The Lycan Kings Princess

The Ball

Aria's POV

The next two days, I felt far more relaxed...

Until Tabitha had dropped a bombshell on me. The king, for some reason, had requested I play my violin at the ball.

I didn't understand why or how the sudden request had come about, but who was I to deny the king? I'd have to be pretty bold to even consider doing something so disrespectful. I'd been flooded with far too many thoughts for comfort. The only reprieve I had was Penelope. The bubbly she-wolf had pulled herself away from the endless mingling to come and keep me company at some point when I managed to pull away from all the chattering Luna's. As much as I loved being around my mother and keeping her company, I really needed a break. Tabitha was nice but overbearing.

So, I found myself now keeping Penny company.

She was bubbly, so, so bubbly. A total fashionista.

She certainly had a lot of say and half the time she was stumbling between French and English. It was a little confusing, she was kind enough to apologize when she noticed she lost me completely during our...somewhat one-sided conversation.

"My apologies Ma cherie! I am so used to having both English and French speakers around me. I forget that not everyone is fluent." her accent was thick but pretty, "I really must remember you are not fluent."

"It's alright, I really should practice the language better. It will come in handy in the future." I really was mediocre at the language.

"Non, Non I should be more thoughtful. What if my future mate does not speak French well? He will think I am maddening!" she laughed.

"Does your wolf speak French too?" I asked, curious to know if languages were universal to our wolves, would they just pick up what we already knew?

"Certainly, Gisele knows it now, but she was terrible at the start." Penny laughed lightly as she took a drink of her coffee, a chocolate cappuccino with extra foam, "She knew a little when she first arrived, but she couldn't speak it well, thankfully words do not hinder us since we are connected." she smiled proudly as she reapplied some gloss to her lips, having gotten it on her cup. It was almost entrancing to watch her as she repeated the motion over and over. "It took me two years to get her fluent, but now she speaks it almost better than I do."

I couldn't help but giggle, "Thats impressive."

"Enough about me Ma Cherie, let's hear about you." she straightened herself a little with a curious look in her eyes which instantly made me feel nervous.

"The gossip mill has it that you got your wolf quite late." I wanted to shout in frustration.

"It is true." I stated a little annoyed that people were gossiping about me already, my worst fear beginning to rise to the surface. "Aeris is a fast learner though, so I don't think it will affect me in the coming days."

Penny waved her hand as if to dismiss any thoughts of me thinking myself inferior. "Certainly, certainly, I shouldn't snoop, but I was curious, so odd you don't look like you have any defects." I wanted to growl but it would be rude so I just forced a smile and fisted my hands in my lap. Penny wasn't meaning to be rude. I was sure she just lacked tact.

"No, I'm quite healthy and normal, my parents had the pack doctor check me out. I am absolutely fine...but," the best explanation I could offer was the one no one ever questioned. "I am sure our beloved Moon Goddess Selene had her reasons for my wolf coming so late. I will trust in her judgement."

This had the desired effect I wanted as Penny's eyes widened just a fraction as though understanding washed over her, "Ma Cherie! yes, yes! you are quite correct." she slapped the table top as though I had dropped a revelation on her head to what had gone wrong with me, "Who am I to question Selene's decisions! of course she would have a her reasons." she tsk'd slightly and reached across the table to grab one of my hands pulling it from my lap. She held it firmly but not painfully, "I am sorry I have been insensitive, do not think much. My Mama says I lack a filter at the best of times." she chuckled, "but what can I say, we Fench lack such delicacies." she glanced around playfully before leaning closer to whisper, "Papa says I should have been born as a hot air balloon instead of a wolf pup!" she then broke into fits of laughter.

I couldn't help it, she was infectious and I began to snicker and giggle too, "Ah Penelope the hot air balloon, now that would be a sight."

As if to respond, Penny held her breath and puffed out her cheeks, making her eyes go cross-eyed and I grabbed my sides. My poor ribs would suffer because of my enjoyment of her humor. It was a small price to pay.

'I like her.' Aeris said, sounding relaxed and enjoying the scene before her.

'I like her too.'

---------------

Once my time with Penny is over, I am left to wander alone. Things seem to be quite calm today, the Alpha's are mulling about in their groups talking idly. I even saw a few out on the tennis court. It seemed today they were not subject to being in meetings which made sense. After all, the ball was tomorrow, meaning today would be all about the king making final decisions. I actually had not thought about the King my entire time here. I hadn't seen him either. I supposed that I may see him tomorrow morning while the assembly went on before the evening ball.

