Eliza’s POV
I spent time with my brother Alex, exploring the palace and its surroundings. He was an excellent guide, showing me all the hidden passages and secret rooms that only a few knew about. He laughed about how he used to hide from our parents there when he was smaller. We would spend hours talking about our mother and how she used to be the one who would take him on adventures. Alex would tell me stories about her bravery and kindness, and I would listen with wide eyes, feeling like I was getting to know her better.
Our father would often join us, sitting in on our conversations and sharing his stories about our mother. He would tell us about the times she had stood up for what was right, even when it was difficult, and how she had always put her family first. I loved hearing these stories, and I could feel a deep sense of connection to my mother through them.
As we talked about our mother, I couldn't help but feel a longing. I wished I could have met her, to know her as a person, to learn from and be loved by her. I often asked Alex how I went missing, but he could never answer me.
"Why don't you remember anything?" I asked Alex, frustration creeping into my voice.
Alex sighed and looked down at his feet. "I don't know, Eliza. I've asked Father about it, but he says it's unimportant."
I felt a pang of anger. Why wouldn't it be necessary? Why would they keep secrets from me?
The King noticed my upset and intervened. "Eliza, I'm sorry. It's not that I don't want to tell you. It's just... sometimes things are better left in the past.” He leaned over to kiss my forehead before leaving the room.
I felt a lump form in my throat. I knew he was trying to protect me, but it was hard not to feel I was missing out on something important. I had spent my entire life in a pack that hated my existence and mistreated me when the life I was born into was like a different world entirely.
“Anyway, little sis, perhaps you should get some rest before the big day tomorrow? Are you excited for Father to show you off?” Alex chuckled as he ruffled my hair playfully.
“I guess so.” I shrugged my shoulders. Tomorrow was the day of the ball that everyone in the palace was excited about. I wondered what it would be like and allowed myself to imagine how it may be.
After dinner, I decided to take a long walk into the palace grounds and have some time alone.
“Alfred and Bernard, make sure you stay close to her.” I heard my brother say quietly. I spun around with my hands on my hips.
“Is it really necessary?” I grumbled. I just wanted to breathe and think for myself. Alfred and Bernard were friendly and caring enough, but I couldn't be bothered to have them breathing down my neck again.
“Eliza, you know the rules.” Alex frowned at me. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of frustration wash over me. I was tired of being treated like a fragile doll, always needing to be protected and watched. I just wanted to walk without being followed by my two bodyguards.
"I just want to get some fresh air," I said, trying to reason with my brother. "I promise I'll be careful."
Alex looked at me uncertainly but then nodded. "Okay, but just for a little while, and make sure you stay close to the palace grounds. I have some things I need to attend to.”
I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and annoyance. I knew Alex was trying to protect me, but it was hard not to feel like I was being treated like a child.
“Jasmine, why do I feel like something is being kept from me?” I sighed quietly and asked my Wolf.
Jasmine's thoughts echoed back, a gentle, soothing presence. "Eliza, they don't want us to be hurt or upset. They are just being protective after everything that happened." Her words were a comforting balm to my soul, but they also left me with more questions.
I sat on the grass, looked up at the clear blue sky, and wondered what was happening back at the creek pack. I wondered if Rylan had told them about me rejecting him. I wished I had never met any of them. The way Daniella had been disgusted by me every day made me feel sick to the pit of my stomach. I wasn't some unworthy omega. I deserved love and respect like anyone else. I just hoped and prayed that they didn't bother to attend the Royal ball tomorrow. They would be sorry if they did.
“Princess Eliza. It's time to return. Your father wishes to see you in his study.” I was interrupted by Bernard, who appeared out of nowhere, and I felt annoyed at him following me. Did I not deserve any privacy?
“Have you been there the whole time?” I shouted at him crossly. His cheeks went red as he shamefully looked at the ground. “My sincere apologies, Princess, but it's the King's orders; otherwise, it's my head on the line.”
“Fine.” I sighed and headed for my father's study and wondered what he could want to talk about this time.
I entered the study and found my father sitting behind his desk, a look of deep thought on his face. "Ah, Eliza, I've been expecting you. Please, come in and take a seat."
I did as he asked, trying to push aside my irritation at being summoned. "What's this about, Father?" I asked, trying to sound neutral.
My father leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "I've been thinking a lot about your mother. She would have liked her daughter to look and feel beautiful at her first Grand ball.” he clicked his fingers, and the door opened to four servant girls hurriedly entering, each carrying the most beautiful dresses that I had ever seen in my life.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The dresses were exquisite, each one more beautiful than the last. I felt a pang of excitement mixed with a sense of trepidation. Why were my father's servants bringing me these dresses? And what did he mean by saying my mother would have liked me to look and feel beautiful at my first Grand ball?
"Father, why are they here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “I already have a dress for the ball. Abbie had it laid out for me.”
My father's expression turned serious. "Your mother loved clothes, Eliza. She was a beautiful woman, and she loved making people feel special. These four dresses were her favourite ones. She would have wanted you to wear them on your first Grand ball."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at the dresses. They were stunning, each one more elegant than the last. But why did my father want me to wear them? Was it just because he thought they would make me look beautiful, or was there something more to it?
"Which one should I wear?" I asked, feeling a sense of uncertainty.
My father's eyes lit up. "Ah, that's a great question. You have a choice, Eliza. Choose the one that speaks to you."
I looked at the dresses again, feeling overwhelmed by the options. But as I scanned the dresses, one caught my eye. It was a beautiful silver gown with intricate embroidery and a delicate lace overlay. It was stunning, and I could feel myself drawn to it.
"I think I'll choose this one," I said, pointing to the silver gown.
My father's face lit up with approval. "Excellent choice, Eliza. You will look beautiful in that dress. Abbie will assist you in trying it on.”