Filed to story: The Rejected Werewolf Princess (Camilla & Tyson) by Didi Adeyemi >>
I got up and she opened her arms for me to pick her up. When she was settled on my hip, I made my way out of the dressing room and towards the large dining room.
On my way there, I was ambushed by Christine who looked like she had something really urgent to tell me. I put Audrey down and asked her to go and wait for me in the dining room seeing as she was impatiently squirming in my arms. I knew guards would go with her so I had nothing to worry about and I turned to Christine.
“What’s the problem?” I asked and she pulled me into a corner before speaking.
“I heard that an Alpha crossed our borders today,” she said and it felt like my entire world shut down.
With those nine words, all I could hear was a ringing in my ears. It felt like my world was suspended on a tight rope that was about to snap. Mother told me I would have a week; it has only been six days. I thought I would get the exact seven days or at least a little more time. I am nowhere near ready to see Ryker.
“The Queen says they won’t be staying in the palace,” she assured me. “Some will be staying at a hotel and some will be staying in the palace. guest house depending on the arrangements that she has made. You may not have to see him until the ceremony.”
“What do I do if he seeks me out?”
“You ignore him,” she said as if it was the simplest thing in the world.
“It is not that easy.”
Christine grabbed my shoulders so I was staring at her and the look she gave me was enough to make a lesser man squirm in his boots but I know her and I know she would never hurt me so I stood there and I stared her right back in the eye.
“You are the crowned princess,” she began. “You do not owe anyone much less him an explanation. He should be on his knees begging for a second of your time and if you decide that you do not want to give it to him then that is fine. You are not obligated to do that. If you don’t want him in the palace then all you have to do is say one word. Everyone in here lives to follow you. Do not forget that.”
I swallowed and nodded, “You’re right, I should get Audrey. She must be waiting for me.”
Christine smiled, “I think I could use a snack too.”
We walked towards the dining room and I was confused when I pushed the doors open and the only people there were my mother and a maid. I looked around at first and checked behind the doors wondering if Audrey was playing hide and seek.
“What are you looking for?” mother asked and I finally acknowledged her by looking up.
“Where’s Audrey?”
Mother raised a brow, “She was with you.”
“Yes but I asked her to come here, didn’t you see her?” she shook her head and I didn’t waste any time before I was sprinting out of the dining room to look for my daughter.
I checked her room first to see if she had gone back but she hadn’t. Her room looked the same way it did when we left it this morning. I could feel myself begin to panic but I was desperately trying to calm down. “Relax,” Christine whispered, “The guards will never let her go far. I’m sure that she is somewhere in this palace.”
I ran my hands through my hair and made my way down the stairs when I almost bumped into one of the guards. I know him as Steven because he watches Audrey a lot of the time. When he saw me, he breathed out a sigh of relief.
“I was looking for you my lady,” he bowed, “The princess managed to run away from us when we were out in the garden. She is speaking to one of the visitors and she refuses to come with us. We cannot touch her as we are not allowed and I was hoping you could get her to come back.”
I exchanged a look with Christine and we were sprinting to the garden. I prayed to the moon goddess that it wasn’t what I was thinking and I drew to a harsh stop when I saw her.
Audrey was standing with a tiny flower in her hand while he was crouched down next to her. He was smiling down at her and listening with rapt attention while she spoke about something I couldn’t hear. I immediately pressed myself against the wall so they wouldn’t see me and I saw Christine glance at me carefully as she registered the scene in front of her.
Ryker had officially met his daughter.
“Christine, I need you to get her for me,” were the first words out of my mouth once I was able to calm my breathing.
Christine raised a brow and crossed her arms over her chest. I wasn’t sure if she wanted to smack me or yell at me or walk away- possibly all three. She heaved a heavy sigh as she leaned back a little to see what was happening. I did the same and it was still the same scene, Ryker was talking animatedly with Audrey but I could also see that he was looking around to see where she had come from.
I quickly hid beneath the pillar once more, “Please,” I begged, “Before he asks who her mother is and she mentions me. I’m not ready to see him. or tell him.”
Christine rolled her eyes but she walked into the garden without another word. I hid behind the pillar so that I was covered but I could still see and hear what was going on. As she walked towards the duo, Ryker lifted up his head and saw her.
He stood to his feet and gave her a small but respectful bow which Christine acknowledged with a small nod. She placed a hand on Audrey’s shoulder and I saw Ryker’s eyes narrow slightly as he took in the scene. “Audrey, I think you should go inside now.” Christine said with no room for arguments, “Everyone is waiting for you to eat.”
“I’m sorry,” her eyes fell, “I was just talking to my new friend. His name is Riley.”
Ryker chuckled under his breath, “My name is Ryker, little one.”
My heart warmed at the way he spoke to her and the wide smile she gave to him. She had barely met him but she was already enamored by him. Imagine if she knew he was her father, imagine if he knew that she was his daughter.
My wolf nudged me towards them, nudged me to tell him that was his child but I couldn’t. Not after everything that happened, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. He doesn’t deserve that little girl, no matter how amazing she might be or how much he might seem to love her.
“Are you her mum?” Ryker asked suddenly and I saw Christine turn to him.
“No,” she said simply and didn’t offer up any more answers. Instead, she turned to Audrey, “Go inside now, you shouldn’t be talking to strangers.”
Audrey bristled at the chiding but she knew that Christine was right. She might be young but she knows her status and I have tried to teach her to be careful because people are always trying to attack the palace and the royal family. I wouldn’t want her to wander into a situation that she shouldn’t be in just because of her curiosity.
She waved to Ryker and turned around to disappear into the palace. I waited until she was out of sight from everyone before I rushed towards. her and pulled her into my arms. She relaxed against me and hugged me back but I couldn’t help but realize how she probably doesn’t even know why I am holding her like she is about to let go.
I kept her next to me and watched Christine and Ryker. Christine had turned on her heels to make her way back in when Ryker stopped her. “I know I shouldn’t ask,” he began, “But I recognize you from the day I went looking for her. Is she okay?”
I was confused by his words because Christine never told me that she met him. I was under the assumption that she didn’t even know who he was.
Camilla is fine if that is what you’re asking.” She answered and Ryker opened his mouth to ask something else but she cut him off, “If you want to know anything about her then you can wait until the meeting where will see her. I cannot give out information on anyone in the royal family.”
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“You’re right,” he took a step back, “My apologies, I just wanted to know that she was safe.”
“There is nowhere safer for her than here. I think you should let the guards lead you to your hotel or wherever it is that you are staying.” The jab was clear in her words and I saw Ryker’s expression as it settled. Without another word, Christine turned on her heels and walked right into the palace. Ryker stared at her retreating figure for a while but then he cleared his throat and walked away once a guard walked up to him. Audrey was still in my arms but she looked confused as to what was happening. As soon as Christine walked up to us I let her see all the questions I had in my eyes but she pointedly ignored me and turned towards Audrey.