His Rejected 'Queen'.

A Queen Never Bows...

"She doesn't need to say a lot, just seeing her is magic because her heart made her the real Queen!"

Diana's (Iris') pov

"I can't believe it!" Peyton murmurs breathless.

"Are you kidding me? Which logical woman can?" Ellie replies with her eyes locked on it.

"You will be like a real princess Iris! This is beautiful!" Andrea says amused.

I AM DYING!

It has been about five minutes now that we are standing right opposite my closet where Ellie and I hanged the dress that was inside the package Jayden sent me. No!

He sent me three dresses but there was a letter from him asking me to wear the first one, the one we keep on staring speechless.

Ellie got crazy when we left the dining room and mind linked Andrea and Peyton to come and fortunately now I have two more persons to support me because I am melting and I don't know how I am standing on my feet.

I mean this dress is...

It's like he found it in heaven!

"It was made for a real Queen!" Destiny howls ecstatic and I can't do anything else than nod enthusiastic.

Do you believe it?

I, Diana Black (I hate calling myself Rollins for obvious reasons) that I have always been hating dresses till death, I just fell in love with this one and I think I can put it on and never take it off of me again!

"Where the hell did he found it and when? We were talking about it yesterday noon..." I murmur still shocked and Ellie 'wakes up' and takes the note I am holding without giving me time to react.

Not that if I wanted to I would have done it, I am lost in this dress and I have paralyzed for good.

"Jayden Reigns? Like the billionaire? Are you f*****g kidding me?" she screams surprised and Peyton with Andrea jump up with widely open eyes and mouths.

God no!

"You know Jayden Reigns?" Andrea asks breathless and shakes my arm.

I turn my head gaining my mind again and sigh nervously.

"Do you all know him?" I ask surprised.

"You are joking, right? Who doesn't know this man? He owns like half of the world and he is one of the most charming men, every woman dies for him!" Peyton says with a passion I can say scares me.

"And this man is dying for you! Are you two together?" Ellie asks without wasting even a second.

"What? No, we are friends!" I shout in frustration.

"Yeah, sure! And I am the Queen of England! Girl, do you realize what is happening here? A distant, strong man that can have anything or anyone he wants sends you in less than 24 hours three collective dresses that each one of them costs at least a fortune with all these diamonds on them, not to mention the jewelries and the pairs of shoes and calls you his diamond! Do you believe that this is something a simple friend would have done?" she yells and Peyton with Andrea nod in agreement immediately.

They do not know our relationship, that's why they think he is in love with me. He did it because after Gray left he feels responsible to stand on my side and give me anything his brother didn't.

And now I just want to sob, I am feeling my heart breaking and not only from pain but happiness and love as well. I mean... I feel that Jayden really loves me despite our past, he is my biggest supporter with my dad after I was informed I had to come here. He is trying so much to protect and support me, he is so worried and this is too much to take.

"Baby what is it? Why are you crying now?" Peyton asks me worried and pulls me in her arms without finding any resistance from me.

And I just realized that I am already crying.

Shit!

"What is it sweetheart? I am sorry if I said anything wrong!" Ellie says apologetically and join me and Peyton with Andrea for a big hug.

"Why are you crying Iris? You can trust us, we are here for you." Andrea whispers caressing my back.

"It's just that I..."

I can't continue because I can't tell them about Grayson and also I am feeling and thinking so many things that I don't know what to say first.

"Can we sit please?" I ask weakly and they all nod and we sit slowly on my bed with me in the middle.

I wish I could tell them everything, they all love me, in these two weeks we created so strong bonds with each other that I can't imagine my life without them from now on and not only them but with the boys as well.

Anyway, they deserve an answer...

"I miss home, my family, my pack, my friends and I am too overwhelmed and stressed these last days and now with this... Jayden is like my older brother, I hope I will be able to tell you everything after we leave but please don't pressure me anymore about it. He just wanted me to have fun because I didn't want to attend the ball tomorrow night. I am moved and a mess right now..." I say weakly and they nod and smile in sympathy with Peyton caressing my cheek.

"Do you feel stressed because of Daniel?" Ellie asks suddenly after some seconds and I gasp.

What the f**k now?

I am sure I am fainting and I have the most hilarious expression there is because the three of them change some weird looks with each other and then lock their eyes on me nervously.

Do they know? No, I am careful!

"What?" I ask so low that even I can't listen to myself.

