Chapter 2 No.2

ARRYN

If she will be given a chance, Arryn would run from all her responsibilities and live in seclusion deep inside the forest.

The sun rises from the north of the mountains and sets between the seas. Various songbirds were perched upon an old oak tree, whistling a melody that foretells the approaching rain. Their kingdom is small for it sits at the base of a ragged mountain, though the power that it holds is not to be ignored if one refused to be humiliated.

The sound of the roof tile falling rouse her from daze. Arryn quickly covered her face and asked, "Who's there?"

She waited for a heartbeat; eyes wide and her breath hitched for she was nervous. Deciding that the roof was not a safe place right now, Arryn lets out a sigh as she made her way down the stairs.

"Mou Selene, I've been searching for you everywhere! Where you've been off to?" Arryn pulled at Rocco's sleeves just as she jump the last steps. She pulled at his sleeves and pinched his ear, a groan from the young prince. "That hurts!"

"It's supposed to hurt." Arryn crossed her arms and huffed, grateful that she was able to hide behind the armour for her face is still exposed.

"Mou Selene! Why is the side of your face red? Have you been blushing?"

Arryn touched her tender skin before scratching her head, "I stumbled and fall on the floor. You don't have to think much about it, Roc." Rocco's eyes widen when he realized what was missing from her sister's face. "Mou Selene, you are not wearing your mask. Father king said-"

"I lost my mask by the third floor hall. You should help me retrieve it since it is your fault that I scurried off without thinking that it is not in my possession. Come on." Rocco sighed in exasperation as he followed her back to the third floor hall.

Arryn pressed her arms over her chest and tried to hold in her whimper. Her heat is coming off in waves and the jade pendant she was wearing on her mask was supposed to keep it under control. Now that it wasn't with her, Arryn was sure that she can be sensed by all of the unmated male werewolves in the castle.

The first indication of this came when the guards barred the doors to the hall and Arryn hides behind the curtain, snatching the mask and putting it on. Rocco's eyes widened when the doors to the hall broke open and the angry groan and cheers rang out. At once, the male werewolves stood still, stun and wondering why they were cheering and growling at each other.

Arryn emerged from the curtain and stands next to Rocco. All of the men bowed in front of them, their heads touching the floor. "May I inquire about the earlier squabble? I have not heard that my father is hosting a hunting sport this week."

The men looked at each other before bowing lower. "King Nord did not host a hunt, your highness; we're simply lost."

"Oh, then let us pass. Father has mentioned that my presence is required at the banquet. I suggest that you go, too." Rocco silently marveled at his sister's words, following her as they went out of the hall.

"Mou Selene."

"Hmm?" Arryn tighten her hold upon Rocco's shoulder and tugged at him, " When I grew older, I want to be like you. Your words have power in them that they easily listen to you. Will you teach me how to do that?"

Arryn paused, "Well, I'm not sure if you'll be able to learn much from me. You should ask Father."

"There you are, you both!" Arryn and Rocco straightened as they heard their mother's voice.

Queen Hali marched from the hall, followed by Kind Nord who is fidgeting with a box on his hand. Rocco pushed his sister and Arryn squeaked, averting her eyes. "Where have you been?"

"We chased each other-hmmp!" the words disappeared from Rocco's mouth as Arryn covered it with her hand. She hastily pulled Rocco to her side and guided her mother back to the hall, "Mother, you have mentioned that I'll be introduced to a couple of ICES men in hopes that I find my mate."

Arryn smiled inwardly as the Queen clapped her hands.

"Oh, you reminded me of it!" Queen Hali brightened at the thought and Arryn smirked. Rocco shakes his head as he followed them inside the hall, disbelief hidden behind his mask. King Nord cheered as he pocketed the box but sobered when he sensed the look from his children. He could never act like a child with them around.

When they have entered the hall, Arryn gasped for she have not expected the arrival of so many men. The king and queen settled on their seats and Arryn was pulled at the center, her eyes so wide that Rocco could only hold his laughter in. Saffron Flowers floated down from the numerous baskets lining up the hall. One by one, the men introduced themselves until Caius appeared in front of her, offering his greetings.

"Your highness."

Arryn raised her hand only to return it back to her sides. She should keep it from Caius that she was the one whom he kissed. And slapped. Arryn could feel the blush coloring her cheek as she remembered how he slapped her right after, the lingering pain a reminder of what he's done.

She has to get even.

Mustering up enough courage, Arryn raised her head high, "So I've heard that you are the representative of Ember Tribe. What will be your contribution to this alliance? "

The music stopped; the chattering ceased. The king and queen angled their heads while the couple of men who are standing around her, gawked – all of them waiting for an answer. Caius pursed his lips and shrugged indifferently, "Ember tribe has been an ally of the Dust since the beginning. I could not help but to think that I can be of assistance if you require my help."

Arryn threw her head back to laugh but the pain from her chest doubled. She bit her lip and tried to mask the pain by bending over to pick up a fallen saffron on Caius' robes, taking him by surprise. Sighing, she calmly threw the flower and continued, "Nonsense. I know that I won't need that much of help." Arryn brushed her hands on the sleeves of her dress and smirked, "If you allow it, can I excuse myself now? I still need to review the budget proposal by the Elders of the clan. You know how much work it requires."

Caius raised an eyebrow at her excuse and Arryn could only marvel at his beauty. How can he look so beautiful even with a frown? Arryn hastily blinked her eyes and averted her gaze, swaying on her feet. She was about to take a step back when Caius held her arm and pulled her close.

It was like a current ran from under his fingers leading to her arm. She jerked away and so did he. Arryn's eyes widened but Caius face were as stoic and cold as his touch. He flexed his fingers and smiled a little. "Careful, your highness."

Arryn was mesmerized of the rare sight of Caius' smile, yet before she could say anything, Caius was gone. She takes a moment to assess her feelings; her features, flushed.

Is her heart jumping out of her chest or is the earth shifting from under her?

Arryn rested her hand upon her chest and breathes out. What did just happen?

She adjusted her mask and takes a step back, catching the concern gaze of her parents. Arryn nodded at them once and stepped out of the room as the black dots started to dance on her vision. She leaned on the wall and smiled to herself as she felt herself collapsing.

"Mou Selene!"