Royal Fang - Werewolf Story

[Bravefoot]

This is a book I'm writing, sooo... Will you check it out? I will really appreciate opinions, suggestions and comments, just PM me them!

This book is about werewolves, so if you've never read werewolf books you may become a bit confused, but in general it should be understandable.

The time is in the 1800s, forget about the era we're now, this is a completely different world where werewolves have been the dominant species since the dawn of time.

The prologue is quite long, so take a seat, some popcorns and I hope you enjoy! :3



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PROLOGUE
Once upon time, there was an era where the werewolves were the dominant species, and humans were treated as the supposed 'underdogs', can you see the irony? The world, continents and seas were the same, but something not the same were their names: for instance, everything was divided in six kingdoms. What now is North America it was called Blacktail Kingdom; South America was the Whitepaw Kingdom; Europe and Middle East were the Goldfang Kingdom; Africa was the Fireback Kingdom; Asia was the Silverclaw Kingdom; Australia was the Tornear Kingdom. And not to forget that all the members of the royal families were pure werewolves.

Each one of these kingdoms had a specialty that disguised it from the others: Tornear Kingdom were very good sailers and had an invincible naval battalion, Fireback Kingdom were good fighters and had powerful weapons, Blacktail Kingdom were very good builders and always invented new things, and Whitepaw Kingdom were good at farming and always able to get the best from their crops and animals.

The last two, Goldfang and Silverclaw Kingdom, were both experts in business and merchandise, making them rich,powerful and respected by the other kingdoms as the majority of the money always found a way to pass through their territories.
These two kingdoms liked to see themselves as friends, and often traded between them, or even invited each other's royal family for a banquet or party. But someone with a careful eye could easily see how much jealous of each other they were, or how they muttered on which kingdom was richer or more powerful than the other. All of this set a dark grudge between the Goldfangs and Silverclaws long before anyone can remember.

But enough talking of politics, I am here to tell you all the story of Esther Silverclaw. Esther was born to Mary-Lou Silverclaw, Duchess and sister of the king of Silverclaw Kingdom, and Thomas Rye, a common human peasant. They had a nice farm many miles west of the capital city, with a cozy house made of sturdy stones and 4 acres of fertile land that gave enough food to support themselves and even extra to be sold for income. Also, they had quite a large fence on the back with sheeps for milk and wool, and chickens for eggs. They very rarely ate a chicken, mainly for important events like a national celebration or birthday.

Little Esther led the first 6 years of her innocent life very happily through helping her father to take care of the animals, picking mushrooms and wild berries in the forest nearby, or by simply helping her mother clean the house, prepare jams or pickles, and cook. Her day to day life was filled with joyful adventures and discoveries in the forest and fields, by singing together with the birds and by listening to the turbulent tales the wind carried at her ears while gazing at the clouds in the sky. She felt free, and lucky to have such a good life. If only she knew she had royal blood in her veins... You may be well asking why is the Duchess of Silverclaw living like a common folk in the countryside and not in a posh castle full of luxuries? Well, I'm afraid the answer to that question has to wait for now, but don't worry, future has always a way to give you the truth.

As I was saying, Esther and her parents were pretty happy and their lives were full of contemplation and love. But nothing good ever lasts, does it?
It was strange for such a good afternoon to turn so fateful. The sun was sinking, the warm flaming rays striked the horizon as a form of goodbye to another day, while the mist of autumn was already rising from the fields, engulfing the farm in a slight eerie haze. Esther was calmly sitting on the grass, her back to the wall, enjoying the view she usually liked to witness each day, when a distressed call from her mother set the start of the end of her happiness.

"Esther! Go inside! Quick!"

Esther wanted to object, but then thought better of it, though she entered the house rather slowly, seeing no big danger around. As soon as she entered through the door frame, her father sidestepped her to go outside, soon followed by her mother, why was everyone in such a hurry?

"Are you absolutely sure? We hid well." Her father spoke while squinting his eyes to look far away around the front.

"Yes! I can hear them coming! Oh, Thomas! I'm so sorry, it's all my fault!" And here her mother started weeping.

"No, my dear, it'll never be your fault." Thomas spoke tenderly, putting an assuring hand on Mary-Lou's shoulder.

"Oh, my!" Her mother gasped "I can see them!" She squeaked indicating with a trembling finger into a far away direction "There are 7 of them, 2 on horses and the rest running in wolf form. They have the royal flag!"

Thomas furrowed his eyebrows in concentration. Could they escape? No, it was too late for that. It had been too late fom the beginning. His and Mary-Lou's lifes were doomed, but what about his daughter? He would never let her die!

"Mary, make a quick travelling bag for Esther, she can escape through the forest."

Her mother nodded and ran inside while clearing her tears with her hands, she quickly opened a drawer and grabbed a tablecloth.