"Iris, I will start thinking that you are blind or you are acting because only a blind person wouldn't have understood that he is too interested in you. It is more than obvious, the man can't hide it!" she replies seriously.

Focus and play the i***t Diana!

Or...

Try to find out if she knows more!

"Me and the King? Are you serious? First of all I don't like him at all, secondly he is playing and if he wants anything from me then it is just something quick and also you forget that he has the women he wants, he is a manwhore and I could never do anything with him." I say annoyed.

"Well... Look, I agree with you, we all do, I mean he rejected our Queen..." Ellie begins.

No this with the Queen again! It is tiring!

"... And he is really a manwhore but with you... He cares for you, last night he was asking about you, he wanted to know if I checked on you and he asked me to come and see if you were sleeping quite late. Jeremy put him in his place or else we would have woken you up." She continues thoughtfully.

"Girl, we all see it. Even Samantha knows it, that's why she hates you that much. He might slept with her last night and to be honest he is unforgivable for this if he really has feelings for you but we can't deny that he makes it clear that he likes you too much!" Andrea adds shaking her head in confusion.

"And he may want to stop sleeping around, he may wants to settle down with someone so..." Peyton says and pauses nervously not daring to continue as I let out a loud growl.

"Do you all listen to yourselves? Me? I am no one, I am nothing, I can't and don't want to stand next to him. I almost hate this guy even if he is my King and you forget that I am not his mate, thanks Goddess!" I say through my teeth and yes...

I want to disappear right here and now. I am a f*****g, terrible liar, the biggest I know and I hate myself for lying but I can't do otherwise, I can't risk it and I am impressed because I was never able to lie that easily.

I am turning into a monster because of the asshole!

Burn in hell Daniel and I am sure I will keep you company because of what you make me do!

God! At least Destiny is on my side and encourages me this time, she agrees with the way I am handling it!

"Why are you talking like this for yourself baby? You are the most remarkable woman I know and they all love you! He might rejected his mate but I am sure than everyone would love to have a Queen like you. You have everything that it takes. And I will tell you again that last night he was extremely worried, we didn't want to leave him alone because he couldn't sleep but then we saw Aiden and he went with him so we left and they went for a walk..." Ellie says but once I listen to her last words I do my best not to jump up and start screaming.

The asshole!

Calm down Diana... Now everything makes sense, he really wants to know about me, as Diana I mean, this wasn't random, he found the opportunity, he is clever and unpredictable but...

Guess what!

I am a devil when I want something so let's play...

"Anyway, can we please forget about it now? I do not want to talk about it and now with the incident and the dress I... I think I am coming to the ball tomorrow so we need to go to a beauty salon today once I am done with Aiden and others and choose our teams. Are you in?" I say wanting to change the subject and also find the opportunity to stay alone (I want to go to a salon also so...).

"Yeah and I need to go for shopping as well. We can go to the mall, right?" Andrea says and we all nod.

"Great! We need to decide about our hair and makeup for tomorrow..." Peyton adds excited.

"My ladies get ready to become goddesses! Tomorrow night everyone's eyes will be on us!" Ellie states with a victorious expression and we all laugh.

And now things are about to get tougher...

~about two hours later~

I am going up and down in Landon's office with him sitting on his chair behind his desk waiting for Hunter to come.

We just finished with the teams and I am happy to say that I managed to take Hunter as my right hand with Parker being the third in command and Ellie the forth. Aiden took Thomas as his second in command and Peyton and Andrea as the third and forth.

Yes, we made it and we are all pleased but after what Ellie told me about last night I am worried and this is why I asked from Land and Hunter to have a meeting before I leave with the girls to go at the city for shopping and pay a visit at the beauty salon.

"Can you tell me why you are so frustrated? What happened?" Landon asks me worried yet confused and I sigh nervously.

If I could kill someone I would!

As the time passes and I think about what Ellie told me I feel like drowning.

If Aiden told him his suspicions that I am alive and not dead then I am not only f****d but already dead!

"Ellie told me something and I am getting crazy and where is Hunter? I told him to hurry up!" I say through my teeth and sit on a chair opposite of Landon harshly.

"Is it serious?" he asks me worried and I nod.

"If what I am afraid of happened then we have fire on our asses!" I reply and he blinks his eyes shocked.

And finally!

The door opens after a short, synthematic knock and Hunter gets in worried.

"Where have you been?" I ask immediately while tapping my feet on the floor impatiently.

