His Cursed and Forgotten Mate

Chapter 5

(Zephyr POV)

Now I really regret taking up this mission. Everyone stared at me with cautious eyes.

Their eyes scrutinized me.

What's worse is that I can see some familiar faces and I am pretty sure they recognize me as well.

"I did not think it through" I whispered to myself as Andrew took a step closer to me.

"Is everything OK, my love?" he asked, making my head snap at him.

Love? My heart started to beat fast and I felt my stomach do a summersault.

Right... we are 'pretend mates'

"I-I am fine, l-love" I tried my best to speak calmly but I couldn’t stop the stuttering. The word sounds so foreign but it made my stomach flutter. He wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me closer.

My eyes automatically went to the ones I was familiar with. Their stares were filled with fear and disgust.

"Let me introduce you to this lovely woman. Meet Zephyr, my mate and your future Queen"

Everyone's faces were filled with shock as they stared at us.

"Now I know it was hard to believe this, but it was quite a surprise for me as well. But now our wait has finally ended", he smiled at everyone.

I don't think anyone doubts I am not your mate. Especially the ones that made me run away because of the very same reason.

"Shall we go inside? We had a long trip", Andrew said sweetly, as he looked at me with a little caring smile.

I only nodded before looking away with a blush.

'This is just an act. I can't fall for these things.' I reassured myself as I walked into the palace with him.

Even though we have been childhood friends and sweethearts, I had never entered the palace. I have heard the palace of the East is the most grand one, but wow, it is beyond grand.

The whole of the palace was designed in gold and white color coordination. Even the small painting on the wall screamed luxury. The palace was very bright, the windows and doors huge and opened wide, creating complete ventilation of both wind and light.

"Let's settle in. We will have a tour after some rest" he said as he guided me upstairs.

"Your majesty" a maid stopped in front of Andrews and bowed her head.

"Mrs. Millet, this is Zephry, my mate", he introduced me to her as she froze. "You will be responsible for her from now on. Please take care of her"

"O-of course, your majesty" the woman still looked shocked, but she bowed her head at me. "Hello my lady."

"I will be in your care then" I smiled as she returned the smile at me.

"I have arranged rooms for your two friends as well. They will also accompany us for dinner. I will be taking my leave for now."

I nodded and bowed my head in response. But what took me by surprise was when he took a step toward me. I froze as he wrapped his hands around my waist, and pulled me closer before placing his lips on my forehead.

Everything in my body felt the shock and the sparks that exploded around me didn't help. What's worse is the fact that I am the only one who is feeling it.

I hated this.

When he pulled back, his eyes widened as he stared at me.

"You-You're crying?"

My hands quickly covered my eyes as I cursed for crying like that.

"So-sorry! I am just um so happy that I have finally found my mate". I quickly covered up. Once I was sure I no longer had tears in my eyes, I looked up at my mate with a smile. "I am just happy."

He didn't look convinced as he gave me a worried look.

A second later, he slowly nodded his head.

"Alright. I will see you at dinner"

When he was out of sight, I let out a huge sigh. My heart still felt like a mess and the forehead where it was kissed still felt very hot.

"Lady? Lady Zephry?" I turned to the maid who was calling me.

"Um sorry. I was umm a bit occupied, Mrs. Millet"

She gave a small chuckle and nodded her head.

"It's alright. I know what it is like to be in love. And please. Call me Tiana"

"Ok Tiana. I will be in your care then" I smiled at her, my heart breaking a little.

If only things were not so complicated.

Tiana helped me settle in and showed me around. Apparently, since I am the king's mate, I have a whole quarter to myself. I am also given 10 maids and dozens and dozens of expensive dresses, jewelry, and shoes!

I mean, all my life after I had run away, I was only interested in wearing pants because it was the best for fighting, but now my wardrobe is filled with dresses.

"Would you like to take a bath and change into your dinner gown?"

"We still have some more hours, right?" I raised one eyebrow at the maid who questioned me.

