Chapter 3 NEW HOME

The journey to the palace seemed endless, Amby's thoughts consumed by the cruel words of her family. But as the emissary's horse climbed the winding road, the landscape shifted, and Amby's curiosity grew.

The palace emerged from the trees, its grandeur breathtaking. Towering spires and gleaming stone walls shimmered in the sunlight. Amby's awe was tempered by anxiety. What lay within those imposing walls? As they approached the entrance, guards in formal attire greeted the emissary.

"Welcome, Lord Thomas. The king awaits."

Lord Thomas dismounted, helping Amby down. "Remember, Amby, your conduct will determine your fate."

Amby nodded, smoothing her worn dress.

Inside, the palace bustled with activity. Servants scurried about, their faces a blur. Amby struggled to keep pace with Lord Thomas.

They reached the throne room, its grandeur overwhelming. The Lycan King, Liam, sat upon his throne, his piercing gaze surveying Amby.

"Leave us," King Liam commanded, his deep voice sending shivers down Amby's spine.

Lord Thomas bowed, departing. Amby stood alone, facing the king.

Liam's eyes narrowed. "So, you're the wolfless omega. I must admit, I'm intrigued."

Amby's heart pounded, her palms sweating. She knew there was nothing intriguing about her life. Except shame, humiliation and embarrassment, which had robbed her of associating with her peers who had come into their wolves at the right time. It was already too late for her, she would be wolfless and weak for life.

"What do you think of your new home?" Liam asked, his tone unreadable.

His voice drew Amby back from her pity party. She swallowed hard. "It's... imposing."

A hint of amusement flickered in Liam's eyes. "We'll see if you can find your place within these walls."

With those enigmatic words, Amby's fate was sealed. She was dismissed with a wave of the king's hand and she scurried out of the throne room, to meet the waiting Lord Thomas. As Amby followed Lord Thomas through the palace, she couldn't help but gawk at the opulence surrounding her.

"Welcome to your new home," Lord Thomas said, his voice low and smooth.

Amby's eyes widened as they entered the grand foyer. Towering marble columns rose like giants, supporting a vaulted ceiling adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers.

"By the gods," she breathed, her voice barely audible.

Lord Thomas chuckled. "Impressive, isn't it?"

Amby nodded, her gaze darting between the bustling servants. Liveried men and women scurried about, their faces set in professional masks. Amby caught snippets of conversation:

"...Her Majesty's gown for the ball..."

"...The king's hunting party returns tomorrow..."

"...Fresh linens for the east wing..."

The palace pulsed with life, its rhythms and routines unfamiliar yet fascinating.

They approached a majestic staircase, its carpet a deep, rich red.

"Upstairs, you'll find the royal quarters," Lord Thomas explained. "Those are the king's chambers, the queen's suites, and the guest rooms."

Amby's heart skipped a beat as they reached the top. A regal woman stood waiting, her piercing green eyes assessing Amby.

"Ah, Lord Thomas," she said, her voice husky. "I see you've brought our new... acquisition."

Amby felt a flush rise to her cheeks.

"Your Majesty," Lord Thomas bowed. "May I present Amby, the wolfless omega."

As Amby gazed upon Queen Catalina, she felt an unexpected jolt of awe. The queen's presence was mesmerizing, commanding the space around her. Catalina's golden hair cascaded down her back like a river of sunset hues, framing her heart-shaped face. Her grey eyes sparkled with intelligence and kindness, putting Amby at ease.

Amby couldn't help but note the queen's statuesque figure, her 5'7" frame radiating poise and strength. Every movement exuded elegance, from the gentle sway of her skirts to the soft curve of her smile.

"Your Majesty," Amby whispered, her voice barely audible.

Catalina's gaze met hers, and Amby felt seen, truly seen. The queen's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. Queen Catalina's gaze lingered on Amby before shifting to Lord Thomas.

"I trust she's been informed of her... duties."

Lord Thomas nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will ensure she knows her place."

Amby's awe of the queen turned to tension as she heard the words of Lord Thomas. Tension also brewed between the lord and queen, like the quiet before a storm. Amby knew she really must find her place and quietly stay there. She would not want to be in the middle of the political storm.

The queen's attention snapped back to Amby. "You'll attend dinner tonight. See that you're presentable."

Amby curtsied, her heart racing. "Yes, Your Majesty."

As the queen swept away, Amby let out a shaky breath.

Lord Thomas offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Amby. You'll find your footing."

But Amby's doubts lingered. In this palace of grandeur and intrigue, where did she belong?

As Queen Catalina moved towards her chambers, Amby couldn't help but steal glances at. She felt drawn to Catalina's light, her radiance illuminating the darkest corners of Amby's soul. Her beauty, her composure, her majesty. These drew up a motherly figure in Amby's mind and she wondered if her own mother could have been like Queen Catalina, if she were alive.

In that moment, Amby knew she'd do anything to protect and serve Catalina, to bask in the warmth of her presence. Queen Catalina's face lingered in Amby's heart long after their conversation.

But as the evening wore on, Amby began to sense a shift. Catalina's smile faltered, her eyes growing distant. She suddenly summoned Amby and seeing her in her new palace maid's uniform, nodded in satisfaction. Still, a wary look crept on her face as she addressed Amby.

"Lord Thomas informs me you possess... unique qualities," the queen said, her voice now icy.

Amby's instincts prickled, wondering which qualities the queen meant. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Catalina's gaze narrowed. "I expect those qualities to serve this court. Not your own interests."

Amby's heart skipped a beat. "Of course, Your Majesty."

The queen's eyes flashed with a cold intensity.

"I won't tolerate betrayal or disobedience. You'd do well to remember that."

Amby felt a chill run down her spine. The warmth and connection she'd felt earlier vanished. In its place, doubt and fear took root. What had changed? What had she done wrong?

As Amby curtsied, her mind racing, the queen's voice cut through the silence.

"Lord Thomas will ensure you understand your duties. Don't keep me waiting."

With that, Catalina turned away, dismissing Amby. As Amby backed out of the room, her eyes locked onto the queen's retreating figure. It was as if the pleasant queen had been replaced with an ice queen. A shiver danced down her spine.

What lay hidden beneath Catalina's icy facade? And what would be the cost of displeasing her?

Amby's thoughts swirled, her heart heavy with foreboding. As she reached the door, a whispered phrase carried on the wind.

"Be careful, little wolfless... The queen's mercy is a luxury you can't afford."

Amby spun around, but there was no one in sight. A chill ran down her spine.