Run! The Lost Princess of the Black Wolves

Chapter 29 - Robes of temptation

Having breakfast in Iron's quarters, wearing nothing but a luxuriously soft white robe, was a brand-new experience for Chloe, and she discreetly tugged at its edges, ensuring her more intimate parts remained covered. Iron, on the other hand, radiated an unwavering self-confidence, rocking his black hooded robe that showcased his perfectly chiseled chest. Chloe couldn't help but think he resembled a boxer enjoying a break from the boxing ring, and she felt a bit self-conscious in his presence, hardly being able to finish her toast.

“Shall we?” he rose from his seat as he noticed she had finished her coffee. “Let me take you to your room. I bet they’re waiting for you.” Extending his hand, he patiently awaited her response.

"Who?" she rose as well, declining to take his hand, yet discreetly slipping her arm under his without waiting for a response.

“Someone’s in need of support?” her wolf chuckled.

“Shut it,” Chloe rolled her eyes internally. “I’m just being polite.”

“Can you feel the heat radiating from him?” her wolf purred. “Are you sure you want to leave his quarters…?”

As they walked past Iron's bedroom, Chloe shot a quick glance inside, her eyes falling upon the disheveled bed, and she couldn't help but imagine his past activities in that room.

Iron's grin widened upon noticing her gaze. "Care to lend me a hand in making the bed? I was in quite a rush this morning, you know..." he suggested playfully.

"As if you've ever made your own bed," Chloe scoffed, her determination clear as she continued walking towards the door. She was not going to give in to him! No matter how tempting it was...

As they made their way down the hallway, taking a few turns, a door unexpectedly swung open, revealing Marcus and Freya, both dressed in snug but stylish outfits.

"Chloe!" Freya exclaimed and rushed towards them to embrace Chloe, her voice filled with relief. "There you are! We've been trying to reach you repeatedly, but you haven't been answering."

Chloe was relieved to see them both, eager to share the multitude of absurdities she had encountered since their arrival at the castle. Yet, with Iron standing beside her, she couldn't just blurt out all those things she longed to express, and she tried to gather her thoughts on how to make sure she could speak with them in private.

But just as Chloe was about to speak, Marcus's unexpected words hit her like a sudden gust of cold wind. “She probably didn’t bring her phone with her last night, Freya,” he said with a frigid tone, his gaze scrutinizing Chloe from head to toe. "And she's most likely been too busy in Iron’s room to even notice it has been gone.” His eyes were as cool as ice as he added, "She even forgot to get dressed."

Oh no... Did he think she spent the night with Iron?

"Marcus, it's not what it looks like," Chloe protested, hugging her robe tighter to provide a little more coverage.

"Really?" Marcus sneered, his skepticism evident. "I can't wait to hear the fascinating story behind this. But first, we're heading to breakfast. Care to join us?"

"I've already had breakfast," Chloe grimaced, attempting to explain herself. "But I..."

"Of course you have," Marcus interrupted, waving his hand in dismissal. "Come on, Freya, let's get going." He turned around and walked away.

"Don't mind him," Freya whispered in Chloe's ear, casting a playful glance at Iron. "But I can't believe you spent the night with Iron! You have to spill all the juicy details later!"

"I didn't!" Chloe groaned in frustration.

"Of course, you didn't!" Freya laughed, playfully winking. "See you later, babe."

Iron observed the exchange with an entertained gaze, his arms casually crossed. Once again, he offered her his arm and they continued walking. This time, Chloe was determined to learn the way to her room.

"Why are all of you located in the northern wing while I'm staying completely separate in a different part of the castle?" Chloe interrogated him. It really didn’t make sense.

"You don't know?" Iron looked at her in surprise. "I thought you were aware. You're staying in the left wing, which used to be occupied by your mother, Aurum, and her maids. It was exclusively her domain. The north-wing houses the guest rooms, including where I stay when I'm here. I assumed you wanted to be in your mother's wing. But don't worry, you won't be alone anymore," he grinned.

"Why would my mother need an entire wing to herself?" Chloe frowned, perplexed. She had never thought of her mother as someone who would isolate herself.

"Each room in that wing had its own specific purpose, or so I've been told," Iron shrugged. "One for drawing, one for dancing, one for training, and so on."

Chloe pondered Marcus's words. There was so much she still didn't know about her mother's enigmatic past. Maybe she should try to venture into the other rooms of the west wing? Exploring those spaces might give her more insights of her mother's past life.

Iron kept leading the way, and they ascended several staircases and maneuvered around corners.