"Mommy? What is happening?" Esther asked concerned.

"There's no time for questions now Esther, pass me that cheese!"

Esther frowned and hurriedly took the big slice of white cheese from the table and passed it to her mother.

"Bread, cheese and some apples. Guess it'll be enough." Mary-Lou whispered, while carefully tying up the cloth on Esther's back.

"Is she ready?" Her father entered the kitchen, and to Mary's nod, knelt in front of his darling child, and hugged her very tightly. "Remember Esther that your daddy loves you very, very much" He whispered to her ear, then let her go so that her mother could have her turn hugging her.

"We both love you, my little butterfly" Mary-Lou started sobbing again.

In the far distance wild neighs and galloping echoed in the valley, making both her parents stiffen.

"Listen closely, Esther. I want you to follow the edge of the forest 'till you reach the village, run as fast as you can. Then you go to Ol' Bunk, the butcher, you remember him right?"

Esther nodded, her little mind straining to understand the situation.

"You tell him that the big, bad wolves have come. You can remember this?"

Esther nodded again and watched as her father rushed outside as the noises of the horses became louder.

"Go, quick! To the back of the house!" Her mother hissed with a trembling voice, and half pushed half directioned Esther to the back door.

"Be careful now, my girl. Remember what your father told you and... oh! Take this..." Mary-Lou took off her golden royal bracelet and gave it to Esther "... so you'll always know who you truly are. Go now, go!"

Esther didn't want to leave her house, why did she have to go to the village? She was tired and ready for bed, not to mention it was nearly night. But her mother pushing her and ravenous, animalistic snarls from outside soon changed her mind and she found herself running towards the forest as fast as she could, like her life depended on it. She wasn't sure what was happening, but something dangerous was coming.

But what about her parents?

That thought made her stop.

What if her mommy and daddy were in danger?

No, she promised her parents that she would go to Ol' Bunk, and that's exactly what she will do. Probably she just has to take something at the village and bring it back to her daddy, and everything will go back to normal. Or at least that was what she hoped.

She worked her short, little legs to run faster, using her arms to make a path through the tall grass and brambles that scratched at her soft, childish skin. But the pain was nothing compared on how scared she felt, for herself and her parents.

Growls.

Snarls.

Shouts.

A female scream.

Silence.

Should she go back?

"No! I have to go to Ol' Bunk!"
And she run faster than before, if that was even possible.

Breathless, panting she finally reached the edge of the forest, and crouched to calm herself, her own heart beating fast in protest. She took one last gulp of air, and started running again, a bit more slowly, north-wise, keeping the trees on her right. Darkness had already put his cold veil on the day, Esther clutched the tablecloth around her more tightly; though it wasn't really chilly, the coolness of autumn was giving her uncomfortable goosebumps.

Minutes, hours passed as Esther jogged through the night, accompanied by the sombre songs of late crickets, before she could recognise the lights of the village. She sighed in relief and quickly reached it, swiftly passing the abandoned streets trying to find the butcher's shop. No one was walking, the majority of the abitants were inside their homes having supper or getting ready for bed. The only vibrant location was a pub filled with jolly laughing, singing and slurry shouts. How much little Esther envied them.

She finally approached the shop, but to her disdain, it was closed!

"No! Ol' Bunk! Please, answer me! Ol' Bunk!" She frantically knocked on the door, she had to talk to him!

A light slowly appeared on the first floor of the building, and made its way downstairs and to the door, together with grumbling. The entrance opened and Ol' Bunk appeared with a candle in his hand, looking angry. He was a human in his early 50s, fat and bald, with an everlasting red face that made him look drunk all the time. He was notorious for never smiling and looking grudgingly at everyone without motive, but everyone in the village had to cope with him if they hoped to have meat in their diet.

"You call this a time to wake me, you little- oh! It's you, Esther" Ol' Bunk furrowed his eyebrows in confusion "What in the world are you doing here at night? And where is your father?"

Esther stammered "He-he said t-to tell you th-that the bi-big, bad wolves have c-come." Her teeth chattered, she felt really cold!

"Good Lord!" Ol' Bunk exclaimed looking now as pale as a ghost "You have to go far away from here, my child!"

Esther huffed "But I have to go back home, to daddy and mommy-"

"Are you out of your mind?!" Ol' Bunk was shaking her shoulders "Your parents are gone! You need to escape now, you're in grave danger!"

Esther's eyes welled with tears. What did he mean that her parents were gone? People can't just disappear! She wanted her mom and dad back!

"But..." She started to say.

"No time for buts!" Ol' Bunk rushed inside, quickly grabbed a cloak and some money before going back outside and enveloping the little girl in the black cloak.

