Prophecies and Lies

chapter 3

I think we all have a little bit of that beautiful madness, that keeps us walking when everything  around us is so insanely sane.

                                                                                                               ~ Julio Cortazar

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The House of Salver stood in the courtyard of the Diamond palace, spellbound by its beauty; even Alpha Alec, who had visited the palace numerous times with Nathanial, seemed to be holding his breath.

The palace looked bewitching with its Ferinin stone, a material with the composure of a diamond but more stable than a diamond, making it a perfect building block that only aristocrats could afford.

Ariana, however despised it, for it was obnoxiously beautiful with its tall tapestries and ever changing shades of colour. She couldn't help but wonder how many restless nights the maids had to spend to keep the palace going or how difficult it was for the warriors to keep the fortress protected at all times of day.

They were greeted by the Royal Alpha, who was a tall man dressed in the royal colours of crimson red and gold. He was extremely muscular to the point where his clothes looked as if they weren't made for him, his eyes were evergreen with the most alluring dark skin. He had a scar that ran from his eyebrow to the tip of his full lips, making him look terrifyingly stricking.

Ariana could tell he was powerful even with her weak wolf. She could tell in the way everyone shifted on their feet uncomfortably and how they all unconsciously shifted into a submissive stance, including her own Alpha.

The Royal Alpha's eyes seeped over the crowd before they settled on Ariana, who was blatantly looking at him with curiosity. He gives her subtle nod before looking away, which causes Ariana too to take the submissive stance whilst recalling what her father had told her to do.

The Royal Alpha Michael turned to give Alpha Alec a bright smile that looked too big to have been real as he said, "It is so wonderful to see you again, Alpha Alec of House Salver,"

"You too," Alpha Alec replied whilst shaking hands with the Royal Alpha, " This is my mate whom you've met before and my pups."

"Oh yes, the lovely Luna Andorra, it's a pleasure to meet you again." The Royal Alpha Michael, spoke as he took the Luna's hand and left a small kiss on it causing her cheeks to flush.

"Ah... and this must be young Master Nathanial," The Royal Alpha said, shaking Nathanial's hand.

" And this must be Lady Andria, who I've heard so much about," The Royal Alpha said humbly as he approached Andria, "Ah, it is true what they say? For you are the most angelic looking she-wolf I've laid my eyes on. "

Andria blushed as the Royal Alpha took her hand and laid a swift kiss on it.

"Thank you, your grace, for the compliment," Andria said, her voice honeyed and too sweet for anyone's taste, as she did a small curtsy for him.

"Who's this lovely lady that I see? The Royal Alpha asked as he approached Ariana.

"This is my youngest daughter, the Lady Ariana," Alpha Alec spoke with disdain in his voice making Ariana shuffle on her feet as she averted her gaze downwards.

"Why have I not heard of this gentle creature before? The Royal Alpha asked as he looked from Alpha Alec to Ariana, " How strange, for such a small thing, she has such a big aura that even my wolf cannot comprehend."

Ariana looked meekly up towards the Royal Alpha " Surely, you must be mistaken, your highness."

"No, my child, we'll look into it later when I can meet your wolf; for now, let's get your family and servants settled in the palace." The Royal Alpha said as he called up an aged servant who took them into the palace and through a dozen vast halls before stopping in front of a twenty foot door.

"Alpha, Luna, Ladies, master, you will all be staying in the noctis apartment, which consists of fourteen bedrooms and seventeen different facilities. If you need assistance, please be free to call up a maid or servant," The withered man spoke as he pushed open the doors and led them into the magnificent apartment, which had gold leaf adorning every room and fountains and other water features added to the great room of the apartment.

The servant left after giving them a quick tour and telling them that dinner was going to be taking place in an hour, which caused everyone to fall into chaos as the maids and servants rushed around helping everyone get prepared for dinner.

Ariana was put into a black evening gown with thick gold embroidery and a blue pendent that represented her house while Andria was wearing a midnight blue gown that sparkled under the candle light. They were then escorted to the dining room where they were introduced.

"Stay with me," Nathanial whispered in Ariana's ear as she wrapped her arm around his.

"Always," Ariana replied with a bright smile, "Oh look, even Charlie's here."

Charles Xavier Knight was the son of the Alpha neighbouring Alpha Alec's pack. He was a good friend of Nathanial's with his lean build, hazel eyes, brunette hair and easy-going humour.

They approached him as Ariana said, " Charlie, where have you been this whole time?"  they greeted each other cheek to cheek, which was something reserved for close family and friends.

"Nowhere special ,little Ari How are you anyways? " Charlie asked while sipping some wine, "Have you tasted the wine yet?

"No, but I will try it later," Ariana said

"Anyways, Nate, I think I have a plan to where we can go," Charlie said, " I think we should go to the Nox relá"

"What's the Nox Relá?" Ariana asked

" Oh my, how do you not know what it is?" Charlie mocked, "Little Ari, do you live under a rock?"

Ariana gives Charlie a glare before looking up to her older brother for assistance.

"It's a celebration held by common wolves to celebrate the coronation." Nathanial replied, " It usually starts at midnight a month before the coronation."

" That's today, right?" Ariana asked, causing her brother to nod his head, "So you're planning to leave for the celebration at midnight?"

Nathanial gives her another nod, which causes her to break into a smile, "Then I'm going with you."

"NO," Nathanial said with a growl that could barely be heard by anyone.

"Why? "Please, I won't be troublesome," Ariana tried to argue as she acted like an innocent child with her big doe-like eyes.

"No, you and I both know that father will not approve, " Nathanial tried to scold his sister by whisper yelling at her but she just shook her head.

"Come on Nate , we're only going to do this once and the Alpha will never know," Ariana tried to convince him.

"Yeah Nate, I think she should come with us. She deserves to come for all she's been through," Charlie said

"Ok, fine, but you must be careful and you will be clothed like a commoner so no one can recognise you." Nathanial said with finalisation

Ariana nods her head in agreement as the trio head to the dining table.

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