Chapter 5
Violet's pov
I was beginning to wonder what she was getting on with her statement.
I furrowed my brows. “If I behave well?”
“Yes.” She nodded this time.
Something odd was going to happen. I could feel it.
“C - can I sit there?” I pointed at the bed.
Her eyes went round before she narrowed them. “Yes, you can. It's yours.”
I went to sit on the bed. It was the softest thing I had ever sat on and it was bouncy too. This was the first time I had ever seen a bed or ever sat on one.
“Your Grace,” she called my attention and I apologized.
“There is something you must know,” she went on. “May I?”
I gave her a small nod and she took my hands. “Look, I am not going to sugarcoat anything for you here. There are certain things we do and do not do here… A frail like you would not survive if you do not adhere to these rules.”
I opened my mouth to speak but she shushed me.
“Alpha Ethan has the patience of a bulldog and a bulldog has no patience… He hates it when his brides are slow, not obedient, unintelligent, not disciplined in dressing, act and tongue… one mere slip up and you'll be dead…”
I gasped but I could not speak.
“These things I tell you, I have told them to four other women and none…” Her eyes filled up. “None of them listened to me but I hope you do. You want to live, don't you?”
Tears rolled down my cheeks and I sobbed. “I want to live.”
“Good. The maids will be at your beck and call. All you have to do is ring this bell.” She pointed at the golden bell sitting on the dressing table then she bowed her head and turned to leave.
There have been others before me and all of them are dead?
Fear crept up my spine and I hugged my spine. I was going to die just like the previous brides.
That night, I had the nightmare again. Sleep eluded me for the rest of the hours that passed by and I found myself restless.
I grabbed my robe and strutted to the open window. The only light outside was the silver gaze of the moon and I stared at it.
Just then, I found a figure in the shadows. It looked like it was attacking something. I squinted hard enough and realised it was Alpha Ethan.
Our eyes met and this time I didn't look away, I was lost in the ocean blue and the darkness within.
The following morning, I was awoken with the sun in my eyes and a hand pulling me up.
“Arise and shine, Your Grace.” Lady Maria said, pulling the curtains back.
“Your Grace.” A few of the maids pulled back the bedcovers and helped me to my feet.
I wondered what was going on.
“Let's get you ready for breakfast and on to your first lesson.” Lady Maria gave me her radiant smile and I nearly fell for it.
“Wait. What lessons?” I asked.
The maids exchanged looks and they laughed. What was funny?
“You'll see, Your Grace.” Lady Maria smiled at me.
That morning I had breakfast alone. Alpha Ethan refused to join me. When I asked where he was, I was told he was busy.
I scolded myself. “Why are you asking where that brute is?”
“Did you say something?” Lady Maria asked as we made our way to the kitchen.
I lied. “No.”
“Alright.”
I fumbled with my gloved hands. When did I start feeling drawn to Alpha Ethan. I had only met him once and he didn't exactly leave a good impression.
We arrived at the kitchen. It wasn't empty as I had hoped. Maids dress in purple and pink linens filled the large room.
“Your first lesson will be how to cook.” Lady Maria began. “The maids in pink are of the East Wing while the ones in purple are of the West Wing. They are the ones serving His Grace, Alpha Ethan. They know what he likes to eat and what he hates and will demonstrate.”
The lesson was a torture I wished I'd escape. I failed every single test. Even Lady Maria had to scold me at some point.
“Mind you that there will be no special treatment for you. You will do everything yourself and that includes serving the Alpha!”
She heaved a sigh and pinched the skin between her brows. “Let's take a break for now.”
“I'm sorry.” I hung my head and watched them leave.
The whispers I thought I had left behind, returned.
“Just look at her, she's so useless.”
“Where did the Alpha even bring her from? The sticks?”
“Beauty with no brains.”
“Ew. I hate her face.”
No matter where I went, people still hated me. Father was right. I was indeed cursed.
Night fell over the pack and I was informed I'd have dinner with Alpha Ethan.
Fear formed a lump in my throat as Lady Maria and the maids prepared me.
“Don't worry. You'll be fine as long as you don't break the rules.” she whispered.
I nodded quietly and braced myself for the doom awaiting me.
The moment I arrived at the door, I was told to enter to shut it behind me.
As I stood by the door, he watched me with narrowed eyes.
“Violet.” He called out softly and all the hair on my neck stood.
“Come.” He extended his hand to me.
I hesitated then I remembered Lady Maria's rule - “He hates it when his brides are slow, not obedient…”
I swallowed hard and went to meet him.
I stood before him, trying so hard to stop my body from shaking but it wouldn't listen to me.
Alpha Ethan leaned in from the couch he sat on and smiled. “Strip.”
My mouth fell open in shock. What?
“Undress yourself.” He said with no emotion in his eyes.
What kind of mad man would ask such a thing from me? I thought we were here for dinner. It took a second to realize that I was having dinner. For him.
“Do I help you?” Mischief twinkled in his eyes as he flashed me a seductive grin.
I was unsure of what to answer but when I remembered Lady Maria's warning, my mind raced.
“I'll take that as a yes then.” Alpha Ethan fisted my gown, ripping it apart.
I screamed.
“Shh,” He put his fingers to my lips. “I'm just getting started.”
Then he rose to his feet and began to examine my body like it was some kind of object. I had never felt so humiliated in my life.
His icy cold finger traced through my naked back and he asked. “Who did you get this scar from?”
“What?” I repeated.
“How did you get this scar?” He asked with furrowed brows.
Then I remembered when my father had whipped me back at home. I thought all my wounds were gone, I guess not all of them were healed.
“I was whipped.” I answered in a shy voice.
He ran his finger on the scar and the next thing he did, startled me. He planted a kiss on the scar and on every other scar he found on my body. I hated the feeling but at the same time, I craved his touch.