"What happened to you?" he asks back and sits next to me quickly.

"I am in deep s**t! That's what happened to me. Daniel talked with Aiden last night!" I state and Hunter gasps opening his eyes widely while Landon exhales with a thoughtful expression.

"You mean that..." Hunter murmurs but pauses running his hands through his hair.

"...That he could have talked with Aiden about me..." I finish his phrase and turn to look at Landon who seems too calm.

Weird...

"Why are you so calm?" I ask him worried.

"Why are you so worried?" he asks me back smirking.

"Excuse me? If Aiden told him that he believes I may be alive and if Daniel reads my file then..."

"Then nothing!" he cuts me off.

"Landon she is right! We forgot about it." Hunter speaks up with concern.

"You did, I didn't... Do you think I am such an i***t? It is not a coincidence the fact that I am the King's Beta... I changed the date and the place that Iris was found before you even came here. One night about two days before your arrival when I read 'Iris'' and realized that she is Diana I decided to change the time and place for safety reasons... I can't betray my Queen when I know she has been through so much." he explains smirking pleased and I open my mouth widely enthusiastic.

"You are a f*****g genius!" Hunt exclaims and Landon laughs.

"See? So we don't have to worry. Daniel can't find a thing and he won't even think that 'Iris' can be Diana." He murmurs and I smile excited.

"I love you so, so, so much!" I shout, jump up and run to him laughing relieved.

"I love you too!" he replies, stands up and hugs me tightly.

"And so do I..." Hunt states smiling.

"Now that we are over with this... We need to talk about what happened today at the breakfast and what is going to happen tomorrow at the ball... Diana have a sit." Landon says pointing the chair I was sitting and I sigh nervously.

I was afraid of it...

I do as I am told and Hunt pulls his chair closer to mine wrapping his arm around me supportively while Land shakes his head awkwardly.

"He was about to attack Hunter when he saw you holding each other's hand and with the package from this Jayden things got worse. After you left Diana he stormed out of the dining room and almost broke everything in his office. Right now he is for a run and it is the first time he does something like this. Tomorrow he will stick on you but you can't be absent, he will come to find you on his own..." he explains and I begin shaking instantly.

"What does he want from me damn it? Last night he slept again with his slut... Last day you told me that..."

"I know what I said Diana and I don't know why he did it. Maybe his talk with Aiden triggered his old self and he got angry. I don't know what he was thinking, I will try to ask him once he gets calmer, okay? But we have to be more careful, I can't be so close to you so Hunter has to be always on your side. Daniel doesn't know him and they aren't close so we will be safer in this way." He continues and I turn to look at Hunter who gives me a weak smile.

"And who is Jayden? Sorry for my curiosity Diana but you understand..." Landon explains nervously but I shake my head in understanding.

"It's my mate's older brother. He knows and wants to help me as much as he can. I told you last night, the one that has one jet close if I need to leave." I reply shortly.

"Good." Hunt whispers.

"Are we done? I have to go for shopping with the girls now... You know..." I say awkwardly stiffening on my sit and they giggle.

"Women..." Landon murmurs.

"And the Queen..." Hunt adds pointing me and I roll my eyes but decide not to reply or commend a thing.

"You can go Your Royal Highness. Have fun and get ready, the rest is our job to do." Land says, I greet them in hurry, stand up and walk to the door ready to get out.

"Oh! One last thing..." he suddenly says and I turn around quickly.

"The Queen of witches, Caroline will be at the ball... She is a clever woman so act casually and smart Diana." He warns me and I nod.

"Okay. I will!"

~some time later, waterfall~

Daniel's pov

"You... You ruined everything! I hate you!" Devon screams still out of control and I growl lowly mostly defeated.

Even if I have been at the waterfall, our favorite place almost three hours now he still hasn't calm down at all and I can't blame him.

He is right!

I am the most i***t man I know.

How did I do it?

I had s*x with Samantha and the whole palace knows because we were screaming like crazy.

I feel disgusted with myself and I know that I have no excuse for what I did but I was so angry at the thought that Diana is alive and she is hiding from me that...

I just lost my mind!

If this is true then she is going to break my heart because I...

I think I love her and I feel responsible for everything but this doesn't mean that she can take her revenge like this. The girl I remember, the young woman I saw that day was so fragile and humble that's it's hard to believe that she did it on purpose but again...

