Chapter 8

• Ava's POV
• “My chance encounter with William has finally come to an end—and I hope that things will return to normal after the Shadow Clan wolves leave.” Mia sat quietly on my bed, arranging herbs as she listened to me.
• She didn't look up from what she was doing. “Don’t worry, as long as you don’t go out to meet him, your life will return to normal. Trust me. You just have to focus on your relationship with your fiancé and your responsibilities to your Clan.”
• I sigh heavily. “I'm trying Mia… but the memory of my brief encounter with William has been lingering at the back of my mind. I wonder how things would have been if our paths had crossed under different circumstances.”
• “Princess Mia, your father has summoned you to his study,” a maid of ours informed me and left.
• Anxious, I looked at Mia whose frightful look matched mine.
• “Do you think he's found out?”
• Mia casually shook her head. “I'm sure he hasn't. It's probably for a different reason. Stop overthinking, Ava.”
• Nodding, I stood up and adjusted my dress, then walked over to my Dad's study.
• As soon as I got there, I knocked and asked, “Daddy, you wanted to see me?”
• He eyed me with a stern, angry expression.
• “What's wrong?”
• "How could you do this to me, Ava?"
• I was confused. Had he found out? “What did I do Daddy?”
• “You had a one-night stand with that William? That ill-mannered wolf from the Shadow Clan?” my Dad spat, his furious voice echoing in the room.
• Daddy looked disgusted and my heart sank to the bottom of my chest.
• “I didn't…” I trailed off, remembering that I couldn't dare make excuses when confronted by my Dad's anger.
• “How did Dad find out?” I asked myself, trying to assess the situation.
• “Daddy, I'm really sorry.” I simply had to acknowledge it. “Your anger is justified.”
• “Lately Ava, you've been so disobedient! First, you went to the meeting room and now, I'm finding out this? If I hadn't heard my subordinates whispering this to each other, I would have still been left in the dark!”
• He yelled, “Do you know the sort of bits and pieces of gossip I heard from my subordinates throughout the day. I finally asked my colleague, James and he told me the entire truth.”
• "James, what's going on? The other servants are all buzzing with whispers," a servant had asked earlier, confused.
• "Haven't you heard?” James had answered in a hushed tone. “Ava, the Alpha's daughter, was seen coming out of William, the Alpha of the Shadow Clan's tent on the night of the moon festival.”
• The servant's jaw then dropped. "It's scandalous! Yes, I'd noticed princess Ava's growing feelings for William. But I never expected them to act on it.”
• He'd shook his head that morning. “I’ve always seen princess Ava as the master's beloved child; his pride and joy! But now, everything’s changing!”
• He had been about to walk away when he'd heard James say, "This is an outrage! Robert must be told about this immediately. William isn't good enough for Ava. Goodness knows what he'll do to the princess if allowed. We need to put an end to this before it gets any worse. I will talk to the master myself!"
• Daddy was furious. “Ava, you are forbidden from going outside to confront William. I fear that it would only make things worse.”
• I responded, ashamed, "I am sorry, Daddy. It was an accident. I did not mean to hurt you."
• Daddy raised his hand, cutting me off. "This is unacceptable! You must never see William again. Do you understand me, young lady?"
• I nodded my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. Then, I whispered, "Yes, Daddy."
• “Good.” Daddy nodded. "And you will focus on your marriage to Quill from now on. Is that understood?"
• With sadness, I nodded my head and agreed, "Yes, Daddy. I promise to never see William again and focus on Quill and my marriage from now on."
• Daddy's initial harsh reaction started to fade when I began begging him, “Please Daddy, keep this a secret. Don't let anyone find out. Please Daddy?”
• I folded my palms together as I pleaded.
• I saw Daddy's eyes soften. “It's alright dear, I'll keep the matter a secret, but you won't be allowed to leave the house for half a month. That is, until William leaves.”
• "Yes, father, I understand," I replied, holding back hot tears. "I won't leave the house for half a month and will marry Quill as planned."
• He nodded then leaned back into his cushioned chair, satisfied but still a bit anxious of what could happen.
• "Very well. Let's put this behind us," he said. "Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you disobey me again, there would be dire consequences."
• I nodded again, unable to control the tears that began streaming down my face. “I understand, Daddy."
• The next day, the news of my engagement to Quill spread through the Blue River Clan territory. Some members began to talk about the improvement.
• “I know that this announcement isn't just a happy occasion but also a way for my father to assert his authority and lay down the law,” I told Mia. “I can only hope that the Shadow Clan would respect my father's decision and not interfere in this matter any further.”
• “Ava! I'm here to see you!” Quill came calling at my house.
• He was greeted by my maid. “Princess Mia is not really in the best mood right now.”
• Being careful with his words, he said, “It's ok I understand.”
• The maid nodded and left.
• He walked into the house and spotted me sitting on the couch, both hands over my face. I looked up at him, my eyes red from crying.
• Quill approached me slowly and asked me, concerned, "Is everything alright dear?"
• I shook my head. “Should I tell him about William?” I wondered.
• Quill sensed my sadness and gently asked, "Is there something you want to talk about?"
• I shook my head.
• I thought it was unfair to Quill if he would find out about William.
• Then, he proceeded, “I always wanted a grand party, if that's ok with you. I also want the music to be carefully selected. The colours would be the most vibrant and beautiful. I'm thinking blue and gold! The cake would be the centerpiece of the event, with intricate designs and decorations. I'll have the best baker make it.”
• “Do you know, so many dignitaries would travel from all over the world to witness our wedding! Most of them, I'd known from the football competitions ive gone to and the rest, your Dad's partners.”
• Be began again when he saw I was starting to feel a bit better. “You'll stop crying when you hear the amount of respect and honour that would be bestowed upon us as we would be crowned as the new alpha pair of the Blue River Clan!”
• I smiled more brightly at his excitement.
• Quill looked at me with love in his eyes, holding my hands reassuringly. "I'll make everything perfect for you—for us!”
• “Thank you.” I beamed.
• “I can't bring myself to ruin his happiness,” I thought. “He's been so kind and understanding. He's been so supportive. Now isn't the right time to tell him the truth about what happened with William.”
• "I know that we have known each other for a long time and you have been a great friend and really amazing companion," he started, truthfully. "That's why I’m so excited to finally be yours. I truly believe that our marriage will be fantastic. I know that you are going through a difficult time, but I want you to know that I support you. Have always and will always, no matter what."
• Guilt filled me. But I knew I couldn't tell him anything so I stayed silent.
• Quill and I had spent the day planning our wedding preparations. The evening drew near and Quill had to take his leave.
• "Maybe it was not so bad after all. He actually got me to forget all I was worrying about. He's such a loving companion," I thought.
• He stood up from his chair and addressed me, "Ava, my love, it’s about time I leave. But first, I want to thank you for the wonderful day you brought me.”
• He leaned forward to give me a quick peck, sending butterflies to my stomach.
• He stepped back. “I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you, my darling."
• I blushed. "Quill, you know that I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. You’re the love of my life, and I just cannot wait to start our life together. Till next time we meet, my love."
• Quill smiled, then leaned in and kissed me again, this time, quickly on the lips. He pulled away and turned to leave, wishing me, "Farewell, my sweet. I will see you soon, love" over his shoulders.
• I watched Quill make his way out of the door, feeling all fuzzy and warm inside with love for him.
• “The days leading up to our wedding would sure to be filled with excitement and joy. And Quill. He'll make the most perfect husband,” I said to myself, savoring the thought. “I can't wait!”
• $Chapter