He then grabbed her hand and directioned her out of the village at a fast walk to a nearby large camp full of carriages, and led her to an isolated wagon covered by a tent.

"Rucus!" Ol' Bunk hissed "Rucus! Wake up, ya old rat!"

There were some noises of shuffling and grumbling under the tent, before it opened and the head of an old man appeared looking half asleep.

"What in hell... Bunk?" Rucus croaked "I was sleeping!"

"I know damn well what you're doing, but I need you for something important: you have to take this little girl to a place far away, and I know you're going to Goldfang Kingdom."

Rucus squinted his pale eyes on Esther, inspectioning her while scratching his white beard. "She human?"

Ol' Bunk passed a hand on his bald head. "Well, yeah, mostly."

Rucus sighed "Ok, but my services are not free..."

"Of course not" Ol' Bunk rolled his eyes and showed him a coin "1 silver, the best I've got."

Rucus eyed the coin with interest, nodded his head and put forward his wrinkly, bony hand to take the coin, but Ol' Bunk retreated his own hand away from his reach.

"At one condition: you set off now."Ol' Bunk stated firmly.

"What?! No, I plan to set off tomorrow morning!"

"So? This is rather sooner than later, no big deal." Ol' Bunk shrugged.

"But I plan to set off tomorrow," Rucus repeated, like a lunatic "and I always follow my plans."

Ol' Bunk frowned, but then his face cleared as an idea popped in his head "Ok, then, you go on following your stupid ideas and me and this beautiful silver coin will go back and never see you again."

Rucus stopped, froze like he was having a good thinking, scratched his head and grumbled "Ok, ok! Gimme that coin!"

Ol' Bunk smiled and gave him the small, round metal before grabbing Esther and sitting her on the front of the wagon.
"This is Rucus, Esther. He will safely bring you to a nice place far away from here where those bad wolves will never be able to find you."

Esther nodded, though her eyes were still clouded with tears from the apparent information that her parents had 'vanished'.

"Will I ever see mommy and daddy again?" She asked in a feeble voice.

Ol' Bunk scratched his head, something he did when he was uncomfortable (and believe me, that happened very rarely), and let out a heavy breath "I'm sorry Esther, but I don't think you will... But you now take care of yourself, ok?"

Esther hiccuped, gathered her knees to her chest, and hid her head over her legs sobbing quietly. She heard Rucus grumble incoherent words as he clicked the reins for his horse to move, and every long step from the horse took her even farther from the place she called home.
She cried for long into the night before the bumpy road lulled her into a much needed sleep.

The silent moon shone their path.


Days or weeks? Esther didn't know how much time really passed travelling on that wagon. She was only sure that they were going quite slow and Rucus never talked to her, he would just nod or shake his head as answers, or give sharp and curt orders. She didn't understand him: one day he would whistle a tune looking calm and collected, and then the other his face would look dark and his brows furrowed in anger, like he was remembering an unpleasant memory.

Esther would pass her time looking at the scenary around them and telling stories of her life in the farm to Rucus, glad he never told her to stop, though he seemed to not notice her most of the time. They never had breakfast, they ate just lunch and dinner, and even then he would give her small portions of food, saying something about 'rationing' for the long journey. She didn't mind, she lately had no appetite, her thoughts would always go back over her parents. That she will never see ever again.

They reached the border between Goldfang Kingdom and Silverclaw Kingdom one early morning. Esther was amazed by the tall wall that run both ways, far in the horizon and out of eyesight, with just an opening as a passage, and that was exactly where they were headed for.

Rucus stopped at the large pass, and immediately two guards and two wolves approached the wagon. The tallest one stared at them and adressed Rucus.

"Reason to pass?" The guard asked, nearly snapped, with a growl. His voice was deep and cold, making Esther clutch her cloak tighter.

"Trading, sir. I'm a merchant, sir." Rucus answered calmly never looking the guard in the eyes.

"And what is that child doing?" The guard sneered setting his icy eyes on Esther that looked at her hands in fear.

"She's my niece, sir. This is her first time doing this trip. I hope one day she'll follow in my footsteps as a merchant."

Meanwhile the two wolves were inspectioning the wagon, slowly circling it and scrunching their noses to pick up smells. At one moment one them approached Esther, and stood on his hind legs to sniff her out. She withdrew her legs in fear and it looked at her with golden, wide predatory eyes. It wasn't the first time she has seen a werewolf, her mother always used to shift and play with her, though her mother had a beautiful gray fur and sympathetic muzzle. This wolf had a pelt that reminded her of the colour of mud and a nose covered in scars.

The tall guard nodded at Rucus "The tax is 7 coppers."

Rucus scratched his beard with a slight frown "But just 4 months ago it was 5 coppers..."

The guard adjusted his helmet "Well, nothing stays the same, human. Now, pay or go away."

