The Alpha King and His Human Queen

We Are The Things That Happened To Us

Alexandra

The raven’s crystal eyes are fixed on me as he steps from one foot to the other on Molly’s back. She is way too patient with this raven, I take a mental note. I glance at Lave, whose horse has also slowed down.

Lave is looking back at me, looking slightly confused.

“What?” I ask.

“He never does this. “

“Does what, “ I laugh, “Staring at people? He’s been doing exactly this all the time even when he came to my room last night. “

“Opal came to your room?”

“Yes? What’s so surprising.” The beta echoes the words in something that resembles awe.

Then he shakes his head slightly.

“He just … he never likes anyone, that’s all. It’s so strange to see him so close to you, even. Usually, I am the one he’s more comfortable with but still not so much, while now…“

“So he’s taken after the prince much more than I thought, “ I joke and Opal flaps his wings. Then he lands on my shoulder.

“Woah!” I exclaim, startled. “I assume he doesn't do this a lot, too. “

Lave’s surprise has grown further.

“Never. “ After a second he laughs, “I can’t wait to tell Nate. He won’t believe it. “

“Please don’t tell him!” I gasp and Molly starts walking again. “He doesn’t like me much - and to be honest it’s mutual but …don’t tell him. “

Lave is silent for a brief moment before he goes on.

“He… he wasn't always like this. But things happen to all of us, and, you know. They change you. Eventually, you become the things that happened to you. ”

“Yeah, Maeve said the same thing. But that’s not an excuse to treat everyone the way he does. “

Lave considers his words again before he answers.

“Just give him some time. I am sure one day you will change your mind. “

Like hell, I would.

Lave urges his horse faster and rides ahead of us.

I am pretty sure time won’t help with my opinion of the prince. I glance at the raven, still on my shoulder. He tilts his head and I swear he looks like he understands my feelings.

The town turns out to be a very pretty place. We pass the market and we buy some clothes for myself, as well as other things I might need. It’s full of people and wolves, talking and just having a nice time out. It almost feels like I am not a foreigner, someone who doesn’t belong here.

Opal is always flying somewhere near us.

“Is he keeping an eye on us?”I ask.

“I think he is keeping an eye on you. “

“On me? Why?”

“As I said, “ he shrugs, “Maybe he just likes you. “

As Lave says it, he looks ahead and a pretty red-haired girl walks in our direction.

“Lave!” she exclaims and as soon as she approaches us, she steps on her toes and wraps her arms around Lave’s neck.

“I didn’t know you were coming today! I missed you so much!”

“I thought I could surprise you. “ He gives her one of his charming smiles and the girl melts in his arms.

Lave is unbelievable…. How many girls is he going out with? Do they only go out? The thought puts colour to my face and I look away to find Opal, perched on a fence nearby. If birds had human expressions I am sure Opal would be wearing an expression like mine right now.

“Are you coming tonight?” the red-haired girl chirps and Lave’s hands slide from her back to her thin waist.

“I have to be in the castle tonight. “ Lave sounds serious - it’s non-negotiable and she pouts.

“But I promise to see you in a few days, okay?”

Her face lights up right away and she wraps her arms around his shoulders tighter.

“Okay! I will be waiting for you. “

Unlike the servant in the palace who was glaring at me, this girl didn’t even notice me.

“I have to go now. “ He takes her hands off him and she nervously mutters “Yes.” Then she kisses his cheek.

“I will be waiting for you!”

She calls after us as we resume our exploration of the town.

Once it’s just the two of us- and Opal, Lave lifts his hands in surrender.

“Don’t say anything. “ I lie.

“I wasn’t going to. “

“You were, I could see it in your eyes. “

“I was just wondering how many ladies you kiss. “

“A real man won’t tell. “

“Of course, “ I mutter but his words bring a smile to my lips.

“I think it’s fine, “ he goes on, “As long as no one gets hurt.

“Is this possible, though? No one to get hurt? “

“Why would they be? “

“I don’t know. I just think there is always someone who is hurt in the end. “

“Nah, “ he waves a hand “ Everything is fine. “

we reach a row of neatly tucked houses and he points at one of them” Do you want to have lunch there?”

“Sure “ I shrug and we head to what later turns out to be one of the best places I’ve eaten in a long time. I am so full I berely move but this time at least I didn't make a mess while eating.

When we finish with our meal we head to the castle. I don’t know how much time we spent in town but the sun has moved lower in the sky by the time we get back.

And the nice day I just had quickly turns into something else. How can I sometimes let myself forget that the good times cannot last forever? Or for more than a few hours, even...