Chapter 6 Truth And Rumors

• Isla
• I sit in front of the mirror and I stare at my reflection. I just finished in the bathroom. The water has done wonders for my skin, leaving it fresh and glowing. The warm glow of the candles in the room reflects off my hair, which is still damp but starting to dry in waves down my back.
• I take a moment to admire the elegant cut of my gown, carefully crafted by my seamstress, who knows my style better than anyone. I learned how to do makeup from my mother, so I was sure I did not need poppy help. I will take care of my makeup, I did not want to be the dependent girl. With my nimble fingers, I begin applying my makeup, just the way my mother taught me.
• Mother always had the lightest touch, and I do my best to emulate her skills. As I dab blush onto my cheeks and add a hint of color to my lips, I feel a sense of pride in my self-sufficiency. I don't want to be seen as the damsel in distress who needs help with everything, especially not today.
• After applying my makeup, I take a last look at myself, before walking out of the room. Poopy explained the map of the palace to me so I know how to find my way. With my fingers gently grazing the walls as I walk, I make my way through the palace's winding corridors, confident in my knowledge of the palace layout.
• Poppy had been kind enough to show me around when I first arrived, and I had paid close attention to the details of the palace map. The sound of my heeled shoes clicking on the marble floor echoes through the halls, adding a certain regal ambiance to my movements.
• I stop in front of a window, admiring the view of the bustling town below before continuing on my way. I'm going to meet Alpha Maddox. I arrive at a door, which Poppy explained is the council hall, I'm about to go in when I hear voices, I did not mean to but I find myself standing to listen.
• ***
• *Maddox*
• In the council hall, most of the guests are waiting for us to arrive so that we can be seated. It is my duty to be the last to get there. Before we take our seats, Alpha Jordan comes over, two women accompany him. “Alpha Maddox, you remember my wife, Luna Elaine?”
• “Yes, of course.” I force a smile at the older brunette on his left arm.
• “Good evening,” I say to her.
• “Good evening, Your Majesty,” she says to me. “Thank you for inviting us.”
• I nod, and since Seth is standing right next to me, I manage to say, “Thank you for coming.”
• “And this is our daughter, Zabrina.” He turns and gestures to a young woman on his right. The blonde who steps forward is tall and thin, with far too much makeup on. Her bright purple dress is very sparkly, and she has on large earrings that match. When she smiles and bats her eyelashes, I feel like I must be looking at the fakest, most spoiled Alpha’s daughter in all the land.
• “Hello,” I say as she offers me her hand, but not to shake… to kiss. “Hello, Your Majesty,” she says as I stare at the back of her fingers.
• I do not feel like pressing her hand to my lips, but an image of Isla’s mouth comes to mind. That… I’d like to press to my lips…. I take Zabrina’s thin hand and twist it, giving it a good shake before I let it go. Her eyes widen as she is shocked at my behavior, but I am the king, and I’ll do as I wish.
• “Shall we be seated?” Seth says, stifling a laugh. With my head held high, I release Zabrina's hand and take my seat at the table. I can feel the tension in the air as the others sit, their eyes trained on me, the king.
• “Can we begin?” I ask in an impatient tone as Alpha Jordan clears his throat. “Of course yes. We're all busy rulers and time is definitely not on our side..” he chuckles. I nod, a cold smile playing on my lips.
• “Then let us begin. I trust we are all aware of the purpose of this meeting?”Alpha Jordan leans back in his chair, still wearing that smirk of his.
• “Indeed, King Maddox. We are here to discuss the terms of the alliance between our kingdoms, are we not?” I nod once more, my gaze shifting between the alpha and the queen. “Indeed,” I echo.
• “And I trust that both of you understand the importance of this alliance?” I ask, some Alphas have been raging wars with each other and it is only important I get an ally on my side.
• “Of course, Your Highness.” Alpha Jordan replies, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “We understand the necessity of a strong alliance in these turbulent times. Our kingdoms have a common enemy in the form of the rogue packs who seek to undermine our power.
• It is only through a unified front that we can ensure our survival.” I nod curtly, my gaze still flitting between the alpha and the queen and the daughter. I know they have come for something else.
• “You see..” Alpha Jordan begins and I know he is hitting the bullseye. “I've thought of a way to strengthen the bond and it can happen if you consider marrying my daughter here, Zabrina..” he propose and I smiled curtly. I knew it after all, but I did not like the daughter in question.
• I still love Rebecca and the girl Isla will not just come off my head. “What do you think, beta Seth?” He turns to ask my Beta who shakes his head in agreement.
• “I think you should consider taking Zabrina as a wife, you need an heir and you'll be thirty in a few months..” he points out and I want to throw a punch at him. I know that already, he does not have to be a reminder. “Your Beta Is right, you're not getting any younger..” Alpha Jordan deadpans.I stare at them for a while before saying.
• “I'll put that into consideration…” …. Isla I felt my heart cut into pieces as Alpha Maddox says he is going to consider Zabrina. I know I have no right to be jealous, but I felt the jealousy of a lover.
• I begin to feel that possessiveness over Alpha Maddox bad the feeling of betrayal. Turning slowly, I walk away, straight to my room.