Riona hated him. She despised him.
His smug face was the last thing she wanted to see.
From the moment he intervened in Sir Orlo's restraint of her, she had already decided she didn't like that Alpha werewolf.
That wasn't the first time Riona exploded in anger. She knew she had to control her temper if she wanted to stop being punished with physical labor. But she couldn't stand idle when her brother was insulted in front of her.
Florian wasn't mute from birth but rather, had developed mutism due to the stress and pressure he faced. It was a sensitive matter that could make Riona retaliate in an instant.
For Florian, the royal palace was hell. Bullied for his weakness and feminine appearance, then tormented for his silence.
Riona, despite being teased and harassed for not growing fangs, managed to hold herself together. Barely.
Outsiders might wonder why the king didn't intervene when his niece and nephew were being tormented within the kingdom's walls.
The answer was simple: he didn't care. King Valentin detested their presence.
If their mother hadn't been his sister, Riona was sure he would have thrown them out of the palace.
Riona's punishments often involved working as a servant. Scrubbing floors, cleaning windows, polishing silverware until her hands were raw.
This time was different. Instead of waking up in the servant's quarters, she found herself in a soft bed. The room was spacious, and the ceiling was high. She was familiar with the chamber, but why was she seeing it?
Why was she in the guest chamber?
"Ngh…" Riona groaned. Her head was spinning, and she was about to collapse back into bed when someone entered her field of vision.
"Riona."
Sir Orlo. How long had he been there? Had he been there the whole time while she was unconscious?
"Don't get up yet. His Majesty used more of his power because an important guest was present and witnessed your antics."
Riona's expression twisted mockingly. "Oh, an important guest indeed. How could we ever overlook the fact that vampires reign supreme? Clearly, our king has a soft spot for furry visitors."
"I see you're recovering well enough to scoff at the king," Sir Orlo sighed, leaning back in his seat. He glared at her. "I shouldn't need to tell you I told you so, but I told you so."
"Alright, Sir Orlo. Are you here to lecture me? As far as I remember, I don't have any class left this week because I must be a servant for, what, another month? Let's just admit it, I won't ever graduate. You know the king won't let me graduate before his daughter does."
Riona stared at the wooden bed canopy, her hands resting at her sides. The image of Princess Lisbeth came to her mind, and she clenched her fists.
"It's not that the king won't let you graduate. It's you who won't let yourself graduate. We've talked about this, Riona. You need self-control. You can't keep being restrained and punished, right? I thought you wanted to leave the palace?"
That was right. Riona's only goal was to leave the palace with her brother. It wasn't feasible now because of Florian's young age. But once Riona finished her education, she could apply for a job with the Nightwarden.
Since Nightwarden ensured the law and security of the kingdom from internal and external threats, the job was dangerous, but well-paid.
She had faith in her skills. If the Dark Councilors saw her talents, she would be promoted in no time. She might even get her own group of Nightwatch.
"You're drooling," Sir Orlo's remark burst her bubble. He exhaled tiredly and announced. "You are to serve in the dining hall tonight."
"What? Ew, no!"
The simple thought of serving that Alpha werewolf sent goosebumps all over her skin. She dreaded it.
"Is this some kind of test of my self-control? Is he doing this on purpose?"
Sir Orlo must have ridiculed Riona's deduction in his mind, judging from his distorted expression. "Think what you want, but you must be there. Do note that it is not a request. It is an order from His Majesty himself."
"Urgh!" Riona's head was about to split open from the inside. The image of Thorin looking at her with an inquisitive look as if he was all that returned to her mind, and she almost threw up.
She closed her eyes, summoning peace for the battle ahead. This would be a different kind of battle–one that Riona wasn't confident she could win.
***
"Why is he doing this? Dinner? Huh! It's not even dinner. It's more like a rendition of follies. What is that old man thinking? Can't he just… I don't know, maybe ask me to trim the garden or clean the main hall, instead?"
Riona was mumbling her dissatisfaction to herself as she was walking down the corridor. Florian, who was beside her, noticed it. He tugged her sleeve and stared at her. His tear-stricken eyes were filled with guilt.
She crouched down to see him eye to eye. "This is not your fault, okay? His Majesty hasn't mentioned anything about punishing you. Hopefully, you can get away free this time. So you should return to your room for now."
Riona patted Florian's shoulder, gently nudging him towards his room. The boy hesitated but eventually obeyed, casting worried glances back at his sister until he disappeared from sight.
Riona continued towards the dining hall, her mind swirling with frustration and dread.
Servants bustled past her, unusually preoccupied. Normally, they would seize any chance to jeer at her, but now their attention was elsewhere.
"What is an Alpha werewolf doing in the kingdom of vampires?"
"Haven't you heard? King Valentin wants to strike an alliance deal with Wintertooth."
"What? Is it because of the pressure of the Asvaldur?"
"Will it be a marriage alliance? Do you think he's here to marry Princess Lisbeth? Oh, Dark Lord, she's so lucky."
"I beg to differ. I'd say Lord Thorin is the lucky one, getting a wife like our Princess Lisbeth. She's beautiful, smart, and strong. She's the best he could get."
What? That Alpha werewolf is here to marry Lisbeth?