The Offering

Date with the King

Arrow sighed in more aggravation. She never went on a date in her life and did not know where to start. When they entered their room Stephanie was already chattering repeatedly on her ideas for their date.

Arrow figured Stephanie would want something romantic, preppy type. Not in a bad way but she could tell she was a girly girl.

She didn’t know what April would decide on so it was difficult. She wanted the King to enjoy himself but she remembered David’s warning. ‘Make it believable, but do not win, you will return back here to me.’

They all spent the evening in their room thinking of their dates. Arrow was understanding the usual man’s contemplation as if she was now in their shoes. A first date. She hated this decision making for dates.

Finally, Ms. Louise arrive at the girls room where she held a notepad and pencil. Stephanie was the first to speak.

“Hi, Stephanie Morgan here. I would want us to go to a small bistro café I seen here in your guide for guests. On the edge of town I believe. Seems fancy. So, nice shirt, dress pants.” Stephanie said excitedly.

“April Conners. Thinking a small lunch at the Modern Moon, dress attire.” April said nervously.

“Arrow Winsdor. A simple walk through the giant palace gardens, and stop at, I think it was called Claws Tacos. Get a couple tacos and sit at a picnic table. Casual attire. No dressy stuff.” Arrow told Ms. Louise, who smiled at her.

The girls took turns showering and went straight to bed. All with butterflies on tomorrows events.

Azazel read over Ms. Louise notes for each upcoming date. The clause he added in that each trial would have a first place and he would go on date with winner.

The first two he was figuring for the dates. He was shocked at the third he read. It was different. He thought all women were into the wining and dining.

The next day Arrow stared out the window waiting for her daily meals to arrive at the door. It was what she was accustomed to do.

She watched as each of the others went on their date. Stephanie dressed in a knee-high yellow summer dress. Arrow liked it but knew she could never wear anything like that again. The scars prevented that.

During their high-scale breakfast Stephanie was particularly chatty and excited. Azazel barely got a word in edge wise. She told him all about her and her home pack.

With April’s date she wore a nice tight black dress. The restaurant was fancy and lit up romantically. Azazel knew they were trying to make a good impression on the King.

April was a bit quieter than Stephanie but still the same. Never asked about him. All about her home pack and their traditions.

By the time Arrows turn came around Azazel was happy to get out of the dress clothes. He wore light blue jeans, a black tee, and his Justin work boots. He felt comfortable. He let his hair be naturally messy.

Arrow wore black leggings, black long sleeves, leather bike boots. She was glad to be comfortable at least. This was her first date.

They met each other at the front entrance of the castle. Arrow was feeling butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She was nervous and

The King was looking like a Greek god had her feeling other things as well.

“Good afternoon, what is on the agenda today Arrow?” Azazel asked with curiosity.

“King..” She began but was interrupted by Azazel.

“Please, call me Azazel.” He insisted.

“Azazel. I thought the maid gave you the agenda. But if you must be reminded, just going through the garden. Stop at a local food cart and relax.” She said to him blushing slightly.

“Simple but I like it.” He told her causing her to blush even harder.

“I figured you spend all day in your royal attire or some sort of dress clothes. In meetings and dealing with politics all day that an

evening of relaxation will be nice.” She told him.

Azazel smiled at her reasoning. It was a nice gesture and it has been many years since he got to just relax and enjoy being normal.

As they walked through the Royal Garden Azazel noticed something. All times seeing her before she looked nervous, out of place, and tense. Here and now she seemed more relaxed.

“You seem more relaxed out here.” He says breaking the silence.

“When I was a little girl I loved being outdoors. I felt at peace. One with nature. It always seems to calm me.” Arrow informed him.

“This is the first relaxing date I have been on in quite a long time.” He tells her.

“This is the first date I have ever been on.” She tells him feeling a tad bit embarrassed.

“Wait, what?” He says in shock.

“Yeah growing up I was always to busy and the last few years I have been otherwise occupied.” She fumbles telling him reasons.

“Snow Moon Pack has always been one about traditions. Good to see that some still follow the old laws.” He tells her.

The awkward silence came back once again and Azazel felt a bit guilty. This was her fist date.

“I will have three of your fiesta tacos.” Arrow told the street vendor snapping Azazel back to reality.

“Same.” He tells the man.

After their relaxing time he decided to go on gut, feeling, not just what the rules apply to be done.

“So, this is just two people relaxing and getting to know each other. How about another time, I take you on a proper first date?” he asks Arrow.

“Umm. Sure.” She answered without being able to think.

“Good evening Arrow.” He tells her leaving her on the castle steps.