The Alpha's Bride

Diana paced tho and fro in the room, feeling so impatient. She couldn't believe her father had locked her up in a cell. Not exactly a cell, but a room that looked like a cell to her!

She marched angrily, her baggy dress swaying left and right with her

"Ahh! I'm in trouble. Yes, i can feel it." She murmured to herself. " But why did he come there? Why there of all places?"

" Ugh!! He was looking so angry! And definitely, I'm sure he's find out that I drugged the guards so I could sneak out of the palace. Damnit! This is really a mess! What am i going to do?"

Shortly, she heard the door opening and stopped walking, guessing it was him. Or maybe, her mother.

She watched keenly as the door opened and unexpectedly, it was her step sisters, Eve and Martha.

"And here she is" Martha chuckled as they both stood by the door.

"Goodness! Martha, look at how she's looking like a clown" Eve said in a whisper, but loud enough for Diana to hear. The two girls bursted into laughter, causing Diana to frown deeply.

"This lady is definitely not my sister. I mean... which princess in her right sense would act this way?"

"Hey! If you know you have nothing else to do, I'd suggest you go feed the dogs before I turn you into one myself." Diana snapped at them and they laughed heartily.

"You really have no shame Diana, do you?" Eve scoffed. "You're such a disgrace to the family - always moving around like a tout".

"You really want to know how able tout behaves? Well, I can show you..." Diana was about moving to her when the door opened again and one of the guards walked in.

"Princess Diana, the King wants you in the throne room." He said with his head bowed.

"Oh, please! You can just call her Diana. She doesn't deserve the title." Eve said sarcastically and rolled her eyes, then walked out of the room, giggling with her sister.

Diana glared at them, trying so hard to control her temper. It wasn't so difficult for her to go after them, pull them by the hair and give each of them a desirable beating. But she's made the King angry enough already and didn't want to add to it. At least, not yet.

She took in a deep breath and followed the guard out of the room.

*********************

Getting to the throne room, she found her mother, the King, and two men and one woman as well. They were all familiar.

Diana bent her head in contrition as she knew what was going to happen. Those people were definitely there to lay complaints on her and knowing how bad she had upset the King today, she knew it wasn't a good idea.

She arrived in front of the throne and took a glace at the villagers.

"Good day, father" she said to the King, but he didn't respond. Her mother was wearing a bittered look as well.

Slowly, the King turned to the first man and said:

"Go on".

"Your Majesty" he bowed. "I don't mean to bother you, but what happened is really disheartening and I just need to say it out. Right now, my son is lying on the bed, bruises allover his head because the princess had beaten him and stone him mercilessly."

The King glared at her and looked at the second man. "Yes?"

The second man gave his complaint, and then the third and the forth. After hearing from them, the King gave them compensations, and they left. All these while, Diana couldn't utter a word. She's scared of looking at her father.

"Diana!" The King's voice broke into her thoughts, sending cold chills down her spine.

" Yes father!" She replied, raising her head a little.

"What exactly do you want me to do with you? How can you go around, causing havoc like a pest? You've turned my throne room into a room of complaints and mockery. Other Kings make jest of me - discussing amongst themselves that I have a daughter who behaves like an tout! How could you go around beating people up and burning down their farmlands and houses?"

"They are at fault father." She said with her head bowed. "He had thrown a stone at me and that's the reason I chased him and beat him up. And as for the other man, it was just an empty threat. I'll never do such a thing to anyone at all. And...."

"Shut up, Diana! Shut up?!" He roared and her mouth clamped shut immediately. "How about the woman who's goods you ruined?"

" She's insulting me father."

" Diana!" Her mother called, trying to sush her, as she noticed the look on her father's face.

" And how about the guards you drugged! Are you so bent on bringing shame to me? Your other sisters behave matured. They make me proud and have earned a lot of admirations from great Men and rulers. But you, all you've brought to me is nothing but shame and disgrace. Not even a single prince has ever written to you, or make any form of advancement towards you. And with this, it's shamefully possible you're only going to grow old here in my palace without ever getting married! Is this the kind of life you' want?"

There's a huge silence and Diana was facing the floor.

"I've made up my mind, Diana" he continued, his voice sounding more cold. "I'm sick and tired of having you here in my Palace. And I'm not going to punish you anymore because I'm tired of it as well!! You're leaving this family, Diana. You're leaving this palace. You're getting married."

"What?" Diana's eyes widened.

"And to no other person than Sebastian." The King added.

