Mortal Queen of Wolves

PrologueI rest in a chair next to the hospital bed, staring blankly at my mother whose once sun gold skin is now pale as snow. Her beautiful blonde hair has turned to straw and her radiant green eyes are now glossy and crimson. As she tries to sleep, I think of how only six months ago she was perfectly healthy and never got sick in her life now she could be on her deathbed. The only thing I can do is pray and think positively. Glancing at the clock on the wall, realizing my shift at the diner is going to start soon so I stand placing a gentle kiss on my mother’s forehead and cover her then walk to the door turning to give her one last glance before walking out the door. I cherish each moment with her as if it is my last. The specialists have told me she seems to progress well, but there are days harder than others. The medical bills have piled up and my diner salary just doesn’t cut it even with taking on multiple shifts. I had to postpone school until she gets better, which I know she feels guilty for, but no one expects this stuff. I would never blame her. As I walk through the hall of the hospital, I notice an announcement board on the wall with some job listings. I stop to investigate. “Maid needed for the Mayweather palace, room, and board, medical with exceptional pay” It reads, and this could not come at a better time. I quickly rip the ad off the board, sticking it in my bag, and hurry for the exit. When I enter the diner, I place my things behind the counter and begin my shift. The night drags on with the usual customers. I spend most of the night refilling coffee and taking orders along with answering the phone for Togo’s. As my shift ends after working a double, the sun is rising so I grab my things then wave goodbye to my coworkers hurrying back to the hospital to check on my mother. My dad passed when I was two, so it has only been my mom and me. I have watched her struggle to put food on the table and make sure I had everything I needed, but not once did I see her smile waver, nor did I ever see her cry. She has been strong and independent, never needing a man. I must have got her will to be independent because I have steered clear of men altogether. I enter the hospital going straight up to my mother’s room opening the door to see her watching her favorite Tv show. I step in with a smile. “Hey, have you eaten?” I asked, taking a seat in the chair next to her. She smiles weakly at me. “Yeah, we had ravioli” She sighs with half a grin and I give her one in return, placing my hand on her forearm. I let her continue her show while I pulled out the ad I took from the hospital and glanced at the clock: it’s seven in the morning. The palace should be up and running so I pull out my phone and stand noticing my mother has fallen asleep so I tiptoe into the hall to make the call. The line rings for a few seconds when a corky Receptionist answers. “Good morning, Mayweather Palace how may I assist you?” “Hello, my name is Farrah Knight. I saw the ad for a maid. Is this position still available?” The woman takes a second to answer as if she is checking. “Yes, would you like me to set up an interview for you with the royal coordinator?” She asks, pausing for my answer. “Yes, please, I can come today,” I tell her, hoping for this chance. “Of course, I will put you down for ten does that work for you?” She inquires. “I will be there,” I say with an enthusiastic tone. “Okay, we will see you then,” She replies. “Thank you,” I utter joyfully, and I hear her tapping at the keys on her computer. “Of course, Miss Knight,” She adds then ends the call. Chapter 1 The water streams down my body as I stand under the shower faucet, letting it linger as I wash away the stress. Once I finish rinsing the soap away, I turn the water off then step out of the shower drying off. I proceed to the dresser, taking out a black pair of undergarments and some pantyhose to look more professional, then grab the clothes I laid out before my shower and pull them on. Peeking in the mirror and brush my long blonde hair and pinch my cheeks to give myself some natural color because right now with all the expenses there is no room for the purchase of makeup. I grab a pair of glasses off the vanity, putting them on. I do not need glasses, but it helps your image when you want to look smarter for a job that you desperately need. The only bad part is they cover my beautiful green eyes that my mother was so gracious to give me. Moving to the chair next to the window of my one-bedroom apartment, I put my heels on, then stare out the window to see that snow has fallen. “Great” I huff with annoyance knowing I will most likely fall on my ass. Once I finish up, I grab my things and head out the door. Stepping out into the crisp air, I can see my breath from the cold. I have survived this weather all my life here in Fairbanks, and I still cannot get used to it. I get in the car and crank the engine and like always