Chapter 5

Alora POV

The footsteps I hear behind me only serve to make me walk faster. In truth, I want to run. I have never been more humiliated in my whole life, but I wouldn't let them see my shame. I stop in the center of a large entryway. There are staircases to my left and to my right, and I can't remember which way I came from.

I chastise myself in my head for not paying attention, but I was so captivated by the beauty of the castle, my eyes were bouncing from one thing to another. The whole castle glitters and it distracted me.

"You want the stairs to the left," a voice comes from behind me.

It is not the gruff voice of King Leonidas and that puts me somewhat at ease. Spinning around glitter on my gown swirls with me causing light to cascade onto the walls. My eye glance up at the grand ceiling and it looks like the night sky. Suddenly, I miss being at the cabin.

"Would you like me to show you to your room?'" Alfred asks politely.

"I hardly think that would be proper," I whisper. "I am certain I can find my way."

Alfred raises his eyebrows at me and crosses his arms over his chest. He doesn't believe me. "I thought fae creatures couldn't lie?"

I scoff loudly in his direction but the smirk on his lips forces a smile to cross on mine. "I did not lie," I respond. "I am sure I can eventually find my room."

"As capable as you look," Alfred replies. "I would hate to see you wondering around the castle until the wee hours of the morning searching for your room. This place was built to be a labyrinth of sorts. Even those that have been here for decades still find themselves lost in the hallways."

A frown tugs at the corners of my lips. I was hoping to find some sort of freedom here, but if I won't be able to find my way around it will be just like the cabin. I might as well confine myself to my room.

Alfred seems to notice my displeasure and he offers me his arm. "I can show you all the tricks of the castle. You will know your way around in no time."

Hesitantly, I lace my arm in his. It is a strange feeling. I had often walked in the woods arm-in-arm with the sisters but this feels different. Intimate almost. His shirt is tight around the muscles that hide beneath and I find myself blushing at his touch.

"Where would you like to go first, Princess?" He asks.

"Please, call me Alora," I respond. "I do not know the first thing about being a princess. That title is wasted on me."

Alfred looks disappointed but he doesn't say so. "Where would you like to go, Alora?"

"Outside," I practically moan. "I need some fresh air and to feel the ground beneath my feet."

"It is snowing," he replies. "I can take you outside but I do not recommend going barefoot."

I push my lips out in a pout and it causes Alfred to chuckle. "Lead the way, Beta," I respond.

"If I must call you Alora, you must call me Alfred," he says as he leads me toward the main entrance.

He pauses in front of a large wooden door and gestures toward the guards to open it. The two guards appear to be unsure. They look at me and back to Alfred. "Have you spoken to the King?"

"The King does not care if she goes outside," Alfred rolls his eyes.

One of the guards leans closer to Alfred. "What if she runs?"

"Where is she going to run within the castle grounds?" He asks. He is beginning to get frustrated.

The two guards seem to have a silent conversation before they finally open the doors. A gush of cold wind blows into the castle causing the guards and Alfred to shiver, but I think it feels wonderful. I lift my head and let the breeze run through my hair.

Not waiting for Alfred I step toward the door, and a loud growl erupts from behind us. Alfred tightens his arm in mine, not letting me go any further. Stiffly, he turns around and flinches when he sees the dark eyes of the Lycan King on him.

"Where are you taking her?" King Leonidas demands to know.

"Outside," I respond before Alfred has a chance to. "I asked."

"It is frigid out there," King Leonidas growls. "She can go out in the morning when it is warmer."

I want to throw a tantrum, but I keep my emotions in check. The Lycan King walks in my direction and offers me his arm. Alfred drops his arm to his side and steps away from me. I grit my teeth together in protest and refuse his arm.

Anger flashes in his eyes and he growls. "I will show you to your room."

"Alfred has offered to show me around," I reply. "I would prefer him show me the way."

"And why is that?" King Leonidas almost looks amused.

"Because he is not rude," I reply honestly.

I grab Alfred's hand and drag him toward the stairs to the left. He tries to follow behind me, but he is tripping over his feet. As I step onto the stairs, my legs go weak and I collapse under my own wait. Alfred tries to help me to my feet but King Leonidas pushes him to the side.

"Do not touch her," he warns.

Alfred steps away from me and King Leonidas kneels down next to me. I glare into his blackened eyes as I struggle to get back up. He scoops me into his arms and a rush of tingles spread over my skin. The runes on my arms begin to burn so brightly that they are almost blinding.

I want to wiggle out of his arms but my body has gone limp. Whatever Evanora gave me must have worn off. I am sure to keep a look of displeasure on my face until the King stops outside of what I assume in my room.

He waltzes inside with me in his arms and sits me down on the bed. My beautiful gown is wrinkled and creased from being carried and I can barely see over the skirts.

"I will help you get undressed," he tells me.

A gasp leaves my lips. "You most certainly will not," I snap. "Go get Sabrina."

"Sabrina has the rest of the night off," he replies.

"Then get Evanora," I practically shout. "Anyone but you."

"Funny how you do not ask for the other witch," he smirks.

"Anila was never the mothering type," I say through gritted teeth.

"You do remember her," he laughs.

"I do," I admit. "But I am sure after three years in your castle she is not the same woman I used to know."

"She is not a prisoner," King Leonidas tells me. "She may come and go as she pleases. Anila, as you call her, has chosen to be here."

"And the other sisters?" I ask. "Eliane and Kaia?"

"Dead," he says flatly.

I swallow hard and fight back the tears in my eyes. "I see," I tell him.

He steps behind me and begins to untie the laces that hold the dress on my body. His fingers work quickly and confidently. I am sure this isn't the only dress he has removed from a woman and for some reason a rush of jealousy rushes through my body.

As his hands slide the dress down over my shoulder, my breath hitches in my chest. "King Leonidas," I whisper. "I do not feel comfortable."

He removes his hands from my bodice with a frustrated sigh. "I will send up your precious witch," he says grumpily before storming from the room.