I’m lucky the kitchen staff didn't get angry when I asked for food. They are also treating me better and not acting like I am a burden, even though the whispers and stares follow me. Is it because everyone knows I was at the dinner last night or because of the huge mark on my back? Gossip travels fast. I know by now everyone probably knows I'm claimed by the Third Prince.
After eating, I go to the Head Omega's room, and Alistair gets to work. Dolores doesn't bother us. I think she is getting used to me being here. He first styles my hair, then moves on to my face.
"So, how was the dinner last night, girl? I need deets," Alistair says, making my cheeks burn as I remember what Zedkiel did to me last night. My heart begins to thump, and my cheeks get even hotter.
He had… Goddess! That was mortifying! Remembering how it made me feel, I feel an odd sensation between my legs, pushing the thoughts out of my head.
Alistair chuckles. "Now I get what that glow is! But you don't smell different."
"N-nothing happened!" I squeak, "You-you need to help me. I mean, can you please help me?"
That only makes him laugh louder, and Dolores huffs. "Keep it down."
"Oh, don't be crabby just because I was right about her." Alistair waves his hand as he looks down at his eyeshadow palette.
Dolores simply makes a face as she slowly comes over. "I hear you were at the dinner last night. Any reason?"
I look down, unsure if I am supposed to say anything, but she isn’t leaving, and I need Alistair's help. "Well, Prince Zedkiel wants to make me his Luna. So it's what-"
They gasp, looking at each other before looking back at me. Alistair looks beyond ecstatic, and Dolores looks pale.
"Luna! Oh my gosh, I'm talking to a Luna!" Alistair squeals, and I cringe at the sound.
"Oh, shut up, you fool! She isn't Luna yet. The King won't allow it!" Dolores snaps.
"He didn't refuse," I mumble.
That renders her speechless, and Alistair smirks. "Yes, Dolores? Anything else you want to say, Sunshine?"
She simply purses her lips together, looking displeased.
"Yes, but the Prince said my training starts today. I don't know what he meant. I was h-hoping you could help me?" I ask, looking at Alistair hopefully.
He puts his palette down and fans his face. "Okay, I don't know what kind of training he can give you, but I'm certain I can-"
"Alistair." Dolores tries to pull him back, her eyes flashing. "You need to stay away. Our duty is to care for the omegas, not focus on one!"
"I am. She is still an omega, even if she is to be Luna," he whispers.
I look down, unsure if I did the right thing by asking him. Dolores only seems to be getting angrier. "I don't want to cause trouble," I say.
Alistair shakes his head. Coming back over, he begins to apply my makeup.
"Not at all. To be Luna, there are certain things you will have to learn to do. Planning and organising is a big one, so you must be confident enough to give commands. There's knowing people by face and rank and addressing them accordingly. The princes’ lunas only have one luna above them, the Queen. Oh, there are other things I must-"
"There you are," Zedkiel's growl comes. His eyes blaze as he scans the room. I quickly stand up, my heart thumping when he walks over, gripping my arms as he looks me over. His hands run down my bare arms and my hands, making my heart pound before he frowns and lets go of my hands, "Where have you been?"
I glance at Alistair, who, with Dolores, seems to be cowering in fear at his presence. Only then do I realise his aura is swirling around him. I think I am already getting used to it.
"I went to have b-breakfast and thought I’d get ready for the d-day, before my training," I reply. He seems to calm down, his eyes returning to gold, and a chill runs down my spine as I remember my nightmare.
"Right," he mutters, and I look at him sharply.
Did he think I ran away?I glance at Alistair, thinking this is my chance. "P-pri- Zedkiel," I correct myself when his eyes narrow, my words making Alistair and Dolores stare at me. "I was asking Alistair here to guide me on what will help me be the ideal luna. I know you will train me, but I thought…" I pause under his cold glare, no longer confident in my plan. I look down, my heart thumping when he folds his arms.
"That's not a bad idea," he says, looking at Alistair. "Then I guess from this day forward, you will no longer work for… her." He glances at Dolores, who seems disappointed that the Prince doesn't know her name.
"Dolores, Your Majesty."
Zedkiel ignores her, glancing at Alistair, who looks shocked, not expecting that as he glances at me before turning back to Zedkiel. "M-me, Your Majesty?"
"Obviously, who else?" Zedkiel snarls. "But rest assured, if she fails… I will kill you."
Alistair gulps, visibly terrified, and I look at him worriedly. "Only if you want to… you don't need to," I whisper bravely. I glance at Zedkiel, and he's watching me calculatingly again.
"N-no, I have hopes for you. I knew there was something special about you," he says, smoothing his printed satin shirt.
"We will get her in tip-top shape, My Prince. You teach her the sword and strength, and I will teach her the perfect hostess tricks. I'll show her elegance, confidence, and wit."
"Good," Zedkiel says as Dolores quickly steps forward.
"With all due respect, My Prince, Alistair, has a job he needs to-'' she's cut off when Zedkiel's eyes flash dangerously.
"He works for me now. If my father has an issue, he can bring it up with me," he growls, making her flinch.
I step forward, touching Zedkiel's forearm, not wanting him to kill her. "Then shall we continue to our training?" I ask.
His gaze flickers down to my hand on his arm and I quickly move it back, my heart thumping, but to my surprise, he cocks his brow and smirks. "Sure, but maybe you need to fix that stuff because you look like a panda right now."
I look in the mirror sitting on the table to see Alistair had only applied dark shadow to one eye. My gaze flicks back to the Prince as Alistair chuckles and says he will fix it immediately, but I can't focus on him because I can only think of the Prince's words.
Was that his attempt at cracking a joke?"I'll wait. Move faster," he says, crossing his arms. I slowly sit down, feeling nervous under his intense gaze. But deep down, a part of me feels oddly lightheaded, too.