"Father!"

Diana gasped and looked at him with her eyes bulged out of it sockets " What the...What are you talking about?" Her face crumpled up instantly. "I don't...I don't understand."

"You heard me right, Diana. Get ready because first thing in the morning, you're leaving for his mansion." The King answered blatantly, but Diana still couldn't believe it.

No; she definitely wasn't hearing him clearly.

She looked at her mother who was shocked to the teeth, her eyes dilating.

"Father!" She turned back to the King. "You can't...you can't possibly be serious, right? I mean, this is not possible! You can't just marry me off to... to that Monster! It's not possible!"

"Well, it's possible, Diana and it's happening tomorrow. Guards!"

Two guards came scuttling in immediately.

"Escort the princess to her room and make sure she stays in there." He ordered and the guards bowed and took hold of Diana's arms.

"Father!" She gasped. "no! You can't possibly do this to me! I'm not getting married! No!"

"Take her away;" the King said fiercely and the guards forcefully dragged her away.

The Queen was in shock. Her daughter was getting married to that beast?

"My King..." She called almost ruefully. "I know what Diana did was bad, but she doesn't deserve such a life. Sebastian is too ruthless. He doesn't even know the meaning of love. And to think...to think he's lost his previous wives...Oh, dear! I feel so scared for my daughter."

"My points exactly" the King cut in, turning swiftly to look at her. " Diana is so stubborn and she needs a man like Sebastian to tame her."

"Oh! Your Majesty!" She exclaimed softly. "I know Diana is extremely stubborn, but there are so many ways to punish her. Sebastian will definitely kill her."

"Then, so be it. If she values her life, she'd change for good. But if she really wants to die, then she can go ahead and act stubborn towards him. At least, everyone would know I tried my best for her."

The Queen sniffed and decided to use the last option she had, but unfortunately; the King wasn't ready to change his mind. All effort prove abortive and she stood up slowly and excused herself, then headed to her daughter's room.

She found her on the floor and as soon as Diana's spotted her, she sprang up on her feet and rushed to her. " Mother, please help me talk to father. I can't marry that monster! I don't even want to get married now. Please!"

"I'm sorry, Diana." The Queen shook her head ruefully. "I have tried my best, but the King is adamant and wouldn't change his mind. You're getting married to Sebastian."

Diana felt her blood drain from her system as she stared at her mother. Her hands became weak and she stepped back.

"This is all your fault." The Queen queried. "if only you had listened to me and just minded your business, none of this would've happen. None of these!"

"So, is that enough reason to send me to my death?" Diana half yelled. " Who doesn't know who Sebastian is? It would've been better if he beheads me himself, instead."

"Diana! Stop it!" The Queen gasped. "You mustn't speak that way about your father. To be honest, this all your fault."

"Well, I don't want to get married, mother! I'm not ready for marriage; not to Sebastian, not to anyone!" She walked angrily to the window.

" How could he do that? How could he punish me in such a way?"

" Diana listen....."

" I don't want to, mother! I don't want to get married." Her heart soften and she broke into tears. Her mother quickly hurried to her and placed her hands on her shoulder.

" I understand how you feel. But there's nothing we can do. Your father has spoken and......." The Queen gulped down and shook her head, trying to stop the tears that's threatening to come out from her eyes. " I'm afraid, that's final."

She kept crying, while her mother console her in the way she could, until she fell asleep. The Queen called the guards, and they quickly rushed in, and she ordered one of them to carry her to the bed. Slowly, the guard carried her and placed her on the bed. She bowed to the Queen and walked out.

Queen Elia pulled up the blanket and covered her daughter, then heaved a deep sigh as she wondered how her life would be.

" I wish he'll change his mind tomorrow. I just wish." She muttered to herself, and after some hours, she got up and walked out through the door. " I'll be back Diana."

THE NEXT DAY

I'll try to express Diana's feelings of bitterness and resentment in my rephrase. Here goes:

Diana sat motionless as the maid worked on her hair, her face set in a scowl. She felt nothing but bitterness and rage. How could her father do that to her?

She was lost in thought, hardly even noticing the maid's deft fingers as they worked their magic. But even when her hair was done, she could not bring herself to smile.

Finally, it was time for the wedding. She would be married, to a man she'd never even seen.

Although arranged marriages were common in her culture, Diana had always hated the idea. The thought of being forced to marry a complete stranger, someone she might not even like, was horrifying to her. And now, it was actually happening.

