Aria
I was so close to giving up. It seemed like Daneesha did not want to be found. Serene and I searched every possible place that she could be but there was no sign of her. Was she outside the palace walls? That could be the only explanation because she was nowhere in sight.
“Maybe she’s running errands outside the palace,” Serene suggested as I let out a dejected sigh.

“Or maybe she's just avoiding me.” I sighed. There was no other explanation for this. Daneesha was going out of her way to avoid me like a plague.
“Maybe not.”
“I just wish we would resolve our issues. I hate fighting with her.”
“I'm sorry, Aria. I wish could help.” Her shoulders slumped and I quickly shook my head at her.
“You're doing plenty right now. Thank you.”
Serene gave me a small smile. “How about we take a stroll through the gardens? I do that when I have a lot on my mind. It cheers me up and helps me clear my head.”

I raised an eyebrow. “The gardens? I've never been there before.”
“Trust me. You'll love it.”
“Alright, I'll grab my coat. Go grab yours.”
We went to our different rooms to dress warmly and when we were done, we met outside my room. Serene linked her arm with mine and we chatted excitedly as we walked through the hallway.

My jaw dropped as I spotted Daneesha walking toward us.
“What in the world?!” I exclaimed. I couldn't believe I searched every inch of the palace for her and she was walking casually toward us.
“Isn't that Daneesha?” Serene asked.
“It is,” I whispered.
Her face was cold as stone and I just knew she was about to walk past me without saying a word.
“Daneesha?”
She turned around reluctantly and I felt my courage fail me at that moment.
“What do you want?” She snapped.
“That's no way to speak to the lady of the house, you know.” Serene chipped in and Daneesha's nose flared.
“I beg your pardon? Lady of the house? She's just a concubine. Lady Sheila is the only lady of the house.” Daneesha sneered and my face fell.
“Watch your mouth,” Serene said coolly and I placed an arm on her shoulder.
“It's okay, Serene.”
Daneesha sized Serene and me up haughtily. “I see you’ve made a new friend, Aria.”
“She sure has. And I'll be a better friend to her than you ever were.” Serene spat, her tone laced with venom. My heart soared at Serene's words and suddenly, Daneesha's betrayal didn’t hurt that much.
“Thank you, Serene.” I smiled at her before focusing my full attention on Daneesha.
“Look Daneesha, I'm sorry for hurting you in any way and I just hope you could stop shutting me out and let us talk this out. I miss you and I hope we can still be friends.”
Daneesha's glare turned icy and I knew that my words had absolutely no effect on her. “I'll never be friends with someone who comes between a husband and his wife.”
I could feel Serene's anger radiating off her next to me.
“She did it for you, stupid girl! She only agreed to be Lyall's mistress because he threatened to kill you if she refused.” Serene yelled and you would think that would be enough to change Daneesha's mind. But it seemed she was hellbent on hating me.
“Well, I didn't ask her to do that now, did I?” Daneesha said coldly, and Serene and I stared at her in disbelief. My heart broke into pieces all over again. I couldn't believe the words Daneesha just uttered. She was like a different person entirely.
I couldn't recognize this person in front of me. It was getting too much. I decided to stop. I wouldn't let her keep breaking my heart and instead, I would keep my distance like she wanted.
“You're an awful person. You know that right?” Serene spat and I held on to her arm, shaking my head.
“Let's go, Serene. The gardens, remember?”
Serene nodded and after I gave Daneesha one last sad glance, we walked straight out of the palace. The garden was a short walk from the palace and my eyes almost bulged out of their sockets as I took in the exquisite scenery.
The garden was lush and massive. Large trees formed an archway that led deep into the garden and I nodded my head, totally impressed.
“Wow.” I swooned and Serene smiled, linking her arm with mine.
“Told ya,” She said smugly. “You've not seen anything yet.”
We kept walking and across the garden were grasses and the largest array of flowers I have ever seen. Sunflowers, roses, lilies, violets, tulips, and every flower I could think of were well within sight. The flowers blended in different colors and I was overwhelmed by their beauty.
“This is insane. How come I've never seen this place?” My eyes darted around the ethereal garden. “It looks heavenly and it even smells better.” I inhaled the sweet smell of the blends of flowers.
“I'm glad you like it. I come here a lot of time for some peace and quiet. Seeing all this beauty instantly relaxes me.”
“I see what you mean.”
Serene's happy expression turned into a concerned one. “Are you okay? About Daneesha, I mean.”
I shrugged. “It hurts but I'll be fine.”
“If you need anything, you can come to me. I'll always be here to help or listen.”
“Thanks, Serene,” I cleared my throat and looked her in the eyes. “I just want to know one thing though?”
“What's that?”
“Why are you so nice to me?” I asked warily. I knew I might be overstepping here but I didn't know what to believe anymore. I thought Daneesha was my friend but she ended up turning on me. What if Serene did the same?
What could Serene possibly want from me? I had nothing to offer her. I was just a breeder who had no idea what she was doing and Serene was a freaking royal so call me crazy but it doesn't make sense.
