*~Gabrielle's POV~*
We got home and, to my disappointment, Mother led me straight back to my jail. I was hoping the royal treatment would continue, but sadly, it didn't even last a day.
The door was locked behind me, and everyone went to their various chambers. I sat on the bare floor, already fantasizing about my night. I had a lot to think about, from me turning on the lantern, to the Alpha and me dancing, and the ring he had given to me.
I gazed at the ring, checking how perfectly it fit. I raised my hand into the moonlight slipping through the window high above my cell. It shone perfectly, with a soft blue diamond glow that just melted my heart.
"ARGH!" I jumped in excitement. He was so charming. His deep voice… and one line etched itself into my brain: "You don't have to. Men like me will do that for you daily."
I giggled, twisting the ring on my finger again, remembering how he slowly grabbed my hand, slid it on, then kissed my cheek.
ARGH! His lips were so soft.
I was so lost in thought, I didn't even notice when I fell flat on my back. But that didn't stop me from continuing to dream about the Alpha. My eyes then met with Gorgeous Monster's face still carved into the wall staring intently at me like he was judging my thoughts so hard, my stomach clenched. Argh!
He and the Alpha must definitely be brothers. The resemblance was just too uncanny for anyone not to see. But why did Mother hate his face so much? Why had she told Levy to scratch it out?
What is she hiding?
Anyway… I'd gained a new face today and a whole new experience entirely.
I stood up, grabbed my iron plates, and shoved them into the wall. Then I grabbed a rock and started climbing the iron ladder, beginning to carve out his face. I closed my eyes to remember every detail of him: short hair, siren eyes, aquiline nose, a chiseled jawline, high sculpted cheekbones, firm lips but actually soft and symmetrical ears.
Soon, I was done. I opened my eyes. My chest heaved. As usual, it came out more than perfect. It felt like he was standing right here, staring at me again.
Then, beside him, I drew the lantern, since he was the one who ordered them to use it to test me.
I climbed down from the ladder and gazed at my two special faces. Both of them looked magnificent. But somehow, I preferred Gorgeous Monster's face perhaps because it was scratched, adding an extra layer of story.
I lay down on the bare floor, the cold chilling my bones. Thank the stars I hadn't picked that short red gown, or I'd have frozen to death by now.
A yawn escaped my lips, and a word slipped out by accident.
"Gorgeous Monster…"
I immediately covered my mouth and threw a nearby brick at his face again.
"Damn you!" I spat out loud, as if he were here—staring hard at me.
I wonder what would've happened if he hadn't turned me in… if he had accepted my proposal. My life would've been way different. I even wonder where I'd be now.
But he didn't. Which is quite good. At least I now have a chance with the Alpha.
AH! I told him I'd find another rich, wealthy man and the Alpha isn't just rich. He's literally an Alpha. And also the ruler of the entire land of California. I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I know it means something important.
"Damn you!" I spat again… and again… and again, until I finally dozed off, holding onto the next brick I was ready to throw right at his face.
Not sure how long I'd been asleep, but the harsh rays of sunlight hit my face, and my eyes slowly fluttered open. The first thing I rushed to check was my ring.
A sigh escaped my lips as I saw it was still very much intact and glittering.
My door creaked open, and it was my sister, Annabelle, bringing in my clothes and breakfast.
"Greetings, sister. Your bath is prepared outside," she said, her eyes catching the new face I had drawn on the wall.
"All right," I replied.
"The Alpha is very handsome, isn't he?" she asked, smiling widely.
I nodded, flashing my ring proudly.
"Well, I must say, sister, you are very lucky. The Alpha is the most charming of all wolves in our pack," she said as she turned to leave.
Well… she's right. I am one lucky girl.
I walked to the corner of my jail where a small door was fixed. It only opened in the mornings so I could have my bath.
Instead of a bathtub, I had a bowl and a bucket of water. And instead of warm water, I had the coldest water possible, each pour on my body made me freeze.
I dried off, my bones clenching, and slipped into the casual gown they had brought for me.
Then I feasted on the bread and jam…my breakfast. I was hardly halfway through when the door creaked open again.
Mother rushed in, with Levy trailing behind her.
I immediately stood up. I knew instantly something was wrong.
"Greetings, Mother," I bowed, but she walked past me, ignoring my greeting.
"Levy, hurry. Cover his face," Mother ordered, pointing to Gorgeous Monster's face.
My mouth fell open as Levy climbed my iron plate ladder and covered the face with a large white cloth.
I was stunned. Shocked to my bones. Why? Why were they doing that?
"Why, Mother…?" I questioned.
She turned to me with irritation in her eyes. "The Alpha is here to see you, and he must not see… that," she said coldly.
What did Gorgeous Monster do that made everyone hate him? I mean, I do understand as he was a total jerk to me also, but still…
Just then, a guard stepped inside and announced,
"All hail His Royal Highness, Alpha Damien."
Both Mother and Levy bowed. I was still frozen in confusion until Mother pulled my arm down so I could bow too and a laugh escaped my mouth.
I felt the aura as he stepped in.
I raised my head just a little so I could catch a glimpse of him and I was beyond stunned as I caught his gaze.
He was wearing a deep smirk. "Greetings, everyone," he said.
We all raised our heads. And gosh, he looked even better than last night. Maybe it was the lighting… or maybe because it was daylight.
He looked perfectly styled, his long black coat trailing behind him, silver buttons shining. A fitted vest trimmed in white, chains hugging his massive, masculine body. Leather gloves and high black boots. His jet-black hair though short, was styled flawlessly, a few strands falling across his face.
He walked straight toward me, picked up my hand with his gloved one, and brought it close to his lips then kissed it softly.
And I swooned.
How many times would I notice that his lips are so soft?
Then he turned to my mother and Levy.
"May I have a little while with my court?" he asked smoothly.
They both bowed and hurried out. Mother, before leaving, gestured for me to smile, and I did.
Then I turned to the white cloth covering Lucien's face. I glanced back at the Alpha… but the thoughts came crashing back again.
Why did Mother cover his face? Are they not brothers?
What if… I pulled it off?