REPLACED AND ABANDONED

I groaned, uncomfortable with the dress. I kept twisting my body trying to loosen my clothes or better still tear it.

"Seat still Imelda, you'll rip the clothes apart," Mom glared at me as we journeyed to the palace on horseback.

"This cloth is too tight and this horse makes my back ache. Why can't we just shift to our wolves and run to the palace," I complained.

"We have to look presentable before the royal family Imelda. You're getting married to the crowned Prince and will soon become the crowned Princess. You should start getting used to riding on horsebacks and wearing such tight clothes," Dad explained and I gritted my teeth in anger, glaring at the horse who shrieked in protest and almost threw me off its back.

I haven't even married the Prince but my life is already being dictated to me. When I eventually marry the Prince I won't be allowed to talk any longer.

"You'll get used to it sweetheart," mom smiled at me encouragingly and I scoffed.

"That we'll never happen."

"I already hate the idea of living in the palace," Arla growled angrily in my head and I couldn't agree less.

We eventually got to the palace and we were granted access after stating our names and business.

The palace was heavily guarded. There were guards stationed everywhere. Escaping from here was fruitless, one would be caught in seconds but that wasn't enough to stop me from leaving if I wanted to.

I stared in awe as we approached the palace. The Royal palace was magnificent and mesmerizing even though it would soon become my prison. 

"Close your mouth sweetheart," mom chuckled and I shut my mouth, still lost in the beauty of the palace.

"At least, we will get to look at this beauty everyday," Arla grinned in satisfaction.

"Yea, at least there is one good thing about the palace," I nodded, agreeing with her.

We stepped into the palace and Scarlet gasped in surprise at the exquisiteness of the palace. it was beyond magnificent.

"It's more beautiful than the rumors Raiden," Scarlet smiled gleefully, twirling around.

"Get yourself together Scarlet!" Dad scolded, grabbing her roughly by the hand.

"You're embarrassing me."

"Let go you're hurting me," Scarlet whimpered in pain, snatching her hands from Dad.

"Uhmm," a maid cleared her throat, getting our attention.

"This way please." She turned and left with a group of maids tagging behind her. Dad glared at Scarlet and I before leaving and Mom followed suit, thumping her feet in the ground pissed.

"I can't believe them," I shook my head in disbelief before tagging along.

We were led into the throne room by the palace maids to meet the king and queen and probably their son.

"Your highness,  Alpha Raiden Stone of the Crescent pack," a royal servant dressed in fine apparel, announced.

"Raiden," The king called, his voice deep and resonating around the throne room.

"Your highness, it is an honor to make your acquaintance," Dad and Mom bowed and I followed suit doing it a little awkwardly.

The king was a man in his fifties and his head was filled with gray hair. He had wrinkles on his face but aside from all that, he was a fine old man.

To his left was the queen, the famous beauty rumored to be the most beautiful woman in the werewolf world. She had an enchanting smile on her face. Her hair was long and well braided. She had a milky skin that looked so smooth and a smile that could charm hearts.

To his right was the Prince. The most eligible suitor in the werewolf kingdom. He had a scowl on his face. Seemed like he was forced to be here like me. He was glaring at me and if looks could kill, I would be six feet underground by now.

Not wanting to offend the royal family, I faced the ground avoiding his cold eyes.

"Who does he think he is," Arla scoffed, annoyed.

"The Prince who has everything at his disposal," I shrugged.

"More like a caged man tied down with responsibilities," Arla rolled her eyes and a giggle escaped my lips. My parents grasped in horror and glanced at me.

"Arla, you've officially gotten us into trouble," I accused her and she ignored me.

"What is funny little girl?" The King stared at me. He was inscrutable. I could hardly tell what he was thinking or guess how he felt. I didn't even know if he was angry or not. He just had a neutral expression on his face.

"I apologize for my daughter's insolence, your highness," dad bowed, apologizing on my behalf. At first I stood watching him until mom pinched me to do the same. I immediately bowed my head in respect or reverence, I don't even know which one.

"You may rise," the king said and we lifted our heads. I thought he was going to make us bow forever. My neck was beginning to ache and this stupid corset was choking life out of me. I needed to get out of it fast.

"Is this the girl that will be getting married to our son?" The queen asked, seizing me up with her eyes.

"Yes, she is," mom replied respectfully and she looked away in disgust.

Seems they don't like me.

"There have been a change in plans," the King spoke up. The maids ushered us to a seat and we sat comfortably. I had to sit like someone without bones. Mom said it was a way a proper lady should act.

"What changed your highness?" Dad was surprised.

The King turned to the prince, urging him to speak with his eyes.

"I will no longer be marrying your daughter, Alpha." The Prince said, glaring at me. I wonder what his problem was.

"What?" Dad yelled shocked.

"I won't be marrying what someone else rejected. I have chosen someone else to be my bride," his words pierced my heart like a sharp knife and I stared at him both hurt and angry.

"How dare he insult us? Let me out Imelda, let me teach him a lesson," Arla raged and I fought her mentally from taking over.

"Calm down Arla," I yelled at her in my head, trying to calm her down. After much struggle, she eventually backed down with a huff.

"It's against the law your highness, you cannot relinquish a bethroment," my father argued, refusing to accept.

"It is our decision Raiden, and you'll respect it," the King's face darkened and the aura around the room changed. Everyone felt the change but my father refused to back down.

"I'm sorry your highness, I refuse this agreement and the Iaw backs me up," Dad stood up undeterred and unmoved.

"Are you questioning my orders Raiden,"

"No, your highness, I dare not," dad bowed his head and so did Mom but I didn't. I'm tired of bowing my head.

"We will take our leave now, and revisit this matter with the council of elders," dad gritted his teeth in anger and bowed again before stomping away. Mom and I tagged behind him, trying to keep up.

"Calm down Raiden, we can resolve this conflict with the royal family calmly," mom tried to pacify him but he shrugged her off, totally ignoring her.

Dad got on his horse together with Mom ready to leave and I decided to get on mine too.

"You're staying here Imelda, you are the Prince's betrothed and according to traditions this is your new home," dad stated, frowning.

"But they just said they don't want me, are you trying to get rid of me?" 

"I'm doing what is best for you Imelda. Stay here, this is now your new homIe. It will be a shame on our family for me to take you back home." 

I looked to Mom for help but she gave me an apologetic look, saying nothing. I can't believe they are doing this.

"Goodbye Imelda," Dad turned and left, holding my horse by its reins as he dragged it away.

I stood rooted to the floor, bug eyed as I watched my father leave me behind without looking back.

"He never loved me," a tear slipped from my eyes.