She looked shocked at my question but then she burst out laughing. I raised an eyebrow. What could possibly be funny about my question? She opened her mouth to speak but just then, her eyes widened at something behind me. I turned, curious about what had her stunned and my heart dropped at the sight.
Sheila had her arm linked with Lyall’s and the two were deep in a discussion, laughing. My wolf thrashed at the sight of another woman touching my mate and my body trembled with red-hot fury. Lyall was unbelievable.
He had a fit because Mason pulled me out of the dining hall the other day and now he was back in Sheila's arms. Was this some sort of punishment? If it was then this was so unfair. I gritted my teeth in extreme fury.
I would make him pay for this. He had been playing with me for months. He practically made a fool out of me every single day. Well, no more! I refuse to be a puppet in his ridiculous game.
Sheila’s eyes landed on Serene andmeI and as if she hadn't done enough, she leaned close to Lyall and planted a kiss on his cheek with a smirk on her face. Lyall seemed surprised by the kiss but he didn't pull away.
He finally saw us and slowly detached his arm from Sheila's. She pouted and shot a glare at me, one which I eagerly returned. I was too entranced in my staring contest with Sheila that I barely heard Serene speaking to me.
“Aria— Aria?” She shook me slightly and I finally gave her my attention.
“Yeah?”
“Are you okay?” She asked, nudging her head in their direction.
“Yeah, of course.” I said, flustered. I was lying through my teeth and we both knew it.
She raised her eyebrows in concern. “Are you sure? Because they are coming this way.”
“Fuck,” I swore under my breath. Why did they have to come to the garden right now? They didn’t have to come this way either. They could just turn around and leave. I let out a sigh. “It's fine. Just act natural.”
Serene chuckled. “Me? I should be telling you that!” She said the rest under her breath but I caught a bit of it. “She doesn't love him, my foot.”
My eyes widened. “Hey—”
The rest of my words were swallowed up by the arrival of the duo. Sheila looked smug and I had the urge to wipe that smirk off her face and Lyall just looked uncomfortable as hell.
“What are you peasants doing in a place as beautiful as this?” Sheila said chirpily and my mouth hung open.
“Peasants?” I said just at the same time Serene said, “Excuse me?”
“Did I stutter?” Sheila replied and I was this close to smacking the shit out of her.
“You little—” Serene started to say but she was cut off by Sheila.
“Did I say peasants? My bad. I meant dirty, low-life miscreants.”
I opened my mouth to speak but to my utmost surprise, Lyall beat me to it.
“Enough! What is the meaning of this? Have you forgotten that Serene is a royal? And Aria is going to be the mother of my children?!” Lyall seethed and the corner of my lips lifted at the aghast look on Sheila's face.
Serene and I shared a glance and I could tell that she was fighting a smile. I quickly looked away to avoid laughing at an improper moment.
“Lyall!” Sheila shrieked. “Are you taking their side now? Her side?!” She pointed at me. “Mother of your children? Wake up, Lyall! She's just a breeder!”
“Sheila!” Lyall's eyes narrowed and it was obvious that he was trying really hard to control his anger. “Wait a minute,” He looked around the garden. “Did you plan this? You did, didn't you? You brought me out here so you could taunt them.”
Sheila's eyes widened in disbelief. “That is ridiculous. I had no idea they were going to be here, I swear.”
“Well, I don't believe you. How convenient is it that you brought me here to talk and they were here at the same time? Coincidence? I don't think so.” Lyall said sternly and it was difficult not to snort at the baffled expression on Sheila's face. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish.
“I didn’t plan this!” Sheila yelled, throwing a tantrum like a little child. “What are you two looking at? Get the hell out of here!” She yelled at Serene and I but we only exchanged amused looks. “Lyall!” She yelled but he only ignored her.
Lyall pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, shaking his head. “I'm so sorry about this disrespect, Serene. I deeply apologize.”
Serene looked taken aback but she quickly regained her composure. “It’s okay really. You don't need to apologize.”
“Thanks, Serene,”
I looked between both of them, eyebrows furrowed. What about me? I clearly deserved an apology from both Lyall and Sheila.
“Could I please take her away for a second? I need to talk to her.”
My eyes widened. Who was he referring to? Me?
“What?!” Sheila and I exclaimed in unison and went back to glaring at each other.
“Of course.” Serene replied chirpily.
Before I could process anything else, Lyall grabbed my arm and began pulling me away from the group. What was with men and pulling me away whenever they wished? What happened to asking for permission or I don't know? Free will?!
“Be gentle with her!” Serene yelled in the background and I rolled my eyes.
“Traitor!” I yelled and heard Serene giggle. I suddenly remembered that she had been left alone with Sheila. Oh shit. “Go easy on Sheila, would you?!” I yelled, hearing Serene's giggles in the background.
“Shut up bitch!” Sheila yelled and I cackled.
“Having fun back there?” Lyall's voice boomed in my ear and I finally remembered I was being dragged off by a maniacal Alpha.