Chapter 1

Sofia's POV.

I gulped down what remained of the water I saved in my water jar, I tossed the empty jar backward and knew it would be caught by my entourage, I heard a horse neigh and then a familiar figure popped beside me.

"My lady." The person said respectfully.

I clicked my tongue.

"What is it?" I asked impatiently.

"We're almost there." He informed me.

I inhaled sharply and adjusted to a more comfortable position on the horse I sat on.

He sensed my discomfort and was about to protest when I shot him a glare. I squinted my eyes though I could see what was before me.

"We'd be there in half an hour," I said briefly.

"Are you sure you don't want to sit in the carriage? You've been riding on the horse for days now, you're covered in dust." He complained.

I adjusted my girl and tightened it, I sucked on my bottom lip making sure they were well lubricated, I hated having chapped lips, I slightly turned my head so I could take a proper look at him and I smiled reassuringly.

"I'll be fine, there's no need to be worried about me," I said.

He nodded his head and retreated backward.

"Let's move," I ordered.

I ruined my horse and kicked forward. Levi; as I loved to call my horse burst into life as he galloped faster than he had the entire day. The wind wheezed past my eyes as I rode faster and I paid no attention to it. My destination was nearer and my arrival was anticipated.

'Half an hour more.' I muttered to myself.

Half an hour more and all my doubts would be cleared, I almost couldn't wait.

Half an hour later as expected I got to the gates of the Crimson pack, the gatekeepers and guard there sprang to their feet and hurriedly hurled the huge gate open, they couldn't look me in the eye hence they lowered their gazes while my right-hand man spoke to them.

Our pace had drastically reduced since we were in the pack already, I lifted my veil as we went in and inhaled the air of the pack, it was just as I anticipated; heavenly and most importantly, soothing, we rode straight to the Alpha's mansion as there was no time to waste.

A few minutes later we arrived and a handful of maids were already arrayed and expecting us. I got down from the horse before the entourage could reach me.

The sweet scent of the earth, vegetation, and dishes all invade my nostrils and I joyfully embraced it.

"You're welcome." A maid said with a sonorous voice.

I looked at the beautiful maid, she had roses up in her hair which made her look like a princess, I smiled.

At least they had beautiful girls as maids, the wives of the household would have something to contend with. She slowly raised her head and looked me in the eyes which she later regretted as she instantly averted her gaze and trembled, I smirked.

My eyes wandered around as I admired the scenery, no soothsayer was needed to tell me that I'd fallen in love with the place at once. I looked backward at the armies who escorted me here, Gerald walked to me.

"My lady." He greeted me.

"We're here now, you can relax," I assured him.

His tensed muscles relaxed, my father had instructed him to escort me and not a hair of my head was to be hurt, and as the head of Father's armies; he gave his word.

More servants came to welcome us, they were dressed elegantly; worthy of accepting us. I turned to face my escorts, they were all unmounted from their horses and the carriage still housed the presents I had brought.

A tall good looking man in his mid-thirties made his way through the servants and bowed his head as he greeted me.

"You're welcome, please do follow me." He said respectfully.

I nodded my head, I began to follow him and we had barely taken five steps when he stopped abruptly and then turned to face me, I cocked my eyebrow.

"I'm sorry for the abrupt halt but I'll be handing over your welfare to Freya, she'll be in charge of you, and at your disposal, I'll take care of your men." The man explained.

I muttered an answer and a girl appeared from behind him, she also kept her head hung low and smiled at me. I could swear it was the brightest I've seen all day.

"Greetings my lady, I'm Freya, the royal family has been expecting your return, please, come with me." She offered.

I nodded once more and looked at Gerald one more time knowingly before following Freya. I saw the servants unpacking the load from the carriage and the armies being taken care of from the corner of my eye, satisfied they were in good hands, I heaved a sigh of relief.

"How was your ride here my Lady?" Freya asked concernedly.

"Fine," I replied shortly.

It was better to avoid little talks with the maids or anyone, no one was trustworthy for now. She got the message from my tone and kept quiet all through. We walked through various doors as the Mansion was large and very beautiful.

I was struck by the imagery and furnishings and made a mental note to tour the place later.

I heard chattering and clinking of glasses and tables from a distance and knew we'd arrive at my destination.

"We're here My Lady, the alpha, and everyone else is behind that door," Freya said as she pointed at a silver polished huge door that led to what would be the dining room.

She moved backward, paving the way for me to move forward. I took steps forward and the guards by the door did a little obeisance and opened the door.

The door revealed a large number of people around a table chatting and having fun, they all paused and all noise ceased as all eyes fell on me.