A dynasty rooted in the bloodshed of the past, it blossomed over centuries into the nine divine commandments. It was the last civilization grounded in law, led by the beast himself.
Those who obey, stay alive. They who refuse, face his wrath.
Looking around my room, slowly my eyes land on the top part of my bed frame. The corset still hanging from the right side post, after I threw it that evening. Wishing these lung cages were illegal, I rough my hand through my hair, pushing the locks from blocking my sight.
Loud shuffles across the floorboards, Tori's footsteps caught my attention. Standing in front of me, she inspected my full body. Hissing at the mess that was my morning bedhead. "Well, we have time to fix this, don't worry Eden" She wore the same loose-fitting gown from the day before. The plain beige fabric highlighting her raven hair that was neatly up in a twist knot. The perfect mate, the type, every Beta would pray for. Always neat and presentable, even this early in the morning.
I follow her into the washroom, hearing other footsteps enter the house. Cayden greeted the Alpha and Luna with pleasantries, offering them seats ready to discuss today's event. The honor of hosting the Alpha's family was his highlight for sure. I walk into the washroom to find Tori tapping her foot, sighing as we now begin.
A bucket of lukewarm water was poured over my bare backside, my arm lifted as Tori scrubs at the dry skin as if it was a war zone. "Waste not, want not" She smiled, lowering that arm to work on the next.
"If you didn't dally, the water would be warmer," she mumbled at me as I kneel in the tub. Another bucket is poured over my head, my hair flattening over my face, blocking my sight again. I part the two-pieces, holding them between my fingertips to see again. Tori shakes a bottle of hair lotion, adding it to my roots. She melds that load of lotion into my scalp before adding another portion to the middle part of my hair, running her fingertips thoroughly through each lock.
The next hour consists of another four buckets of water to shake the dirt from my body. Two powder perfumes to absorb the remaining liquids and make me smell like our garden flower bed. One pump of a light lotion to moisturize my face and neck. The preparation ends back in my room.
Tori hoisting a slip over my head to start my dressing, my hair remains tightly bound by cotton to dry. The slip fell to mid-thigh; the next layer is a sheer piece of plain white silk that fell to the floor. Her eye noticing the teal blue corset hanging from my bed stand. "Eden Really," her sharp tone warns as she removes the piece, putting it beside me and picking up another layer of fabric of the same color to finish.
Inhaling quickly, the lacing tightened, cinching my waistline to the ideal shape. "Oh, I'm going to miss my pup," she sniffles as she gives the lace another tug. "Mother, I cannot breathe," I slip out a cough, inhaling and exhaling rapidly. I held a hand to my chest, pounding it twice.
"Oh lord, I didn't notice darling," she unties the lace from two eyelets which happen to not be a part of the corset's binding. She steps away after retying the lace and tucking it underneath. I feel like a small pup again, being dressed and fussed over by her mother. She pulled out a small case of makeup products and a hair comb. Waiting for me to sit upon my bedside to let her finish this process.
The application was quick; I didn't need much to emphasize my facial features. Just a pinch of blush, a wax coat over my brows, and dabs of creamy lip color. My hair dried and the front pieces tied loosely at the back. I felt attractive, I must admit, I never took the time to appreciate my appearance on the regular.
Tori left the room, clapping her hands together on the way. I remain seated for a moment to collect my thoughts. This was happening. I stood up from my bedside, leaving my comfort zone, as my mother did.
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Cayden and the Alpha were deep in a discussion by the time I got to the stairwell, Tori laughing and chatting excitedly with the Luna.
"We have waited for this day Cayden Tori," the Alpha nodded, "you've kept your word," he finished... "and now we thank you." The Luna chipped in, moving to stand by her mate. Just as my parents were mates, so were our Alpha and Luna. They both work together to keep our pack in check, Alpha Jaxen and his Luna Myra were an ideal pair if you asked me.
I make my way towards the group, smiling and dipping my head in respect. "Eden Mercie, you look like a true lady," Myra gushes, clasping my mother's hand in hers as both look my way. My cheeks heat up as both women continue to flatter me.
A cough captures all-our attention, another man standing in the middle of the doorway. "Apologies Alpha, but it is time we must depart with Miss Eden." Nodding towards us and leaving to wait outside by the cars.
Everyone stands in silence; you could hear my brother closing his door, hiding away above. If only that were me, I take a glance back up the stairs and drift off in thought. An arm is tangled with my own, and Myra with a supportive expression leads me over to the doorway. I'm left to say my goodbyes, hugging each parent. My father kisses my forehead for luck. My mother pulled out the necklace they gave me yesterday, putting it on for me and cradling me in an embrace.
"This will always be my home," I whisper under my breath, walking from the house and down the steps. Meeting the same man by a car door. He opens it, mentioning to get in. The man closed the door and got in the driver's seat. The Alpha and Luna had their car, as I was the only one in the back seat.
We left shortly, my eyes watching my home fade off in the distance, soon to disappear completely. I play with the cuffs of my sleeves, patiently waiting for the next hour until we arrive at yet another household. Both of the cars parked out the front. My driver got out to open the door for the Alpha and Luna but left me seated.
The house itself was smaller than the one I lived in. Details played into this one's structure with three levels, an entrance gate with vines hanging from each side. What lucky child got to explore this area soon caught my eye. The Luna escorts her over to the same car. The girl maybe stood an inch shorter than me, hair a light hazelnut brown tied back in a ponytail. Just as I wore an extravagant gown, she did as well.
The door on the other side opened, making eye contact with her as she got in. She was beautiful.
"Hello there," we say at the same time, chuckling. She reached her hand out for me to shake. "I'm Lilyan, and you are?" I almost answered her question, but the driver got back into the front seat.
"I'm Eden," I smile at her. The car starts up again and we leave the driveway. Slumping back into my seat, with a pair of eyes glued at my posture. I turn my head to face her again; she's doe-eyed with a curious look. I watch as she too leans back into the car seat, slumping. This made me laugh as a loud sigh past her lips. "I was worried I'd have to hold my posture this entire trip, honestly I would have gone insane." She says looking back at me again, using her right index finger to spin around her ear. I cough quickly at that statement. Was this girl for real?
"Well, I won't tell if you don't," I laugh, copying her coo-coo bird impression with my left hand.
If I am the Beta's child, she must be the Gamma's daughter, who would have thought both the second and third in command would lose their daughters to the Royal Court.
We continue to drive in the same direction for hours, only stopping once for a bathroom break. I've counted the number of signs we pass, watching as our beloved spring land vanishes to a deep, thick forest. We arrive at a drop zone where the West and South meet. The doors open wide for Lilyan and me to get out, My legs felt like jelly, unable to stand I fell back against the car's side.
The Alpha and Luna do the same. They automatically walk towards six men in armored suits. It was the royal guard. We were to be handed over, so they can escort us the rest of the way to the Nation's Capital.
Blinking slowly, two of the men turn to us, marching over. Their hands placed on swords that clink against their thighs. God, what did they feed these men to grow so huge?
Lilyan is yanked from my side by one, her body tumbling forward. Frowning my brow, I move my arm from the other guard's reach. "I can walk by myself, you ape." snarling at him. The guard growls in return...
Did I just challenge a member of the Royal Guard? My eyes widen.
