The King that Got Away

The Red Party

Amelia woke to a knock at her door. Her heart rate picked up when she thought it could be Dominick, but with a disappointed sigh she remembered it was just the hair and makeup crew. Dominick would be busy with many things this morning, she was not one of those things. She let them in and took her place at the vanity. She instructed the makeup artist to give her a sultry look, but not too dark. The hair stylist curled her hair and then piled it on top of her head in a loose updo with her bangs French braided into a crown of rich, brown hair. Curls framed her face and a couple short curls graced the back of her neck. She put on diamond earrings and a deep ruby necklace. She put on black heels and finally her dress, the strapless top showing just enough cleavage to be alluring, but still fitting for a queen. Likewise with the slit, high enough, but not too high. She wanted elegant grace, but a hint of seduction. An Omega brought her a quick lunch that she finished in a hurry. She headed out to meet Dominick. She was nervous and tried to keep from shaking. "Don't be so ridiculous, you've known him for years. You're close friends for goodness sake!" she told herself.

She rounded a corner and there he stood, waiting for her before they entered the banquet hall. He was distracted looking the opposite direction as she approached. She cleared her throat and couldn't help but smile as he turned and looked at her. He looked her up and down, "wow Amelia... you look amazing. I've never seen you look so... incredible."

Amelia blushed deep, "thank you. You look breathtaking yourself." Dominick wore a black three piece suit with a red tie. His chest was decorated with medals he'd earned protecting his pack before becoming King. He rarely wore his crown, but today it sat atop his head. It was gold with rubies and emeralds circling it. He offered her his elbow and she gladly took it. Before they entered he leaned down and brushed a kiss across her lips.

The doors opened and Dominick's beta announced their arrival. Every head turned and applause arose. They made their way through the room greeting guests. Everyone was curious about Amelia as the king's date, but they didn't dare ask. Amelia did her best to remember details about everyone she'd met before and ask about them. A queen would know her people and what was important to them. Finally they all sat down and an early dinner was served.

"You did well," Dominick said as he leaned closer to her.

"Thank you, I tried," she smiled up at him.

The King and Amelia were seated together. His Beta was on his other side and his top general beside the Beta. Next to Amelia would be her lady in waiting if she was Queen, but since she was not she had higher ranking women. Kate was one of them. The most distinguished guests and relatives of the King were seated at nearby tables. As the tables got further away from the King, lesser known and lower ranking people filled them. The band played music softly as people ate and conversed. Amelia only had ears for the King.

"I can't wait to dance with you," he was saying.

"Same here, being in your arms for much of the night? Absolutely can't wait," she answered.

"We have an opera singer coming in to perform before the dance. I wish I could sneak off with you during, but I'm expected front and center," he said.

"Dominick, ssshhh, someone will hear you," she laughed. "Rumors are already starting, lets not feed the gossips."

Dominick looked at her with a dark look, "let them talk. I have no patience for gossips, especially when they're trying to tear someone down."

"You know how court is. Rumors spread like wildfire no matter what."

"If it bothers you let me know, I'll have it handled," he said. "If anyone bothers you... I'll have it handled."

"Dominick, please. I'm fine," she said quickly. "I don't want anyone handled on my behalf."

"Amelia, I'd walk through a desert and swim an ocean for you, handling people who want to spite you is the least I could do."

She blushed deeply and her stomach erupted in butterflies. Her beat faster. Could he really feel this deeply for her? She could not be happier than she was in that moment. Unless he asked her to be his mate and bride, of course.

Dinner finished and everyone got up to move to the ballroom. It was a grand room with gold pillars around the outer walls. Tall windows met a vaulted ceiling designed to amplify music. At one side was a gold grand piano and a set up for a small orchestra. There was a stage along the back wall and the opera singer was already standing ready to entertain. Rows of chairs had been set up for the guests to sit in and would be removed after the performance. As they made their way to their seats Dominick's hand rested low on Amelia's back, only a breath above her buttocks. When they'd sat down he took her hand and nodded at the band. The performance began. Amelia loved opera and classical music, but she couldn't focus. The King holding her hand sent her mind into spirals. The performance flew by and the chairs were quickly removed. The King and Amelia took the dance floor alone, after their dance the floor would open to everyone. He spun her around gracefully, Amelia matching his talent. At the end he dipped her low and kissed her long and slow. The crowd was silent for a moment, but then erupted in applause. The floor was soon filled with dancers.

A couple hours into the dance a commotion broke out on one end of the room. Amelia and Dominick quickly made their way through the crowd. Kate was kneeling on the floor sobbing, a man stood over her looking embarrassed and confused.

"What is the meaning of this?" Dominick roared. Amelia helped Kate up and held her.

"I... she..." the man stammered.

"He's my mate," Kate whispered.

"Did he reject you?" Amelia demanded.

"I did not! I would never!" the man exclaimed.

"No, he didn't. I was just... overwhelmed," Kate said, now she looked embarrassed.

"Why don't the two of you head off and get to know each other... process this," Dominick said. They eagerly agreed.

When they'd hurried off Dominick turned and grabbed a glass of Champaign from a waiter, "grab a glass!" he yelled. He waited a few moments before continueing. "To mates and true love!" he said, making eye contact with Amelia. There were a few "here here's" said as everyone drank deep. Finding a mate was a big deal and everyone felt happier for witnessing it.

The dancing continued, and Dominick was whisked away by a group of young women. The moment he was out of sight Blaine grabbed Amelia's arm, "can we head to the balcony?" he asked her. He looked concerned.

"Umm, yes, sure," she answered.

He glanced around before steering her to the nearest balcony. Thankfully it was mostly empty.

"Amelia, you need to distance yourself from royal matters. That includes Dominick," he said, again glancing around.

"You need to tell me why," she demanded.

"I heard some things and I trust the source," he said.

"What did you hear?" she asked.

"Nothing concrete, but there's a plot to dethrone the King. I don't know details yet, but I'm trying to figure things out. All I know is its not safe to be close to key players at court right now. You could be seen as an obstacle or collateral damage."

"You know that everyone says you feel you're the rightful king. How do I know you're not the one causing trouble?" she asked backing away.

Blaine sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "I knew that would come up." He walked to the railing, leaned on it and his shoulders sagged. Suddenly he looked so tired.

"Tell me the story behind that," Amelia said, leaning against the railing beside him.

"When Dominick's father, my uncle, took the throne it only fell to him because my father had been killed," he said.

"Yes, we all know that. Dominick's father was the younger brother," she replied.

"Do you know how my father died?" he asked.

Amelia furrowed her brows, "no, I don't know details."

"There was a werewolf uprising, a quick battle really. But when it was considered done my father collapsed. He'd been poisoned and it had finally took its toll. I think he was supposed to die during the battle covering up the poison, but it didn't work quite according to plan."

"Poison? Who would do that?" Amelia asked.

"My uncle was especially interested in chemistry... he created many potions, healing balms and... poisons... He claimed his lab was broken into and things were stolen. No one could prove anything beyond that a poison was indeed used to kill my father. The next year my uncle was crowned king. Dominick and I were just toddlers at the time," Blaine sighed. "I'm not saying Dominick knows anything about all that... I'm just telling you the facts."

"I see..." Amelia pondered this new information.

"When whispers began about Dominick's rule I knew people would point fingers at me, but I honestly don't care. Things are how they are, but I don't want you caught in any crossfire. Especially since I'm two steps behind all the information at all times."

"Well... I'll take it into consideration. I won't tell anyone what you've told me, but... I need to think through things," Amelia said. With that she went back inside and looked for Dominick. She was his date after all.