The Alpha King's Queen

- Chapter 2 -

How old is an old soul?

~°~

The day has come, the day that I turn eighteen. I don't know why my birthdays were always so extravagant.  Birthdays appeal to me more as something stressful, not enjoying. I mean, why do we celebrate birthdays if we are one year nearer to our deaths? I find it funny and compelling at the same time.

Now that I’m eighteen should I really be happy? Can I?

Jocelyn, Miranda, and Eva rushed to my room to wake me up, but I'm already up. Thinking of that 'someone' made my spine chill, and knowing my father will be there made me feel nervous. 

They looked so shocked when they saw me. Even though I'm a princess, waking up early is too much for me. I'm not a morning person.

I made my way to the bathroom while they arranged my stuff. The feeling of warm water hugging my body relaxed me. My hazel colored hair drifted along the water as I slowly sank to the bottom of the tub. I stared at the mirror beside me. My lavender colored eyes seemed to have turned darker, confirming that I am indeed eighteen.

I wrapped my soft silk bathrobe around my body and walked outside. I saw Jocelyn arranging my gown for today's event, Miranda comparing some eye shadow colors and lipsticks, while Eve was on the phone. Everything seemed serene because it’s so early, but I have a feeling that this day will be more tiring than my other birthdays.

I sat on a high chair and Miranda started doing my makeup. Jocelyn started to make my hairstyle. My hair was long and hard to fix just by myself, so I always ask them for help. She braided my hair and pinned some flower ornaments on them, presents from my father.

Once they were done, I stood up and wore my undies. My body was slim and lean, well cared for. My skin was pale and my cheeks were naturally pinkish. The result of staying here inside and not much sunlight touching my skin made it paler. My height is 5'7. I was taller than my sisters.

I slipped on the pinkish peach gown and glass slippers. I slipped on my mother's ring that now perfectly fit my fingers, unlike when I was young and it always fell off. 

"You look dazzling, Your Highness," Eve said and bowed her head. I smiled at her and ran to give her a hug. Her eyes shone in admiration. Her earthy colored eyes were the ones that watched me as I grew up to who I am today.

"Thank you." I whispered.

"Come, Your Highness. Your guests are waiting." She said and I nod.

It is the first time I celebrate my birthday with the crowd. My past birthdays were incredible and well planned, with less guests and design. They took the food out of the castle and distributed them to the town people as I requested. This time it's about thousands of guests entering the castle. Thankfully, the castle halls are wide enough to occupy my guests but, how will I do the rest? I felt nervous meeting people, you don't know if they’re trusted friends or if they're wearing masks to conceal who they really are. Like what happened when a friend of mine, used me and my treasure for her own greed.

I stood at the huge closed door, waiting for my name to be announced. The huge crowd is behind this door, different faces, some hiding behind masks. Seconds passed and my name was mentioned. I took a deep breath and smiled to the crowd. They gave a round of applause as I waved my hand.

That’s it Allyah, you’re a princess. Your image is everything.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, here I present to you, Princess Allyha Brunette Ysanna Vineyards, the second daughter of the King and Princess Emerald Reign Vineyards." The announcer cheerfully announced.

The hall was bright, the music started as soon as I came in. I smiled and walked down the stairs and finally stood at the center. I stood there proudly, gracefully lifting my head up. I tried my best to make them see how glad I am. Why were their eyes gleaming? I stared at a man and smirked at me for about a second or two. The guy in a suit gestured me to a chair, so I followed and thanked him. I was about to search for the gleaming red eyes I caught a glimpse of when a line formed in front of me, different Princes and nobles with their gifts.

"Your Highness, Son of King Sebastian, Fourth in line. I'm Arthur Dolan Reid Vismonte." said the first suitor and bowed to reach my hands, "A gift from my kingdom." He added and handed me an elegant bow. It was a beautiful weapon, carved from jade. I accepted it and thanked him. He gave me a wink and I just smiled at him.

As I observed the line, my jaw almost dropped. I can't believe I have so many visitors! Seeing the line made me tired already.  I don’t want to spend my entire day accepting gifts like this, but it wasn’t like I had a choice.

As the line came to an end, I was exhausted and tired. None of them were my type, and now that I think about it, I don't really know what my type is. They're all nice and gentlemanly, coming from distinguished kingdoms. Some other kingdoms and lands seemed unfamiliar to me. While some of them have visited me ever since I was a kid.

Some of them even mentioned their packs. What is that supposed to mean? Wolves? No, that's impossible.

The party started early, now it's about dawn. I climbed up to my room to change my dress and retouch my makeup at the same time. Just as I thought this day is tiring, very tiring. I called Jocelyn to my room to help me out. I slipped on my golden yellow gown because I think blue is not my color and did not like wearing it. Jocelyn fixed my makeup and hair; she redid my curly hair and placed my tiara. The gifts are now stacked in my room.

"Do you prefer to continue the party or rest a little, Your Highness?"  Jocelyn asked.

"I'll rest a bit, and then update me about Father," I said and leaned on the couch. The corset is killing me, I can barely feel my waist now.

"The King called. He will arrive here tonight with his guests. Do not worry about the details, Your Highness." She said and I allowed Jocelyn to sit beside me in silence. She gave me a reassuring smile and held onto me.  

It was a terrible feeling. It felt like I was waiting for something impossible to come true. Though I tried to convince myself to calm down, I am really nervous. I felt that eerie feeling that something, somehow, someone, will be there to turn my life upside down. The feeling is strange and new. The feeling of being magnetized to something you don’t even have an idea of.

The door slowly opened, the sound of the opening door broke the silence. I turned my head towards the door. It was Eva, and she peeked and spoke,

"Sorry to disturb you, Your Highness. The King has arrived.”