I don't know. It is the first time I am so confused and I have no idea what I do, feel or think.

And then comes Iris and what is happening with her and makes me worse.

Can I be in love with two women at the same time?

This woman is in the center of everyone's interest and most importantly Devon's and mines.

And I do not have her!

I am getting crazy, she is so close to everyone else except from me and avoids me all the time. Now that she surely listened to Samantha and me it will be even worse.

I didn't betray only Diana and the feelings I think I have been always having but also Iris that has gotten in my mind and heart with her special presence.

They all adore, respect and love her, she is the strongest, calmest and smartest woman there is but she is not selfish, arrogant or cold.

She is the only woman that managed to impress me like this and not having her is...

Hurting me.

"She doesn't want us because of you... Like mate. It's your fault!" Devon says through his teeth and I lower my head defeated.

I know that I lost Diana because I decided I didn't need her and now I am pushing Iris away because I do not have the guts to approach her straightly but...

This is going to change.

I will try to talk with Iris in private at the ball tomorrow and I will allow no other man to have her attention. I already had enough with Landon, Aiden, this Hunter that looks like he likes her and the last man that sent her this massive package, Jayden.

She was lucky I managed to keep myself under control and I didn't lock us in a room to stay alone and talk because I was about to, especially when Ellie read us the note but...

I will learn his name, he won't be a problem for me in the end like Hunter and Landon. I can't do a thing to Aiden because he is Diana's brother but with these three or any other male I am going to have a big, bad fight for Iris and believe me in the end I won't be the one who loses...

Tomorrow Iris...

Wait for me!

~next day, night, palace~

Third person's pov

The ball's hall was gradually getting filled with the fighters, the permanent warriors and some other, special guest and Daniel with his parents, Betas and Gamma was there to welcome everyone in person.

He was elegant, charming and very warm as a host but his mind wasn't fully there.

Iris' absence was driving him crazy and he was looking forward for the moment he would finally see her and...

At the same time Diana known as Iris was staring at herself at the mirror not being able to recognize her own self. The dress was making her a completely different woman and her hair and makeup with the earrings and the shoes Jayden had sent her were completing her appearance.

Her dress was hugging her body perfectly and it was in the lightest blue there was with diamonds at the top of it and feathers that were creating a special texture. As for her hair the previous day she had decided to had it cut a bit and make a more modern haircut and now it was reaching her middle back but for this occasion she decided to have a low elegant messy bun and leave some trade of hair fall on her face in light waves. Her makeup from the other side was like he always wanted it, she had a discreet, light pink sparkling eye shadow, black mascara, a thin line of eyeliner and a rose matte lipstick and as for her shoes they were silver high scandals with some diamonds and a pair of long, simple silver earrings with some too small diamonds at the end of them.

"You are a goddess!" Destiny howled proudly and Diana blushed shyly.

"He chose a dress that matches perfectly with our eyes..." Diana murmured and took a deep breath to relax as she was already shaking from nervousness.

"Our first ball..." Destiny whispered emotionally.

"And I hope the last one." Diana replied.

"Come on Diana! Don't be so negative!" Destiny protested annoyed.

"At least Hunter will be accompanying us..." Diana said smiling excited and Destiny purred.

"Diana... I like him a lot! And his wolf... Do you think that..." Destiny was interrupted from a knock at the door.

"Hunter!" Diana stated and quickly turned and walked to the door.

She took one last deep breath, opened it and found Hunter standing nervously wearing a black formal suit with a white shirt and a black tie.

For Diana he was more than beautiful the last days, he was like an angel (now in suit).

Hunter from the other side lost his breath when he saw Diana and stood for some seconds admiring her speechless. It was obvious that he was drown in her and this made Destiny howl ecstatic and Diana blush even more.

"Your Royal Highness you are the most beautiful woman there is..." he whispered knowing that no one could listened to them and bowed smiling brightly.

"Hunter... I am not a Queen, remember?" she asked him getting out of her room and closing the door.

He smirked and hugged her tightly sighing while she was purring from the closeness.

"What if you are the Queen of my heart?" he whispered close to her ear sending a warmth all over her body and making her skin shudder.

"I think I can accept it when you set it like this..." she replied and kissed his cheek the moment someone cleared his throat.

"Are you two together? You are lucky Hunt, you have the best and most beautiful woman!" Parker yelled cheerfully rushing to their side.

"God! Not again!" 'Iris' murmured nervously.

