The Mallapers: A Rejected Mate Story

Chapter Two

Leyla's Point of View

King Alexander and Queen Lamia were the current reigning Monarch. Their reign and love were celebrated through song and children's stories. It was said that their love was the strongest bond in all the lands and fertility prospered across the land. Queen Lamia was beautiful. Her blonde locks cascaded down her back with a sweet heart shaped face. Her lips were plump and red as a rose in bloom. Her emerald eyes twinkled on her olive skin; It had been years since I had seen the Queen in person but she was ageing with grace and poise that I could not help but be mesmerised by her beauty. I felt plain and simple basking in her presence.

The Queen passively stared at me, while I briefly glanced at the Prince. My heart was pounding and my head felt heavy. I lifted my glaze from his built physic. His muscles were built, his olive skin dressed in the finest navy suit. His lips looked pillowy, and as my eyes reached his mocha brown eyes a voice in my head whispered "mate". His once passive face, gaped at me in shock as the truth dawned on him that I was his blessed mate. It was like neither of us knew what to say and my heart hurt as his face returned to his neutral expression.

"Yes father, I remember Leyla" he said. His face was expressionless. No emotions were swirling in his eyes. It was disheartening. 

"Your highness." I replied as I bowed my head. "Thank you and your family for your invitation." I kept my eyes from his face as I could bear to hear his rejection.

"Little Layla there is no need for formalities, you are extended family." The King said. The Queen again clasped her hand. Layla could see that she was breaking the skin on her hand but she did not understand why.

"Yes, she is going to be like extended family isn't she. She is joining the family as a lady in waiting for my Prince's mate" Queen Lamia smirked. "I did not know you were still well acquainted with Lady Layla my dear."

"Ahh yes, well little Layla was training by the River when one afternoon I offered my support and help. I joined her in training and she is a formidable opponent for a little lady." He chuckled "She put me down a couple of times and her ideas in policy and strategy are unique. She is a merit to you Nona, she would make a beautiful Luna one day, should the goddess bless her."

A butler appeared in a deep navy suit and a bow tie that matched. He stood out from the other staff members at the Royal Quarters. The other Omega's were dressed in plain clothes, there was nothing elaborate about them. I could see Omega's dusting the palace and cleaning the floor. The guards were scattered around and wore no expression. They just stood guard staring into space. I wondered what they were thinking. The present butler appeared to be wearing a unique uniform, his blazer was adorned with the Royal Crest at his pocket square, it was embroiled in gold. As I stared at him, he went to the Queen's side and announced that the preparations the evening's dinner was ready.

The Queen turned her face away from me and expressed that they must follow the schedule for this evening's dinner and that she did not want to be kept waiting.  She turned and her dress trailed behind her, she floated across the marble lobby as she was escorted by the Butler and Nona and the king quickly followed them into the dining quarters.

I began to follow when a hand grasped my arm and tingles danced across my arm and flames began to ignite. I gasped and the hand quickly disappeared. I stared at her arm, where the hand once lay and she watched as I felt tingles linger and dance across her skin. I didn't want to look at Prince Ryan as I was scared of his reaction. I shook his my head and quickly dashed to the dining quarters following Nona as I could not bare to look into his eyes.

"Leyla." I heard him faintly whisper. I could hear the ache in his voice, as I continued to run up the stairs to the dining quarters and I did not know what to say, I did not know what to do. He hated me, bullied me, tortured me and yet the Goddess blessed me with Ryan as my mate. I never knew what I had done to warrant his behaviour and disgust but her heart ached and I knew that being a lady in waiting to his new Queen would finally break me.