PROLOGUE
* * * * Five years ago * * * * * *
Five years ago, a terrible curse was laid upon the triplet alpha kings of Goldcrest after their wicked generals slaughtered an entire village of innocent rouges.
It is said that the kings had raided the rouge village in pursuit of the mysterious crown of king of alpha kings. They left their generals to decide the fate of the rouges after retrieving the crown.
The Generals ordered the ruthless slaughter of the rouge village, but not before the eldest of the rouges laid a terrible curse upon the kings and the stolen crown.
"May our blood, that has been spilled by thy hands, herald the downfall of thy kings. May our blood curse the light of day against thee. May this spell grow stronger with each new moon. May thy authority vanish like dust in the wind." they chanted in unison.
From then on, the great alpha kings of Goldcrest were plagued by a terrible curse, one that would not allow them to step out in the light of day or wear the crown of king of alpha kings.
FIVE YEARS LATER
ELLA'S POV
"How amazing is fate?
Like a river, it twists and turns,
plunging the top to the bottom,
and the bottom to the top.
Your tomorrow is just but a delusion,
even the kings are in the dark about it.
Its like a secret in a bag,
or a secretive enemy in your house.
Trend carefully in your past
for in the future you might meet your past.
And it swallows you alive."
I diligently sing the soothing melody to my beautiful mistress, Princess Hellen, as the luxurious carriage glides down the dusty road that leads to the great palace of Goldcrest kingdom, the land famously known for it's great wealth and mighty alpha kings.
"I dislike that song, human. Sing another one." The princess suddenly demands.
"Which one would you like me to sing, your highness?" I respectfully ask as I hastily search my head for a different tune that will appease her. My singing ability is the only reason I was hired as one of her servants. Since I failed to phase on my eighteenth birthday I was deemed unfit to work for anyone. Fortunately, my adoptive mother knew someone who worked for Princess Hellen and managed to secure me an opportunity to showcase my talent. Although the princess has numerous servants, I accompany her everywhere she goes with my harp. She believes that music helps calm her genius mind.
I finally find one and start singing again, but get interrupted by Asher, our mistress's favorite servant.
"Your highness!" she gasps pointing a trembling finger. "Look ahead, we have arrived!"
We all follow her line of sight.
The imposing palace of Goldcrest looms ahead, its magnificent spires and gleaming domes surpassing anything I have ever seen. One can see the wide windows and deluxe curtains above the grand walls that surround the palace.
"Move!" Princess Helen snaps, pushing me out of the way to get a better look.
"It's so much better than your father's palace." Julia, our mistress's second favourite servant breathes, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Yes, it's even more magnificent than I imagined." Princess Hellen whispers, her voice filled with awe. "I must successfully lift that curse and win over the hearts of the great kings." She adds.
Three days ago a messager arrived in our small pack, Silverdale, with news that the Alpha Kings of Goldcrest are offering a grand prize to anyone that can lift their curse. Which means that the stories that have been circulating for years about them being cursed are actually true.
According to the rumors, there once existed a powerful crown destined for the king of all Alpha kings. It's the only crown that chose it's wearer. And it was first worn by the first king of Goldcrest. But he died in a battle and the crown was lost for many years.
Later it was unearthed by a peasant rouge, it's second chosen wearer. But the newly crowned alpha kings of Goldcrest, Alaric, Regan and Kian were not inclined to allow a lowly peasant to reign over them. They raided the rouge village in pursuit of the crown. Their generals slew the peasant and his people. But the village elders in their dying moments, laid a curse on both the kings and the stolen crown.
Princess Hellen has good knowledge of spells and herbs. Which is why her father convinced her not to pass such a golden opportunity.
No one knows the exact sum the alpha kings are offering, but they are the wealthiest rulers in all the realms. Whatever they offer, it must be a grand reward, befitting their stature.
"I can't believe we're going to be inside that magnificent palace ," Asher muses in a dreamy tone just as the carriage slows to a stop at the glad entrance and our coachman engages in a hushed conversation with the guards.
"I have Princess Hellen of Silverdale. She expects an audience with the Alpha Kings." He says.
The guards exchange a quick, knowing look before nodding in acknowledgment. The coachman straightens up and the carriage lurches forward once more, passing through the gates and into the heart of the palace grounds. My heart races with anticipation as I eagerly take in the majestic surroundings.