She felt like a prisoner, trapped in a situation with no escape.

She's always dreamt of getting married to a guy she'd - at least - like, if not for love. She's always wanted to get married to a man of her choice and not just some strange cruel monster with a bad image.

Here's my second attempt at rephrasing that section of the story:

Diana had pleaded with her father, begging him to delay the wedding for a few days, so prepare herself for this momentous occasion. But he had been resolute, insisting that the wedding take place immediately. And it's so annoying to her.

"I'm done, my princess," the hairdresser announced. Diana turned to look in the mirror, her eyes widening in surprise. She was putting on a bridal attire and couldn't believe she was actually the one looking that beautiful. Her hair had been styled and adorned with intricate braids and jewels. The effect was dazzling, but all Diana could feel was dread. No amount of beauty could mask the sadness and apprehension she felt inside

"Do you like it, my princess?" The hair dresser said ecstatically but Diana remained silent.

The door opened shortly and a guard walked in. "Princess Diana. Your carriage is ready. It's time to leave." The guard said and Diana felt like puking.

"Princess Diana?" The guard called again when she didn't respond and she rolled her eyes and stood up.

" I hate this! And I think know what to do. Let's go!" She walked out through the door while the guard followed.

As they approached the carriage, Diana saw her mother waiting for her. She looked down, her gaze fixed on the ground, not wanting to meet her mother's eyes. She picked at her nails nervously, her hands trembling slightly.

"Diana" the Queen called with a sigh. "I understand that you're angry, but there's nothing anyone of us can do at the moment."

Diana didn't say a word and the Queen took her hand into hers.

"Remember everything I told you last night. Be polite to him, gentle and who knows.....? You'll be able to survive it."

" Hmmm." Diana grunts.

"My dear......" the Queen continued. "I know we've heard a lot of rumours about this man, but it's possible..."

"There's no need for this, mother. No matter what you say, it's not going to change the fact that I don't want to get married to anyone at all! I just hate this!" Diana cut her off, politely.

The Queen sighed and reached out to caress her daughter's cheek. "I'm going to miss you, dear," she said softly. "I know this is hard, but I want you to know that I love you and I only want what's best for you." She pulled Diana into a hug, but the young woman stood stiffly, her arms hanging by her sides.

As the Queen released her from the hug, she spoke softly, "You must go now."

Diana turned to face the carriage, her heart heavy. Just as she was about to step inside, she caught a glimpse of her stepsisters, staring at her with cruel, mocking smiles on their faces. They seemed to take delight in her unhappiness, and it made her feel even more miserable.

Diana refused to acknowledge the sisters' taunts, and instead climbed into the carriage. The guards closed the curtains behind her, shutting out the world. As the carriage began to move, she felt a wave of nausea wash over her.

She clenched her fists and took a deep breath, trying to still her trembling hands.

The journey ahead of her felt like an endless dark tunnel, with no light at the end.

As the carriage rolled along, Diana thoughts swirled with fear and doubt. The closer they got to the community, the more her resolve began to falter. What had she been thinking, to believe she could face this man - this dark, cruel Master - and come out unscathed? Her sense of bravery was giving way to a rising tide of dread.

Her mind raced as she thought about what the night might bring. The very idea made her shiver with fear and disgust. She refused to consider the possibility that the Master might expect anything from her - there was no way she would submit to his desires.

As the carriage drew ever closer to the towering gates of the community, Diana's heart raced faster and faster. She tried to calm her nerves, telling herself that she could do this - but the fear and anxiety only grew as they approached the entrance.

She was overwhelmed by panic. The anxiety she felt was becoming unbearable. All she wanted to do was run, to escape from this carriage and this terrible fate that awaited her.

"Stop the carriage!" she cried, her voice shaking with terror.

The driver pulled hard on the reins, and the horses slowed to a halt.

The curtains of the carriage were flung open, and Diana found herself face-to-face with a grim faced guard.

"My princess," he said. "Is everything alright?"

"I just..." Diana stammered, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I need...I need to ease myself. I can't continue without doing so. I'm too...I'm just too press." She scratched at the back of her neck, her fingers trembling.

The guard looked uncertain. "But there's no... there's no facilities here, Your Highness. You can't..."

"It's fine!" Diana blurted out. "I can... I can go in the woods, behind those trees. I promise you won't see anything." She forced a smile, and the guard reluctantly nodded his assent.

She stepped down from the carriage, being careful not to trip on her long dress. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she bolted for the trees.