Many of the Luna's had gone out shopping for dresses for the event. I had declined my mother's offer to go with Tabitha. I had packed my own dress. I had so many back home it hadn't been hard to pick something appropriate. I quite liked my dress too. It was an off the shoulder black dress with a flowy bottom that went to about my ankles. It had a nice slit that went up the side to just above my knee without being too revealing. The top was a sweet heart design with little clear faux diamonds that made the dress sparkle the right amount. I loved it, it was one of my favorite dresses and it was comfortable to play my violin in.

I had been working quite diligently too in my down time (when I wasn't busy socializing) preparing my songs. I planned to play at least two songs in total. Tabitha had said I wouldn't be expected to play the whole night but my performance would just add an extra dazzle to the ball. I was still quite confused as to why the king of all people had requested me to play. I hadn't so much as seen nor glanced at him this entire event. So, why the sudden interest? How did he even know I played?

All these questions for now would have to go unanswered.

I sighed deeply as I reached my floor. It was the first time I had experienced such quiet since leaving home. I noticed that our floor was rather silent most of the time too. Now and then I thought I would catch a glimpse of someone out of the corner of my eye and other times I thought I smelled someone too. These things all trickled away moments later when I looked. The sweet scent that had been here from day one still continued to call for my attention. I had asked the front desk what kind of air freshener or scented candle they used in the rooms but had only been assured.

The scent was not theirs. They didn't use scents due to guest sensitivities. If I was smelling something, it was because a guest had brought their own. I was half tempted to knock on the door where the scent was the strongest just to ask them. It would be incredibly rude and tacky to disturb someone over a scented candle though. I guess I would just have to enjoy it while I could. Lingering a little too long sometimes in the hall between the west and east wings. It really,truly was a marvelous and mouth-watering smell.

I paused for a moment. I was so curious to explore more of the castle hotel that I didnt think much of wandering down the east wing; besides, there was no rule that you couldn't wander the halls. I was sure that as long as I didn't disturb the guests in their rooms there would be no harm. Also, if I went down the hallway to explore, I would get to enjoy the scent that was haunting me longer. It was a definite bonus in my books. So, without further hesitation, I began to make my way down the east wing.

I have to admit, the decor was breathtaking. The walls were a deep evergreen with ornate gold textures swirled through them. The carpets were a beautiful and light cream color. Now and then I would spot a section of dark oak hardwood flooring. The walls were covered in different types of paintings, a lot were replicas by famous artists. By far my favorite so far was ' Starry Night' by Van Gogh. There were also tables here and there lining the walls with small sculptures and expensive-looking vases from what seemed to be different periods in time. Now and then I also passed by windows that peered out over the castle grounds and the gorgeous emerald lake. It made me feel for a moment like a princess.

I was so distracted as I wandered about that I never heard the door clicking open behind me. I did feel it when a set of hands grabbed me by my elbows, yanking me backwards. I stumbled, nearly losing my shoes, a breathless gasp escaping my lungs. I suddenly found myself pressed tight against the now closed door, a firm weight against my back pinning me in place.

I was scared stiff...

I was terrified. I could not move and the body against my back was tall and heavy. A hot weight that felt as though it were burning my skin through my clothes. A deep and low growl almost akin to a purr filled my ears, making my eyes widen slightly.

First off, clearly, this was a man, his hard chest against my back proved as much. He was tall too. Secondly, he was from my world. The low growl that reverberated through his chest and against my back was a sign of such a thing.

Terror filled me as I felt his slightly calloused hands sliding up my arms from my elbow's and over my upper arms. The heat of his hands brushed my bare shoulders. I could feel more of his weight pressing on me, pushing me tight to the door. I couldn't move to turn and look at my captor, I couldn't twist my head to see the inside of the room. I was frozen and scared. I could see through the doors peep hole into the hallway and sincerely prayed someone would walk by. I wanted to scream out and alert everyone,before something terrible happened.

I suppressed a whimper.

I was absolutely terrified, all my senses seemed to grind to a halt. My sense of smell, my ability to speak and think became impossible. There at the moment I was frightened of what came next....I didn't want to know.

