Rejection to the Alpha King's Daughter [amazon edition]

Chapter 25 - Royal Ball

Chapter 25 – Royal Ball

Once again, I find myself standing before the grand doorway to the ballroom, my pack being one of the earlier guests to arrive. I swallow nervously, the memories of that happened last time I stood here flooding through my mind like a movie set to fast forward. I feel dizzy, worried with a slight unease settling in my stomach. With so many wolves around, I realize in this moment that we have only one option and that is to kill Alexander or die trying.
My pack is already mingling with those who came to witness a new pack make an alliance with their King, their curious gazes on Albot and I as I cling to his arm and try my best to steady my frantically beating heart. Thankfully, no one has recognized me but that can change drastically if Narin ever gets close to me.
[You okay Crystalline?] Albot asks, his eyes searching mine.
[No but I will be.] I admit, snuggling closer to his side and eyeing all the wolves around us. All are chatting away nonchalantly, asking about their pack and how they have been combatting Rogues and Soulless. It sickens me to hear how one wolf had his pack capture the Rogues that trespassed onto his lands and allowed his Hunters to hunt them down and rip them apart. His pack will be first to go when I claim the throne.
"Ladies and gentlemen." A voice calls out over the crowd. I smile, realizing that Butler Loki is still alive. At least I will have one ally tonight inside the Royal Pack. When every one settles, their attention on the butler, he continues with a smile.
"The ball is going to begin. Please enjoy the night before a new alliance is made." With this the doors are opened by the guards. Wolves quickly make their way into the grand ballroom while I stand back with Albot, not wanting to see the place where my life changed just yet. With majority of the guests inside, I am coaxed into walking through the double doors by Albot and my pack mates, telling me to not let fear win as I will be Queen by the end of the night and I need to claim this room, this Palace as my own. Of course, they are right and with a deep breath I stand straighter, shoulders back and head held high. I am the true heir and no one has the right to intimidate me.
Walking into the ballroom, the first thing I notice is the dais, the one directly in the moon's path where Geminie and I once stood. Where Narin rejected me and where the journey of the last three years began. With a small smile, I lead Albot down the stairs towards the dancefloor, where a waltz is taking place to the music played by the band in the corner. To say I am surprised that they are wolves and not humans is an understatement, but at least this way no humans will become casualties when the fighting begins. Albot smiles, his eyes on me as he twirls me around the dancefloor in time to the music.
[How is the hunt going?] I ask through the link. I see Albot chuckle while various of my pack mates who have found dance partners try to hide their smirk. The operation has started.
[We already have two found and killed. No pups just yet.] Stan calls out through the link, a hint of amusement in their voice. I chuckle, closing my eyes to keep me linking my pack unnoticed from those around us.
[Make that three!] Lisa chuckles. Proud of the work my pack is doing, I remind them to stay safe and the rules of protect pups who are innocent in all of this before closing the link. Now it is out turn. We have an hour to kill before Alexander arrives which means we have this hour to scope out those in attendance and see where they stand. The music ends and Albot leads me towards the refreshment station, the two of us taking a glass of sparkling water from the Maid passing us before joining a group of wolves congregating by the fondu table.
"It's a shame no one has found where Princess Crystalline is." A woman with her blonde hair pulled into a bun wearing a black lace masks sighs out, shocking me as I come to stand beside her.
"Sorry to intrude, but what do you mean by this?" I ask, curiosity lacing my voice.
"What she means is Crystalline is the rightful Queen. No one in this circle likes Alexander, but he is our current ruler. We have to obey him." The man next to the blonde states with a grimace, throwing back the drink in his cup into his mouth before letting out a small growl.
"We would be better off having the Princess become Queen than have Alexander on the throne." He continues, the remaining three people agreeing with him.
"Does everyone at the ball also share the same thought?" Albot asks, pulling me closer to his side as the lone male of the group stares at me with a hint of greed in his eyes. I turn my head away from him, ignoring his gaze and focus on the other four wolves.
"Sadly no. Only the five of us believe this. The rest just follows Alexander because of a perk of another." The brunet with an elaborate blue masks states, a sigh following her words.
"What about you two? Where do you two stand?" She asks, directing her gaze to Albot and I. I smile, looking to my friend who nods at me, allowing me to answer.
"I think if she were here secretly, I would support her and help her claim her throne." This answer seems to surprise the five wolves, but quickly they agree to my statement. With this new information, Albot and I link the pack to not harm them. They support me even if they have no idea I am here. With a grin, Albot whisks me away as we walk around the ballroom, chatting with the guests and dancing when we needed time to plan and check in with our pack mates on the assassination mission. A loud chiming in the ballroom indicates eleven 'o'clock, and Butler Loki calls for everyone's attention. The music comes to a stop as the dancers and guest turn their attention to the entrance.
"Announcing his arrival, King Alexander Thorn." Loki calls out, his voice echoing around the room. The doors are opened once more and in a lavish suit with a cape draped around his body, Alexander steps into view, his crown glistening on his head. Beside him is Narin and my heart clenches. My ex-mate stands next to my enemy with a stony look, neither smiling nor frowning. This ball is about to get interesting now, with these two making their appearance. Time for me to play "keep away" until midnight tolls.