Rucus set his mouth in a sour line, grabbed his pouch, counted seven coins and handed them to the guard. He nodded and stepped out of the way to let them pass, and Rucus more than gladly shouted at his horse to move, this time a bit faster than usual.

After that, things went back as before they reached the border, and Esther was growing more bored by the day as more weeks passed. Where were they headed? Just when she nearly had enough and was for confronting Rucus a... village? Yes! A gigantic village, a hundred times bigger than the one she knew, appeared in eyesight. She was thrilled, there was even a castle!

"That is the capital city of this kingdom," Rucus spoke slowly but surely "it's a nice place, there are many opportunities in there."

And those were his last words 'till they arrived in the city.
They had to pass another wall that was around the city, but the guards at the big doors never stopped them. To Esther they seemed frozen, like statues in pose. The wagon stopped at a square, circled by many buildings, shops and little streets, Esther gazed around herself with interest, wanting to check them all out.

"You can get off now." Rucus spoke with a cough.

Esther quickly hopped off the seat and jumped in excitement "Are we going in some of the shops?"

"What? No! You're staying here and I have to go to another town, I don't like this city."!Rucus scratched his beard "The king here is not really friendly to humans, his son is even worse..."

Esther looked at him with pleading eyes "But you can't just leave me here! I have nowhere to go!"

"I'm sorry, but Bunk paid me just to take you here" He clicked the reins and the horse carried him away "I'm sorry."

Esther wanted to shout at him to stop, but the loud noises shouting and people walking around her made her a bit dizzy. She found a bench at one corner of the square and sat on it with a sigh. What could she do now? She didn't even have any food! She leaned on the wall behind the bench looking at the kids playing on the streets, feeling extremely lonely and sad.


***

Roman was walking down the streets, his daily patrolling of the city was one of the many jobs as prince. He would have preferred more free time though, to train more in wolf form and maybe have a nice run in the forest or even a race with his friends.
Everywhere he went people would bow to him and say the usual:

"Your highness"

"My prince"

"Good afternoon, Prince Roman"

When he was younger all that worshipping made him feel special and proud of his dinasty, but now... Well, let's say he continued on walking ignoring the annoying buzzing of greetings and girls in overgrown dresses giggling and looking in his direction.

He entered Market Square, the place where there was usually more law breaking and robberies, when he picked up a peculiar smell that ignited his instincts. He followed the lead of the scent around the area and finally his icy blue eyes caught sight of the source.

A little girl.

Yes, a little girl as young as 5 or 6 was on a bench, seemingly asleep. He confidently walked to her and crouched at her level to have a closer look: she was quite dirty, her light brown hair was all ruffled up and her face held a frown of emotional pain even in the peace of sleep.

She was clearly homeless and an orphan ,many kids all around the world were in her same situation or even worse, and unsurprisingly, the majority of them were human. But that was what confused him. She wasn't human. Well, not entirely.

Her scent told him so: she was an half blood, a rare occasion between a werewolf and human. Maybe that was why her smell interested him.

He wanted to go away, leave her be, but he couldn't. And he didn't why.

And that infuriated him.

What was so special about her?! She was just a filthy half-human from the streets!

Yet... He felt this urgency to protect her, take her to a safe place where she will be always safe, somewhere like his castle....

He sprung up to his feet with a scowl. What was happening to him?! Why did he have such deep feelings for a human kid?!

Maybe she was his daughter? It was possible since he had many past flings. Roman shook his head. No, impossible, he always made sure the females he bedded weren't in heat. Stray bastards were the last thing he needed to add to his reputation.

But then who was this little girl?

He continued looking down at her and couldn't resist his instincts anymore. He carefully gathered her in his arms not to wake her, and as soon as he pressed the little creature to his chest, his heart warmed.

He really needed to take her somewhere safe.

What about at the castle?

His father would kill him to say the least. Royal werewolves were not expected at all to mix with humans. He sighed, already knowing that he'll have to find a family to take care of her. He'll make sure they're humans, for her own
safety.

With that in mind, Roman set off towards the house he decided to foster her, his wolf already whining at the idea of leaving her.

But it was for the best, he'll just have to suck it up, behave like a man and go back to the castle as soon as he will leave her. Then he'll just forget about that encounter and life would go back as it has always been.

How very wrong of him to think that.

[Bravefoot]

CHAPTER 1


12 years later

Why was she running in a forest? She couldn't remember how she came to be in that place, yet it looked so... Familiar.

She wanted to stop, but she couldn't, something wanted her. Badly.

She took ragged breaths that turned into foam in the chilling moonless night. Her eyes were wide with fear, her heart a trumpeting orchestra that blinded her ears from any other sound.

The trees.

