Chapter 4 4. First Meeting

"Greetings to your royal highness," Elana started, her voice coming out clear and firm. Which was the exact opposite of how she was currently feeling.

It happened so fast.

One second she was staring at the ground. The next second, there was a hand in her line of sight with extended claws pointing straight to her face.

One wrong move, and the claws would pierce her eyes.

Her breath hitched as she fought to stay still, sweat dripping down her spine.

Her gaze followed the hand. The owner had some unique markings on his hand; A royal guard.

Gulping, she fixed her gaze on the ground, trying to ignore the claw in her face.

"Interesting," a deep voice rang out. It was cool, but carried power that caused shivers to run through her skin.

"I didn't know the public was aware of my presence here,"

He wasn't wrong. It was assumed the king was currently in the Northern capital, preparing for the upcoming hunting ceremony.

No one, except the royal guards or trusted allies, knew that the Alpha King was currently seated at a bar, looking simple and sipping a beer like he had no care in the world.

Suddenly, the claws were retracted, and the hand removed from her face. The guard beside her stepped away.

"If I don't acknowledge it," The King continued, "are you going to remain in your curtsey?"

"I beg for your mercy, your highness." Elana replied, her knees shaking; maintaining this position was becoming a struggle.

Squeezing her skirt with her fist, she added, "Forgive me for my rather bold behavior,"

"Ha! Bold!" He guffawed, "Another interesting choice of words,"

After a few seconds, he ordered, "Raise your head,"

"Thank you, your highness," slowly, Elana let go of her skirt and raised her head, standing straighter.

Blinking, she took a peek at him, before lowering her gaze to the table. The pressure around the room was growing denser by the second.

In a single glance, she caught his sharp gaze fixed on her, studying her every move. His long black hair, which brushed his shoulders, framed a strikingly rugged face.

He was handsome, yes, but his features spoke of danger.

Alpha King Cassian.

Even without his wolf's presence being released, his presence was a force that couldn't be ignored: Powerful and lethal.

Now that she was closer, her body trembled under her skin as though his presence swallowed her whole.

"Now tell me, who are you? How did you know I was here?"

Gulping, she looked up, her gaze on the wall beside him. Even though she had courage, she still couldn't look at the king eyeball to eyeball.

"Who I am is of no importance, your majesty. And me finding out you're here is because of a little, unreliable skill I possess."

"You dare ignore my question?" The pressure in the room spiked up as a hint of annoyance slipped into his tone.

"Not at all, your majesty!" Elana struggled to remain upright. She had to maintain her composure in order to spark his curiosity.

"I already know your guards have scanned me. In a while, you will find out who I am, so..."

Gulping, she took a quick glance his way before continuing, "Why spoil the fun?"

His brow arched, "You think this is fun? Interrupting my free time?"

"In a way," she answered, "But, we shouldn't get carried away by the question of my identity, your highness,"

Taking a step forward, the guards shifted at her movement, but she pressed on, "Instead, you should be interested in what I can offer you,"

A smirk grew on Alpha king Cassian's lips as he looked at her from head to toe and back again.

"Let me guess...a night of fun with the king? Is that why you walked in so stupidly daring?"

"I wouldn't dare think of that, your highness,"

"Really?" his voice was laced with disbelief.

"Especially when you've given out the bridal call. After all, having a string of women at your beck and call is nothing to you."

Taking a swig of his beer, he slammed his bottle on the table.

Bang!

Elana jumped a bit at the sound, her heart thundering.

"Sit," he commanded, his voice deeper, "You have five seconds to prove you're worthy of my attention. After that, you're dead."

Elana moved to sit, but paused on a second thought. This wouldn't be the best time to defy the king. But, being too obedient would only make him lose interest.

And she needed his interest in her. At least, until she had fulfilled her goal.

Sighing, she remained standing as she said, "I can make the princess better."

In a flash, the air thickened as golden eyes stared back at her. Instantly, her gaze went to the table, her lungs burning as she found it difficult to breathe.

The alpha king had released his wolf's presence.

Her hands clenched around her skirt as her hands and legs shook visibly. She couldn't crumble here. Not yet.

A gasp left her lips as the blade of a sword pressed against her throat. The royal guard had returned; the look in his eyes suggested no hesitation if ordered to slay her.

"You had better tell me how you knew about the princess' condition." King Cassian growled, "And no cheeky response"

"It's the unreliable gift I mentioned earlier. I don't know how to prove it."

