Dianna's account
The prince? The man who had been watching me in the hall was the prince? His piercing blue eyes locked on mine as he hugged his uncle, his chiseled features illuminated by the moonlight. His sharp jawline and angular cheekbones seemed carved from marble, while his full lips hinted at a subtle warmth. As he continued to stare at me, it felt as if he could see right through my facade.
Instinctively, I looked away, lowering my head as he and Christopher exchanged pleasantries. I hoped they would go inside without noticing me but as usual, the opposite happened.
"And who is this beauty, Uncle?" the prince asked, casting a curious glance my way.
"This ugly thing?" Christopher sneered. "She's my slave, but I married her out of compassion."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. He didn't marry me out of compassion but out of obsession. His comments never surprised me; they were meant to belittle. Yet, with the prince's presence, my usual armor of indifference seemed to crack, for the first time in years, I felt ashamed of my status. I bit my lower lip, struggling to hold back tears.
"You made a wonderful choice, Uncle. She certainly stands out," the prince complemented, his voice dark purple with a downbeat tone that made my cheeks flush.
My reaction was unusual. I was used to these comments, I had red hair and werewolf females were usually brunettes so I always stood out but this time,I felt exposed and uncomfortable.
"Thank you, Prince Lyrien," Christopher replied, his voice betraying hesitation. He swiftly changed the subject. "Let's return to the party. There's much to celebrate, and I'm eager to hear your stories of battles won."
The prince chuckled softly, nodding. But his gaze lingered on me, sending a shiver down my spine. "Isn't your wife coming with us?"
"She shouldn't," Christopher said dismissively. "She is filthy. Let her return home and clean up. Perhaps next time, I'll present her properly."
Relief washed over me. I loathed it here anyway. Thankfully, the prince didn't press the matter and left with Christopher. Once they were gone, I rose, trying to clean the mud-stained ball gown.
As I struggled with my dress, one of my husband's guards approached, signaling that I was to return home. The car ride was brief, as our estate was not far from the palace. Although we were meant to live in the palace, Christopher preferred a secluded place to keep his affairs private, so he chose this estate instead.
Upon entering the house, I was greeted by my sons, Zarek and Riven. My face, usually expressionless, brightened instantly as they ran to me.
"Mommy!" they exclaimed, hugging me tightly.
"We were waiting for you," Zarek, my oldest, said, his eyes shining with excitement.
A playful frown crossed my face as I pinched the soft fold of his cheek. "Why are you still up? Didn't Mommy tell you to be asleep by the time she got home?"
Zarek wriggled against me, while little Riven tried to escape, squealing.
"You're home early, Mommy!" Riven protested, his tiny feet pattering on the floor.
"But it's past your bedtime," I said with a chuckle. "Alright, superboys, time for bed." I scooped up Riven and took Zarek's hand.
After some playful chaos, I finally managed to tuck them in. They'd had too much sugar, and even the maids struggled to get them to sleep. As usual, I read them a bedtime story I'd written and sang their favorite lullaby, a song I had created just for them.
It was always a hassle to put them back to sleep, especially my first, he loved to inspect me…
He touched my face gently as he fought off sleep. "Who hurt Mommy?"
My heart sank. I had forgotten about the mark. I swallowed hard and smiled. "Mommy was clumsy and fell. Did you see how dirty Mommy's dress is? Don't be clumsy like Mommy."
"But there's a handprint on your face..." he observed, making me acutely aware of it. Fortunately, he was too sleepy to ask more. "Zarek will be a strong wolf and chase away the bad wolf that hurts Mommy..."
My tears flowed freely. His promise was a constant comfort, even if it couldn't erase the pain. I kissed them goodnight and retreated to my room for a long soak in the tub.
The thought of my boys momentarily made me forget my pain, they were my only ray of shine in my dark life and I loved them dearly. I doubted anyone would believe I wasn't their biological mother, given how deeply I cared for them.
I had raised them since they were small. Their mother had passed away before Christopher bought me. Zarek was just a year and 5 months old and Riven a few months old.
I started as their nanny, and with their mother absent from the start, they naturally called me their mother. When I tried to correct them, Christopher beat me up badly, claiming I was shirking my duties as their new mother.
That was his romantic way of telling me he intended to marry me. Shortly after, my training as his ideal wife began. Six years later, my children were the only source of joy in my life. Every time I contemplated ending it all, their need for me kept me going.
As I submerged my head in the tub, holding my breath, I entertained thoughts of ending my life, something I seldom did, I could go on for more than 16 minutes and everyday, I broke my record. But this time, a shadow appeared above the water, surprising me.
I knew it couldn't be my husband. It was too soon for him to return from such a grand party.
The shadow didn't relent. A hand reached into the water, pulling me out. The face I saw made my breath catch. What was the crown prince doing in my bathroom?!
"What were you trying to do, Dia?" he shook me subtly.