"Man, what is your problem if we are? Can't you be a bit discreet?" Hunter growled annoyed.

"I am your friend i***t! I would be happy to know that you two are a couple, we all like you together!" Parker almost yelled again and hugged them both without giving them time to reply.

"Anyway... We are late." Hunter stated awkwardly in hurry and 'Iris' nodded.

"Let's go then, shall we?" Parker said motioning for them to go first and they began walking to the central hall that the ball was being held.

At the meantime the hall was full and few people were missing.

Aiden, Andrea, Peyton and Thomas were already there talking all together while Ellie was with Jeremy, Landon and Elias quite close to the main stairs waiting to welcome the last guests as Daniel and his parents were talking with Queen Caroline at the other side of the hall.

Unfortunately one guest was also there...

Samantha that had been invited from Daniel the night he had talked with Aiden and he was mad at Diana and couldn't stop her from attending the ball as she was giving him a headache. She was walking around the hall alone trying to gain Daniel's interest but in vain, not even her too exposing, red dress seemed to affect him and she was feeling her blood boiling from anger. She knew that Daniel was changing and the reason was obvious so she couldn't pretend she had no idea, she couldn't hold back but she was waiting for the right moment to come...

Daniel was still talking with Caroline some time later and his parents were taking an active part at their discussion when his wolf began howling in excitement asking him to look at the stairs. Lots of people were already looking at that direction but once he turned and his eyes landed on the female presence he gasped and his heart stopped beating from her view.

"Iris..." he whispered breathless and froze making his parents and Caroline turn to the direction he was staring.

They smiled excited as they watched Iris walking down the stairs with Hunter and Parker right behind them and Caroline blinked her eyes surprised.

"This girl is full of surprises..." Victoria exclaimed excited and Jonathan nodded.

"She is way too special." He added amused.

"Who is she?" Caroline asked turning pale with her eyes still widely open.

"Iris Black!" Daniel replied gaining his thoughts and took some steps forward passing by them with his eyes never leaving Iris that was greeting Landon and the others.

"Excuse me but I need to leave you for a while..." he murmured a bit lost and left before they manage to react.

He was walking quickly to Iris with his heart ready to explode in his chest and Devon howling like never before.

He had lost his mind for sure, he was walking instinctually and his eyes were locked on her figure that seemed to have gotten out of a fairytale.

For him she was a swan that finally completed its transformation and showed its beauty to everyone. The dress was made for her, it was like it was a part of her skin and her face and eyes were shining while she was smiling and laughing with her friends. And as for her hair...

It was just like her, quite simple but had something and those trades were making her more mysterious for him.

And yes, it was true! Iris was a mystery for him. Everything that was happening to him from the moment he saw her was a mystery he didn't know how to deal with and his desperation had reached its peak.

He had been too patient but he couldn't be more.

He was some meters away from them when Samantha stepped in front of him blocking his way and made him growl in frustration. She wanted his attention again and he was cursing himself for allowing her to come.

"What do you want now?" he asked her through his teeth running out of patience.

"I am bored baby..." she whispered seductively and tried to hug him but he pulled back and grabbed her hands tightly as discreetly as he could.

"I will be clear and for your own good listen to me. DO NOT BOTHER ME AGAIN FOR TONIGHT AND FOREVER! I am done with you, once you leave from here tonight don't you ever come back. I want nothing to do with you from now on." He stated and his eyes turned black gradually with Devon taking full control under Daniel's permission.

"It was about time for him to take the right decision and put an end to this disgust... Next time I see you in front of me I will kill you. Am I clear pup?" he asked showing her his teeth ready to attack her in front of everyone and she nodded with an angry expression defeated.

He smirked pleased and gave Daniel again full control and walked away from her heading straight to Iris that was now talking with Aiden, Hunter, Parker, Peyton, Thomas, Andrea and Ellie. Landon, Jeremy and Elias were nowhere to be seen in his optical view and he was grateful for Landon's absence.

"Daniel!" Ellie exclaimed excited when he reached about two meters away from them and they all stopped talking, turned and bowed to him in union.

"Hello everyone! I am glad you are all here, you look fantastic tonight!" he said with his eyes locked on Iris that gave him a weak, kind smile obviously nervous.

"We couldn't miss it man... It is about us, isn't it? It would be rude not to come..." Parker said cheerful as always enlightening the mood and Daniel nodded.

