The King that Got Away

The Dance

Amelia walked down the halls of the palace. It was old and made of stone, but modernized enough for comfort. She traced her hand along the wall as she walked, wondering what the walls would say if they could talk. They must hold so many secrets. She was surprised when she actually heard voices. They sounded like two of the women from court. Simple Omega's who served court needs. Amelia slowed her pace when she realized they were talking about her.

"There's a rumor he's taking that Beta girl to the Red Party," one of them said, her tone was mocking.

"He would never! She's just a Beta... a rich one, but still no Alpha. A Lycan King would never take a low-ranking woman as a date," the other said with confidence in her voice.

Their words hurt Amelia, even though they were far below her in status, what they said wasn't entirely untrue. Yet Dominick was taking her to the party.

"If she thinks he'll choose her to be his queen she's delusional," one continued. "He needs a princess or an Alpha at least. If she became queen, I could never give her the respect she'd demand."

"You'd have to and you know it," the other said.

"You know you wouldn't be able to either. She's always trying to be close to him, fancies herself as friends. Friends with the king?" she laughed. "He probably just wants an easy lay and then he'll toss her aside like yesterday's trash."

"That would be fun to watch. It's always good to see people who think they're better than Omegas knocked down a peg." They moved down the hall out of earshot.

Tears pricked Amelia's eyes, but she knew that she couldn't let them fall. In fact, they'd only firmed her resolve to show she could take on the role of queen if he'd have her. She could rule by his side, she was practically doing it already. He came to her about many pressing issues, they talked at length about ideas he had. She knew when he was stressed and could talk him into an easier frame of mind. She did feel guilty about keeping him from his true mate if he chose her... but if he chose her was it her fault? She'd present herself and let him make the choice. She'd have to find a way to be happy with his decision if it wasn't her. She'd cross that bridge when she got to it.

Amelia entered the throne room and took her place a few seats down from the king. Well-off families and other royal connections were already arriving for the Red Party and today many were being presented to the king and his court. Since Amelia was the daughter of Dominick's father's Beta and her mother was the previous queen's first lady in waiting, also a Beta, she had a place near the current king. Her family's money also helped the kingdom in a big way placing her even higher in the court's rankings. As each family was presented, the king said something to show he knew who they were and that they were welcomed. It was an all day affair. Afterward, there was a grand feast with live music. Amelia chose to wear a beautiful blue gown with a high low hemline, off the shoulder top and subtle sparkle throughout. It contrasted well with her dark brown hair that fell in waves to the small of her back and nearly matched her blue eyes. Her wolf was a brilliant silver that almost glowed, she loved to wear blue as it complimented silver so well. She wore sparkling silver high heeled sandals with straps going up her lower leg. She chose to wear her family jewels to state her status without having to utter a word.

When she arrived at the feast she walked down the elegant staircase slowly, allowing everyone in the room to turn and see her. She could hear murmurs rumbling throughout the crowd. Many young men noticed her and that made her heart swell with pride. While she was falling for Dominick, she could still be flattered by others noticing her beauty. A group of omegas in the back of the room laying food out on tables sneared at her and began whispering. This did not go unnoticed. She quickly put them out of her mind as Dominick approached the bottom of the staircase. She stepped off and looked up into his eyes, her breath caught in her throat. He offered her his elbow and she took it gladly. He walked with her through the crowd, stopping to greet people, introducing her although it was hardly needed. He guided her to a seat beside his. This was not at all expected.

"Your highness, are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes, of course," he answered.

Amelia sat beside him, still perplexed. With a clap of his hands, the music and feasting began. Amelia was on cloud 9. She was seated next to Dominick by his own choice. A seat usually kept empty as there was no Luna and his mother was dead. Could this be a sign? Was he telling her something? She was afraid to hope.

After dinner was eaten, the dancing began. Dominick pushed his chair back and offered her his hand, "I'll have to dance with many women tonight, but I'd like you to be my first."

"Of course," Amelia beamed up at him. She was a good dancer having taken lessons since she was toddler. She also had a natural graceful way about her. Tonight, her dress showed off not only her curves, but the way it moved around her showcased her graceful movements. She looked very regal indeed.

Their dance was over far too soon and she had to leave his arms. She stood on the sidelines watching the dancers, fully enjoying the view of all the dresses. A man stood beside her and cleared his throat, bringing her out of her thoughts. She looked up at him, it was Blaine. A cousin of the king. The same man she'd suspected wanted to ask her tonight as his date.

"Would you give me the honor of dancing with me?" he asked.

He was tall and broad, dark haired with green eyes. He towered over her even in her heels. "I'd love to," she smiled. She didn't dislike him at all, she didn't really give him much thought either way. He proved to be an excellent dancer and she had to admit that she was impressed by the way his muscles moved under his suit jacket. They twirled around the floor causing many heads to turn.

"You're an incredible dancer," she said.

"Thank you, you are as well," he answered.

When the dance ended, he was loath to let her go and so they danced the next song as well. Amelia found herself laughing at his sense of humor and loved dancing with someone her equal on the dance floor. Still, she was devoid of the butterflies she'd had with Dominick. Speaking of which, she noticed him stalk toward them and tap Blaine on the shoulder. "Mind if I cut in?" he said, his eyes shown red, his wolf peaking through.

"Of course not my king," he answered, but his face did not show the courtesy his voice portrayed.

When she was once again in the arms of the king he looked at me seriously, "I let you go for a few minutes and you dance with him of all people?"

She was confused at this, "he asked and I said yes. What's the big deal?"

"Nothing..." Dominick answered. "You're allowed to dance with whoever."

"You can tell me anything, Dom, anything at all," she said quiet enough that no one would hear her call him an informal name.

"I said it's nothing, okay?" he dismissed. They continued their dance in silence.

The night closed with a toast to the Red Party after much dancing and drinking. Everyone stumbled off to their bedrooms, most not alone...

Amelia sat on her bed taking her shoes off when a knock sounded at her door. She opened it and gasped, Dominick!