From The Ashes

Chapter Thirteen

It'd been around three days since King Ruben's decree. I'd spent most of my time training in the gym with Valen, learning pack traditions with Von, or lounging in my room with Aislinn.

I hadn't anticipated that I wouldn't get any alone time when King Ruben made his decision, but I literally always had someone at my side. I was starting to get a little sick of it and I really needed some time to myself.

I groaned as I rolled over on my bed. I'd been trying to read a novel for the last hour, but I'd been stuck on the same chapter reading the same page over and over again. I looked over at Aislinn who was sewing peacefully at the reading nook. 

"Can't we go do something? I'm tired of sitting here," I complained to her. 

"Nope. You know the rules. Besides, it's only been three days. I think you can manage." I glared at her. 

"Three days feels like forever when you're constantly being watched. Maybe we could just go into town? Grab a coffee? Maybe stop by Maria's shop?"

Maria had been in the process of designing my ball gown, and I was more than eager to catch a glimpse of it. 

"Okay, we both know Maria isn't going to spill the beans. Your dress is locked up tighter than the royal jewels. You won't get a single hint from her until it's time for you to wear it." Aislinn chuckled.

"But getting out and stretching our legs does sound nice, I'll have to ask Queen Stella." Her eyes glazed over as she mind-linked someone. 

"Von will be up here in a second to wait with you while I talk with her." 

"You couldn't just mind-link her?" 

"No, she's a busy woman. Half the time her direct links to anyone other than the king or the princes are blocked. I've notified her staff that I will be coming, though. Maybe in the mean time you can pick something other than sweats to wear." I glared at her once again. 

"What's wrong with my sweats?" She just laughed at me before opening the door. Von stood in my doorway, dripping with elegance and beauty. 

"Whew, there's a goddamn Greek God standing in our room," Sienna panted at me. My cheeks burned at her brash comment, but I didn't acknowledge it. Instead I glanced down at my sweats. 

Ah, now I understand.

Here I am looking like I belong on the streets with the world's hottest werewolf smiling at me. I could have at least brushed my hair. I tried to discreetly tame the beast sitting atop my head. 

"Had enough of lockdown yet?" Von asked me, his voice smooth and melodious. 

"Oh, most definitely. I really need my own space. And, I really, really need to get out of this castle." He chuckled. 

"Well, hopefully you've learned your lesson. What is it Aislinn said you wanted to do again?" 

"Just go to town and get some coffee, maybe stop by and see Maria." I shrugged my shoulders. 

"That sounds...surprisingly pleasant. Perhaps you and I could go together one day?" I smiled at him. 

"Of course. I really enjoy your company." His expression shifted a little. 

"Listen, Indigo, I know you're upset at me and my brother for going to our father," he began.

 I watched him carefully. It was true, I'd been a little upset with them at first. I hadn't really had a proper conversation with either of them up until this point, but I understood why they did it.