a room. The innkeeper kindly offered me lunch but I just asked for a jug of wine to take to the room. The man brought wine, winked and whispered "Love problems ... ehhh .."

I climbed into the room and drank the wine hoping it would calm Rufus down as well. I tried to remember my whole stay in the palace, but the only thing I remembered were Patricia's blue eyes.