"There are still 3 hours left for dinner but we will need that many hours to prepare you"

I stared at them for a few seconds. From their serious looks, it was clear they were not joking. But 3 wholes just for bathing and changing of clothes?

I only nodded my head as a reply. I do not know these royal ethics and they are quite experienced in them. It's better to follow them.

But then the bomb of questions started. It all started with "since we do not know my lady's preference"

They started asking what scented candles I like, the shampoo type, conditioners, and even the warmth of the water I prefer.

The bath took almost an hour and I was helped by 3 maids! They were calm as they took care of me. I usually use soap and shampoo and just get out of the shower in 10 minutes or even less. Some days I don't even shower because it is not an option on my missions.

But now, by the time I stepped out of the bathroom, I felt different. Hell, my skin felt smooth and silky.

No wonder those entire high end women looked like some supernatural perfect people with skins like some dolls! They get their fair share of these high end luxury treatments for their skins!

After the bath, it was time to dress up. As two of the maids started to dry my hair with a natural fire burner, the other two started showing me options for dresses.

"Can I opt for something more simple?" I said as I looked at the luxurious ones presented to me.

"Of course, my lady. You do not have to ask. It is your complete decision and none of us have a say in it", Tiana said with a smile as the maid nodded.

They showed me simpler ones and even though I was opting for a brown one, the eager look in their eyes made me select the beautiful dark blue one.

"You look gorgeous! Fit to be the queen!" The maids looked excited as they finished their final touches.

Everything was the opposite of what I used to wear.

Instead of my armor and pants, I am wearing a very bright dress, fit for a 'lady'. My hair, which is always made into a tight braid or high bun, is loose with curly ends. I am wearing light makeup and am also decorated with beautiful jewelry.

"Wow. Um t-thank you"

I honestly have never bothered to dress up on any occasion. I never knew I could be so..... So pretty and ladylike.

"Lady is already beautiful. We just enhanced it."

"Yes! Your eyes and hair are beautiful!"

I couldn’t help but blush. No one had called me pretty. It was only Andrew who complimented my hair and eyes as beautiful. Other than that, the comments I usually used to get were about how I was a cursed witch.

When I joined my squad, none even had the courage to comment either.

Now seeing these women comment so casually made me feel happy.

"Shall we go, Lady? We will be late."

I was escorted by the head maid and two guards who I didn't know were waiting for me outside the door.

"Not to worry. They will be your personal guards from now on", Tiana assured me as we all walked to the dining room.

When we reached the front of the dining room, Tiana paused in front of the door and turned to me.

"As a proper lady and the next queen, there are a few ethics you will need to follow. It's simple once you get the hang of it, so let's learn it as we go on with our daily life." She smiled as if she had great confidence in me.

"When you are at dinner with someone else, in the absence of the king, you will sit at the head of the table. In the presence of the king, you will be on the right side. A queen never bows to any other, even to her king. But as of now, since you are not yet crowned, you will have to bow in respect to him, but only to him. Have confidence in every stride, Lady. You represent the kingdom as a whole."

She looked at me with pride and it made me feel guilty. I am the king's mate, but even so, I am acting like a fake. Seeing the maid's expectations made me feel heavy hearted.

I felt like I was cheating on all these people.

"Now let's go, Lady Zephyr."

I only nodded my head, putting on a fake smile.

Tiana nodded at the guards who knocked on the door twice.

"Lady Zephry is entering" someone inside voiced as the gate opened.

"After you, lady," Tiana said as I took a deep breath and entered the room. It was airtight and my mind was now filled with my mate's alluring smell.

"Oh my god," I whispered to myself as I tried to control my mate's urges.

"Greetings to the king" I bowed in respect before looking up.

Our eyes met and I felt my heart skip a beat.

Seriously, how much more does my heart decide to skip like that?

"Good evening love"

I knew his gestures were just an act, but it didn't stop the explosion of butterflies in my stomach.

"G-good ev-evening"