What About Now?

Chapter 9 - Translucence

I stay in my room for breakfast, eating only the apple on the tray. I look longingly at the pancakes, eggs, toast, and the assortment of fruits on the side but don't make a move to touch it. If I eat everything on the tray then I will surely be sick. Therefore, I eat what I know I can.

Diana walks into my room as I stare out the window, announcing that she is to give me a tour of the castle. I want to decline her offer and sulk in my room for the rest of the day, but can't bring myself to do so when I take in her kind smile.

I quickly change into a light blue dress that reaches my elbows and knees and slip on a pair of flats.

She first takes me into the kitchen and points out the head chef, Terry. Looking through the double doors I perceive Terry to be a very lean man. I can tell he takes pride in his work as he goes around tasting different recipes, flavors, and spices; making his brown eyes shimmer with mirth as he does so. When I walk inside I find him praising one of the staff members on their eclectic use of spices, creating the perfect Italian dish.  

Diana clears her throat, alerting everyone of our presence. They glance briefly at Diana but when they turn their eyes towards my direction I'm met with a bunch of stupefied expressions.

They kitchen staff swiftly drop what they're doing and bow their heads in my direction. I turn to glance at Diana, giving her a questioning look. However, she ignores my burning stare and focuses on Terry's quickly approaching form.

Terry is incredibly meticulous as he makes his way towards me and bows his head. "Princess it is an honor to be in your presence."

His sincere brown eyes meet mine when he lifts his head and smiles joyously. I want to question him about calling me princess, but the loyalty in his eyes causes me to slightly gasp. It's the same as Diana's, I silently recall as I briefly glance towards her. In fact the whole kitchen staff reflects the same look in Terry's eyes, making me forget about the whole princess thing and reciprocate one of my brightest smiles.

"The honor is all mine," I curtsy and laugh softly.

Terry's brown eyes fill with amusement at my response, followed by the kitchen staff quietly chuckling. He then motions for Diana and I to follow him as he gives me the "kitchens grand tour!" First he shows me a room filled with pastries, and then proceeds to show me the dining hall.

"Terry thank you so much, everything was beautiful!" I say happily.

"It is my pleasure princess. Are you sure you don't want to try any of the pastries I made today?" he asks with hopeful eyes.

"Thank You Terry but I'm not very hungry, but I promise I will another time." Terry looks slightly disappointed by my response while Diana glances at my body disapprovingly.

I awkwardly wrap my arms around my chest, trying to cover myself from her prying eyes.

Noticing my discomfort Terry begins to say, "princess do you have any preference as to what foods you would like me to prepare for you? I can make you anything you like, just name it." Terry sounds desperate as he clasps his hands together in anticipation.

"Terry whatever you decide to make for me is great. Honestly, I have no complaints," I give him a genuine smile, hoping it would be convincing enough to make him believe me.

"Of course, my apologies." Terry walks away overjoyed by my response, whereas Diana stares at me disappointedly. She knows I didn't eat any of the food he prepared last night or this morning. But even if I try and explain it to her, she won't understand.

Diana continues on with the tour. We make our way out of the kitchen and  into the castle's main hall. She points out all the important rooms, emphasizing the different wings of the household, especially the east wing, which holds the royal fighters.

"We almost never run into them, but if one does it is important to show them respect. They risk their lives to keep everyone in this castle safe and can be merciless if a threat should arise against the kingdom. Therefore, it would be wise not to cross them," she explains earnestly.

I shudder and recall their uncanny strength when they captured me. They were flawless as well as synchronized in every aspect; it's frightening to think who leads them.

Diana points out paintings of past kings, queens, as well as young princes and princesses; and goes into copious stories of wars fought throughout the history of the werewolf kingdom.

"Trust me I could go on and on about this but it would be better to read about it for yourself." She  pushes open two large golden doors. The doors part ways, making the sun's ray from the large window emphasize the light blue walls of the library. I skim my fingers across a random section feeling the corner of every book and conclude that I'm going to be spending most of my days in this blue wonderland.

"If we walk through the library we'll make it to the other side of the castle and that will lead to your room. That will conclude with our tour for the day." Diana happily sighs as she walks past each book. Looks like Diana loves the library just as much as I do, and I can't blame her. It's absolutely stunning and evokes a serene feeling with each section I pass.

Walking across the library I spot a fireplace that Diana hadn't pointed out. I smile just imagining the bright orange flames crackling softly and providing warmth as I read a book under its bright glow. 

We walk out of the library and make a few more turns when I suddenly clutch my head painfully. Unexpectedly, my wolf surfaces and swiftly barges through my mind. She starts taking over my body as I feel my legs involuntarily turn from Diana's direction and walk towards a set of marble doors that were passed.

My wolf controls my movements as she pushes the marble doors open and forces my legs to walk inside the room. It's only then that she releases her control over my body, causing me to stop in my tracks and stare at my hands fearfully.

Why did she do that? What does she want me to see? I question.

I lift my head and take notice of the mirrors covering every corner of the room. The sun shines brightly from the only present window in the room, causing the mirrors to reflect off one another.

Despite the beautiful glow inside the room my attention is directed towards the grand piano. It sits in the middle of the room, beckoning me to play. I stare at it longingly and take a step towards it before shaking my head and taking a step back. 

I swiftly turn away from it and breathe deeply.

Don't you miss it at all?  My wolf says sadly.

I angrily shut her out and make my way outside the room.

"Princess is everything alright?" Diana whispers, following quickly behind me.

"What is that place?" I whisper sadly, keeping my back towards her.

"The room was once used to train new warriors, but was later deemed to be too small. It's used as a  storage room now." Diana quickly explains, seeming cautious with her words.

"So you call that piano in there storage?" I hastily turn around and point my finger towards it's direction. 

"The servants got rid of everything but the prince refuses to have the piano removed." She chooses her words carefully, staring worriedly at my shaking hands and then quickly at me. Her eyes widen at the sight of me eyes. She takes a step back and covers her mouth.  

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I snap angrily.

"Your...Yourr eyes they're..." she stutters taking another step away from me.

I gasp and quickly turn away from her as I attempt to regain control of my wolf. I can't believe she managed to slip through again. 

"Translucent," she whispers startlingly.

I don't turn around to look at her again. I hastily make my way to my room and shut the door. I slide down against it and exhale loudly. 

When I finally lift my head I gasp. Levi is holding a tray of food and somberly gazes at my crouched form.

"Punishment is served," he says in a deadly tone.

I audibly gulp, recalling his threat to punish me if I refused to eat my breakfast. But I didn't think he was serious.

But what's the worst he can do, right?