Submitted to Love

Chapter 5

--Isabella—

Adrian was running his hand over his hair repeatedly trying to calm down, while still holding my waist tightly. I would lie if I say that I did not enjoy that.

Slowly Adrian turned his stormy grey eyes and looked intently at me. The stare has so much lust in it that I could feel my desire pooling in between my thighs. I could see Adrian’s eyes darken as he sniffed the air around us. Who sniffs air like a dog? Without warning he growled lowly dropped his head on the crook of my neck and inhaled deeply. Leaving small nipping kisses, he rubbed his nose along the length of my shoulder blade. My heart was hammering in my chest and I could feel his grip tightening on my waist.

His other hand gripped my arm and caressed it up and down. His lips reached my left earlobe and lightly nipped it. I could not contain the moan that escaped me. Immediately, Adrian put a distance between us and murmured low curses. I was shocked and frankly extremely embarrassed. Muttering to himself Adrian left me alone in that room, regret written all over his face. I felt tears pool my eyes and I was left wondering why I even allowed that man to touch me so intimately.

Gathering myself, I exited the room and headed towards my own. I had enough parties for today and honestly, I would avoid such gatherings again in my life. I planned to sneak some hot chocolate from the kitchen and relax under the blanket. I have decided to avoid that man during my stay in the castle. He can be the next King, but I am not someone who sucks up to the ruler and allows him to do whatever he wishes. I was deep in my thoughts when I bumped against someone.

“Oh Goddess, can you at least watch where you go Human?” Clara remarked rubbing her neck while staring at me in disgust.

“I am sorry Clara.” I muttered sincerely.

“You village girl, I am either ma’am or miss to you. Have I made myself clear now?” Clara remarked, flipped her perfect hair. “I am not even sure why Adrian accompanied you to the ball. Really girl, are you that fast in spreading your legs to the Alpha?” She smirked, eyeing me from head to toe.

I was already miffed from my encounter with Adrian earlier and Clara just put fuel in the fire which is simply raging now.

“Well Clara ….yes I will still go with Clara, as I am not sure you are worthy of any other form of salutation…Your Alpha, whatever that means , is Adrian I presume , insisted I accompany him to the Ball. Why is that the case you ask? Well the correct person to address your query is Adrian himself. As far as opening my leg is concerned, I can assure you that the particular position to Adrian has always been open as far as I am concerned and can be gladly fulfilled by yourself as you seem quite eager to keep your legs far away from each other.”

“You filthy little bit..” Clara was ready to hit me with her long, manicured fingers but was stopped midway by a strong and authoritative voice.

“You finish that sentence young lady and I will ensure your entry to this castle is barred for as long as I deem fit”

 I turned around to see the Queen Mary walking towards us, glaring furiously at Clara. “Get out of my sight at this instant Clara or I can assure you, you will regret your decision to be present here at this moment.”

“Yes Luna. My apologies.” Bowing lightly Clara hurriedly left both of us, not before throwing a deathly glare at me.

“Isabella. I have not formally introduced myself. I am Mary, Adrian’s mother and currently the queen of the castle.” Mary smiled kindly at me and beckoned me to follow her to a beautiful office which I guess belongs to her.

 “Please have a seat. I understand you are tired and after what transpired at the Ball you would like to hit the sack soon. But Isabella, I have some important discussion about your assigned work which starts tomorrow.”

“Yes, Queen Mary.” I sat straight attentively.

“Unlike most girls who would be working the grounds and the kitchen, your work would be primarily to help Joseline, Justin and especially Adrian. I have been made aware of your prowess in the field of accounting and organization. I would like you to help Adrian in the process of event management for the wedding.” Mary paused and was waiting for my answer.

The last thing I want was to be associated with that dumbass, but I could not directly refuse the Queen.

“Yes ma’am. I will be assisting in wedding management.”

“Excellent Isabella. Adrian will walk you through the process tomorrow. I have asked for a meeting the day after tomorrow post breakfast at 10:30 am. Adrian, Justin, Joseline and myself will be present…And Isabella you may call me Luna. It is a term for Queen here and Alpha is for King”

“Right Luna. I will be present in the meeting.” I smiled at Mary. I was weary from the ordeal before and was looking forward to leaving when Mary cleared her throat and asked me to wait.

“Isabella, there is something else which I want to discuss with you... something which I am not sure how to put forward best.” Mary’s tone drove my pulse through the roof, sleep forgotten.

“What is it Luna?”. I whispered dreading the answer.

Mary sighed deeply and looked straight at me “Isabella, you Aunt requested that you stay back at the castle. We have paid her up front whatever we pay any other girl who chooses to stay back….thing is , the girls always themselves “choose” to stay back, we never have and never will force anyone.” Mary paused for me to grasp the gravity of my situation.

My whole world came to a stop. I am aware my Aunt did not have any soft corners for me. But to literally "sell" me ...I was too shocked to form any coherent word.  I have nothing here. I do not know anyone . I was starting to hyperventilate.

"Calm down sweetheart. I am not going to let anything harm you. I am aware how you were treated at home. While I cannot promise you  your childhood home but I can promise you a family here who will always have your back. But given all that it is still your choice. If you do not want to stay here then you are free to leave whenever you want."

"Luna, I don't have anyone or anywhere else to go. " I whispered in a hoarse voice , tears falling endlessly from my eyes.

"My child from this moment you have us and this castle as your home." Mary smiled while holding my hand in both of hers.

"I get to stay in the castle ? My stuff…"

" All your belongings will be delivered to you. Yes I insist you stay in the castle till you find someone with whom you are willing to share your life . I will arrange for your room tomorrow. Take your time my sweet girl. Spend the day tomorrow thinking over everything we discussed.  I will walk to your room on my way out."

I was still reeling from all the sudden tectonic shifts in my life. I silently walked with Luna back to my room.

Mary kissed my forehead and whispered " I am glad to find my daughter after so many years".

I stared at her bewildered but before I could ask her anything she left me in front of my door. I went inside and snuggled inside the blanket. I have too many incidents happening around me that have upended my life but I simply cannot comprehend any right now. I fall into a deep slumber blocking my buzzing mind….