Why did they look alive?! They were moving! Swaying at the rhythm of the unforgiving wind, their leafless branches elongated towards her, retread the other way, and elongated some more as if to catch her.

She chocked a gasp, and run faster, desperately trying to leave this dark maze behind her. But why did it look like she wasn't gaining any terrain at all? She was staring at the same trees ahead of her the entire time. She was running on place.

She stopped the futile action, realisation quickly dawning on her. It was wrong! Something was odd! Something was...

...watching her.

Chills clawed their way up from the base of her spine all the way to her head, the uncomfortable feeling that another being occupied the space around her hit on her instincts.

She slowly turned around, feeling a scorching stare on her back. Why was it so dark? Why was it so silent?

Her heart kept hammering inside her chest, every forceful pulse spreading more fear and adrenaline in her bloodstream.

Eyes.

The sight in front of her was a complete black canvas except for two, glowing yellow eyes focused on her. They stared at each other for what seemed like ages, though time had little significance in that world.

The eyes shifted, closed, taking out the only light in the obscure, and opened again as the creature stepped towards her.

Esther wanted to scream, run, curse, anything, damn it! But she didn't have control of her own body.

It was a wolf.

The majestic dark grey beast stood proud in front of her, neck and tail high, ears attentive and golden eyes pointed on her. Out of curiosity? She didn't know.

The wolf raised his snout by an inch, smelled the invisible night air, stiffened his muscles and let out a soft but clear growl. His eyes snapped back focusing, this time, more heatedly on her with a sharper bright yellow light.

Esther felt entranced...
Hypnotised...
Possessed...

She wanted badly to reach out and touch the stout animal, feeling an overwhelming connection between them.

The wolf pricked his ears, positioned his neck upwards and closed his eyes moments before he started howling.

One, long, powerful howl that instantly filled her core and vibrated through her body, the loud lamenting call echoed in the area nearly deafening her senses.

It stopped. The wolf looked at her again, this time with a glint of hunger in his eyes. He crouched, his body lean and fluent as he expertly stalked like a predator towards her, slowly.

Esther could only gasp as the beast stopped, prepared his hind legs for a leap, and swiftly pounced on her with a savage snarl and fully extended claws.

Everything switched off an instant before impact.

Esther shot up her bed with a small scream, beads of sweat rolled down her face and backside making her feel cold and uncomfortable. She took deep breaths to calm herself and pressed a hand on her eyes, squeezing them to alleviate the pain at the back of her mind.

"Esther!!!" Someone pounded on her door, making her groan knowing already it was Gertrude, her stepmother, waking her (quite early) for work.

She lazily got out the bed, stretched her stiff body, and hurried to her clothes chest to choose a simple light blue cotton dress from the not many others she had.

She dropped her white sleeping gown that pooled at her feet, and quickly put on her dress, making sure to tie the bow at the neckline.

Afterwards, Esther sat on the wooden chair in front of her mirror, frowning at all the tangles her hair got during sleep. She opened the drawer and got her hair comb to start and brush her brown strands, while staring at the reflection of her own silver eyes. Then, she grabbed a cloth, dipped it in the bucket of water at the base of the mobile, and washed her face, relishing in the coolness of the clear liquid.

When she was happy of the result, she smiled, did a little twirl liking the way the end of the dress voluminously twirled with her, and exited her room beaming.

She didn't know why she was in such a good mood, but she always preferred to be positive than a weeping wreck.

"Finally!" Gertrude snapped as soon as Esther entered the kitchen, her venomous green eyes spitting hatred at her. "What time do you call this, young lady?!"

Gertrude went on blabbing about how useless and what such a big burden she's to the family. Esther decided to ignore her, as always, and took her tea with her plate of biscuits before sitting at the table.

Cicero, her stepfather, was already seated, his coffee hardly touched and his concentration completely directed to the little booklet he was filling with data for his job.

"Good morning, father." Esther greeted sipping the lemon flavoured tea.

Cicero just gave a curt hum back as he flipped one page.

"... such an ungrateful child! We work day and night to give her a worthy life, and look what she does! Sleeping 'till late acting like a lazy cow!" Gertrude kept parroting.

Esther sighed softly, placed the finished cup on the oak table and took a bite of a vanilla biscuit. "What do I have to do today?" She asked while slowly chewing.

Gertrude closed her eyes solemnly and sticked one finger out:"firstly, you have to go collect water at the well again, we've finished it."

"No, really" Esther rolled her eyes sarcastically scoffing in her head.

"Then," Gertrude continued sticking a second finger "you have to go to the market. I need eggs, bread, bacon and potatoes."

Esther nodded, showing she understood.

Gertrude sticked a third finger: "finally, you have to go post this letter. Don't you dare lose it or take a peek at it!" She sneered handing her a white folded piece of paper.