There are nobles and courtiers strolling through the lush gardens, their elegant attires a flutter of vibrant colors against the backdrop of lush greenery.
As the carriage comes to a halt in front of the grand entrance of the palace, our beautiful mistress begins to panic.
"What if I cannot break the curse and my beauty fails to appease the alpha kings?" she asks, her eyes wide with sudden desperation.
Hellen does believe in the allure of her own beauty, she believes even the god's would bow to her, but I doubt that any of the Alpha Kings would be concerned with her appearance if she can't find a way to break their curse.
Asher immediately leans in with a sweet smile and reassures her, "You're the prettiest of all royal women. I am sure the alpha kings will be awed by your bewitching face, my lady."
Julia quickly chimes in, "The alpha kings will not only feel honored that you have graced their palace with beauty but also your talent and brains, your highness."
I keep my mouth shut, knowing I'm her least favorite servant. I only speak to her when she has asked me to.
"Do you not have any thoughts, human?" Asher snaps at me.
Feeling the weight of their stares, I hesitantly offerer, "You're beautiful like the moon... and stars combined, my lady."
Asher and Julia immediately bursts out laughing at my awkward attempt to praise our mistress. I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment as their laughter fills the carriage. Princess Hellen looks at me with mild annoyance. Thankfully, the coachman steps down to open the door for the princess, diverting their attention away from me.
She takes a deep breath, gathering her composure before stepping out onto the marble steps.
As Julia and I straighten her beautiful gown, the massive palace doors ahead swing open and a well dressed middle aged man strides forward to greet us, accompanied by three young servants in elegant uniforms.
"Welcome, Princess Hellen of Silverdale," the man greets with a respectful bow. "I am Sir William, the assistant Alpha Kings. We have been eagerly anticipating your arrival."
Princess Hellen's face light up with excitement. "I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity I have been granted, sir. You have my word that my work will not disappoint the great kings," she assures the man and he nods.
"I will show you to your guest room so that you can rest from the journey and prepare to meet the kings tomorrow," Sir William says.
Princess Hellen's smile fades.
"Tomorrow? Can't I meet them now?" she inquires eagerly. Sir William pauses for a moment before responding.
"Only two of the kings are currently present. Alpha Aleric had some matters to attend to on the northern border, but he is expected back tomorrow."
Hellen nods trying not to show her disappointment.
She had ordered a dozen dresses and chose to wear the most exquisite of them for the journey today expecting that it's the alpha kings who will welcome her.
Sir William motions for his servants to assist us with our luggage. "Show the guest quarters to our esteemed visitor," he commands before turning to address Hellen directly. "Please, follow them, your highness."
As we step through the palace's grand entrance, I am awestruck by the sheer magnificence of the interior. Ornate tapestries adores the walls, and golden fixtures gleams in the soft light. Every step we take through the opulent halls speaks of wealth, luxury and privilege.
The servants lead us up a sweeping staircase to a vast hallway lined with doors on either side.
"This is her Highness's quarters," one of the servants announces, opening one ornate door on the left row.
Princess Hellen goes on in first and her soiled mood lights up again. We carefully carry her belongings into the room, which is nothing short of a small paradise. A queen size bed, the most exquisite golden furnishings, and every amenity fit for a princess await inside.
"The next room will serve as your servants' quarters." The palace servant informs, gesturing to the next room with her hand.
"Do not to hesitate to ask for anything you need. Our kings will be happy to provide," another servant informs before they gracefully depart.
Princess Hellen paces around the room, her eyes lingering on each expensive item. "Look at all this! The jewels, the silks... this is what I've always dreamed of." She says excitedly.
"If I can completely lift the curse of the kings they will be pleased enough to grant me whatever I ask. I can even demand that they make me their queen" She mutters in a dreamy voice.
Her favourite servants nod in great approval.
"You, human, find the palace library and bring me the book of spells!" She orders, her cold gaze on me.
I hesitate, about to explain that I don't know my way around this palace as we have just arrived, but I reconsider. She of course wouldn't be concerned if I got lost. "Yes, your Highness," I reply, bowing before swiftly making my way out of the room to fulfill her request.
ELLA'S POV
I wander through the opulent hallways of the big palace hoping to meet someone I can ask for directions. After a few minutes, I'm fortunate to encounter a group of servants carrying bundles of laundry.
