The Traitor's Brother

03 ~ Finding her fated mate

Seven years ago…

“Ready for your big night, princess?”

Alys turned around with a big smile as she put on the second of her pearl earrings. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Dad.”

Kaan chuckled as he leaned against the door. “My poor little introvert. I’m so sorry you have to go through this terrible, awful thing, but I’m afraid duty calls. On the other hand, you look absolutely exquisite. Beautiful, just like your mother.”

“Thank you, Aunt Maeve made my gown, of course, she actually made me look more graceful than I really am.” She laughed. “Anyway, I’ll be fine. It’ll only be for a few hours. And I can hardly call my own debut as awful, not after all the effort Mom put into it. It’s just the socializing part that I’d rather skip, but you’re right… duty calls. Our people expect to see their princess tonight and so they shall have her… until I can take it no more,” she added sheepishly.

“That’s my girl. Come, let’s not keep them waiting!” The lycan king offered his arm to his only daughter and she gratefully slipped her arm into his, drawing courage from his quiet strength and steady support.

“Besides, the grand ball might not actually be such a waste… I could meet my fated mate tonight! There’s that to look forward to…” She grinned, nudging her father who groaned.

“Don’t remind me. I’m trying not to think of letting you fly out of the nest so soon. It seems only yesterday I was singing you lullabies to sleep. If only time would slow down just a little… so I can keep you a little longer.”

She giggled. “Careful what you wish for, Dad.”

Kaan smiled. “Kidding aside, I would be happy for you… but he better be somebody worthy because I am not just going to give my daughter to someone who doesn’t deserve you. You know I have the power to take away their wolves, right?”

“Hush, dad. Lest someone hear and accuse you again of abusing your powers,” Alys teased him.

“They won’t be wrong this time,” Kaan muttered. “I’d do it to protect my daughter. Whoever your fated mate will be, he better treat you like the princess that you are, or he’ll answer to me.”

“I know… I love you, daddy…”

Before they could exchange further words, they reached the double doors, where the warriors standing guard bowed respectfully as they approached. On the other side, the resounding blast of two trumpets heralded the announcement by an elite knight, proclaiming the arrival of His Majesty the King and the Princess Celebrant, Her Royal Highness, Althea Sarosh Walton.

Alys took a deep breath before putting on her practiced demure smile. A mask that, hopefully, would last longer than usual. “It’s showtime.”

As they stepped through the double doors, Alys gasped silently at the grandeur of the ballroom. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the opulent surroundings. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of ancient battles and noble deeds, while large windows let in the soft moonlight, adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere. Elaborate floral arrangements cascaded from golden vases, filling the air with the sweet scent of roses and jasmine.

Musicians stationed at strategic intervals filled the air with beautiful melodies. The room was alive with the sound of music and laughter as guests mingled and danced across the polished marble floor. Servants moved gracefully among the crowd, offering trays of delicacies and pouring drinks from silver pitchers.

As they descended the stairs, Alys was impressed by the majestic sight of her people adorned in their finest attire, a testament to their pride and regal heritage. Draped in luxurious fabrics, their attire reflected the elegance and grandeur befitting the occasion. Men wore tailored suits of deep, rich colors—midnight blues, forest greens, and charcoal blacks—accentuated with intricate embroidery and embellishments of silver and gold. Some opted for traditional clothes of their lands, making the occasion very colorful and regal indeed.

Women glided through the room in flowing gowns of silk and satin, their dresses hugging their curves and cascading to the floor, and one always had to be careful where one put his or her feet. Jewel tones dominated their ensembles, with hues of ruby red, emerald green, and sapphire blue catching the light and shimmering with every movement. Elaborate corsets cinched their waists, while delicate lace overlays added an air of sophistication and grace. Accessories were carefully chosen to complement their outfits, with women adorning themselves with elegant tiaras, ornate necklaces, and sparkling earrings that catch the light and draw attention to their radiant faces. Men sported polished cufflinks, intricately carved brooches, and ceremonial sashes that denoted their status and lineage.

Everyone who was anyone was there. It was, after all, the event of the year.

Her mother, Queen Hiraya, greeted her with eyes full of tears of happiness and pride. “Look at you… what a splendor you are, my darling love! Oh, how time flies!”

“Everything is perfect, Mom… as beautiful as a fairytale! Thank you so much!”

Her brother, the heir to the throne, rolled his eyes good-naturedly at the drama, but grinned at her and gave her a playful nudge. “You cleaned up well, little ant.”

She curtsied gracefully, just because she knew it would unnerve him. “Why, thank you, Your Highness, how very kind of you. And may I say you look especially dashing tonight.”

Alys could almost see the hair on his back rising as he made a face, and she giggled as he secretly scratched his arm, as if he was having an allergic reaction.

Teddy grumbled something under his breath as he led her to the middle of the dancefloor for her first waltz, as per tradition. Alys looked around with eyes wide with hope, just in case her fated mate was present.

Just imagine! She could meet him tonight! Her fairy tale was about to begin and heaven knew she had been looking forward to this moment ever since she found out what a fated mate was. Someone the Moon Goddess had decided was your perfect match, who would love you unconditionally and become your other half and your best friend for the rest of your life. A love so wonderful and strong, as beautiful as that of her mother and father.

However, several dances had come and gone already, and still nothing, not even a whisper of a thrill in the air hinting that her fated mate was nearby. Alys frowned, wondering if perhaps he did not receive an invitation. Could it be that he was not from nobility? Or even from an important family? Not that it mattered to Alys, but her parents had insisted that all eligible men of ‘impressive pedigree’ (as Teddy teases their parents) be present.

Alys’s social battery was quickly running out, and in half an hour, she begged her mother for a few minutes of respite. Queen Raya made excuses for her, telling everyone she needed an outfit change, and Alys headed out of the ballroom—as gracefully as she could—before her public mask fell off to show how miserable she was feeling at the moment. The moment the door closed behind her, she rushed back to her room, ignoring the calls of her lady’s maid and locking the door so could finally be alone.

Oh, where could he be? The only reason Alys was even willing to go through with this was the hope of finding him. Suddenly feeling like she was suffocating, she hurried towards the balcony which was facing her mother’s private garden. She took in deep gulps of breath, wishing she could loosen the strings of her dress. Unfortunately, she could not do it alone, but she still could not bear to be with anyone at the moment, not even her maid.

The thing was, they just called it ‘social battery’ but it wasn’t exactly the case. In truth, her lycan gift of healing and empathy was so strong that being around so many people could be overwhelming, mostly because some of them had pains and carried illnesses that she could feel and experience, almost as if they were her own. Her ‘gift’, more often than not, did not feel like a blessing, but a curse.

Mostly she could cure them, especially the minor ones, but there were times when her gift would not work, simply because it would go against their destiny. Which could be traumatizing, both for her and the sick people who would have pinned all their hopes on her healing ability. So the family decided to keep her gift a secret, for her safety, known only to a select and trusted few who would take the secret to their graves.

Alys took a deep breath, grateful for the cool evening breeze. It soothed her mild headache and rejuvenated her a little. If only she could slow the passing of time… for she was already dreading going back to the ballroom. Without the appeal of finding her fated mate amongst the attendees, she really would rather just stay on the balcony, gazing at the stars.

Oh, but duty called. And she truly could not afford to offend her guests tonight. So she gave herself five more minutes before deciding to go back to her room and ask her maid to quickly help her into another gown.

She was about to turn away from the balcony, when she felt an incredible tingle run up her spine. There was no need to ask anyone, she knew exactly what it meant!

Her fated mate was nearby!