"Ok." Esther replied heading for the front door, putting in the way the letter and the needed money in the purse, and grabbing the basket. She quickly wore her shoes and got out the house, already feeling better as soon as all that dark mood from her family was at her back.

She inhaled deeply while strolling down the medieval streets, the early spring breeze filled her lungs bringing calmness to her soul while the tweeting of singing birds energised her will.

As soon as she neared the Thursday market in the so-called square, public noises filled her surroundings: shouts, chattering, shrills, laughs, giggling...

Esther smiled softly as she became acquainted with the familiar sounds. She neatly made her way through the swarm of people between the stands full of colours and smells.

She finally reached the food stand and spoke to the owner. "Mrs Sephina! Good morning!"

Mrs Sephina was a kind, elderly woman that always thought Esther as her own granddaughter. She had light blonde hair with strikes of silver from age, while her eyes were pale but full of passion.

" Esther, my dear!" Sephina beamed kissing her cheek. "What can I do for you today?"

"I'm here to buy eggs and potatoes" Esther answered with a smile.

"Sure, my child. How many?"

"Hmmm, 6 eggs and... I'm sure 10 potatoes will be enough... I think"

Sephina laughed "Gertrude will tear your head off otherwise."

Esther rolled her eyes as she took the foods and gently laid them in her basket. "Ugh! Don't remind me of her!"

The old woman smiled "That would be 5 coppers in total."

Esther rummaged in her purse and gave her the money "Thank-you Sephina, and have a good day!"

"The pleasure has been all mine! Have a wonderful day, my dear!"

Esther continued her quest in the market, to find the stand with all the bakery goods for bread and the meat stand to buy bacon. When she had finally bought everything, she made for walking towards the Upper Village when someone hurled on her and hugged the living daylight out of her.

"Esther!!!!"

"Lord... You're chocking me..." Esther wheezed.

"Ooops, sorry!"

Esther was free from the grip and was able to turn and look at Lillya, her best friend. She was truly a beauty, with long, pin-straight blonde hair, leaf green eyes and she was wearing a pink pastel dress.

Sometimes she really hated Gertrude for not letting her wear any flashy coloured dresses, since all her clothes were a light blue or white.

Lillya grinned sheepishly "Morning! Where are you going?"

"I need to post a letter-" Esther started but was interrupted by a squeak from her friend.

"That is totally an excuse to see Adam!"

Ester frowned "What?! No!"

Lillya winked "Come on! Admit it! We're supposed to be best friends, you know? And best friends are honest with each other..."

Esther rolled her eyes "I assure you this has nothing to do with me trying to see Adam, this is from Gertrude."

Lillya chuckled "Still, I'm sure you volunteered to send the letter so you could see him."

Esther gasped in fake exasperation "Did not! I would't like to catch fleas!"

They both burst laughing, getting weird looks from other walkers.

Let me explain: Adam was, in werewolf age, a 67 years old werewolf, though he looked like a 19 years old boy. He had copper coloured hair and hazel eyes, was quite muscly (like the majority of the werewolves) and overall nicely handsome. Him, Lillya and Esther have always been good friends ever since they used to play together in the streets, but Esther's feelings surely couldn't grow more for him.

Together, both girls arrived in the Upper Village, the part of the city where the richest habitants lived, and, unsurprisingly, they were all werewolves. They neared the Royal Post Office and just as she was for entering, a familiar voice called at her:

"Esther! I'm glad to see you."

Esther cursed. She really didn't want to talk to Adam, not because she didn't like him but because he was clearly showing a particular interest in her that made their friendly relationship uncomfortable. At least for her.

She turned around and forced a smile, doing a curtsey. "Adam, I haven't heard from you in... days?"

He grinned "And whose fault is that, hmm?"

Lillya suppressed a giggle "I- I think... Yeah! I'm going to post this letter!"

Before Esther could complain, Lillya snatched her letter rushing inside the building, leaving her and Adam alone. Good Lord...

He approached her until he was towering her frame, all the while showing a smile "I believe it's your 18th birthday next Friday."

Esther coughed softly "I believe as well, though I'm not sure..." She cocked her head upwards, like she was trying to remember something.

Adam laughed "Stop being cheeky! You know perfectly well it's your birthday next week!'

She smiled "If you say so, than it must be true."

He shook his head "Well, I have two surprises for you for your birthday."

Esther stilled "Oh? And pray tell, what are they?"

Adam smirked "Then they wouldn't be surprises anymore, would they? I-" He stilled, looked behind and sighed. "My father is calling me. See you soon."

He grabbed her hand, kissed the back of it, and practically run down the street where angry yelling could be heard. She had one moment to catch her breath before the door slammed open and Lillya grabbed her shoulders looking expectantly at her.

"What happened? Did you guys kiss?!"