"How is it that you navigate this place so effortlessly?" Chloe wondered out loud.

"I've been a frequent guest here since childhood," he explained as they arrived at her room, and he opened the door. The windows were closed tight, giving no indication of her escapade. "My father and your uncle have always been close friends, despite the strained relations after your mother rejected my father."

"Thank you," Chloe turned around to face him, almost bumping into his chest. She let her hand rest there, and it felt as solid as a rock. "Thank you for covering for me earlier.”

"Of course," Iron slid his hand behind her back, pulling her into an embrace, pressing her firmly against his own frame. "Anytime," he locked eyes with her, and she held her breath.

Their proximity made her acutely aware of their nakedness beneath their soft robes, and she swallowed hard. A sudden recollection of their conversation from the previous night flashed through her mind, causing her breathing to hitch.

“I… I should get dressed,” she whispered.

"I suppose you should," Iron smiled wryly, his hand trailing up her arm. Leaning in, she could almost sense his intention to kiss her. A whirlwind of thoughts flooded her mind, including guilt towards Marcus, when a sudden knock on the door startled them both.

"Gunda!" Chloe exclaimed, partially relieved to have an interruption from the heated moment.

"Miss Chloe," Gunda grunted, her displeasure evident. "It's time for your bath."

"The Winter's ball doesn't start for hours," Iron protested, reluctant to let go of Chloe. "I'm sure there's no rush."

"Oh, Mr. Praetor," Gunda retorted, her voice sharp. "You have no idea how long it takes for a lady to prepare for such an important event. Especially Chloe here, the seamstress has plenty of work to do with her."

"Gunda, I have a dress to wear tonight," Chloe objected, dreading the thought of being turned into a mere mannequin, dressed up like a doll once again.

"I'm aware, but we haven't been able to locate your luggage," Gunda insisted, causing Chloe to look around in despair.

"Seriously, Gunda!" Chloe exclaimed. "I'm starting to think you're deliberately doing this to me! I want my belongings, and I want them now."

"Nonsense," Gunda scoffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "Why would we do such a thing?"

"You tell me," Chloe stared at her intently.

"I told you yesterday," Gunda sighed. "Everyone is incredibly busy preparing for tonight."

"I'll take care of it," Iron interjected, grasping Chloe's arm. She looked up at him, feeling a mixture of desperation and hope.

"I'll ensure you get your belongings," he reassured her. "And I'll also make arrangements to move in next door, so you won't be alone tonight."

"Thank you," Chloe closed her eyes, releasing a weary sigh. Why did everything have to be so complicated?

In the very next moment, Iron leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on her lips, causing her eyes to flutter open with surprise. “"See you later, beautiful. I can’t wait to finish what we started last night…”

Before Chloe could even respond, he swiftly departed from the room, leaving her speechless. Oh goddess, what was she going to do now? She felt an urgent need to find Marcus and explain that her phone was lost and that she hadn't actually spent the night with Iron! And that she wanted to leave... Because she still did want to leave, right?

"Are you sure about that?" her inner wolf purred, a hint of mischief in its voice. "Don't you crave a little more time in Iron's company?"

Chloe shook her head in response, a mixture of apprehension and confusion clouding her thoughts. "I shouldn't," she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "He seems to believe I will be his Luna... Though I can't help but wonder if it's all just for show."

"Miss Chloe," Gunda urged, ushing her towards the bathroom. "Please, let's get started. I don't want you to be late for the auction."

"Auction?" Chloe raised an eyebrow as she allowed Gunda to lead her. "What auction?"

"The Winter's Ball always begins with a tour of the ice sculptures and an auction," Gunda replied impatiently. "You must get ready."

Chloe was disappointed to find out that the ordeal of the day before was to repeat itself. With her luggage still missing, the seamstress and the omegas began working on her outfit once again chosen by her grandmother. This time, they dressed her in a shimmering white dress adorned with thousands of small white pearls and sequins, and styled her hair intricately, adorning it with a headband embellished with sequined flowers.

Gunda and her team beamed with satisfaction as they swiveled the mirror around to reveal the final result. As Chloe looked at her reflection, she couldn't help but let out an exasperated groan. She no longer looked like herself; instead, she resembled an innocent child being prepared for an arranged marriage. Her emotions flared up, and she raised, her eyes gleaming like dark emeralds.

"That's enough!" she exclaimed, and with force, she pulled the headband from her hair, allowing her locks to cascade freely down her back. "I can't do this anymore! I want to go home. Right now."

