Chapter 36
The Castle was grand and majestic, glowing with gold lights in every corner.
The people were smiling, having fun as they prepared for the upcoming ball that will be held at night. It was the crowned prince's birthday today.
Everyone was excited as they cooked, cleaned and set up the table and the ballroom. It was an event that will last for a lifetime in people's minds.
The kingdom was known for having at least two to three events in a year, so it is a very rare sight to see them like this.
The Queen was handing out commands at everyone with a smile on her face, telling them how and what to do in parts of the ballroom as well as what food is needed to be prepared first, second then last.
It has to go her way, it always is like that.
The Queen takes charge of things that are connected to the entertainment of the kingdom.
As they prepared and prepared, the night came quickly, just in time for the staff to finish the last touch, the marvelous golden white cake.
It was made for three whole days by the castle's chef and his helpers. The cake was at least taller than a person, having six layers up.
It was designed for the prince, a crown sitting at the top of the cake, and a throne lays on the bottom. Every layer has unique patterns and shape.
The symbol of the kingdom lies at the center, spread wide and blended with the cake. It was a sword clashing with each other making an x, and a lion roaring beneath it.
Everyone knows this symbol, and anyone who crosses it knows what's coming for them.
The colors were alternating between each other. Gold at the bottom, white comes next. And just like that, the cake was made.
It was the symbol of royalty, no one is allowed to wear that color in any party if they are not part royal, or if the royals are present.
Another symbol of royalty is violet shining eyes. Violet evokes beauty, grace and power of nature. How fitting.
Gold symbolizes sensible, organized, punctual and caring. Perfect for royalty.
They did not include violet as the prince's request. For him, it was a woman's color, no man wanted violet as their cake color.
Or maybe it's just him.
As the people of the kingdom handed their invitation to the guard, they opened the door and gracefully walked in with their heads held high.
They walked through the halls to the ballroom where everything is perfectly set. And as more people piled in, the ball commenced.
Some late people came in through the large doors above the marble stairs, gaining everyone's attention as they bowed and waved.
The greetings for the crown was given, then it officially began. The music started as people danced at the center of the room, those who remained watching gave way to them.
Everyone had their fun as the dance ended and came the drinks and appetizers for the night. They talked and drank amongst themselves until the double doors opened.
A lady glowing in her glorious golden gown glided down the stairs, her dark hair tied up perfectly as small bits of it was freely flowing at the side of her face.
All eyes were on her as she walked down, her focus only on the front, not looking at anyone. Her eyes were a dominant violet, the gown matching it.
It was a breathtaking sight. It's as if the spotlight was focused on her, and her only.
To their eyes, she has a blood of royal, a direct descendant of a king and queen. But to her, Katie was only a commoner, it is only her eyes that looked unique.
As she reached the final steps, everyone dissipated, returning back to their own conversations as they finished gaping at the girl.
Not a moment later, the King and Queen arrived, giving their greetings and smiles to the people, appreciating their effort for coming to their son's ball.
Where is the Prince? Is what everyone's talking about, it's almost midnight but the person who's birthday today, is not making an appearance.
The King himself asked to checked on him and was told he would be coming shortly.
As Katie and the Queen returned, only then did the Prince appeared. Dressed in the most expensive suit found in the kingdom, he appeared with a crown on his head, the little thing heavy while resting upon him.
A commotion at the top of the stairs to the throne was taking place.
People were confused, they didn't know what has taken place as they listened to the royals speak to each other.
Her eyes were wet as her cheeks were stained with cold tears, some drying up quickly than it should, but was quickly replaced by another set of tears flowing down.
It was nonstop. She couldn't believe what she's seeing. Her brother is dead. Or was now. She saw him die with her own eyes. And she couldn't reach him that day.
But why is he standing here, wearing the most beautiful suit tonight, stands out gloriously among everyone and why, is the King and Queen smiling at him like he is someone important to them?
His guard was up ever since Katie came close to the Queen, was he afraid of something or was he just doing his job? Whatever it is, Katie wants out of it.
Kyle has never gone out of the castle without notice or without guards with him. It's protocol to have someone beside him at all times in case of any danger since he's the crown prince.
The Queen must have something slip right out of her fingers when she wasn't paying attention. She couldn't grasp the situation as it continues to go on.
Kyle came closer and stood in front of her with a few distance away. He was looking at her eyes, looked at her up and down then stopped at her face.
Katie was out of words. "You, you d-don't know who I am?"
As her tears stopped, Kyle walked back to his side of the throne and whispered something to his right hand man.
The man came to her and asked her to follow him to a room. Katie obliged and followed the man enter through a door, giving one last glance around the ball.
The King and Queen sat on their throne with confused thoughts and lingering doubts. As they sat, the prince walked out as well and followed Katie and the man out.
The people in the ballroom knew something was going on but they did not interfere. They one by one started to dance once again, trying to ignore the tense atmosphere around them.
The musicians read the cue and started to play once more, a slow melody danced in the air with the people below it.
