The Queen's Relic

Chapter 1: The Paths Entwined

I woke up with a jolt. Sweat was running down my neck to my chest. I was heaving, labored breathing from a scary dream. I keep having the same dream ever since I could remember. I tried deciphering the meanings but I could not just connect it with something before my head throbs in pain. I have a constant migraine every morning, for which reasons I can not identify.

I stood up and fixed my bed. Two years ago, I found myself in this land, Atraxia, the land of kings. I was a rogue and was adopted by the son of an alpha. Thus, I became a member of the pack, Golden Beasts, that rules the land of Atraxia.

I showered and put on my clothes. I tied my hair in a bun and ran off the room. I'm an omega and since I was adopted by the alpha's family, specifically his son, I am tasked to make his son's life convenient.

I ran through the corridors, passing over wolf guards. They don't show hostility towards me, but that does not mean they like to get friendly with me either. I stopped in front of a golden door and knocked.

Silence.

I sighed. He's probably still snoring in his bed. I pushed the door open using my body and entered the room. I stiffened. The room was dull with the curtains covering all the windows, preventing the sunlight from entering.

I passed by the bed and pulled the curtains to the side. I heard him groan, turning his back against the light. I also turned towards him and pulled his covers.

"Good morning sir. Time to peel yourself away from bed and start your day." I said.

"You're the only omega who can talk to me in that tone." He groaned under his pillow.

"What tone?" I folded his covers and tried to pull some of the pillows under his weight.

"That! As if you're too tired to care about me!" he exclaimed, throwing the pillow in the air. I sighed.

"Please stop acting like a child." I replied and tried to pull him out of bed.

He chuckled and, to my surprise, he pulled me in instead. I yelped and used my arms to support myself above him.

"Your white curls are still as beautiful as snow in a field of burning flames," he said.

"You mean my hair." I rolled my eyes at him and pushed myself up.

"Oh come on, Aira! 5 minutes?" He pleaded.

"Kira." I raised my brow, my voice firm but threatening.

"Yes, ma'am." He abruptly replied and stood up. I smiled at his comical reaction.

Kira is the alpha's son. He found me on the border between Atraxia and The Capital. I have no recollection of what happened, but he said I looked lost and confused , and was docile when he tried approaching me.

I turned the faucet on for his bath, and changed the towels hanging in the bathroom.

"Water's ready. Your clothes are on the bed when you're done," I instructed as he entered the bathroom.

I cleaned his sheets and grabbed a pair of clothes from his dressing room and threw them on the bed. This has been my morning routine ever since I was brought here. It's tiring, but at least it's normal, unlike alpha duties, to which Kira is always ditching. I took one last look around the room before leaving. I have errands to do.

I turned a corner and proceeded to make my way to town. In my haste, I tripped and accidentally bumped into someone. I hear them cursed.

"Watch it, freak!" A servant yelled, pushing me down with force.

I stood up and patted my skirt off in the dust. "I'm sorry."

The servant clicked his tongue and moved on, leaving me grateful for the lack of attention. Aside from wolf guards being neutral towards me, servants, especially non-omega, harbor hostility towards me. Sometimes, I am spared, often times I get punished.

I quickly headed to the bakery. The alpha's family loves having bread for breakfast, and they ordered it from the town's famous bakery shop.

"Good morning Mr. Sandoval!" I beamed at the counter.

"Good morning, Aira. Busy morning ey." Mr. Sandoval grunted as he laid the basket on the counter.

"Indeed."

I wasted no time and grabbed the basket, muttering a swift thanks to the baker. I checked the time on the wall of the shop before going out. I still have a few minutes for a detour. I smiled. I have thought of the recently opened pastry shop just two streets from here, and I have been dying to go and try their cakes. A little taste wouldn't hurt.

Crowds are stuffy in the morning, so I have to snake my way through, occasionally dodging elbows that could possibly knock my basket over. I managed to get past the crowd without problems and turned to the corner of the street. From a distance, I could see people lining up. I can't believe the line is that long so early in the morning. My desire to taste their cake strengthens. I ran in haste, anxious to keep clean and buy fast.

Before I could reach the line, I found myself falling. My instincts automatically kicked in and hugged the basket of bread, making sure it wouldn't break as I landed on my back. But before it could happen, a strong arm snaked around my waist and hoisted me back up.

