ALPHA QUEEN

FIVE.

(Julianne Hough as Lily!)

...

I took a deep breath while standing in the dark hallway. I haven't prepared the speech at all so I will have to improvise. Once I heard the commotion in the ballroom stop, I started to walk down the stairs. I lifted my head high and let my Alpha power surround me. When I stepped into the light, I stood in my spot and looked over the ballroom. Everyone was on their left knee, bowing to their Princess, their Queen. No Alpha dared to look up and disobey me. I started moving again. According to the tradition, everyone could stand up after the Princess shifts her gaze from the crowd, but I didn't let them. I wanted them to feel the power a woman can have. I wanted them to know that she can bring any Alpha down to his knees, not just her soulmate. When I was walking among them, I felt their power and the amount of testosterone was overwhelming. Nevertheless, I didn't allow them to stand yet. My pack was on their feet because I mind-linked them to stand. When I sat on my throne, I took more time to admire what I could do. The Alphas, the strongest ones in the world, were on their knees – because of me. Once I was pleased with the sight, I let them stand. They looked up and stood tall, trying to intimidate me even though I had more power than all of them. I smirked and they realized it didn't work.

My father took my hand and we stood up. When I reached the podium, I saw Lily smiling at me and holding her thumbs upwards; Hector mimicked her actions, grinning like crazy. I smiled and spoke to the crowd:

"Welcome!

This ball was organised by my parents and I thank them for that. I am very pleased to see that a great number of you came. Some of you travelled for a long time and I can't express my gratitude for your sacrifice; thank you for coming to see me.

On the other hand, you have also come to help us figure out a solution to the problem the Conclave presented. I hope we will come up with a smart decision that will solve the problem immediately.

And, more importantly, enjoy the night!"

The whole crowd clapped and I smiled. Seconds after that, I turned to my parents only to see my mother's terrified expression. Ah, the hair.

"Yes, I had a haircut. But I love it and I just wanted something different, so let me be happy about that, would you?" I said so she wouldn't freak out and ruin my mood.

"I was just surprised, honey. It looks lovely." She smiled but I could tell she was upset because I broke the tradition.

"Your speech was well planed, short but filled with all the information. When did you write it?" Dad asked and I laughed.

"I wrote it just now in my head." His eyes widened and I laughed, again.

"You didn't prepare for tonight at all, did you?"

"No. I had a great day with Hector's mate and didn't feel like doing all that." They both smiled and I asked them if now was the time to meet the Alphas. They confirmed my thoughts and told me to sit on my throne because all of them will come and introduce themselves to me. That way, I will have a chance to see if he is here. They don't know why they're actually here. They are here to discuss the rouge problem with us, but we mostly summoned them because of my problem.

An hour later, I met every single Alpha that came. After that, I left my throne to find Lily. She and Hector were by the bar. A bottle of vodka is just what I need!

"Toni, give me a bottle of vodka." The guy working at the bar was our cook and friend, and he looked at me in amusement but handed me a bottle anyway.

"Thanks." Then, I turned to my friends. „Hello, lovebirds. You up for a walk in the garden?" Hector excused himself, saying that he had to stay there because of mom and dad, but Lily took my hand and led me outside. When we came in the garden, I took a seat on one of the swings and Lily sat beside me. I kept my mouth shut and opened the bottle. Taking a large sip, I felt my chest ache, but I ignored it.

"He's not here, is he?" Lily gently asked and I laughed, trying to suppress a sob.

"Oh, Rose..."

"Alphas from every single country came and fucking Greek Alphas are the only ones who didn't. The only country I needed. I just needed that one person and he didn't come." I took another sip from the bottle and Lily snatched it from me. A low growl emitted from my chest.

"I'm sorry, Rose, but you need to pull yourself together. This is not you, stop pretending you are tough. Remember what you told me today." I looked at her and she smiled sadly. I took a deep breath and silently agreed with her. 

„You're right. I wanted to forget that he's absent, you know? The pain is getting worse and I can't endure that any longer. I'm going to be dead in a month; I can feel it." She pulled me in a hug and I let her hold onto me. A few moments later, I hugged her back.

"We can't lose you, Rose. You are what holds us up. There has to be another way to get to him." I thought for a second and a terrible idea struck me.

"I have something in mind. Are you with me?" She nodded immediately and I stood up, leading her deeper in the garden. Once we came to an old door, I spoke again:

"Behind this door is a portal. My father, mother and I know how to use it and only the three of us can control it. With that portal, you can go anywhere you like." Once she realized what I wanted to do, she let go of my hand and wrapped her hands around her.

"You want to find him through a portal?"

"Yes."

"But how will I go with you if only you can control it?!"

"I will use the portal if he doesn't show up. The thing is, I can take anyone I want with me, as long as the person really wants to be with me and is there by her own will. So, will you help me?" She thought about it for a little bit longer and nodded. I hugged her and we started heading back to the castle. She promised to keep the portal a secret and I thanked her.

When we entered the ballroom, I saw more people in the room.

And, by the looks of it, they just came here.

"Your mother is looking for you." Hector approached us and hugged Lily.

"What's wrong? Are these..."

"The Greek Alphas? Yes." Hector smiled at me, and I literally felt his happiness wash over my whole being.

"Go find him!" Lily pushed me forward and I laughed. I waved at them, promising to come back later.

When I approached the group of Alphas, I let the power seep out of my skin again. They bowed in respect and I let them stand because I really wasn't in the mood anymore. All of them introduced themselves and then left to greet their old friends who were present. Only one Alpha stood before me, wanting to say something.

"Princess, it's an honour. I am Alpha Theseus." I nodded, waiting for him to explain himself further. „We are all sorry for being late, our flight has been delayed. We came as soon as we could. Also, I am extremely sorry to announce that my son is absent tonight. He went on a business trip to Australia, to visit the Headquarters, and couldn't come today." I saw red after he told me that Axel was not there. 

How dare he disrespect me like that? 

The rage I felt at that moment turned into a black hole and I fell in it, letting go completely.