A comedy of errors

1223 Words
The royal dining hall buzzed with the clatter of silverware and murmured conversations. The royal family, we were having our dinner together as usual. At the far end of the table, at the right-hand side of the AlphaKing, Lucas sat leaning back in his chair. A mischievous smirk was playing on his lips as he glanced through the room. It was always his nature to survey everywhere whenever he was around, making me hate his presence the more. His presence was always the dark cloud, and it was casting a shadow over the lively chatter in the room. I noticed Lucas's eyes, as sharp as a predator flickered towards a young maiden who was serving wine at the table. The maiden, one of the new maidservants that just joined the palace, flinched at Lucas's gaze. And her hands trembled as she poured the drink. Lucas chuckled, a low menacing sound that sent shivers down the maid servant's spine. Without a word, Lucas reached out with his fingers brushing against her wrist. She tried to pull away as quickly as she could, her face had already become pale. But Lucas's grip tightened on her wrist, forcing her to stay. I frowned, and all eyes in the room fell on the scene as it unfolded. "Careful, girl. ". Lucas murmured, with his voice dripping with false sweetness. "You wouldn't want to spill the drink, would you?". He added. Making my face twisted the more. The maiden shook her head, and her eyes widened with fear. Then Lucas released her with a dismissive flick of his wrist, and she scurried away. Her relief was palpable as she left the room. Then Lucas turned his attention back to his meal and began tearing into the meat with a ferocity that mirrored his nature. Sitting across the table, my knuckles had become white completely as I clenched my fist in anger. My nails were practically digging into my palms. Lucas's pride in his triumphs in battle, his ruthless conquest, and the way he paraded his victories like trophies only fueled my hatred for him. He was the Alpha's brother, the chief warrior of the pack, and a bully who used his powers to get what he wanted. And nobody dared to question him. "Lucas..". The Alpha's voice broke through the tension that had built in the room. "How did the meeting with the elders of Mill-Mild City go .?". He asked. The clatter of plates also resumed, as though everything stood still while Lucas was dominating. Lucas wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and a triumphant gleam lit up in his eyes again. Something I hate about him. "Chief Keef agreed to the alliance..". Lucas announced. His voice was carrying a note of pride as usual. "He is willing to support us in every way he can. And, to show his loyalty, Chief Keef has requested a ball where his sons can choose wives from our daughters..". He added. A murmur of approval rippled through the room. The AlphaKing beamed with happiness. Lucas also, his smile widened. And his eyes glinted with satisfaction. He had secured another victory, another step towards consolidating his power over the innocent. I glanced at my mother who was sitting quietly beside the AlphaKing. Her eyes met mine, and I silent plea for peace appeared in her eyes. My mother knew how much I hated Lucas, and how much resentment I had for the royal family. I couldn't forget what they did to my family. The memory of my father's death and the loss of our land burned in my mind. But, one thing my mother didn't know was that I couldn't forget, or forgive. Lucas led the warriors that killed my father, and that action of his had cost me everything. Looking at his smug demeanor now only deepened my resolve. One day, I vowed silently, I will make him pay. After dinner that night, I retired to my room. The AlphaKing had instructed all his wives to get their daughters ready for the event that was slated for the next day. The family was going to host a great party and all hands must be on deck to make the occasion a success. All eligible daughters of the royal palace who had come of age were to be prepared and made presentable, and acceptable for a noble family's acceptance. And that included me. My mother had followed me to my room to make sure that I got the best ball dress ready for that event. Standing before the mirror, my mother's words echoed in my mind. "You look so charming, my daughter. There is no point denying the fact that you will be the first to be selected as a bride tomorrow..". I smiled. My mother's praise warmed my heart. I moved away from the mirror and my gaze drifted to the garden beyond the window. The beauty of the roses there beckoned on me, offering me solace from the impending facade that had consumed me that evening. I decided to take a stroll that night, and walking through the garden I felt a sense of peace. The gentle petals of the roses seemed to whisper secrets into my ears, and their scent was a calming balm to my nerves. I closed my eyes and allowed the calmness of the garden to soothe my heart. But the tranquility was shattered when a voice spoke behind me. "I can see you like the roses. They are beautiful, aren't they?". Lucas. My stomach twisted in pain at the thought of Lucas coming to interrupt my peaceful moment. He was the last person I wanted to encounter. "Yes, they are beautiful..". I replied stiffly, turning to face him. Lucas's eyes roamed my face, and his gaze lingered on my lips. A gesture I found so irritating. "The roses are as beautiful as you are, Naomi .". He said in a tone that made me want to vomit. He also extended his hand as if to touch my cheek. I recoiled, with my heart racing with anger. "What do you want ?!". I demanded. My tone was sharp, making Lucas's expression darkened and his brow furrowed. "I want you to take a walk with me tomorrow. I have noticed your interest in rose flowers, so there is a beautiful rose garden I'd like to show you.". Lucas made it sound like a command and not a request. I laughed, and my laughter was incredulous. "Tomorrow? You know what day it is tomorrow. I won't have time for frivolities, especially not with you.". My voice was very serious, and I was a little angry. Which made Lucas's smile falter "I know what tomorrow means. That is why I am offering you a walk, to reveal a secret about you and your existence in this palace...". Lucas replied, looking at me with a mean face. His words sent a shiver down my spine. What secret is there about me that Lucas possibly knows? "Secret.? What secret..?!". I whispered, despite myself. But it was Lucas's turn to laugh, and the smoggy grin on his face broadened. He looked up at the moonlight, and his eyes glinted. Without any more words, Lucas turned around and disappeared into the shadows. Leaving me with more questions than answers.
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