Eliza’s POV
“Creek pack. I don’t know if I want to face them.” I muttered under my breath and quickly realised they had heard my words. I looked down at the ground, unable to bring myself to look at them both. I knew they would be staring at me, waiting for me to say something more.
There was a moment of silence before Alfred broke it and said. “Creek, that’s where you were all this time, right? Then you ended up at Silver Moon.”
I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability as I nodded slowly, still avoiding eye contact. Alfred's words were like a gentle probing, and I knew he was trying to get me to open up about my past.
"Tell me, Princess," he said softly, his voice encouraging. "What happened to you? What did you go through? The king doesn't like to discuss it. He's just happy he has got you back again.”
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over me. “I...I don't know if I'm ready to talk about it," I said, barely above a whisper.
Bernard nodded sympathetically. "Of course, Princess. We understand. But we're here for you, and we'll support you whenever you're ready to talk about it. Just remember that.”
"I'll think about it," I said, slowly raising my head to look at Alfred and Bernard finally...
"Let's focus on the ball for now," Alfred said, changing the subject. "We must ensure you're prepared for what's to come.” he raised his eyebrows.
“What does that mean?” I stuttered.
“Eliza, nobody will harm you. Your Wolf is strong, and so are you. You have Royal blood, after all. You will be safe, and nobody will dare to hurt you. Especially not with us around.” He chuckled at my worried expression, but before I could respond, we were interrupted.
“My dear, Eliza, a word, please, if I may.” The king's voice interrupted us, and I whirled around to see him standing a few feet away; he held out his hand to me and without a word, I reached forward and allowed him to lead me to wherever we were headed.
“I’m sure you have heard talk about the upcoming ball; I invite alphas and lunas from all over the land. Of course, Theron will be there. I'm sure you will be pleased to see a friendly face amongst the crowds.” he said, glancing at me and pausing momentarily.
“Yes, I will be pleased to see him. But father, what will happen at this ball? I'm a little nervous since it is so new to me.” I explained, trying not to sound so pathetic and weak.
“Well, I will take that opportunity to introduce you to everyone. I am so pleased that you are by my side, and I can sleep at night knowing you are safe where you belong, my darling girl.” He said proudly, and I felt my cheeks burn red as I blushed with pride. It felt so good to hear someone talk about me in that way. I felt a lot of love and care since being here. Something that I had never felt whilst at Creek.
“Thank you. It will be exciting, but I worry about seeing old faces from my old pack.” I said, but deep down, I was also worried about what it would be like. I didn’t know what to wear, let alone how to act.
“Eliza, I am the king; nobody will make you feel unworthy again. But this ball is to make it known to all that you are the daughter of the King and will expect respect from all. Anyone who disobeys that will be punished accordingly. Now, let's get back to the matter at hand, shall we?” he said sharply, and I could only nod in response.
“Yes, now I would like to introduce you to Abbie. She will be looking after you and helping you make choices for what you would like to wear for the ball. It’s short, so I want you to be happy and comfortable.” He said, giving me a quick hug before gesturing for her to come forward.
Abbie, a kind-faced woman with a warm smile, stepped forward. "Welcome, Princess Eliza," she said, her voice gentle and soothing. "It is an honour to serve and attend to your needs as your maid."
My father placed a hand on my shoulder. "Abbie has been with our family for many years, Eliza. She is knowledgeable and skilled in the ways of court protocol and etiquette. You will find her to be a trusted and loyal companion."
“Thank you, Father and pleased to meet you, Abbie.” I nodded, feeling appreciative towards Abbie for her kindness. My father's words echoed in my mind - loyal companion. I had always been alone, relying on myself for everything. The thought of having someone to rely on was both comforting and unsettling.
“I will be off now as I have a few things that need my attention.” He stated before sauntering off in the opposite direction.
“Let’s have a look around. I haven’t explored much of the palace.” I suggested hoping to get along with her since she would be around me a lot by the sounds of it.
“Certainly.” She addressed me and bowed, but I was still unsure how I felt.
As we walked through the palace, Abbie pointed out various rooms and areas. "This is the library, where you can find books and scrolls on all subjects. That is the music room, where you can practice your skills or listen to the court musicians play. And over there is the garden, where you can stroll or enjoy the fresh air. We have many training sessions so that I won’t disturb them.” Abbie said.
I felt like a child in a new school, taking it all in with wide eyes. The palace was so much larger than I had ever imagined, with so many rooms and corridors to explore. Abbie's explanations helped me navigate the unfamiliar space, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was scratching the surface.
As we reached the door to my chambers, Abbie halted me with a gentle touch on my arm. "Princess Eliza, may I ask you something?" she said softly.
I turned to her, curious about what she might say. "Of course," I replied.
Abbie's eyes were filled with kindness and concern. "How are you feeling today? This is a lot to take in, and I want to ensure you're comfortable."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at Abbie. Before, No one had ever cared about my emotions or well-being. It was a strange sensation but also a welcome one.
"I'm feeling overwhelmed," I admitted truthfully. "Everything is so new and different. But I'm trying to be brave. I’m not used to all this; I’m more used to your type of job.”
Abbie smiled warmly. "You haven't had an easy start to life, but you are being brave, Princess Eliza. And I will be here for you every step of the way. You deserve true happiness. I've never seen the king so happy, and that's because he has you back by his side. Ever since your mother's passing, he hadn't been himself and rarely smiled. Alpha Theron made him happy the day he gave him the news of your sudden appearance.”
I felt a pang of curiosity at the mention of Alpha Theron. How much did the palace know of me and my past?
I opened my mouth to ask, but Abbie seemed to sense that I was hesitant and didn't press the matter.
Instead, she changed the subject. "Shall we get started on your preparations for the ball? We have a lot to do in a short amount of time."
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I was grateful for Abbie's distraction from the sensitive topic. We spent the next hour discussing everything from my wardrobe to my etiquette training.
“I shall run you a bath now, and you will feel much better afterwards.” Abbie busied herself, and I sat on the edge of my bed, looking at the four walls and wondering how I got this lucky. It was like a dream come true for me, something that I never believed would happen.
“Are you okay?” Abbie forced me to my senses as she waved a hand before me, an amused smile on her pretty face.
“Oh yes, of course. I'm sorry. I was in my little world. I tend to do that often, wander off with my brain.” I said, and we both giggled.
I found a beautiful dress laid out on the bed. "This is for the ball," she said. "I think it will be perfect for you."
I gasped as I took in the sight of the dress. It was unlike anything I had ever seen - a shimmering silk gown with intricate embroidery and delicate lace. I felt like a princess from a fairy tale.
Abbie smiled as she watched me admire the dress. "You look lovely, Princess Eliza," she said. "I think you'll be the belle of the ball."
I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What if I didn't fit in with the other courtiers? What if I made a mistake or said something embarrassing?
“I hope I don't make a fool of myself, and I'm so nervous.”
I started to say, but Abbie stepped forward to reassure me. "Don't worry, Princess Eliza," she said. "You'll do just fine. Just be yourself, and you'll be loved either way.”
She was right - I just needed to be myself and trust everyone else would do the same.