"Miss Chloe, please," Gunda pleaded, raising her hands in a calming gesture. "Just take a moment and calm down."

"I don't want to calm down!" Chloe roared, her emotions flaring. "Since I arrived here, you people have been manipulating me, trying to mold me into something I'm not. I came here to enjoy myself with my friends, not to be imprisoned and controlled."

"Chloe, my dear child," All of a sudden, Thora entered the room, leaning on her staff adorned with the wolf head with ruby eyes. "What in the world is happening here?"

"I've had enough," Chloe growled, feeling her inner strength surge as her wolf was getting ready to be unleashed. "I want to go home. I want my belongings, and I want to leave this place immediately."

Thora raised her hand, attempting to quell the tension. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she said with a measured tone. "You need to gather yourself and explain to me what is going on. Has someone harmed you?"

Chloe snorted, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. "No, no one has harmed me," she replied. "But it feels like you're all playing some kind of game with me, and I want no part in it."

"We're not playing games, Chloe," Thora responded, her tone tinged with weariness. "We're simply trying to help you. But if you don't appreciate our efforts..."

"No, I really don't," Chloe sneered with frustration. "All I want is to retrieve my phone and belongings and then go home."

"I thought we were making progress," Thora raised a silvery eyebrow. "Argen informed me that Iron is moving into the room next to yours. Despite your... imperfections, he still seems quite interested, if not more."

"I have no interest in him," Chloe did her best to keep her voice steady.

Of course, that was a lie - Iron had captured her interest... There was something captivating about him, something that drew her towards him against her better judgment. But she couldn't let her grandmother know that.

"No he’s actually not that bad," her wolf chimed in.

"No, not entirely," Chloe replied hesitatingly. "But still... We will never become what they want us to be."

Gunda was offering Thora a chair, and with a slight grimace of discomfort, Thora lowered herself onto it. The tension in the room was palpable.

"Chloe, it's all a terrible misunderstanding," Thora sighed. "I had no knowledge that your luggage was missing. Gunda, why didn't you inform me of this?"

Gunda's eyes widened momentarily, a mix of surprise and defensiveness flashing across her face before she quickly regained her composure. "I beg your pardon, my lady. I believed you had more pressing matters to attend to," she cleared her throat, obviously uncomfortable.

Thora's smile was strained. "What could possibly be more important to me than my own granddaughter's well-being?" Her words were so laced with reproach, Chloe was suspecting it was all fake. "Please, ensure that Chloe is provided with everything she needs. Now, everyone, leave us."

Gunda lowered her head in a curtsey, and with a swift departure, she left the room together with the seamstress and the omegas.

"I can assure you, Gunda will recover your luggage," Thora declared with certainty. "You look wonderful in that dress, but if you wish to wear something else for today’s event, you’re free to do so…” Her words trailed off, and she gazed at Chloe pensively, leaving a lingering sense of ambiguity in the air. “You know, my dear, you remind me so much of your mother… It's almost uncanny. I really wish all the best for you, and you are perfect just the way you are. However, I must ask you to be mindful of the Northern culture and traditions as you choose your outfit and conduct for tonight. The Winter’s ball calls for everyone to be on their very best behavior.”

Chloe found herself at a loss for words. What could she possibly say in response? Deep down, she still yearned to escape, suspecting that this was just another of her grandmother’s deceptive maneuvers. But a flicker of doubt and confusion clouded her thoughts. What if, against all odds, she was being genuine? What if, in her own peculiar way, she truly cared for her and tried to be helpful?

“I sincerely hope you'll stay with us a little longer,” Thora continued as if she had read Chloe’s thoughts. “There are so many untold stories I yearn to share with you. And I'm sure there are things you're curious to know more about as well.”

“Such as…?” Chloe arched her brow. Why couldn't her grandmother communicate straightforwardly, like ordinary people? Why did she always speak in riddles and veiled hints?

Thora leaned in, a dangerous glint in her eyes igniting a sense of caution within Chloe. "I speak of your mother's life during her time under this very roof," Thora revealed, a wry smile playing on her lips. "When she embraced her true name, Aurum, and when she was destined to be mated with Cato Praetor. Doesn't your curiosity burn to know more? I bet she didn’t tell you much of it…”

Chloe recognized the trap set before her, meticulously woven by her cunning grandmother. The question was: Should she take the bait? She knew she should go home and ask her mother in person instead, escaping this wretched place. It was madness to stay! And yet… a lingering curiosity gnawed at her. Would her mother tell her the truth? Perhaps this was her only chance to uncover the hidden depths of her Rebecca's past.