"Are you okay?"

I was mesmerized for a moment. I have never seen a man so handsome. He has tanned skin and gorgeous set of ruby eyes. His eyes kept me in a trance before I could realize it. He chuckled. His voice is deep yet felt like marshmallows to my ears.

"Miss, are you okay?"

I paused. I realized how close our bodies were to each other. It was thanks to the basket that provided the gap between us. I shook my head and cleared my throat.

"Yes, uhm, thank you." I muttered.

"Here.You can have this spot". He removed his from around me and stepped backward. I feel disappointed at the loss of physical contact.

"Ah, it's okay. It's just one person difference," I smiled and adjusted myself.

Although, I seriously want to cut in line and buy the cake before I arrive late at the dining table. I am the alpha's errand girl and I usually help with the preparation of meals, thrice a day. It's not a title I'd like to call myself.

The clock tower rang, the sound resonating and traveling in the gaps between buildings. I sighed. I feel defeated, and the line is barely moving.

I adjusted the basket in my hand. I'll have to rush home.

"You're not going to wait?" I turned. He is looking at me, and I can't seem to look away.

"Yes. I think I'll get in line another time." I walked away in a rush.

I'd be so dead if they found out I was late. I have to arrive first before anyone else. I ran as fast as I could until my feet brought me back to the palace, rushing towards the dining hall.

The door opened with a loud sound. I could hear the voice of the Luna, scolding the servants. I shivered. Too much for a little taste, I wasn't even able to grab one of those cakes. I fixed myself as swiftly as possible and entered the dining hall.

The Luna quieted down, but only for a brief moment, and continued on with her lecture. I slowly walked to the side of the table, careful not to get any more attention than I had already received. I opened the basket and gently laid it down on the table.

"You!" I flinched.

I am more than certain that that was me she was referring to. I looked up.

"Yes, ma'am?" I asked. My palms are sweating as I hid them behind me.

"How many times do I have to tell you to get here before we do? I want all the food to be ready and served."

"I'm sorry. I got sidetracked," I replied. I can't think of a better lie so, I blurted out the truth. Well, not the whole truth, but a general idea.

"You have that luxury? For a servant?" She scoffed. "Pass me the bread!"

I bowed and grabbed some bread from the basket, gently putting it on the plate. I walked beside the table, while Kira was looking at me, and gently laid the plate in front of her. She didn't bother to glance at me and just smelled the bread.

" Come to think of it, brother!" I heard Kira start. Our eyes met, and I slowly retreated back, more specifically, to the wall.

"Didn't you mention you have guests today?" Kira asked.

His brother, Cole, who was elegantly sipping the soup, dropped his spoon.

"Yes, I was informed they'd arrive in the morning," Cole said.

I noticed that their younger brother, Evan, was playing with his food. I grimaced. I saw the maid trying to stop him from playing and make him eat.

"I heard they are from the Capital. What business are they here for?" Kira asked.

I looked at him as he causally peeled his banana. He caught my eyes and winked at me. I rolled my eyes at him. I hope he chokes on his banana.

"We are conceptualizing about importing our products. We have a lot to talk about." Cole signaled to the servant for water.

"Sounds tedious," Kira commented.

I stifled a laugh. Of course, he will find it tedious. He hates alpha duties.

Kira found me when he was seventeen years old, and this year, for 6 months, he will be turning nineteen. He did not mention much about how I looked during the time I was found and I never actually cared, so I didn't dig much.

Ever since I came here, I have known Kira to be quite a troublemaker. He has a soft heart for people, but a hard mind to train. His brother, Cole, is the first in line to succeed their father, and Kira is being trained under the same assumption. His father is strict, and Luna is a very meticulous person. She wants her sons to follow in the same footsteps as their father, but Kira could somehow find loopholes and get away from all that pressure. Although, unfortunately, in the past two years of him being a troublemaker, I take all the blame. Honestly, I don't mind as long as I'm not physically harmed, plus I get a proper bed and shelter, and Kira gives me extra food whenever he can.

The utensils clang as Alpha Gallian finished his meal. He drank water and wiped himself clean. All the servants are on high alert, as well as I, as we wait for his command.

"You will train hard today, Kira." Alpha Gallian started.

"Escape and your little stray will pay for the consequences." His eyes zeroed on me and I instinctively gulped down.

