The entire garden fell silent after the smack was delivered.
Only wide eyes and gaping mouths hung open in sheer shock at Anastasia's reaction to Elena's beating.
To Queen Alice, Princess Analeigh, and the Holy Kingdom servants, the Anastasia that stood tall and confidently in front of them was a new person indeed.
These are the people that have ridiculed and abused her. Physically, mentally and emotionally her whole life they tortured her ruthlessly.
Locking her inside a beautiful castle that hid discrimination and cruelty. They belittled her every chance they got and eventually sent her to her death.
Anastasia felt extreme sorrow for the young princess. Yes, her previous life was filled with hardship, but at least she got away from her so-called family.
Princess Anastasia, who was miserable until death never got the chance to attempt a different life. This fact boiled Anastasia's blood even more and made her want to raise her hand again at this despicable royal family.
"Dare you to hit Mother?!" Analeigh was stunned as she helped Queen Alice balance herself due to shock.
"As a Queen, how can I let my people be looked down upon? You all dare to disrespect me like this? It's better I let you off with just a smack." Anastasia lowered her eyes looking at the shaking mother and daughter.
"Anastasia! I am your mother and Queen of this empire! You dare go against me for a mere maid?!" Queen Alice stared at Anastasia with bloodshot eyes, she could not believe a hand was raised to her beautiful face and by her no less.
" I see your brain is still numb, you continue to call me as if we are familiar. Next time keep your servants in check. I think it's appropriate for the master to receive punishment for the actions of their subordinates."
Elena stared at Anastasia with tears in her eyes she was proud to call Anastasia her Queen and master.
Elena also realized the uneasy feeling she had since meeting the royal family was not unwarranted.
In the beginning, their hateful gazes toward her master were disguised by phony smiles and laughter. Yet, right now their true expressions are at the forefront, you have to be blind not to see it.
"You!" Queen Alice was seething with anger trying to suppress her emotions. She too knows the strength and power that Anastasia holds she can't afford to provoke her more.
"I'll do you a favor and leave it here today, let's go, Elena." Anastasia gathered her people and left the garden leaving the Queen and Analeigh fuming.
Walking back into her chambers she couldn't help but feel weak in the knees.
"Your Royal Highness!" Elena and other maids rushed to Anastasia before she had the chance to fall.
"Please sit down your Royal Highness, get her majesty some herbal tea!" Elena ordered the servants as she helped Anastasia sit down.
"Please forgive me, I have caused you discomfort your majesty." Elena was filled with guilt as she suspected Anastasia was too shocked at the previous events.
"Get up Elena, it's not your fault, I should apologize to you for letting that happen."
"Of course not your Royal Highness! If it weren't for you speaking up for me I'm sure they would have killed me!" Elena said truthfully.
"Let's get this between us for now, yes?"
Anastasia was not ready to come clean about the mistreatment. She felt knots of pain in her stomach whenever she thought of Wolf's reaction.
How would he view her in the future after knowing her status in her homeland was lower than dog's.
"B-but." Elena was unsure if it was a good idea to keep this information from the King, but she had no choice.
Before she could try to convince her master otherwise the doors of the chamber opened.
"Honey!"
Anastasia rushed to greet her husband with open arms. After all the drama her handsome husband was the dose of medicine she needed.
"Hmm. You missed me that much?" Wolf said picking her up and sitting her in his arms.
Anastasia nodded her hand like a child and smiled brightly.
Elena looked at her master and she felt a little relieved seeing her smile. She and the other maids left Wolf and Anastasia alone.
"Your father has invited us to dinner," Wolf said stroking Anastasia's hair.
The thought of seeing them again brought on a headache but she quickly recovered and smiled.
"Sure! Let's go after our outing." She promised to show him around plus she needed to get out of the palace.
"Shall we head out now?" Wolf suggested.
Without a word, Anastasia got up and pulled Wolf alongside her.
"Are you that eager to go outside the palace?" Wolf teased her.
"I also want to see the capital." Anastasia was truly curious about the Holy Kingdom since she or the original has never seen it properly.
A carriage was prepared and the two set off to the capital of the Holy Kingdom. Anastasia could not help but notice the poor conditions of villagers they passed on the way.
When they arrived at the capital it was a complete difference from what the carriage drove through.
It was bustling with business and people were everywhere. Parents and children walked hand and hand. Ladies and their maids passed by in carriages.
Wanting to make the best of her time with Wolf she decided on a clothing store for their first stop. Wolf has gifted her tons of jewels and dresses, so she wants to repay the favor.