I felt the man's hand move along my bare shoulder to my neck, my hair gathering into his hand as he pushed it away to reveal more of my bare skin. I felt his hot breath as it ghosted over me, a shiver ran up my spine.

'Beta Yulson'

The thought flitted out so fast I didn't realize I had mind linked anyone until I heard a reply back.

'Aria, what's wrong?'

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying hard not to shake, as if standing still would save me. The man pinning me to the door had yet to speak this entire time, remaining quiet as he did what he pleased.

'Help.....someone grabbed me in the east wing on our floor...I don't know what room I'm in....'

'I'm coming!'

Relief washed over me with the knowledge Yulson was coming. I had to hold out just a little longer, they would catch my scent when they reached this floor and would find me. I pressed my hands to the flat of door fumbling up, If I could just find the handle, there was a good chance I could make a run for it too.

I suddenly regretted wearing heels today.

As my hand finally connected with the door handle, I stiffened once more, my eyes shooting open as I felt sharpness graze my exposed neck right over my mating spot.

"Min-"

I realized to late this man was an unmated male and the possibility of my life coming to a screeching halt spurred on my next actions. A blur of events occurred. I yanked the handle down, causing the door to swing open into the hallway. My weight went with it and so too did the man. Both of us toppled onto the floor. I had enough training to know how to get out of the free fall, fear gripping me as I sucked in a hard breath. My shoulder hit the floor and I rolled with it, the sensation of the carpeted hallway burned my shoulder and I swung up onto my feet. I didn't even take a moment to look at who had grabbed me. I was so afraid that if I looked back he would be pouncing on me and dragging me back into the room. I ran as fast as I could, blood rushing through my ears. Aeris's voice in my head urging me to go as fast as I could.

A roar echoed behind me, practically shaking the walls before the sound of the door slamming behind could be heard. I rounded the corner and slammed into something hard. Hands gripped me and I couldn't help the strangled scream that tore itself from my throat.

"Aria!"

I gasped after hearing Beta Yulson's voice and I felt tears sting my eyes.

"Beta Yulson." I whimpered before I hugged him tight. I now noticed I had lost one of my shoes. I however, was in no way motivated to go back down the other hall to find it. As far as I was concerned, it was lost forever. Yulson's arms gripped me tight and I felt comforted just by the simple action. He had always treated me just like his own daughter, as Carson and I grew up along side one another. He was the closest thing to a father I had besides my own.

"Who took you?" he asked quickly, wanting to get as much information as possible while details were fresh in my mind.

"I...I don't know." I admitted, swallowing hard, I felt as if I had not breathed once from the moment I had been yanked into the room, "I...they kept my back to them. I couldn't move." I stumbled over my words in a ramble.

"Shh, it's okay Aria, you're safe now." He stated and looked behind him. It was then I noticed the two warriors flanking him. Caleb and Carter. The twins. They were a year older than myself but they had been personally trained by Beta Yulson, they were practically his right-hand men. "Search the hall." he ordered. He took in my appearance, noticing the missing shoe. Despite being in his forties, Yulson was by no means old looking or weak. He was very fit and very handsome. Carson was often told he was a teenage version of his father in his younger years. So, when he swooped me up into a princess carry without even breaking a sweat, I was not surprised.

He then began going down the hall and towards the west wing where our rooms were located. "It's best you stay in your room until dinner. Take some time to calm down and relax, try to think of more details. I'll have the twins guard the door."

I nodded softly and held on tight even knowing Yulson wouldn't drop me purposely. Within moments, I found myself sitting on my bed as Yulson made sure everything was alright. Unfortunately, my shoe was gone for good. I almost wanted to laugh, how Cinderella like it was, but I didn't care whoever had taken my shoe back there...they could keep it.

"Relax, take a nap or something. I'll get your mother." Yulson stated, heading for the door, "If you need anything, just ask the boys. They will help you," he said, heading to the door. He had been in the midst of the final morning assembly with all the betas as they handed out policy revisions to territory lines on behalf of their Alpha's, when Aria had called on him in desperation. He had to get back now before it ended.

"Beta Yulson thank-you." I murmured, a little ashamed I had gotten so spooked. I was trained like everyone else back home, yet I had frozen up in the moment out of pure fear.

I felt Yulson's hand drop onto the top of my head, warm and large. It was reassuring.