Esther scoffed "Please! I would never kiss him, you know what really my feelings are for him."

Lillya frowned "How is it possible? Don't you feel not even a tiny, bit of attraction?"

Esther shook her head.

Lillya crossed her arms "I swear something's wrong with you, and- oh, my, God!"

"What?"

Lillya grinned "You're pregnant."

"What?!" Esther looked terrified at her best friend.

"And Adam's the father! It all makes sense, now! That's why you're denying him!"

Esther groaned passing her hands over her face. "I'm... Not even going to reply to that..."

Lillya laughed "You know I'm joking!"

They started to head to their respective homes as it was already afternoon.

"So, what did he say to you?" Lillya asked.

"He said he has two surprises for my birthday." Esther answered in a soft voice.

Minutes passed before Lillya spoke again: "You think he's going to ask you to be his mate? It's practically the same as marrying him..."

Esther swallowed a lump in her throat. "I hope not."

I really hope not.

[Bravefoot]

CHAPTER 2



"Esther!!!" Gertrude yelled from the lounging room.

Esther sighed "Yes?!" , she shouted back.

"Lillya is here!"

Esther smiled, thrilled about the idea of passing another good day with her best friend, and rushed to the front door to greet her.

"Hi!" Lillya quickly hugged her. "So, are we going to shop for your birthday?"

Esther fidgeted uncertain, but then Gertrude appeared behind them "Please, you may go! I don't want my daughter to look unpleasant at her 18th birthday!"

Esther could have just guessed: of course Gertrude would care more about her reputation with the other women than the happiness of her child.

"Perfect!" Lillya beamed "but you're nowhere fit to go out!"

They both entered her room, and her best friend quickly ravaged through her clothes for the best outfit.

"What about this one?" Lillya asked holding a pale green dress with a ribbon at the back. It was truly the best she had, she still remembered how much she had to argue with Gertrude to buy it.

"Yes, it's my favourite!" Esther answered.

"Ok, dress it and then sit down so I can braid your hair."

***

If you wanted to buy a dress, than the town was full of nice clothes shops where you could definitely find your wish. But, if you wanted a special dress, than nothing compares to the boutiques of the Upper Village of Goldfang Capital City.

"Oh, my God Esther! This material feels so nice!"

Esther laughed, touching the piece of pearly white satin "You're right... Should I choose it?"

"Of course! And... Look! This one could be the ribbon and belt of your dress, it's perfect!" Lillya exclaimed indicating another piece of satin, this time ruby in colour.

"Can I help you, ladies?" A middle-aged woman asked politely at them, though her smile was visibly forced. Humans were really thought to be scum, and she, being a high class werewolf, was clearly distressed on her reputation.

"Yes, I want this material and this one..." Esther indicated both pieces her friend suggested "... combined for my dress."

"Are you sure?" The helper in the shop pressed "They're quite expensive..."

"We can pay" Lillya interrupted, nearly snapped.

The smile on the woman's face became a bit more genuine. "Of course, pardon my insolence. If you may please follow me. You can call me Mrs Burton."

Who could say no to money?

They followed her in a small room at the back of the shop, where she took all Esther's needed measurements for the new dress. Then, Mrs Burton sat at a small table and started scribbling on it key information.

"How would you prefer the shoulders?" Mrs Burton asked.

"I want them nicely fit, but comfortable." Esther answered after a moment of thinking, but she already had a good image in her mind.

"What about the waist?"

"Still, quite narrow, but not much."

Mrs Burton nodded writing on the sheet of paper. "High or low collar?"

"Low." Esther took a glance at Lillya, and her friend smiled at her meaning she approved.

"And lastly... Do you want the end of the dress tight as well?"

"Oh, no. I want it a bit voluminous and freely cascading."

"What length?"

"Uh... I think just under the knees."

Mrs Burton frowned, but wrote it down. "Ok, it will take 3 days to be ready, write your home address so we can send it to you. And the total cost is 5 silver."

Esther was glad Gertrude gave her enough money, though she was really confused on the fact of where her step parents could possibly have found such a well paying job...

When they had finished everything, Esther and Lillya were more than glad to exit the shop and head for the patisserie where their birthday-shopping mission continued.

The shop was amazingly filled with every kind of cakes and desserts imaginable, the smell was incredibly yummy, reminding Esther of a cross between gingerbread and marzipan. And those profiteroles...

"Good morning, young ladies! How may I help you?" A old man beamed at them. Esther was a bit surprised that, for a werewolf, he was being very nice with them.

"We want to buy a cake for this birthday girl here!" Lillya grinned.

The chef nodded still smiling "Perfect! So what did you have in mind?"

Gertrude had told her to make it quite big since they would have guests, and with a 'sophisticated flavour fit for her class'.

