Chapter 10

• The night was shrouded in an eerie silence that sent chills down their spines. The frigid air gnawed at their exposed skin, but it was the icy grip of fear and tension that truly gripped the hearts of those inside the carriage.
• As the carriage trundled along the uneven road, the ladies inside clung desperately to the cold metal bars that separated them from the unknown darkness outside. Each jolt and sway of the carriage sent them lurching from side to side, like fragile dolls in the hands of an indifferent child.
• Doom loomed over them, casting a long shadow on the lives they once knew. Althea, her hands trembling, couldn't decide whether to let the tears flow freely or to simply stare into the abyss that had become their reality. Confusion clouded her mind, mirroring the chaotic journey they were on.
• If only she had heeded the warnings, followed the rules laid out in the book, she might have escaped this fate. Regret gnawed at her soul as she contemplated the irreversible choices that had led her here.
• Among the women, Althea's gaze settled on a familiar face - Cassandra, a black-haired, emaciated girl of small stature. The town had always branded Cassandra as a notorious beggar, notorious for her thieving escapades and the countless beatings she had endured. She was a lone soul, with neither mother nor family to her name. Strangely, Cassandra was the only one who did not wear the mask of fear or the scars of sorrow.
• Instead, she wore a twisted smirk, her eyes filled with disdain as she regarded the other women in the carriage. Althea couldn't help but be intrigued by this peculiar reaction. Why wasn't Cassandra terrified like the rest of them? It was simple - she knew that beyond this carriage lay a life of unimaginable luxury, a reward for her deeds that was worth every risk.
• Yet, as Althea pondered their uncertain future, a troubling thought gripped her. If they were to be turned into "Vegetables," stripped of all memory and identity, who would be left to care for them when they returned?
• What of people like Cassandra, who were already despised and rejected? Who were they going to turn to?
• The fear that gnawed at her was not only the fear of the unknown but the fear of what awaited them on the other side, a life that might be more horrifying than the one they were leaving behind.
• Althea turned to look at the other girls who looked beautiful regardless of their situation.
• She did not know them. They had never met but in a situation like this they had to be best friends.
• The red haired who sat apart from them looked straight at Althea and gave her a smile. She wasn't crying, she just looked like who had a sure plan.
• "Hello" The lady said.
• Althea waved her hand but did not say anything as she looked out the window.
• They had arrived and were lead out of the carriage.
• As Althea stepped into the Lycan King's palace, she was taken aback by its unexpected beauty.
• Contrary to her apprehensions, the palace wasn't the dark, foreboding fortress she had imagined. Instead, it was a testament to grandeur and opulence.
• The palace's architecture was a mesmerizing blend of intricate stonework, elegant arches, and graceful spires. Soft moonlight bathed the structure, casting a silver glow that accentuated its every detail. The walls were adorned with delicate murals depicting scenes from ancient legends, their colors vivid and captivating.
• Inside, the grand foyer stretched out before her, with a breathtaking crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, scattering prismatic light across the marble floors.
• Enormous stained glass windows showcased vibrant scenes of nature, from lush forests to serene lakes.
• The palace was a symphony of colors and textures, with rich tapestries, velvet draperies, and gilded accents adorning the corridors. Fragrant floral arrangements graced every corner, filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating scent.
• The palace, in all its splendor, left Althea in awe, challenging her preconceptions and filling her with a sense of wonder. It was a stark reminder that appearances could be deceiving, and that sometimes, even in the most unexpected places, beauty could be found.
• Among the group, a beautiful girl with rare violet eyes couldn't help but express her awe, remarking, "I must admit, I'd be content to call a place like this home."
• However, the red-haired girl, her confidence unwavering, chastised her with a knowing smile. "Don't be fooled by appearances," she cautioned. "All this grandeur is but a facade."
• As they exchanged these hushed words, a man with a distinguished moustache, dressed in dark and regal attire, approached the group. His presence commanded attention, and as he stood before them, he exuded an air of authority that silenced the whispers in the hall.
• "Welcome brides, to the sunflower castle," He said. "This is where you would be staying for the next one year of your selection process"
• Cassandra gasped and stepped forward, her white dress flowing behind her, "You mean…this… all these belong to us? "
• The man raised an eyebrow, "Yes. What's your name?"