I approach and ask for directions to the library. One of the kindly directs me to the upper floor and I quickly make my way there.
The library turns out to be vast, with shelves upon shelves of maps, scrolls, and books.
It might take forever to find the specific spellbook Princess Hellen desires. I doubt there's a designated section for books of sorcery, but I meticulously search shelf after shelf until I spot a weathered, hard-covered book resting on one of the top shelves. It resembles one that I have seen princess Hellen read before.
But the new problem is, I'm too short to reach it.I'll have to climb onto the bottom shelf.
I grip the shelf tightly before lifting my feet to step onto the lower shelf. With a determined smile I stretch one hand toward the book while using the other to steady myself. Just as I am about to grasp it, someone clears their throat from behind, startling me.
I lose my balance and slip, landing on my back with a jolt.
A sharp pain shoots through my back and head, and I have to bite down on my tongue to stifle the urge to cry out.
Slowly, I open my eyes as the pain begins to recede. The first thing I see are a pair of shiny black boots standing before me.
I look farther up to see black pants, a black leather jacket, and the loveliest pair of grey eyes glaring down at me. I struggle not to shamelessly gawk at the man's remarkably handsome face.
I have seen good looking men before, but he is on a whole different level. His sheer height and incredible features are literally out of this world. And there is a strange pull between us that makes it feel like his hug would bring me all the peace I have ever desired. There is however a look of pure disgust on his beautiful face.
What have I done to make him so furious? Maybe I have been openly staring at his face, my mouth hanging agape in disbelief. I quickly shut my mouth, feeling a flush of embarrassment.
"Who let you in here?" he asks in a chillingly cold voice.
I stumble to regain my footing, feeling embarrassed under his piercing scrutiny. "Um... the door was open," I manage to stammer, trying to gather my composure.
"I am a servant of Princess Hellen," I say with forced politeness, extending my hand with a timid smile.
His expression darkens further as his eyes sweep over me from head to toe.
"Did she pluck you from a gutter?" he scoffs, his tone dripping with disdain.
My hand falls back to my side.
Why is he acting so arrogant? Is he a royal? "Who are you? you don't look like a librarian." he is too refined.
My question seems to surprise as well anger him more "I am king Kian."He answers and I freeze in shock. He is one of the alpha kings!
"Your . . . majesty." I stammer in a shaky voice as I slightly bow. Thank God I didn't say anything rude back.
"This area of the library is off-limits to servants, you have no business being here," he declares.
He is so callous, acting exactly how I would imagine someone with his beauty and status to act. Rude!
"I am sorry for trespassing, your majesty," I apologize. "But my mistress asked me to get her the book of spells," I explain softly, hoping to elicit some understanding, but his expression remains one of disgust.
"I'll leave," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper, and swiftly move past him toward the door.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" he calls out, causing me to halt in my tracks. I turn to see him retrieve the book of spells from the floor where it had fallen. As he extends it toward me, I notice that his hands are adorned with black leather gloves, a peculiar choice! Just as dark as his soul. I accept the book gingerly, avoiding contact with his gloved hand. I make a hasty exit.
"How absurd is humility?
For it rests not in the king's heart
nor does it delight in the soft cushions in the princess's chambers.
It may rest with the lowly,
hiding in plain sight,
camouflaged like a chameleon." I hum the song trying to calm my racing heart as I hastily rush back towards my mistress chambers.
What a handsome jerk I just met, no wonder he and his brothers were cursed. I didn't mean to trespass, it was an accident and he didn't need to be a genius to see that. He was probably hating me because of my looks or because I am human just like everyone does.
ALPHA KIAN'S POV
"There's no way a lowly servant girl can be our mate. It must be the curse at work," my twin brother, Regan, declares vehemently, his face contorting with a mix of denial and anger.
But I am certain that the servant girl I met in the library is our mate, her sweet, alluring scent was faint but unmistakable, leading me right to her.
We had always yearned to find our mate, but never had we anticipated being mated to a wretched servant. She wore the oldest and most repulsive dress I have ever seen and looked utterly unremarkable.
"I assure you, she is what we have been mated to," I insist, but Regan lets out an exasperated huff.
"I couldn't sense her wolf though, and she didn't seem to acknowledge the mate bond either." I tell.
