Alpha's Divine Commandments

Chapter 10

The doors open, parting from the center and widening to display the enormous ballroom. Bright candles lighting ablaze shielded inside glass globes. Flickering my eyes about, zooming in on each capturing corner with a gasp. Everything melted together. From the sprawling marble floors coated with grand designs to the historical painting scattered along the walls on either side.

Zale stepped through the door frame, hand still locked on mine. The place was packed with elegant women eagerly chatting and awaiting the festivities. The men tucked away along the outside, holding their conversations with another. The formation looked like a beehive from my position. Men standing guard to protect the precious honey from unwanted seekers. A polearm hits the ground, the loud sound triggering all eyes to meet ours.

"And finally, we introduce Eden Mercie from the South," shouted the man who held the polearm. Most of the crowd was quick to raise a glass or light applause as Zale led us through. I could choke on my nerves, whatever courage I maintain was used to keep the pleasant expression on my face. 

Side by side we keep up the slow stride forwards. Passing two, maybe three groups of women whispering and hinting towards either of us. I haven't spotted any of the other girls I knew, not even Lilyan was in my line of sight. Tilting my chin up slightly, the dazzling chandeliers hanging in perfect alignment. The light captures my gaze in a trance. I didn't notice us halt. Zale releases my hand, gently placing his above my shoulder, tapping once. Reframing my focus, I shift back my attention to the new person in front of me. As if it was on cue, Cinea was smiling right at me, holding a half-filled champagne flute.

Clutching a handful of my gown, I lower myself into a curtsy, using this as an opportunity to regain whatever strength. I return the smile as I bring myself back up. 

"Your majesty. Thank you for the kind gestures you've granted the others and me these past days," I said. Properly holding my posture. This wasn't what I expected. 

"Your presence is the Mother's gift. I give all my thanks to her for providing us such a generous bunch this year," She said, raising her hand to rest upon her heart. If there was one woman who took the crown for most elegant, I was standing by her. Her hair curled and done up loosely in a bun with crystallized roses tucked into either side. Sheets of lace and silk toppled over her shoulders, tightened by her sides with satin sashes. The soft pastel turquoise fabric swaying down to hit the floor. As she lifts her arms, the sashes hemming attach to her wrist as real roses make up corsages.

Zale left my side and parted towards the outer ring of men. Waiting in silence, the queen gazes over the sea of people, seeking a single soul. Her body language switches to that of an excited young she-wolf. Her hands clasping together by her chin, trying not to leap towards the other person who now approaches.

I felt my awkward twink play up again, fiddling with my sleeves, bobbing my feet up and down. I didn't dare turn my head to face behind. China's thrills told me enough about who it was creeping up behind us. A shadow grew larger with each second passing. The aura of strength radiating out as the people fall silent. The righteous King strode from my behind to his beloved. The power couple slotted into history books for endless accomplishments were officially in front of me. 

"My love," Cinea lashes out, flinging her arms around his neck as he lifts her into the air by her waist. The happy pair capturing the hearts of the Kingdom rumored to be stern and serious acted as if they were meeting for the first time. A round of awes came from all as the two separated and turned to face me.

"My darling. Meet Eden Mercie," Cinea says, looping her arm around her mate's arm and tugging it once. 

 "Ah, the beta's daughter if my advisors are correct. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. How you have found the Northern lands." The Alpha spoke with authority as he returned the gesture to his mate. Wrapping an arm around her waist and bringing her closer to his side.