• Cassandra chuckled as she grinned foolishly like a child who just found candy world, "Cassandra… Cassandra Cain. But you can call me Cassie"
• The man hummed, "Right you are the begger right?" Cassie's eyes looked down as she tried to feel less awkward. "Miss Cain, please refrain from speaking when you are not being spoken to." He turned to the rest of us, "Same applied to all of you"
• Althea scoffed as she folded her arms and leaned against the wall.
• What did he see them as? Slaves to be controlled?
• The man brought out a board and said, "I need to get your named right. Fiona Apple" The red haired raised her hand. "Ariana Edwards" The girl with the violet eyes, "Heather Robinson" The girl that looks like she would punch everyone "Olivia Turner" She looks like the youngest.
• "Althea Kensington"
• Althea looked up with a vacant face.
• "Well I guess that's all. Fiona, Ariana and Althea in one room, Cassandra, Heather and Olivia in another. Follow me in a straight line. Do not lose each other"
• He closed the scroll with a clasp and quickly turned on his foot.
• Althea followed him with a distant gaze, her mind far away as she watched the pictures on the wall as they walked by. Finally they arrived at their room.
• Before entering, Althea turned to ask the man, "We never got to know your name"
• The other girls stopped and turned to look at the man.
• He frowned, "What did I say about not talking when not spoken to"
• Althea but her tongue wanting to keep back whatever retort that rose in her throat. "I apologize, I was just curious in what to call you"
• "James." And with that he turned away.
• The door shut in there faces, leaving the three girls alone.
• The opulent chamber is draped in rich, royal hues of deep crimson and gold.
• Moonlight filters through ornate, floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow upon the room's intricate details.
• Lavish tapestries adorn the walls, depicting epic tales of valor and love. Three four-poster bed, adorned with luxurious silks and satin, takes center stage, flanked by matching nightstands.
• In a corner, a vanity table with an array of jeweled cosmetics awaits the brides-to-be.
• Plush velvet chairs surround a marble fireplace, where a crackling fire dances. This room exudes regal elegance, fitting for the potential brides of the king.
• "Damn, I would never had gotten a room like this if I was back in the village" Ariana said as she went to the window. "Oh look, they have a garden," She turned grinning. "Do you think we would be allowed to visit?"
• Fiona shrugged off her shawl on the bed, "How would I know The so called James didn't say anything"
• Ariana pouted, "Oh that's true. I hope she will"
• Althea wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone as she reason back to what had happened in the hall.
• She shouldn't have spoken. She could have moved away. Get a life. Now here she was. She really did not want to even think deeply about it.
• She wanted to lay and sleep but before she could reach the bed Ariana jumped on it. Laughing. "You would have to choose another one Althea"
• Althea frowned, she wanted to choose this bed because of the view. She could look at the moon before going to bed and now she was left with the last bed which was at the far corner.
• Althea sighed then turned away to go to the bathroom.
• As expected, the bathroom didn't disappoint.
• Was this what he does? Feed and make his girls feel beautiful and then pluck them like chickens?
• Althea looked at the large, ornamental mirror hung above a lavishly designed porcelain sink. A sense of grandeur filled the air, matching the lavishness of the rest of the room.
• She saw her brown hair was scattered and her eyes sunken in. She didn't want to accept any of this. She felt like she should be bathing in a stream rather than here.
• As Althea stepped further into the bathroom, her gaze landed upon the grand bath. .
• It was a masterpiece, a glistening porcelain basin set in a marble alcove.
• Delicate floral patterns were meticulously hand-painted along its edges, and golden accents added to its regal charm.
• It truly was beautiful, and Althea couldn't help but admire it. She had to admit that this place was every bit as expensive as it appeared, but she reminded herself that it was to be expected..
• After all, it was built using tax money, and he was the king.
• With a sense of awe, Althea decided to drop her white dress into the water for a quick wash. She bailed in water into the bath.
• As she settled into the bath, she couldn't help but overhear Ariana's voice in the background.
• "Yah… Fiona, that Althea is a bit pretentious right? Maybe she came from a rich family. Her skin looks so smooth" .
• ,"I don't gossip," Fiona said dismissively.
• Ariana scoffed, "I wonder why I was paired with such boring people. Ugh. Cassandra seems fun than you would ever be"
• "Well, their room is beside ours. Go meet her then"
• Althea decided to stop listening in to their conversa
• tion and blocked her ear off.
• When she stepped out. She saw a maid was already standing there.
• The maid bowed smiling at Althea and said, "You are miss Althea right?"
• Althea hummed as she tighten her robe around her waist.
• The maid gave her a broader grin that she felt might haunt her in her dreams, "The king has requested your presence"