it does not want to start in these freezing temps, but after a few minutes of turning it over this old beat-up car finally fires up. Here goes nothing time to head for the palace. Entering the gate at the palace is like crossing the border to a new country. Guards everywhere with guns. It is their duty to protect the noble family, but they are so terrifying. I am brought out of my thoughts as a guard approaches the car leaning on the door looking in at me, so I roll down the window. “Hello Miss, state your business at the Palace today?” He seeks with a serious demeanor. I swallow with nervousness. “Hi, I am here for an interview with the royal coordinator,” I respond politely. His expression does not change. “Can I see some ID, please” He holds out his hand. “Sure” I replied, digging through my bag taking out my license. “Here you go.” He glances back and forth between the ID and me, then checks the clipboard he is holding in his hand. “Okay, Miss Knight, I see you here on the list. Go to the left side of the building that’s where the maid’s entrance is.” He directs me, pointing at the building. I take my license back “Thanks” I mutter and pull away. I park the car turning it off and stepping out into the cold wrapping my arms around me for warmth. When I stroll through the door, a woman greets me wearing a maid’s uniform. “Hello dear, how can I help you?” “Hi, my name is Farrah Knight. I am here to speak with the royal coordinator,” I answered. She smiles, holding her hand out to take my belongings. “Of course, let me take your things and I will let Nigel know you are here,” she says, pointing to a chair against the wall for me to have a seat. “Thank you” I smile, taking the seat. I stare around the room, stopping my gaze on a photo that hangs on the wall of the Royal family. I step over to glance at all the members when my eyes fall on a man in his early twenties; he is very handsome, his eyes are a chocolate brown almost black with light brown hair. His smile could light up the whole western hemisphere. I am startled when the maid returns. “Miss Knight, Nigel will see you now” She smiles brightly, walking towards me with her head held high. “I have worked for the royal family for many years and I would have to say this photo is by far my favorite, but it’s an incredibly old picture. It was before the Prince left for the military.” She explains as she places her hand on my shoulder to guide me towards Nigel’s office. I follow but keep my gaze on the photo while she pushes me forward. We stop at a large wooden door, and the maid knocks then leaves. I dart my eyes around, scanning the palace when the door swings open abruptly. “Ah, Miss Knight, come in” He opens the door further for me to walk through. I step in and he walks around me waving me to follow. “Have a seat, Miss” He says pointing to the chair In front of his desk. I do not hesitate and do as he asks. “So, do you have any experience with being a maid?” Nigel asked, glancing at me from the top of his glasses giving me a once over. “No Sir, but I am a fast learner and hard worker. I will take any shift given no sick days or time off if need be,” I tell him with a slight grin. Nigel tilts his head in disbelief. “You are that determined to get this job?” He smiles approvingly. I nod in agreement and he writes in a notepad, then brings his gaze back to me. I swallow with worry he will turn me down. Nigel clears his throat. “Well, Miss Knight, can you handle being under extremely strict rules?” He asks, watching my expression. “Yes, of course,” I answer proudly. He lifts his brow. “You must understand Absolutely No fraternizing with the royals or their guests and no dating the other staff members, can you handle this.?” He asks with a stern gaze. “Yes Sir, I am solely here to work. I do not intend on making friends, nor do I intend on dating,” I tell him with a firm expression. Nigel’s lip turns up into a smile. “I like your attitude, you have the job, you start tomorrow morning. Be here at six and bring all your belongings you will not have a break for the first month as that is your probation period, once that is over you may leave the palace as you please with permission of course,” He explained handing me a paper with instructions. I stand, reaching for Nigel’s hand. He grips my hand and we shake firmly. “Thank you so much! I can’t wait to get started.” I proclaim, giving him one last smile before I leave the Palace. When I get to my car, I enter quickly as the cold has worsened, closing the door rapidly and turn over the engine. Leaning my head into the steering wheel as relief washes over me; I burst into tears, feeling the weight lift off my shoulders. I will finally be able to pay the hospital and move my mother into the new facility for her special treatment. The car finally warms up enough and I take off towards the hospital to tell my mother the wonderful news. This will be a splendid adventure working for the royal family.