"Of course. So, do you have a good time? Is there anything you would like?" he asked giving a quick look to all of them but in the end again his gaze stopped on Iris.

"Everything is perfect. Don't worry at all!" Andrea replied and Thomas nodded in agreement.

"Good then. Um... Later we will also dance..." he murmured nervously and paused.

He had been thinking of a good way to stay alone with Iris and now he knew what he could do to make it. He had to say it clearly from now to be sure that she wouldn't be able to deny...

"... Iris... As the best female fighter and one of the commanders I would like you to accompany me at the first dance." He stated smiling with confidence and they all seemed surprised but tried to hide it for respect to their King.

Iris froze for some seconds and stiffened nervously making Daniel feel hurt as he took it as a sign that she was going to reject him but gained every piece of power he had and got ready not to let her turn him down so easily.

Iris cleared her throat and looked around her discreetly and then her eyes met Daniel's and gave him again a weak smile.

"I am sorry my King but I do not know how to dance and it will be a disaster. The best you have to do is ask from someone else to accompany you." She said apologetically lying in reality as she knew waltz and exhaled quite relieved but...

Daniel was determinate to have some time alone with her and wasn't planning to let her go.

"We can try... It is quite simple, all you have to do is follow me and let me guide you. Please, you won't regret it." He persisted and she blinked her eyes getting ready to say something but Landon came out of nowhere and tapped his back gently.

"Man, you have to make a statement and welcome everyone. They are all here so let's not waste more time." He whispered shortly and Daniel nodded disappointed.

"Okay, I am coming..." he murmured under his breath and turned again to Iris that was way too silent.

"So, I will wait for our dance Iris. I will be right back." He stated and left following Landon at the end of the hall where his sit was.

"Thanks Goddess..." Diana exclaimed through her link with Landon and Hunter.

"For a second I thought that we are done!" Hunter said clearly relieved.

"You tell me? I have no idea how I managed to think this excuse when you told me what was happening." Landon said still in frustration.

"Diana, you have to disappear for a while after he is done with his statement. He will come straight to you." He continued and Diana sighed nervously.

"I told you it was a bad idea to come... And why is everyone looking at me?" she asked while Hunter was taking her hand in his and her friends began talking again ignoring what had happened with Daniel.

"Because you are the most beautiful women in this hall Your Royal Highness..." Hunter replied smirking and Landon agreed shortly.

"You make me worse..." She whispered fighting to breathe normally again.

"It's okay, after he is done with greeting us formally go and have a walk to relax a bit because if you keep on acting like this then someone will surely understand that something is going on here. We will keep him busy." Hunter told her and she nodded in agreement as Daniel was taking his place in front of his sit with a microphone in his hand.

He fixed his dark, royal blue suit and black tie and cleared his throat and the discussions were cut immediately and everyone turned to his direction with full interest on him.

"Hello my friends!" he began and they all bowed together.

"I have the honor to call you my friends and feel you like family because this is what we are. We are a big family that got united in order to face an enemy that wants to harm us and I am proud to announce that except from our permanent army we have the best 200 fighters of the whole kingdom joining our side. I am more than happy to say that their training period is over, the tests are over and the results are well known. The five commanders chose the fighters they wanted for their teams and we are officially ready to face this rogues in any time and fight them with our victory being the only thing for sure. So this night is dedicated to them and their hard work. I won't say more, I don't want to get tiring so please everyone applaud them!" he said proudly and they all began clapping their hands and cheering in excitement.

"Let the ball begin!" Daniel ordered and closed his microphone as everyone cheered again.

"Now Diana, go!" Landon told her through their link and after Hunter took her discreetly to the closest exit careful not to be seen from Daniel she left and he got lost in the crowd to 'spy' Daniel safely.

Daniel walked down the few stairs after his sit and headed again quickly to where Iris and her friends had been earlier but when he reached there some time later he felt his heart breaking seeing that she was missing. The disappointment was so clean on his face that Ellie saw it and pulled him some meters away from the others staring at him sympathetically.

"You are looking for her, aren't you?" she asked him smiling warmly and after he blinked his eyes surprised he nodded defeated.

He thought that Ellie could really help him, she was Iris' closest friend and he was sure she knew he liked her, so he couldn't deny it.

"Yes... Is she avoiding me? Where is she?" he asked her nervously with wary in his eyes and she tapped his arm gently.