"So she is not only a lowly servant but also a human? What a delightful surprise to return home to." Aleric remarks with a similar tone of rage.
"This could bring great shame upon us," he cautions. "We must reject her before anyone discovers that our destined mate is a mere human servant."
"She serves Princess Hellen. And for a princess to have chosen such a lowly human as her servant they must be close," I interject. "We don't want to provoke the princess before she lifts the curse for us."
"For now, let us keep this to ourselves. If she is truly human, she will remain unaware of the mate bond unless we reveal the truth." Regan suggests and I nod in silent agreement.
"You really believe the princess of Silvercreek can actually rid us of this curse when even the most renowned sorcerers have failed?" Aleric inquires, sounding doubtful.
So far, we have hosted more than five people who have tried to lift our curse but failed. We have endured it's wrath for more than five years now and exhausted all our options. It's becoming impossible to rule using our associates since we can't go out during the day. Its getting worse with every passing moon.
"I understand your doubt, but I have heard that Princess Hellen is quite skilled with her spells. She is our salvation" Regan explains.
Aleric's expression softens slightly as he considers Regan's words. "I still find it hard to put my faith in another attempt that is most likely to fail than succeed," he admits. "But if you believe in her, then I will give her a chance."
ELLA'S POV
"Their mate will be the luckiest woman in the world. I'd trade anything to be in her shoes," Julia says as she straightens princess Hellen's gown.
The Princess gives derisive snort. "Only the woman they select to marry will truly be lucky."
Their words feels like a direct stab to my heart. Yesterday I met one of the kings and he was rude and unkind to me, but I can't deny the strange pull I felt towards him. Despite his rude nature he had stirred emotions I never knew I had.
"Do you actually believe they are as goodlooking as people say?" Julia curiously asks.
"I have heard that they suffer a terrible affliction on their skins when they set foot outside during daylight," Asher says thoughtfully.
"That's merely a baseless rumor," Julia counters. "I may have never laid eyes on them in person, but their renowned beauty is the talk of every unmated woman. It wouldn't be so if they have rashes."
"They use rare herbs, perhaps sourced from skilled witches like me, to remedy any such condition," princess Hellen remark as she hands me a hefty bronze pot adorned with mysterious arcane symbols. "Handle this with care, human," she cautions.
Though I doubt anything would happen if it fell, I clutch it tightly to my chest, just to avoid her wrath.
"I gathered the herbs, your Highness," Asher announces, presenting a handful of peculiar plants to Princess Hellen. They are unlike anything I'd ever seen before.
"Fetch my spellbook before the kings grow weary of waiting," Hellen commands and I rush back to her chambers and retrieve the book. When I return, she is already striding toward the door, and I hasten to keep up my heart rate increasing. I am going to meet the king from yesterday again!
He had such attractive features that I couldn't stop thinking about, but unfortunately, he was the rudest of all the kings I've encountered. I cannot seem to get his face off my mind though.
We descend the staircase to the ground floor where we find Sir William awaiting us. He takes charge of leading the way after exchanging pleasanties with our mistress.
"Are you planning to perform the ritual indoors, Your Highness?" Julia asks, curiosity evident in her expression as sir William guides us through a grand entrance adorned with two huge golden wolf statues.
"The kings are unable to go outdoors, remember. They were cursed to never again see the light of day," Princess Hellen explains, her tone dismissive.
We approach another large entrance with two guards at either side.
Sir William nods to the guards, who promptly open the massive ornate doors, allowing us to enter.
My stomach churns as I take steps into the spacious chamber behind everyone else.The room exudes opulence, a breathtaking display of wealth and power. Gold and silver accents adore every surface, catching the light and casting a radiant, almost ethereal glow. The floor beneath our feet feels cool and smooth.
At the far front of the chamber, a raised stage holds three imposing golden thrones occupied by the most striking men. None of them has a skin rush as Asher claimed, infact their skin so clear and pale.
What I didn't know is that they are identical brothers. Each one of them bears an uncanny resemblance to the handsome but rude king I encountered in the library yesterday. The man that insulted me for no reason.How will I even tell which one of them I met yesterday?
They look like they were plucked from the same mold and stamped with identical handsome features.
