C3 Chapter 3

ROSE’s P.O.V.

Lying down on my side, I stared out into the vast land filled with trees and smaller houses. Perhaps if it were other girls, they’d be able to escape into the forests through their windows to see their friends or perhaps lovers. But not me; I couldn’t and wouldn’t dare to. I was the alpha’s daughter. I had to show poise and charisma. I couldn't be seen playing in the forests, in the dirt like my peers; I was expected to focus on more important things, like politics, although I was never really involved.

I only knew what I needed to, what was expected for me to know.

But that was only one part of the reason. My father would have my head, literally, if he caught wind of me even attempting to escape through the windows. He would not be embarrassed, especially by me. He hated me, an emotion he bore for me ever since the day my mother gave birth to me, dying at childbirth, hence making it difficult for him to have a son. Not like he didn’t try to, given the women he frequently brought in; as a child, I’d often hear sounds which I felt no child should have to hear.

But then, the doctors had declared that he’d be unable to have any more children for reasons unknown to me. I had been homeschooled for the better part of my life, never really been allowed to go out unescorted, and even then I’d have to pray to the moon goddess to touch his heart to allow me out of the house. The only time I was sure to leave the house was during our annual festivities, which required the presence of the alpha and his family. But even then, I had to ensure that I was on my best behaviour, or else that’d mean trouble for me.

Often times I was thought proud, rumours I had heard through the whispers of the omegas who weren’t afraid to talk. Those who worked at home could see how cold the relationship between my father and I was, often assuming I was a spoilt brat. But only a few knew there was only so much they could do to help me.

I could remember the one time it was rumoured that a guard and I had an affair because of how close we were. He was kind to me; he made me feel safe and kept me company. But then my father got wind of it and went mad with anger. Going as far as publicly whipping him ‘for attempting to defile his daughter’ and having him thrown into the pack dungeon. Since then, no one dared come close enough in fear of what my father would do.

I never really knew my mother; Father never spoke about her, and it was forbidden to even speak her name. The one time I had dared ask Father, he had me isolated for a full day, warning me to never speak her name; I was unworthy. I had cried my eyes out, alone, wondering why I had been dealt the hard hand of life.

A knock on my door jolted me from my thoughts.

“You may come in.” I called out. The door pushed open as a middle-aged maid stepped into my room.

“Good morning, Miss Rose. I trust you had a good night’s rest, yes?” Martha, the maid, asked.

I nodded.

“Good, it’s time for your bath. I’ll just prepare it for you if you don’t mind.”

“Sure, Martha, go ahead.” She cast me a warm smile before heading to the bathroom to do her duties. I walked over to my window, staring out as I watched the people go about their day. Children were playing about in the dirt; while some mothers chased them about, others allowed them to be. Friends walking down the path as they talked and laughed. And then I set eyes on a couple, looking affectionately upon each other and then sharing a kiss.

I sighed in longing. I might never have that: the friendship, the chance to find true love. Hell, my father didn't have that. In all my twenty-something years of being on this earth, and yet I had no one. No doubt my father would sell me off to one who proved to be a good alliance.

I was nothing more than a bargaining chip, a breeder for whoever my husband would be. If only I were a boy, perhaps I’d have had a different life, a better life.

“Miss Rose, your bath is ready.” Martha called out. Turning to face her, I nodded with a small smile.

“Thank you, Martha.” I headed to the bathroom, stripping out of my nightdress and stepping into the bath.

A satisfied hum bubbled out of my chest as my muscles relaxed as soon as my skin made contact with the water. Oh, how I needed this. I wished I could literally stay here forever. But I couldn't.

Stepping out of the bathtub, I patted myself dry before stepping into my room to see that Maria had already set out a fancy dress and a pair of wedge heels. Curiosity swirled in me; I unconsciously tightened my towel around me.

"What's with the fancy dress and shoes, Maria? What's the occasion?" I asked, walking to my bed where the dress was laid out. It was beautiful, truly, embroidered so intricately to perfection. I couldn't help myself, running my fingers across the material.

"Your father has requested your presence for breakfast." I froze in my movements, dreading her words. My mind ran a million miles a minute trying to conjure up what I had done, but I came up empty. Father never usually requested to see me except to berate me.

"Did...did he say why?" I asked quietly, but as expected she shook her head. I swallowed thickly, goosebumps crawling on my skin.

"No." Of course, Father wouldn't explain himself to anyone, let alone a lowly maid.

Giving her a faux smile, I nod. "Of course, I'll be down in a minute." She returns my smile with one of her own, although hers seems more genuine, before leaving me alone.

Wasting Father's time would only serve to aggravate him further, so without wasting much time, I slip into my dress and shoes, brush out my hair and make myself look presentable. Breathing deeply, I step out of my room into the hallway, down the stairs and into the dining room to see that he was already sitting.

My breath caught in my throat.

That wasn't a good sign; in fact, that was a very, very terrible sign.