The Last Alpha

Marie’s soft hands startle me from my sleep. “Lady Celeste” she whispers, “You’ve been summoned.” I can hear her skirts rustling as she rushes through the room stoking the fire and pulling out clothing from various trunks. “Summoned?” I question struggling to shake off weariness. “By whom?” “Lady Aldith” Something feels off. The clothes Marie has laid out aren’t court dresses. Despite her age Marie is moving with an agility I’ve never seen before. “Marie what’s going on?” I prod, as she pulls me out of bed towards the bath she’s drawn. “I can’t say Miss” her voice hangs thick in the air. I pull away. “You have to tell me, why is my mother summoning me at this hour?” Uneasiness stirring deep within. I can’t hear guards walking their normal rounds outside my door. The whole night seems to be suspended in a cloud of darkness. “Celeste” Marie sighs, taking my face in her hands. “I it’s not my place to tell you what tonight holds for you. I’ve been asked to prepare you and bring you to the stables at once. That’s all I can tell you. Now please get in the bath I need to have you ready within the hour.” She replied sternly. I quickly undress and step in the warm water. As I wash myself I can feel Marie’s hands nimbly working in my hair brushing, braiding and pulling it all atop my head. As soon as I’m done she steps to the trunk and brings the robes. They’re light white robes with silver stars and golden moons embroidered on the edges. “Hurry now Celeste” she prompts. “You’re a special girl,” she says as she drapes the robes over me one by one. “You have stars in your eyes,” she stops and grabs my hand, “you’ve been destined for greatness, never forget that.” Lastly she grabs a thick golden cord and wraps it around the small of my waist. A sharp knock breaks the silence in the room. “Is lady Celeste ready?” Clovis’s voice echos. “Yes,” replies Marie “We must go now my dear, don’t be afraid.”