"Yes, father." Kira answered. I could notice the dislike on his face.

"And I expect you to be on your best behavior today, darling. We have guests." Luna reminded him. She popped a cherry in her mouth and stood up.

"Come now, Evan." She picked him up. Evan giggled and snuggled into his mother's warmth.

Everyone slowly stood up and exited the dining hall, leaving the servants to clean after them. I sighed and started collecting the used plates and utensils.

"So, where did you go?" Kira slid some plates into my hold as he leaned on the table.

"To the new pastry shop. Thought I had time."

I balanced the plates and slowly headed to the kitchen, with Kira trailing behind me. The plates jiggled a bit at every step I took.

"Did you though?" He asked.

I frowned. He laughed at my reaction.

"Don't worry, I'll take you there. " He said and pat my head.

I laid the plates down on the sink. The sound of ceramics hitting the steel sink resonated along with the sounds of glasses and utensils being laid down by the other servants behind me. I sighed and turned to him.

" Don't you have anywhere to go to?" I asked, eyeing him expectantly.

"Yeah, yeah." He rolled his eyes and ruffled my hair before dashing away. I grimaced.

I turned the faucet on and washed all the dirty dishes, and put them on to dry. I wiped my hands dry and walked out of the kitchen. I have free time when Kira attends his training, and routinely, during those times, I read.

I walked to the library. Mostly, other wolves have no access to the library, but since I usually tell the guards that I clean the place, I was able to get in.

I grabbed the last book I was reading, and walked to the corner of the place. The library is connected to a garden and a pavilion, and I recently discovered it latter weeks ago when I was trying to grab a book from the second floor and caught sight of it over the glass windows.

With the book in my hand, I went to my usual spot. I sat in a corner on the windowsill, on the second floor.

The sound of flipping the pages replaced the silence in the room. I was enjoying myself until I heard voices. I froze and instantly looked for ways to escape. I dropped the book beside me and paced around. If I'm found out by a noble, I won't be able to get away from the consequences. Should I just jump from the terrace and make a run for it? Wait, there must be some logical way, a safer way. I can't tell if I'll come out in one piece by jumping, because of my body. I ran to the back of the shelves that were dimly lit and sat quietly to hide.

"Can you suggest a good book to read?"

I jumped and screamed, and was caught midway between blowing my cover. His big hand covered my mouth. He signaled me to remain quiet as he removed his hand from me. I could smell the scent of musk and vanilla.

"Who are you?" I asked. He's the guy I saw at the bakery this morning. He didn't answer me. I watched as he squintted his eyes at the books.

"Sir, whoever you are, we need to get out. People like us are not allowed to be here." I stated, as a matter of fact.

"Us? Why is that?" He turned and stood up. Despite the poor lighting, I could tell that he was quite tall.

"Don't you know? This library is for the Alpha's family." Nervouseness has started to spread in my system. I stiffened when I heard footsteps. They are already on the second floor, and it will only take a minute before we get found out.

"I could care less," he said.

My eyes widened as I watched him walk around the shelves. Who is this guy? He makes my heart throb with anxiety. I ran up to his side, careful not to make a sound, and glared at him. He looked down and met my eyes and chuckled. I felt like his chest vibrated with how low that chuckle was. His hands came up and pulled my hair. I gasp. My bun came undone.

"What are you doing?!" I angrily said.

My hair falls down to my shoulders and back; white curls shaping the side of my face. I suddenly felt embarrassed.

"You have unique hair." He commented, which made me feel another surge of anger.

"Give me back my tie!"

I tried to wrench my tie back but he quickly evaded my attacks. He raised his arm and I tried to jump my way to get my tie, but only to no afford. I stomped my foot in anger, and heard him chuckle. I do not find this situation as funny as he does.

"You look better with your hair down." He smiled and started playing with a few strands of my hair. I froze at the sudden closeness. He looked at me straight in the eyes, and an uncomfortable feeling started to form in my heart. I took a step back. I'm afraid that if I continue looking at his eyes, he might do something. He chuckled again at my weariness.

"You want your tie?" He asked.

"Yes."

"Come." He extended his hand, urging me to get it. I sighed. Finally. I took a step forward, and extended my hand to get my tie from his hold.

In a swift motion, I found myself in his arms. His lips crashed against mine.