"Who stands before us? introduce yourself." One of them, who sits on the left, with longer dark hair than the other two orders in a rough voice and I feel a chill run down my back. Princess Hellen takes a step forward undeterred.
"Salutation great king Reagan," She gracefully bows her head, and we all instinctively follow suit. "Behold your anointed savior Princess Hellen of Silverdale, herself in all her majesty, enchanter above all enchanters, before me is none other, no charm can defy my power. Ready to be of service your majesties."
As I lift my gaze, I find the piercing eyes of the two of the king's fixed upon me, causing my heart to momentarily stop. Why are they looking at me? Shouldn't they be staring at princess Hellen instead? She is the one with all the graceful introductions.
The one at the center leans in and murmurs something to the one in the dark coat on the right, who nods with pursed lips, keeping his eyes locked on me. It's evident they are discussing me, likely regarding the incident at the library.
Since it's s clear it's one of them I encountered yesterday, I sincerely hope he chooses not to say anything, as my mistress would not hesitate to fire me.
Princess Hellen approaches the thrones with grace, her eyes fixed on the kings. And their attention shifts from me as the one in a dark coat inclines his head slightly, king Reagan nods in acknowledgment, the one at the center, simply gazes at her with intense scrutiny.
"Your majesty King Regan, King Aleric and King Kian, I would like to begin set up the items I need to cast the spell." She announces.
If the one at the center is King Aleric and the one on the left with longer hair is king Reagan, then the one on the right, in a dark coat must be king Kian the one I met yesterday!
"Before you proceed, is the ugly human your servant?" Alpha Aleric inquires and my mouth falls open as everyone's eyes turn toward me. What did I ever do to them?
"I only keep her for my own entertainment, your majesty. But if her uglyness that is a bother, I can have her removed," Princess Hellen says.
I feel tears gather in my eyes. The dress I am wearing may be a little old and not as beautiful as the gown she is wearing or the dresses my fellow servants have on, but it's immaculately clean.
"No need," the king Kian says, leaning towards King Aleric. "After the curse is lifted, we won't have to concern ourselves with her," he murmurs, and King Aleric nods. What are they talking about? What could I possibly have to do with a curse?
"Please proceed," the same king urges Princess Hellen, who then signals to me to bring forth the ornate pot. I place it before the kings, then step back a respectful distance. She then takes the bundle of rare plants from Asher and deftly begin to create a mixture from their delicate leaves and flowers. She then adds the resulting mixture to the pot, the room is filled with a hushed anticipation as all eyes remain fixed upon her every movement.
"I'm all now set to begin." The princess addresses the kings grinning confidently. "I have studied this for years and consulted with the wisest of sorcerers. Everything is going according to plan and the curse will be lifted in no time." She assures before glancing in our direction.
"My servants will recite these chants throughout the seance," she commands.
Asher, Julia, and I, draw closer and she chants the words for us to hear.
"Let thy smoke from this pot carry away thy afflictions. May thy blood of thy willing deliverer absolve thee guilt. May thy strength be fully restored, and may thy influence be multiplied, reminiscent of thy former days." As she chants, the mixture in the pot begins to emit thick, billowing smoke, causing us to cough and wave our hands in front of our faces.
Hesitantly we start the incantations, our voices shaking as we try to keep up with her. The fumes from the pot thicken, shrouding the entire room in a misty haze that obscures everyone's vision. Some of us start to stumble over the words, causing a few awkward pauses in the chant.
Just then, the air in the chamber turns pungent, and the pot emits a series of loud popping sounds. We all exchange alarmed looks.
"That doesn't look quite right, your highness." King Aleric mutters coughing between breaths. "It is not supposed to bring good fortune, not turn into a foul smelling mess?"
"Worry not, your majesty. The potion is coming along splendidly!" Princess Hellen reassures before continuing with the chant.
Her portion doesn't look promising at all. I take a few steps back
As Princess Hellen speaks, the bubbling mixture in the pot begins to overflow, spilling onto the floor. Princess Hellen takes a step back, her eyes widening.
"Oh dear... perhaps we should, uh, stand back a bit." She says as the pot suddenly starts to shake violently.
Before anyone can react, the Princess lets out a piercing scream. "Run for your lives!"
The pot suddenly explodes, sending a shower of potion and debris in all directions. We all dive for cover as the chamber fills with thick smoke.