The Lycan King Slave Princess

Lyra Pov "Where is she?" The familiar voice I knew all too well echoed through the halls. From the tone of her voice, I could tell that something was off. I sensed trouble. I looked up from the floor I was scrubbing, my hands paused in mid-motion. Victoria’s hurried steps made my heart sink as she closed in on me. Behind her was Tracy, a slave girl like I was. She had a twisted look on her face that heightened the lingering tension. “You witch!” Victoria cursed, throwing the bucket of dirty water at me. A loud gasp left my lips as the icy cold water drenched me, soaking my clothes that were too thin to provide enough covering. “How dare you?” her hand landed on my cheek, leaving a stinging effect. I winced in pain, clasping my hand on the burning skin, my breath catching as Victoria towered over me, fury burning in her eyes. “You did this.” she spat, holding up a torn piece of fabric to my face. Fear gripped me. I had no idea what she was talking about. I had never even seen that dress nor had I been in her chambers. I have no access to it. “I-I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I protested, trying to keep my voice steady. “Liar!” she snapped. “Tracy saw you do it.” she pointed at the girl behind her. Tracy smirked but said nothing. Tracy is known for being a pathological liar. One of the first to harbor deep rooted resentment towards me. She was Victoria’s right hand for a reason—like a match made in heaven, Victoria used her as a pawn to wreak havoc on anyone she despised. Unfortunately, I was always a victim. It became obvious to me that all this was staged. Victoria was bored out of her mind and I was nothing but an easy target to them. Before I could respond, her fingers dug into my scalp, sending jolts of pain through my spine. “You ruined my dress because you were jealous, didn’t you?” she snarled, nostrils flared in anger as her eyes met mine. Her grip tightened as she pulled, forcing my head back. I shook my head but that only amplified the effect of her fingers in my hair. “I didn’t–” “Shut up!” she thundered. “You’re jealous that I get to wear pretty clothes while all you have is nothing but filthy rags to put on.” her voice dripped with malice. Victoria never let me forget what I was. A slave. A lowlife. A nobody. Unlike her, I wasn’t born into royalty. I had no idea who my parents were or where I came from. All I knew was that Alpha Augustine, her father, found me as a baby and spared my life. I was grateful to them for taking me in, and not killing me off as some other packs would’ve done. Still, my life was nothing short of a nightmare with Victoria constantly nitpicking at the littlest things. It was obvious she hated me. They all did. All I had was my looks—fair skin, long luscious brown hair, and a presence that people often said held something—different. Many often referred to it as the aura of a princess. That was the only thing that drew attention to me in a place where I was meant to be invisible. And Victoria despised that. “You’re going to pay for this,” she growled, releasing my hair from her grip and fastening her hand around me like iron shackles. “I’m going to make sure that your punishment is so gruesome, that you’ll never think of doing such a thing ever again.” She dragged me forward. I stumbled, trying to catch up with her while she walked ahead. Tracy trailed behind, spitting harsh words at me. “That is what you deserve for thinking you’re better than everyone.” her voice was thick with hatred. Entertaining her was no luxury that I could afford, so I chose to ignore her. I had to think of a way to come out of this mess. I was about to suffer, that was certain. The thought I dreaded greatly. Slaves like us weren’t privy to mercy after being accused of a crime. The worst kind of punishment was always the order of the day. And for Victoria? She always made sure to reserve the worst for me. She shoved me roughly on the floor as soon as we arrived at the open fields. A shiver ran down my spine, the cold air ripping through my soaked clothes. The sun had set—its warm glow casting a shadow on the plain fields. Victoria loved to make a public spectacle of whomever she was out for and the fields was the second best place for such displays. The slaves were working the fields at that hour—a perfect opportunity. “Attention everyone!” Tracy called, striking two metal rods to draw them in. “This slave right here—” Victoria began, pointing at me. “Thought it was wise to destroy my prized possession.” Tracy flagged the ripped fabric in the air. “As punishment,” she turned to me, a menacing grin etched on her lips. My stomach twisted in fear. My heart is hammering in my chest like it would explode any minute. Tracy emerged from the corner, a metal steel in her hand—the mind used for brandishing slaves. I melted at the spot, praying for the earth to swallow me up than allow me to live such a pitiful life. Brandished slaves were treated worse than rogues. I cannot become one. No! Tracy was only inches away from me. I could feel the heat emitting from the rod that threatened to devour me. “Her forehead will be brandished.” Victoria continued, a twisted look of satisfaction on her face. “Let this serve as a warning to everyone.” I crawled towards Victoria, tears blinding my vision. “Please don't do this.” I wept, grabbing her leg with both arms. “It wasn't me.” My gaze met her cold, dark eyes. “I swear, I didn't do it.” Desperation was taking over. Whatever it took, I had to get out of this mess. Crawling, begging, crying, anything–as long as I get her to stop. She leaned in close, her warm breath brushing over my skin. “I never really liked that face of yours.” Her voice came in whispers. “I'm simply doing you a favour by disfiguring you.” She pulled away, her expression transforming into a grin. She retrieved the rod from Tracy, ready to begin judgement. The air was thick with tension. I tried to flee but Tracy held me in place. Cold sweat trickled down my skin. I couldn't breathe. The metal was a few inches away from my face. The heat getting stronger and stronger. “Princess Victoria.” a loud voice called from the vastness. All eyes turned to the direction of the voice. A deep sigh of relief escaped my lips. Lady Matilda arrived just in time to stop the madness that was about to unfold. I was certain I'd been saved. Lady Matilda was highly respected by everyone. Not even Victoria could go against her. Lady Matilda's voice was firm but calm as she approached us. "What is going on here? Victoria's grin flattened, and she took a step back, the metal rod falling from her grasp. "She ruined my dress." She pointed at me. A frown forming on her face. "I was only trying to teach her a lesson." Lady Matilda's eyes caught sight of the rod on the ground. "By brandishing her?" She asked Victoria shrugged. "You are not allowed to punish slaves without permission from the Alpha. You know this." She cautioned calmly. Victoria's face flushed red with anger. She knew better than to question Lady Matilda. "Whatever." She rolled her eyes and left the scene. “This is not over yet.” She muttered to me.