The bushes provided an ideal cover for her escape. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. "I'm so sorry," she said, turning to the guard. "But I just can't go through with this." Before the guard could respond, she turned and dashed into the trees, leaving the carriage and her future behind.

She ran as fast as she could, ignoring the branches that scraped at her face and arms. Her only thought was to get away, to put as much distance as possible between herself and the life she had known.

"Stop! The princess is escaping!" one of the horsemen yelled, and two guards gave chase.

"Princess Diana! Stop!" they shouted, but she ran as fast as her heavy gown would allow.

Her heart pounded in her chest and she could barely breathe, but she ran with all her strength. She heard the guards' heavy footsteps behind her, and she knew she couldn't outrun them.

They caught her, grabbing her waist and holding her tight.

"Let me go!" Diana cried out, thrashing against the guards' hold. But it was no use - their grip was firm, and she couldn't break free.

"Princess Diana, stop this at once!" one of the guards said sternly. "Do you really want to bring shame upon yourself and your family?"

"Please, my Princess. We need to return to the carriage. I don't want to see you get into any trouble, but this behavior is unacceptable." The guard's tone was firm but not unkind.

Diana's defiance turned to sullen resignation and her shoulders slumped. She followed the guard back to the carriage without another word. Inside, she sat with her head bowed, silent and ashamed.

"Damn it! My plan failed! Why didn't i run faster, huh? I should've run faster. Oh Diana! You're so doomed!"

No other stops were made until the carriage reached the grand estate belonging to the mysterious man. Diana gazed in wonder at the lavish building before her. Its imposing facade, adorned with marble statues and ornate carvings, seemed more like a palace than a home. She wondered what manner of man could live in such opulence.

"Please follow me, Princess Diana," the guard said, gesturing towards the entrance. Diana fell into step behind him, trying to keep her composure as they approached the mansion. She felt like a prisoner, being led to her fate, and her heart beat faster with each step.

As they walked through the courtyard, Diana couldn't help but look around in wonder. The grounds were immaculately kept, and the lush gardens were filled with blooming flowers. In the distance, she could see a group of men practicing with swords, their movements swift and graceful. Diana shivered, imagining the blade of a sword slicing through the air towards her.

Just when she thought she couldn't be more amazed, they entered a hallway and it's unlike anything she had ever seen.

"Hold on - where are we heading to?" She asked, quickening her steps to catch up to the guard.

"We're heading to the Master's chambers," he replied, his voice betraying no emotion.

Diana's heart skipped a beat. " Am I going to meet the man himself? Isn't it too early?" The thought filled her with a mix of curiosity and dread.

"But - but why?" she stammered, aware of how foolish she must sound.

The guard glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips.

"You must undergo the marriage rites this very morning," he said, his expression remaining inscrutable.

As they kept walking, the maids bowed Diana as she passed by. She had become accustomed to this type of deference since arriving at the palace, but it still felt strange and unsettling.

As they walked, Diana's thoughts turned to the man she was about to marry. What would he look like? Would he be handsome or homely? She found it strange - and more than a little unsettling - that she was about to wed a man whose face she had never seen. Would he be kind or cruel? Would he treat her well, or would she be merely a possession to be owned and controlled? The uncertainty was almost too much to bear.

When they reached the chambers, the guards outside informed them that his Master was not currently in. Diana couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at this news. But at the same time, she was puzzled.

"Why am i brought here if the man is not present? What is the purpose of this journey now?

"You will have to wait for him here," the guard informed her. "He will be back shortly."

"Alright then." She replied and they pushed open the door for her and she stepped into the room, letting out a long breath. Although she was still uncertain about the purpose of this journey, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at the delay.

The room was beautifully decorated, with paintings on the walls and fresh flowers on the table. Diana walked in fully, and headed to the bed. She sat down on it, but to her surprise, it was as hard as a rock.

" What the hell?" She blurted out, with her eyes widen. "How does one enjoy sleeping on something like this, huh!"

She got up from the bed and walked to the other side of the room. There she spotted a beautiful glass on the table and picked it up.

" Who are you? And what are you doing here?"

She heard a voice behind her, and it was so deep that it made her flinch. As she turned to have a look at who it was, the glass accidentally left her hand and crashed on the floor.

" Ahhh!" Diana gasped in shock.

The man before her had a blood stain on his dress, and his face was tighten, his dark eyes glaring at her.

" I don't like to repeat myself, this will be the last time. Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here?"