"I will always come running, Aria, when you call." he stated, then excused himself.

My mother arrived about five minutes later. She came bursting into my suite with concern in her eyes. I could barely register most of what she said but I gratefully sank into her embrace.

I kept replaying the events over and over again in my head.

Yet none of them could be of use in such a short amount of time. It had happened so fast, what felt like hours had been barely three minutes. My mother was quick to inform my father, who had already been informed by Yulson. It wasn't hard to see the next steps. From now on, I was to be escorted by Caleb and Carter until we returned home from our trip if I wasn't already with my mother.

Considering we returned home the day after tomorrow, I wasn't against the new set of plans.

------------------

The following day felt like a whirlwind.

My father exempted me from having to attend the final morning assembly. Only Alpha's, Lunas, and Beta's had to attend. That left me to get pampered in preparation for the evening. I was escorted after breakfast down to the hotel's spa where I got a full body massage, a detoxifying seaweed wrap, and a lovely mineral bath. Needless to say, my legs felt like jelly and I was on cloud nine. I returned to my suite just in time for a light lunch. My mother had hired a stylist to be by at two-thirty to start on my hair for the ball and then when my mother arrived at three she would get her turn.

I decided against having my hair completely put up. Instead, I had the stylist curl my hair in beautiful large waves. It was then swept over my right shoulder and bobby-pinned in place, draping the curls down my front. It was simple but beautiful. My mother came sweeping into the room just as the stylist finished spraying everything into place with hairspray. I had to plug my nose as it was still sensitive to all the smells being so new. Once I was free to stand and stretch my legs, I went to the balcony to the door and let in some fresh air.

"Aria, brush your teeth before you get into your dress, nothing more embarrassing than the possibility of toothpaste stains on your dress." My mother chided before taking my place in front of the stylist while I headed to the bathroom.

"Yes Mama."

I made quick work of brushing my teeth, making sure my fangs were a lovely white and that my breath didn't smell. I could often recall when Carson had hunted a few rabbits in wolf form, how rancid his breath would smell afterwards. I frowned, staring at my reflection. I could see the frustration in my eyes, even after weeks of separation, Carson still swallowed my thoughts. I could hear Aeris' soft whimper in the back of my mind. She, too, was still recovering from the rejection. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. It was for the best...it was for the best. I repeated the word like a mantra and let myself slowly calm down. Even with the rejection of our being mates, Carson would always be my best friend. I could only hope that when the pain faded every time his name popped into my head, that the goddess Selene would bless me with a second chance. I had to be good until then, I had to be strong.

When I left the bathroom, I was surprised to see Tabitha standing in the room, "Oh there you are a pretty girl!" she practically cheered. She was dressed to the nines in a strapless sweeping pink gold evening gown that sparkled like a thousand diamonds. It fit her perfectly from the tapered top to the wide chiffon skirt. A white gold diamond necklace decorated her neck with matching earrings and a simple white gold chain around her wrist. She moved with grace and approached me to pinch my cheek, "Look at you, such a lovely thing. Hurry, do your make-up and get dressed, I've got your gown."

I was confused, "Gown? but I have a gown already." I said, looking at the bed where it was laid out neatly. It was my favorite performing dress. A black fitted spaghetti strap dress with white underlay that hugged my body in a very modest yet alluring way. It was the first ever dress I ever wore when I began to play the violin at events.

"Oh yes, your mother showed me, but I am glad I bought you a different one. You're going to a ball my love, you need to look the part!" Tabitha stated, "Like a princess, not the hired help."

Okay, Lycan or not...I was actually offended. My father had paid a good chunk of money for that dress.

Any feisty remark I had on my tongue died the next second though, when Tabitha picked up a dress she had laid on the arm-chair. It's gorgeous, the dress is floor length navy blue off the shoulder gown. It's covered in a sparkling see-through chiffon that glitters like a million stars and it takes my breath away. It had a sweet heart neck line and was fitted at the waist before flaring out. The fabric isn't stiff like satin but a soft and flowing material. I feel as though Tabitha had plucked the dress from a fairytale.

"It's....its beautiful." I whispered, my eyes scanning it over and over.

"I thought you might see it my way, now come get that little face all made up." she says quickly, directing me to sit at the vanity. I don't complain when she helps me to get ready, but I felt perhaps Tabitha was having just a bit too much fun.