"I don't know what is happening with you two Daniel, especially after what you did last night..." she whispered confused and he lowered his head ashamed.

"... But... If you really care go after her and do not stop. She deserves only the best. She is walking around with Hunter. Go..." she continued and squeezed his arm encouragingly smiling.

His eyes shined immediately and he nodded not being able to hide his enthusiasm.

"You are right Ellie. I will..." he said and with this he turned and left leaving Ellie rolling her eyes in understanding while he began looking around him to spot Iris.

"Where are you Iris? You can't run away from me forever..."

~at the same time~

Diana's (Iris') pov

Thanks God I made it and left the hall without him noticing it.

I am walking in hurry in the long, main corridor that leads to the back side of the garden and I can't stop feeling nervous despite the fact that I got rid of him for now.

For now, exactly.

What the hell is wrong with him?

He doesn't like me, I am sure about it but I can't understand why he is so persistent and if I can say obsessed with me.

He was f*****g his slut two nights ago, he hasn't made any move these two weeks and now he remembered me?

What on earth?

"Iris!"

I stop instantly when I listen to her annoying, high voice calling my name from somewhere behind me and my hands turn into fists with my anger reaching its top.

This slut!

"I am talking to you!" she shouts and I turn around like a flash in time to find her only three steps away from me.

God!

She is still the same disgusting, bad tasted woman I know even if this is a formal ball and she has to wear not so revealing clothes and so much makeup. When I say she looks like a witch I mean it and not any witch but a fake one as everything on her is far away from natural.

"Miss Samantha..." I say through my teeth and force a smile trying not to start the fight Destiny so much wants some days now.

"I know what you are trying to do and I am here to tell you that as long as I live you will never take Daniel from me." She says trying not to scream and she tightens her hold around the glass of red wine she is holding.

"Excuse me? Are you serious?" I growl narrowing my eyes with my fists shaking.

"Don't play the unaware with me. I know what you want but guess what! You won't take my mate!" she screams and her voice echoes in the empty corridor.

"Let me kill her!" Destiny roars fighting me for control and I take one threatening step to her feeling my self control leaving me.

"I will say it only once... I was too patient with you and I never bothered you despite how many times you have tried to challenge me but I won't be again. I am not after him, I do not care what he does with you or anyone else and stop lying because we all know that he is not your mate. Stay away from me and leave before I lose the less patience I have left." I say through my teeth and raise my hand warningly.

"Who do you think you are b***h?" she screams and throws the red wine on me making my dress a mess and catching me out of guard.

What the...?

"Bow!" she roars immediately like a maniac.

No, Diana! Don't kill her, don't act stupidly, try to stay calm.

"Kill her!" Destiny roars louder than before pushing me up to my limits.

"BOW!" she roars again and begins shaking breathless.

"I DO NOT BOW TO SOMEONE LIKE YOU!" I state slowly through my teeth once more with my eyes locked on her fake ones.

She lets out a loud scream and lifts her hand up to slap me but I grab her wrist and she screams worse getting ready to shift but I am not going to accept it.

I had more than enough damn it!

"Enough!" a female's voice states in a strong, heavy, imposing and confident tone and Samantha freezes and faints instantly.

I turn my head and see...

"Queen Caroline!" she exclaims shocked and a woman with the quite short grey hair, a golden crown and a beige dress takes some steps and stops about half a meter away from us with her eyes locked on Samantha that has already pulled back without touching me.

"My Queen, what a pleasure to..." she begins but the Queen raises her hand harshly and makes her stop.

"Who are you to demand from someone else to bow? Who?" she asks trying to stay calm and Samantha stiffens nervously.

"I..."

"You nothing. Leave right now or else I will personally make sure you spend the rest of your life in a cell. Now!" the Queen says again and Samantha bows in hurry and almost runs away from us like someone is chasing her to kill her.

"Are you alright dear? You are pale." She says turning to me and I blink my eyes still surprised unable to talk.

"Oh... Look what she did to this beautiful dress of yours! She overwhelmed you sweetheart!" she continues seeing that I am not reacting and steps closer to me taking my hand in hers gently.

I give her a weak smile and clear my throat as she gives me a warm smile and before I open my mouth to talk she speaks up first.

"Let me take you to your room, you need to lay down and rest. You don't seem so good. Okay honey?" she says and I nod but...

She murmurs something under her breath and the next moment I open my eyes I am in my room with her standing right in front of me smiling brightly.

What on earth now?