Esther sighed inwardly: she really wanted to buy her cake lemon or chocolate flavoured but, oh well... "I want it with 3 floors, rose flavoured and, can you please write 'Happy 18th birthday Esther' on it?"

"Of course!" The chef nodded writing the order on his notebook. "Anything else?"

"Nope."

"Than that would be 3 silver altogether, and we will deliver everything at the right time."

When also the matter of the cake was finished, the rest of the day was free.

"Lets go to the park to buy ice-cream!" Lillya pleaded "I haven't eaten one in ages and I'm feeling so warm!"

"We might as well, I don't really want to go back home and hear Gertrude's constant gossiping" Esther laughed.

They calmly headed for the Main Park, the biggest one in town. It was situated in the Upper Village and bordered by the town's defensive walls.

After they respectively bought lemon and strawberry ice-cream at a stand, they both sat at a bench overlooking the lake that encircled the city on one side and the mountains on the far distance.

"Are you still nervous about Adam?" Lillya asked.

"I'm thinking about him everyday" Esther admitted while breathing in the cool breeze.

Somewhere behind them they heard a soft growl, but they decided to ignore it.

"Ooh, so you admit you like him?" Lillya mused.

"Lillya!" Esther laughed "I don't mean it that way! I meant that I'm thinking of the possibility of me being his wife."

Another growl, this time louder, but the girls didn't mind it.

"Oh, I'm so scared! What if he'll ask for my hand?" Esther whined.

"You think he will?" Lillya asked carefully.

"Probably" Esther scoffed "I'm a half-blood remember? I will still live nearly as long as normal werewolves! And who will take care of me when my step parents will be gone?! If he'll ask me to be his wife... It's for the best to accept."

This time there was a bothered snarl just at their backs, both Lillya and Esther turned their heads to watch the children play in wolf form: a little brown puppy was on the floor while a black one was on top nipping at its ears.

"Oh, Esther, please don't be sad! Would he be so bad to be his wife?"

"I- I don't know... I just have this feeling... That I just can't feel for him more than friendship... He's just not my type" Esther muttered.

"But he's so handsome!" Lillya started.

"Not really..." Esther interrupted with a snicker.

Her best friend gave her a warning glare and continued "I said, he's so handsome! And rich! You should feel extremely lucky!"

Her best friend was right: so many girls around the kingdom were poor and barely able to sustain themselves, and here she was moaning about Adam not being his type.

"And I can just imagine how beautiful your babies will be!" Lillya pointed.

"Dear Lord! Please, don't make me think about it!"

"What? I was just saying- Look!" Lillya pointed somewhere behind them "The Royal Messenger is coming! I wonder what news from the castle."

Esther turned her head to see the Messenger on a horse, flanked by two Royal Guards in wolf form, heading their way. They run through 'till they reached the little knoll at the centre of the park, dominated by a large, ancient oak.

"People of Goldfang Capital City!" The Messenger started while Esther and Lillya rushed to the crowd that had already formed to hear the news.

"In honour of His highness, Alpha King Roman Goldfang's 250th birthday, the traditional Royal Mate Competition will be held next month!"

Many delighted gasps and squeals from young girls were heard through the crowd, as an insane amount of excited chattering started.

Esther frowned looking at her best friend "What is that?"

A girl at her right gasped and turned their way "What?!" She shrilled "How can't you possibly know?! It's probably the best thing that could happen to a young lady like me! The Royal Mate Competition is when King Roman" and at that the girl blushed, making Esther inwardly roll her eyes "will choose 3 lucky girls to stay in the castle for 9 days! And after that he will choose the best one to be his mate! His mate, the future Queen of Goldfang! Can you believe it?!"

Esther glanced and Lillya, making a face like that girl was a bit crazy "Ok, thanks for the explanation..."

"Though, it would be just a dream for humans like you to be chosen." The girl continued before walking away.

Esther wanted to correct that she wasn't completely human, but decided better to leave it at that. She remembered one day asking Adam if he could tell that she was half werewolf, and he said that he could barely pick up the scent, so most people thought she was completely human.

"If you wish to be in the competition, please sign your name in this book!" The Messenger shouted silencing once more the crowd. Immediately a long line of girl formed to write their names.

"Good luck to everyone!" The Messenger finished before trotting away on the horse.

"Should we sign in?" Lillya grinned.

"Seriously?" Esther chuckled amused "We're Middle Class and humans. What chances do you think we've got to enter the competition?"

"Hey, we can hope!"

Esther shook her head "You can sign your name if you want, but I'm tired and I'm going home."

Lillya hugged her "Awww, ok! Have a good night and see you tomorrow!"

Esther hugged back and set off towards her house, and as the sun was setting, she dearly hoped Lillya would survive the long waiting in line.

[Bravefoot]

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[Bravefoot]

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