I take a breath deeply for a minute. After tomorrow I probably won't see Tabitha again for quite some time, so I let her do as she pleases. She had taken such a shine to me and had been quite kind over the past week, so it wouldn't kill me to give her a little bit more fun.

At least that is what I thought.

---------------

The ball is in full swing by the time I finally make it downstairs. The doors to the ballroom are wide open and many of the guests are drifting in and out mingling amongst each other now that they could properly introduce their mates and possibly find a mate if they were single.

The smell of food invaded my senses and I'm grateful for my light lunch. I certainly want to indulge myself when I finish my performance. I grip my violin tight as I am escorted through a backdoor in the ballroom so that I have access to the terrace without having to weave through the massive crowd. I would not be performing on the stage as it had been turned into a makeshift podium with a large imposing throne like chair, obviously for the king himself. It was almost ridiculous that, in my entire trip surrounded by Lycan's, I had yet to even meet the king, let alone catch a glimpse of him.

I supposed after my performance I might get a chance to see him.

I had so far gotten stares from anyone who had passed by me.

"No one will be able to keep their eyes off you little Aria!"

Tabitha's words rang quite true. Thus far no one person's eyes had looked away. It was almost funny how accurate she had been.

Once outside, I found my space in the middle of the decorated venue. The evening sun had just begun to die down with the full rising of the moon and I couldn't feel more in tune with my violin if I tried. With a deep composing breath, I closed my eyes and gently drew my bow across the strings, eliciting a hauntingly beautiful melody. The doors to the terrace opened and with it all sounds died out, except for the sound of my violin.

I breathed in deeply as each note spilled from my violin and drifted into the evening air. There was nothing else except for myself, the music, and a golden thread that dangled in the darkness of my mind. I almost wanted to reach out to touch it, but it was still just out of my reach...

I softly exhaled.....

Damina's POV

I am anxious, a feeling I don't associate with well.

I had been on edge since yesterday afternoon. My beast had grown out of control the moment the scent had hit us. We had been in the suite going over the final decisions of the summit to present during that morning's assembly when I had smelled it....our mate. She was just outside the door. We had been smelling it off and on all week and it had been tugging at our nerves.

Our mate had appeared....

Yet they seemed oblivious to us.

I had practically ripped the door off its hinges when I yanked it open, my hand snatching the source of my torment from the hall and yanking her into the room. I had pinned her to the wall. Feeling her smooth skin and her scent of waterlilies and evergreen trees on a rainy morning had filled my senses, easing the headache that had been building. I had practically vibrated as my beast screamed inside my head that this was our mate, our second half.

What felt like hours was mere seconds, barely enough time to get acquainted, when she opened the door and both our weights forced the door to swing the opposite way, making us tumble into the hallway. I hadn't even seen her face yet when she was up and running away as though the devil was on her heels. I felt rage that our mate would run from us and my beast felt the same as we let forth and enraged howl.

When she rounded the corner, I scanned the hall. I couldn't chase her like a mad man without looking like a crazy killer. I had spotted her heel abandoned and snatched it from the floor. I would return it when I found her again.

This time there would be no escape.

I had just settled down into my chair on the stage that over-looked the mingling werewolves and lycians who had attended the summit. My senses were already on alert as I scanned the crowd, any hint of my mate should be here.

Tabitha, I could see, was sweeping through the crowd enthusiastically as she made her way to the stage and stepped up to come to my side,

"Brother! are you excited, I assure you! It's a treat." she said as she passed a spare glass of champagne she had snagged to me.

I took it, knowing I would need a little liquor to keep my patience tonight.

"Tabitha, I do not need you to play matchmaker for me." I growled softly as she settled herself on a spare chair.

"Oh, I'm sure I don't, not after tonight." she beamed, "After all, I think this is the one."

I rolled my eyes, she could think all she wanted, "I let you have your new obsession play tonight, but I did not say I planned to bed her."

I looked away from my sister's smug expression before hearing the first notes of the violin ring through the ballroom. It was haunting and beautiful. I brought instant silence over the crowd and everyone's heads turned towards the terrace as the doors were pulled open.

The scent of my mate spilled in like a wave crashing over ocean rocks. My eyes darkened slightly as my beast and I both growled low and harmoniously.

'Mate...'