I open my eyes widely and look around me amused losing my voice once more and imagine I was about to talk three seconds ago...

"Let's clean this magnificent dress..." she whispers and with a clap of her hands the wine is gone from my dress and I gasp surely with the most pathetic expression there is.

Focus Diana!

I shake my head some times, close my eyes, gain my thoughts, Destiny calms down surprisingly fast and I open my eyes again quite calmer considering all these latest incidents.

"Thank you very much Your Royal Highness!" I say and get ready to bow but she places her hands on my shoulders preventing me from bowing with the warmest smile I have ever seen on her face.

"A real Queen never bows to anyone Diana... Even to another Queen." She whispers softly.

"What?" I ask breathless bearably listening to myself.

"My child, I was waiting for you! I am glad you are back to where you belong." She says and raises her hand to caress my cheek.

Kill me now!

Not again! Not again!

She also knows!?

Why? What did I do wrong?

"Nothing... I am a witch with lots of gifts..." she says and helps me sit on my bed behind us and then she sits right next to me.

"And the ability to read the other's thoughts." I add nervously and she lets out a low laughter.

"And this... Don't worry, I won't tell Daniel."

"You are the second person that tells me but I assure you that later you will change your mind..." I say in frustration and she shakes her head in sympathy.

"Landon is worried for his Queen and he is right... Anyway. I knew that one day you would come back and I want you to know that I won't interfere, I won't tell Daniel even if he is like a grandson for me and I love him very much." She says and I give her a weak smile.

"Thank you... It means a lot." I whisper sighing nervously.

"Um... Diana, I will be always by your side, we all need you as the werewolves' Queen and..."

"No! I am not a Queen. I am tired of this, I never was the Queen because I was rejected from Daniel while he was the Prince. I am not the Queen, I never was or will be." I cut her off and her smile drops with a hurt expression taking its place.

"Diana... It's the heart that makes the crown and the Queen and not the opposite. You have the heart and I can prove it to you." She replies shortly.

"How?" I ask confused yet annoyed.

"Give me your left hand." She mostly orders and I do as she tells without thinking about it twice.

"Close your eyes sweetheart and relax..." she whispers and once more I do as I am told.

The energy I feel the next second is weird, it's a mix of feelings, pain, anger, hatred but also love, happiness, joy...

What is going on now?

"Oh my..." she exclaims with trembling voice that cracks in the end.

"Oh my sweet child!" she whispers and I open my eyes timidly to find her crying.

I instantly know the reason behind her tears, it is not that difficult to understand, she saw my past...

Shit!

"I am so sorry baby! What a life you had..." she continues and pulls me in her arms.

"It is okay... What is done is done. Nothing can change the past." I whisper and hug her back.

I like her, she has a special way and a calming effect on me even after all these, I am glad she is here.

"Diana... You are blessed... They is no other explanation. The Goddess has chosen you..." she says and pulls a bit back.

My eyes meet hers and I stare at her confused.

"For what?" I ask instinctually.

"To make the big change..."

"Um... This doesn't help at all Caroline, you are confusing me more..." I say shortly and she smiles but gets up slowly with me still in her arms.

"I have to go... Daniel is trying to find you. I will delay him but you have to leave if you want to avoid him..." she says reading my thoughts again and I nod getting panicked.

"Good. Allow your destiny to guide you my young Queen and if you ever need my help I will be right there for you. Take care and we will meet again soon. Remember, I already love you." She whispers, kisses my forehead and before I say a thing she disappears just like the way she appeared.

Am I getting crazy? Am I losing my mind?

"No... She is right and everything was real..." Destiny says appearing again in my mind and I sigh.

"We are in deep s**t! Do you realize it?" I ask her nervously and she nods.

"Diana!" Hunter shouts worried through our link.

No!

"What is it?" I ask quickly feeling a bad respond getting closer.

"Daniel is nowhere to be found. We lost him. Get changed and leave your room. You need to leave the palace for now." He says panicked and I take a deep breath finding my mind and composure again.

Okay, I know what and whom I want and need and I am sure that Caroline will delay Daniel long enough for me to leave but... I can't say it, I mean...

"Diana..." he says timidly.

"Yes?"

"I am taking from Landon the keys for his car and wait for you at the parking lot." He says in hurry as I am taking my dress off of me.

"Why? Where am I going?" I ask confused.

"We are going... I am taking you out... Just the two of us!"