Iskander observed how her eyes were fixated on his face. There was a sense of admiration and astonishment in her eyes. Though it was difficult to understand, which feeling dominated.
"Did you find me handsome?" Iskander asked.
"Yes." Yohana pursed her lips tightly as she placed her hand on her mouth.
Iskander ended up smiling as he liked the compliment. He put back the mask on the right side of his face and asked her if her curiousness ended.
"Why did His Majesty cover it again? He has a normal face," Yohana said, glancing at him with bewilderment.
"I don't wish you to faint with my handsomeness," Iskander remarked as he lowered his hands.
"Please, don't joke with me. Your face is perfectly fine. Then, why do you cover your right face only? Some think you carry a deadly scar while the others think your face is charred," Yohana complained.
"When we will get close, I'll tell you the reason why I mask my right side of the face," Iskander asserted. He asked Yohana to give him water. She was quick to pour a glass of water for him and handed it to Iskander.
He drank the water with slow chugs while glancing at Yohana who was contemplating something. "You won't tell anyone about this," Iskander instructed her.
"Why?" Yohana queried.
"Because your master has ordered you. Failed to comply with my order will have serious punishment. Don't beg me to show mercy on you then," Iskander stated as he placed the glass on the table beside the chaise.
Though Yohana wanted to expose him, but she couldn't ignore his threatening command either. She decided to keep it a secret.
"Your Majesty, I wish to go out today. I heard there's a special fair in the market. Will you allow me to go at night?" Yohana took his permission.
"What fair?" Iskander asked her.
"I don't know. It will be my first time attending it. However, I learned that many things will be sold at a cheaper rate. Perhaps, I'll buy a pair of clothes for myself," Yohana stated while smiling brightly.
"You are a slave. You cannot go out," Iskander refused to give her a permission to go out.
"Why? Many will go. I'm indeed a slave, but I need a pair of new clothes." Yohana tried to convince him. Iskander remained quiet, not paying heed to her.
His behaviour agitated Yohana and she clenched her fists together. "I will tell everyone that your face is clean. You wear the mask to keep everyone under your fear," she announced.
"Do it," Iskander challenged her, "but keep in mind, I'll make you starve for days."
Yohana made a face at him. "You are so evil," she muttered and dashed out of the chamber.
Iskander asked her to stop, but she didn't. Upon reaching an isolated part of the palace, she realized it was her first time to be here. She explored the region when a faint voice of armours reached her ears. She went ahead where the corridor opened and realized it was the region of barracks.
Her eyes widened to see the warrior werewolves, who looked much bigger than she used to have in her pack. She watched them being trained while staying behind the pillar when her desire to see her own wolf awakened.
By the age of 12, most of the werewolves would attain their wolf forms. Yohana was the only, who couldn't bring out her wolf. At 14, she realized she was wolf-less. People did doubt her because an Alpha's daughter could not be wolf-less, but she was turned out to be the one.
"What is Yohana doing here?" Marvin's voice fell into her ears and she promptly turned around.
"Your Highness," Yohana lowered her eyes, realizing it was one of the princes.
"Why are you here? It's a restricted place for women," Marvin said.
"I didn't know about it. Forgive me, Your Highness," Yohana apologized. She wondered if he would drag her to Iskander. "Your Highness, please don't tell the King about it. He may scold me," she requested.
"I won't. Do you know how to go back?" Marvin inquired.
"I think I know," Yohana said as tried recalling the path from where she came.
"Follow me," Marvin said.
Yohana didn't refuse him and walked behind him. 'This Prince is good. Unlike Iskander Prince Marvin is warm hearted and helpful too. Iskander should learn from his younger brother,' she thought in her mind.
"I've heard about you. You are wolf-less, but you are famous for your remarkable strategies. When you pack was falling, you made sure it remains immune from the attack of the others pack," Marvin stated, smiling lightly. "Perhaps, that's why His Majesty purchased you," he added.
Yohana was astonished to learn that. She stayed quiet while walking after Marvin.
"The King doesn't usually interact with any woman. Brother Angelo and I were surprised when we heard about you. You must be important for the King," Marvin stated.
"Pardon me, Your Highness, but I think I'm not important for for the King. He bought me as a slave to keep me as a possession," Yohana pronounced the same words, which Iskander would use.
"A possesion?" Marvin suddenly halted, causing Yohana to bump against him. He apologized to her and asked her if she was fine.
"Yes." Yohana stopped rubbing her forehead and lowered her hand.
"I don't think you are possession for my brother. I think–"
"Yohana!" Iskander's voicdme reverberated in the corridor, interrupting their conversation. She quickly hid behind Marvin, who turned to gaze at his brother. He greeted him by bowing in respect.
"Are you troubling my brother?" Iskander asked in a scolding tone.
"No, she did not, Brother," Marvin said when Yohana told him not to tell Iskander where she was. "I shall take my leave, Your Majesty," he said and walked away.
Yohana kept stealing her eyes away from Iskander. "The lunch is getting cold. Come," Iskander commanded her and went ahead.
"Phew!" Yohana heaved a sigh of relief and ran after him.
****
Sorry for the late update. Hope you enjoy.