The King and Queen took notice and soon began to host the ball once again, ignoring what happened. If they want information, they can only get it from Katie.
And to do that, they need her trust.
As Katie and the man walked the halls, the prince was right behind them. He was also going the same way they are.
For some reason, Katie has this feeling that the prince knows her but he's trying to cover it, or it's that he doesn't know her at all.
Who knows.
Once they reached a certain room, the man opened the double doors and let Katie come in as he stayed beside the door.
The prince only nodded and got in, the door closing behind him. In an instant, he wrapped his arms around Katie and smiled sadly.
But now, he came running and engulfed her in his arms, giving her the feeling of heat as his arms encircled around her in a protective blanket.
Brother.
She hugged him back, putting her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her height. She cried in his neck, her tears staining his suit. Kyle couldn't care less as he hugs her sister back.
With her brother in her arms, it feels exactly like home.
He knew how much Katie loved him, even when he disappeared, he could feel his sister's love throughout the whole thing. "There's not a single day I haven't thought of you."
Katie couldn't hold her sob back, letting it all out as she heard his brother's voice once more.
How she missed him. His smell, his face, his eyes, his smile, and most of all, his never ending height. He seems to grow more and more taller than her. Back when they were children, Katie was a giant compared to him.
But years passed, she can see his height growing compared to her, she seemed to grow smaller.
It's as if he was already part of this world and he knew it. "Yes, our. I'm not human, Katie."
Katie is smart, the moment Kyle came up to her and hugged her, she knew he wasn't human. Especially when he knew who she was.
The fire in the house years ago was too big to escape, even she didn't know what to do as she watched him get covered in all of it.
It was impossible to survive.
But somehow, Kyle did. If there's one reasonable explanation for that, it would be him not being normal.
Katie held a confused expression, she doesn't know why Kyle would say this or even ask this of her. "Kyle for heaven's sake, I just found you. And you want me to pretend you're someone I just met?" she exclaimed, her tone a bit higher than usual.
She shook her head, indicating no as an answer to Kyle's words. "Katie, if you want to get out of here alive, please do this for me. I do not want to lose you." His tone was warm, it always is when it comes to Katie.
Kyle sighed, taking a seat to the nearest chair. "What do you want to know?" She didn't hesitate and asked straight away.
Kyle knew his sister, she won't back down. It's just who she really is, she's a competitive and a great person. But base on their situation, it's not really that great.
It was silent for a moment, Katie glaring daggers at Kyle. She scoffed.
To avoid another childish argument of course. Her brother would definitely fight her with that stuff.
If it was any other person, they could've killed all those werewolves who were vulnerable and weakened.
Sure she understood that it is either humans that get to live, or werewolves. But both would be living right now if the humans didn't interfere with werewolves, with nature.
Fairytales are suppose to be imaginary only, it wasn't suppose to be made true. This is what happens to the world if it's knowledge is expanded.
The more you know, the more danger you're in.
His eyes were clouded for a moment, looking into the wall. Katie knew what it was and waited for her brother to come back to the present.
'Keep 'em busy for a bit.'
'Will do, sir.' The voice reached him, confirming that the message was received.
Kyle continued to walk over to the window, unlocking it and opening it up. "Kleyodore." She said sternly, finally catching her brother's attention.
Kyle looked at her and spoke in monotone. "They know you're human."
His face softened when he saw her sister's face. "The only reason you're alive is because you smell rogue. That scent won't last long. But it won't certainly help you now that they've found out what you really are."
She breathed in and out, calming her raising heart. The only way to think properly is when you are calm.
An idea popped on her mind. "Do you have any ropes around here?"
Katie tied knots on the end of the sheets, repeating the steps until the sheets reached the ground.
A knock came from the door followed by a dominant voice. "Your Royal Highness. It's Alpha Ezekiel, I need to check something if you don't mind."
Kyle smiled sadly and pushed Katie off, sending her away.
Katie tried her best to get down safely and quickly. The sheets were firm as she climbs down, her hands tight around the sheets.
Her hair was now untangled, freely flowing down her back as the wind blew it in one direction. Her dress was nothing more than a clothing to cover her body, not a shining star it once was a while ago.
Her heels touched the ground, she quickly unties herself from the sheets and runs away, not looking back.
She didn't bother to do so, focusing on one goal only as she runs with her high heels and golden gown. She wasn't worried for her brother. He was the prince, and he was no human.
And when she needs him, she knows where she can find him.
The Alpha stood close to the door, the prince was on his favorite bed, having a bottle of wine and glass on his bedside table.
When he knew they were far enough, he collapsed on the bed and sighed heavily, a weight on his shoulders finally gone.
Good thing he had time to hide the sheets away from the Alpha's dull eyes.
If it wasn't for his parents telling him that his favorite Alpha is looking for him, he wouldn't know they would be coming.
He knew they would found out about her sooner or later, he just wasn't sure how soon.
Now that's she has escaped, he can only hope for her safety.
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