King Cassian shifted his gaze to the side as he tilted his head. After a second, his gaze was back on her, "Luna Elana Thatcher of Hollowmoon pack,"

"At your service, your highness," Her lips twitched, but the blade against her made it impossible to smile.

His golden eyes shone brightly, "What do you want?"

Fighting back a smile at his question, she answered, "A chance to prove my usefulness."

His eyes narrowed, eyes filled with suspicion towards her.

"You talk big, but I doubt you know the difference between boldness and arrogance," he stated, his voice cold. "It will be my pleasure to show you how much they differ,"

Nodding to the guard, the sword was removed from her throat.

A hiss slipped out of her lips as her hand touched her neck. Looking down, she noted a drop of blood on her fingers.

Standing up, he walked towards an open door, his jaw clenched as he commanded, "Follow me."

"Your highness," a guard called, glancing at Elana before continuing, "Is that..." he furrowed his brow, as if he wasn't sure what to say.

"Blindfold her," King Cassian ordered as he stared at her, "Just because you found me doesn't mean I trust you to know the princess' whereabouts,"

*-*-*-*

After what felt like hours, the blindfold was lifted, and Elana blinked as she adjusted to the light of the room.

Before her, on a bed lay a thin sickly pale girl of about four or five years. Her long black hair soaked and eyes closed as though she was already–

"Be warned," King Cassian started, cutting off her thoughts, "If you do anything fishy, you die."

"You make her worse, you die," His words carried a note of finality and danger as he added, "If I hear a hint of pain from the princess, you die,"

Releasing a breath, Elana nodded as she stretched out her hand. "I will need the satchel that was on me,"

It had been on her person while she was at the bar, but was removed when she was transported here. A royal guard handed it over to her.

"Excuse me," an elderly woman stood beside the bed as Elana approached, "I don't know what you want to do, but not even the best healers have made any progress with..."

"Myrra!" King Cassian cut in, "Leave her,"

"But it's dangerous..."

"If she fails, she knows what it will cost," he stated firmly.

Gulping, Elana knelt down beside the unconscious princess, before turning to look at the king, "Will it be too much to ask for a bit of privacy?"

King Cassian merely stared back at her as though she never said anything.

"Thought as much," she muttered as she brought out a small balm from her satchel.

With her thumb, she took a huge pile of green balm and drew a circle around the princess' forehead. Then, she placed it under the girls' nose and lips.

This was a technique she had spent the last few weeks perfecting. It should work. It had to.

Placing her hands over each other, she pressed them against the Princess' chest as she muttered, "Vitam dimi..."

Immediately, energy rushed out of her fingers as a bright light flooded the room.

As it dimmed down, the stress lines on the princess' face disappeared and her color returned. Her breathing came out easier, and whatever discomfort she was feeling eased up.

"It's impossible!" the elderly woman, Mrrya, exclaimed as she studied the princess. "Her heart is steady now..."

Glancing at Elana, her eyes widened as she asked, "How?"

Wiping her sweat, Elana gave her a small smile as she stood to her feet and turned to the King.

His eyes were slightly wide, a hint of surprise in them and something else. Something she couldn't place.

"Have I proven useful, your highness?"

Furrowing his brows, he turned and walked away. "Follow me,"

The guards threw her looks of shock and suspicion as she calmly followed the king who led deeper down the passageway.

Then they entered a small room that looked like an office. Cassian signaled to the guards to stand outside.

"Aren't we returning to the bar?" Elana asked as she glanced around.

Dorothea would be waiting for her, filled with worry by now.

"Sit." he commanded.

This time, his tone was laced with power. This wasn't the time to disobey. She sat down gingerly, waiting for him.

King Cassian remained silent as he watched her. His stare only made her shift uneasily on her seat.

'She had done a good job, right? She wondered. 'Surely, he wouldn't...'

"I'll ask again," King Cassian started, "No beating around the bush, what is your intention?"

Elana's breath hitched. She wasn't expecting him to be so direct. Blinking away the shock, she raised her chin as she looked directly in his eyes- or tried to.

"The bridal hunt," she started, her hands clenching together.

Arching a brow, he looked at her, nodding in understanding. "I see, so you want a guaranteed spot? You wish to be queen, is that it?"

He let out a chuckle. "That's pretty bold of you," he continued, "using such skill as a bribe"

"You're right, your highness. I do want a spot." Elana started, "but not for me..."

His brows furrowed at her words, confusion lining his face as he waited for her.

"For my sister."