Once more, whispers filled the corridors about Crown Prince Cristiano's scandalous night with the courtesan Isabel. It was said he had forsaken the Crown Princess yet again, abandoning her solitude in their chamber after a family dinner held in honour of their union.
What could be more mortifying for a princess than her husband's indiscretions, flaunted so brazenly following a celebration meant to celebrate their marriage?
By dawn, fresh rumours swirled like restless winds, and Portia found herself the subject of hushed giggles and furtive glances from the maids. Yet she bore it all with a composed face, betraying nought—not even the faintest flicker of ire or sorrow.
Later that day, she appeared dressed in an extravagant gown, far too heavy and elaborate for a simple morning. Just then, a large white dog—nearly the size of a wolf—came running through the halls. The guards chased after it, but the clever creature dodged them with ease.
The dog darted straight into the Crown Princess's chamber, to everyone's shock. The guards were frozen outside, unsure whether to follow. Entering the crown princess's chamber could inflict heavy punishments on them.
Before they could react, the dog stopped in front of Portia, pressing its soft head against her feet as if seeking comfort.
For the first time that day, Portia's expression softened. She knelt gracefully, her hand reaching out to stroke the dog's fur. A genuine smile lit up her face. A smile that was so rare and beautiful that it left everyone around her stunned. None had expected such a simple smile to transform her, making her look more breathtaking than ever.
"Blue, what are you doing here?" Portia asked softly, her voice filled with surprise. The dog barked in response as if answering her question.
'I am here for you, woman.'
"Your Highness, shall I take him out for you?" offered Lily, a maid specially assigned to Portia. Unlike the others, Lily was kind and gentle in her service.
"No," Portia replied, her hand continuing to stroke Blue's soft fur. "Blue does not like being touched by others. Arrange a place for him. He will stay here."
The maids exchanged glances, their brows furrowed in confusion. Portia had referred to the dog as though it were a person. To them, this was absurd.
All the maids in the palace were werewolves. Though the nobler, stronger ones held higher positions in the empire. The weaker werewolves, like the maids, were relegated to tasks deemed beneath the nobility. Yet, even the lowest among them was far stronger than any ordinary human or creature, especially a dog. To them, a dog was insignificant, unworthy of attention or care.
Inwardly, the maids began to laugh at Portia. How could they forget that even as Crown Princess, she was weaker than any of them? She had no wolf and could not shift. Was this why she resorted to petting a mere dog?
Though their lips remained sealed, Portia could feel the derision in their hearts. She had grown used to everyone's mocking thoughts who were always looking down on her as an incomplete werewolf.
Yet their snickers and silent judgments did not faze her. Everyone is entitled to their thoughts, are they not? People have minds to think and opinions to hold, and she has no desire to waste her energy on the unkind musings of others.
After some time, a member of the king's royal guard arrived at her door. With a bow, he announced, "Greetings to the Crown Princess. His Majesty requests your audience."
Before Portia could respond, he delivered the real blow. "Duke Hawthorne awaits your presence, along with his family."
A cold shiver ran down her spine. Her parents were here? The realization struck her like thunder. She had married without so much as informing them. What storm awaited her now?
Blue, as if sensing her trepidation, gave a soft bark that sounded almost like laughter and trotted forward confidently while urging her to follow.
When she reached the chamber where she had been summoned, her eyes fell on her husband. He stood near the grand windows, dressed impeccably in his signature dark suit. The sombre shade seemed to match the stormy expression etched on his face. He appeared just as cornered as she felt.
Was he also summoned to face this family confrontation?
Her gaze shifted nervously between her new husband, whose piercing eyes now rested on her, and Blue, who wagged his tail cheerfully as if leading her to her doom.
"Will this meeting end in bloodshed?" Portia muttered to herself under her breath.
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A|N: Hello, my dear readers, I hope you all are enjoying the book. If you have any questions, fire away. I am here to answer all your questions.
Taking this chance, I would like to ask you to leave a review for the story. I would not harass you much, but I do hope that you stay for a long long time. I am grateful for each of you. Thank you so much.