'Though it is his money it's the thought that counts right?'
"Honey I want to get clothes."
"Alright, let's go to that shop." Wolf pointed to a women's boutique ahead of them.
"No, I want to go to that one." Anastasia pointed at the men's clothing store next to it.
Wolf gave her a questioning look but was unable to refuse because he was dragged away again.
"Hello custom-Ah. Your Majesty, the moonlight of Navarro's empire, what brings you to a shabby place like this?"
The shop owner immediately reevaluated his words and spoke with the utmost respect to Wolf in particular.
His eyes scanned over Anastasia, and seeing that she was well dressed and that she closely accompanied Wolf, he thought she must be important.
Yet he did not give her a proper greeting as the Queen of Navarros. In fact, to Wolf, it seemed like he did not recognize her at all.
Anastasia could sense the tension rising in Wolf and she too knew the reason. She did not want the innocent shop owner to die, thus she took action.
It is not his fault that hardly anyone in this empire has seen Anastasia in the flesh. She was not even in the royal family portrait that was displayed to the world.
"We are here for clothes for His Majesty, please show us the way." She said politely.
"Yes, yes, of course, come this way, madam." The shop owner was a polite older man and did his job diligently.
Anastasia was guided to a couch where shop workers served her tea and cookies.
Within a few minutes, Wolf descended from the back. He was dressed in tailored black pants that fit his physique perfectly. With a matching black jacket, it was elegant and made his charm climb higher than ever.
Anastasia's eyes glowed as she took in the man before her. He was the epitome of beauty and she couldn't believe he was her husband in this life.
"Good! Good! We'll get this one." Anastasia clapped happily.
Wolf's ears and neck turned red at his wife's praises.
After that Anastasia made him try on twenty more outfits and bought them all. She now understands why Wolf likes to spoil her.
"Wife, won't you get something for yourself?" Wolf asked as they walked the capital streets.
"I don't need anything though," Anastasia admitted.
"How about that place." Wolf pointed to a dessert shop.
Seeing the cute shop Anastasia couldn't help but become curious. This time Wolf was the one dragging her alongside him.
"Delicious!" Anastasia hummed as she ate the delicious chocolate cake.
A smirk appeared on the corner of Wolf's mouth as he watched her eat. Ever since knowing the feeling of love, he could not live without it.
Before meeting Anastasia his life was filled with bloodshed and tears. He grew up without it and never expected it. Now that he's had a taste he wants to protect this love.
******
"It's a pleasure having you dine with us again your Majesty," Analeigh said as the maids served dinner.
Anastasia sneered at the sound of her voice speaking to her husband in such a flirtatious manner.
"Hmm." Wolf felt replied without looking up at her.
Instead, he picked up Anastasia's plate and started to cut the steak for her.
"Ahem. I heard his majesty went out to the capital today, I hope you enjoyed the scenery." King James cleared his throat after witnessing Analeigh's fuming expression.
King James could not fathom why such a brilliant man as Wolf doted on his unequipped daughter. Nonetheless, he thought of this as an opportunity.
'This useless girl has become useful after all." He thought as he watched Wolf take care of her.
King James was a greedy man and his mind was clouded with money. He figured if Wolf accepted such a girl like Anastasia he would surely accept his beautiful eldest daughter Analeigh.
With two daughters apart of the most wealthy kingdom in the world his own wealth and status would skyrocket.
"Yes, my wife and I enjoyed ourselves," Wolf answered blankly.
"Good, good. Your Majesty, since how the family gets along well, how about taking Princess Analeigh, as a concubine? I'm sure you two will-."
King James stopped speaking when he felt sharp metal poking at his neck.
"Queen Anastasia will be my one and only Queen, don't fix your mouth to say those words to me again."
Wolf pointed his sword at the King's neck making the imperial guards pull out their swords.
The Navarros knights did not falter in their duty either. They protected their King and Queen without fail.
King James' throat bobbed up and down as he swallowed his fear.
Anastasia was not surprised, but Queen Alice and Analeigh cried and begged Anastasia to do something.
"Your Majesty, please calm his majesty down!" The queen cried.
"Queen sister, don't let Father die!" Analeigh cried to Anastasia.
"What's the meaning of this?!" The crown Prince made an appearance. When he saw his father being held with a sword to his neck he was furious.
He pulled his sword from his waist and challenged Wolf to a duel.
"King of Navarros! I, Crown Prince Of the Holy Kingdom challenge you to a duel!"
The crown Prince was over arrogant and did not know his own limits.