IVY’S POV
I sat in the most beautiful room I had ever seen. The walls were covered in rich tapestries showing wolves running through forests. The furniture was made of dark wood that gleamed like it had been polished with gold. Everything was so different from the tiny, cramped spaces I was used to.
Two maids stood behind me, their hands gentle as they worked on my hair. I had never had anyone take care of me like this before.
"Miss," one of the maids said softly, "we need to get you ready now."
"Ready for what?" I asked nervously.
"To meet the Fenrir King," the other maid replied.
My stomach dropped. The Fenrir King. Kade's father. The most powerful man in the werewolf world.
"I don't think I'm ready for that," I whispered more to myself but they heard me.
"Don't worry, miss," the first maid said kindly. "We've been instructed to get you cleaned and dressed properly. You'll look perfect."
They helped me up from the chair and led me to a large mirror. I barely recognized myself. My hair was clean and shining, pulled back in an elegant style. My skin looked healthy for the first time in years.
"Now for the dress," one of the maids said, holding up a beautiful gown made of deep blue silk.
"I can't wear that," I protested. "It's too fancy. I'm just a slave."
"Not anymore," the other maid said firmly. "Prince Kade has made it very clear that you're to be treated as royalty."
They forced me into the fine clothes, adjusting every fold and seam until it fit perfectly. I felt like I was playing dress-up in someone else's life.
"You need to stand straighter," one maid instructed. "Like this."
She showed me how to hold my shoulders back and lift my chin.
"And when you walk, take smaller steps," the other added. "More graceful. Like a princess."
"I don't know how to act like a princess," I said helplessly.
"You'll learn," they both said together.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," one of the maids called out.
Kade stepped into the room, and I felt my breath catch. He was dressed in formal clothes too, looking every inch the prince he was.
"You look beautiful," he said, smiling at me.
I felt my cheeks turn red. "Why did you bring me here?"
His smile grew wider. "I wanted to take you to meet my father."
At the mention of his father, my heart jumped into my stomach. "Your father? The King?"
"Yes," Kade said. "He's been wanting to meet you."
"I don't think that's a good idea," I said quickly. "I'm nobody special. I'm just—"
"You're here as my mate," Kade interrupted. "That makes you very special."
The maids curtsied and left the room, giving us privacy.
“Prince Kade," I said quietly, "I'm scared."
"There's nothing to be scared of," he said, offering me his arm. "My father is a good man. He'll understand."
I took his arm reluctantly, and we walked out of the room together.
The Fenrir palace was enormous. We walked through hallways lined with portraits of previous kings and queens. Everything was grand and intimidating.
As we passed groups of servants, I heard whispers following us.
"Is that her?"
"The slave girl?"
"I can't believe Prince Kade chose her."
"She doesn't belong here."
"Look at how she walks. You can tell she's not nobility."
"What was he thinking?"
Each whisper felt like a slap in the face. I kept my eyes on the floor, trying to ignore them.
"Don't listen to them," Kade said quietly.
"They're right though," I whispered back. "I don't belong here."
"You belong wherever I say you belong," he replied firmly.
We reached a pair of massive doors guarded by two warriors in silver armor.
"Prince Kade," one of the guards said, bowing. "The King is waiting for you."
"Thank you," Kade replied.
The doors opened, and we walked into a throne room that took my breath away. The ceiling was so high I could barely see it. Banners hung from the walls, and warriors stood at attention along the sides.
At the far end of the room sat an older man on a throne made of carved stone. Even from a distance, I could see the family resemblance. This was definitely Kade's father.
We walked across the long room, our footsteps echoing off the stone floor. With each step, I felt smaller and more out of place.
Finally, we reached the throne. Kade bowed deeply, and I tried to copy him.
"Father," Kade said, straightening up.
"Son," the King replied. His voice was deep and commanding, but there was warmth in it too. "You look well."
"Thank you, Father. The mission to the northern territories was successful."
"Good, good," the King said. "But you must remember to keep control. The other packs are watching everything we do. One mistake and we could lose years of careful diplomacy."
"I understand, Father."
The King's eyes moved to me. I felt like he was looking straight through me.
"And this is?" he asked.
"This is Ivy," Kade said, putting his hand on my shoulder. "My mate."
The King raised an eyebrow. "Your mate?"
"Yes, Father. I've chosen her."
"I see," the King said slowly. "And what is her background?"
"She's the daughter of Thomas," Kade replied.
The King suddenly sat up straight in his throne. His entire expression changed.
"You're Beta Thomas's daughter?" he asked, staring directly at me.
I nodded, and tears started streaming down my eyes. Hearing my father's name spoken with respect instead of hatred was overwhelming.
"Yes, Your Majesty," I whispered.
The King studied my face for a long moment.
"You have his eyes," he said finally. "And your mother's chin."
"You knew my parents?" I asked, my voice barely audible.
"I knew them well," the King replied. "Your father was a good man. A brave man."
I couldn't hold back the question that had been burning inside me for ten years.
"Was he truly a traitor?" I asked through my tears.
The King stared at me for a long time. The throne room was completely silent. I was waiting desperately and impatiently for his answer.
Finally, he shook his head slowly and muttered. "He wasn't."