y the cruel words of her family. But as the emissary's horse climbed

ne walls shimmered in the sunlight. Amby's awe was tempered by anxiety. What lay within those

d Thomas. The

mby down. "Remember, Amby, your c

smoothing h

rvants scurried about, their faces a blur. A

verwhelming. The Lycan King, Liam, sat upon

nded, his deep voice sendin

parting. Amby stood a

you're the wolfless omega.

ame, humiliation and embarrassment, which had robbed her of associating with her peers who had come into

our new home?" Liam ask

m her pity party. She swallo

iam's eyes. "We'll see if you can

s hand and she scurried out of the throne room, to meet the waiting Lord Thomas. As Amby follo

me," Lord Thomas said,

rose like giants, supporting a vaulted ceiling adorned with glittering chan

breathed, her voi

ckled. "Impress

s. Liveried men and women scurried about, their faces set

ty's gown for

unting party ret

nens for the

, its rhythms and routines

stic staircase, its ca

rd Thomas explained. "Those are the king's cha

hed the top. A regal woman stood waiting

er voice husky. "I see you've

flush rise t

as bowed. "May I present

commanding the space around her. Catalina's golden hair cascaded down her back like a river of sunset hues,

frame radiating poise and strength. Every movement exuded elegance

y whispered, her vo

queen's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. Queen Ca

been informed o

Your Majesty. I will ens

rewed between the lord and queen, like the quiet before a storm. Amby knew she really must find

to Amby. "You'll attend dinner to

r heart racing. "

t away, Amby let

ring smile. "Don't worry, Am

this palace of grandeur and i

t, her radiance illuminating the darkest corners of Amby's soul. Her beauty, her composure, her majesty. These drew up a

e Catalina, to bask in the warmth of her presence. Queen Catali

yes growing distant. She suddenly summoned Amby and seeing her in her new palace maid's u

ssess... unique qualities," th

dering which qualities the que

ect those qualities to serve thi

ed a beat. "Of cou

s flashed with

l or disobedience. You'd

ction she'd felt earlier vanished. In its place, doubt and

d racing, the queen's voi

you understand your dutie

om, her eyes locked onto the queen's retreating figure. It was as if the pleas

a's icy facade? And what would

with foreboding. As she reached the doo

ss... The queen's mercy is

re was no one in sight. A