CHAPTER 7: STAYING AWAY FROM DRAKON

Shirley was on her way back from her morning walk. While walking through the palace courtyard, she saw young boys being tutored by an alpha; he was a well-known commander in the army. As she glanced at the young boys. Her mind went through all she had to suffer because she couldn't connect with her wolf form. She found it problematic that she was despised because of that. It was no fault of hers that she was born this way. It was the same reason she had to go through several abuses with Drakon, her newly found mate. Now that the thought of Drakon came to mind, Shirley did her best to push it off. She didn't want to have anything to do with him again. Not after the recent disgrace he leveled on her. "Good morning, my Lady," one of the palace maids who passed by greeted her while curtseying. Shirley only gave a light smile as she continued to her room. She wanted to spend some time alone, away from all her duties. She felt lost and alone in the big mansion. When she got to her room, she found Drakon's jacket hanging by the side of a chair. She looked at it with disgust. It had precisely been that way when she caught him in the arms of another woman. Shirley walked over to the chair. She stared at the jacket for some seconds before picking it up; from where it hung, she threw it to the floor. She felt the urge to scream and shout down the whole mansion but knew it would do little to no good for her. Suddenly, she paused, " Why do I feel this way if there is no connection between us." Shirley said before she sat by the corner of the bed. "Could it be that I'm jealous about him cheating on me?" Shirley asked, and she suddenly broke into a laugh. She laughed at how ironic it could be. She knew they had no connection, so how could she get jealous? "No, that can't be so. He practically disgraced me. He has been doing that ever since I got here. There is no love to be expected from him, but the disrespect has been extreme. No way I'm getting jealous over him," Shirley said. A knock came through the door while she was still in deep thought. She was about to get to the door when she decided against it. What if it was Drakon at the door? What if he had come for another round of forceful abuse? She wheeled back in fear of the possibility of such. When the knock persisted, she was convinced he wasn't the one. So, she quickly went ahead to get the door open. It was a young man; he was dressed in the apparel meant for royal servants. The servant quickly bowed. "His Majesty demands your presence at this moment. I'm here to escort you." "I need no escort; you can continue your duties," she replied curtly. "I'm working with the alpha's instruction." "I'm the soulmate to the Alpha. And I said I don't need an escort," Shirley said. I am trying to sound as straightforward as possible. "Alright, Your Highness," the young man said before walking off. **** Shirley remained indoors the whole evening. She wouldn't go out; it was about time for dinner, but she needed to make more effort to get to the dining hall. She couldn't stand the sight of Drakon again, so she wanted to stay as far away as possible from him. After much thought, Shirley discovered it wasn't justifiable for her to get jealous or angry over him. She had been maltreated and abused on several occasions by him. So why should she care now? It was best that she found a way to survive him. Her best shot was to try avoiding him and wherever he may be. ***** Her maid, Nyx, walked into the room. She held a large tray that contained Shirley's dinner. Nyx quickly closed the door with the aid of her foot. "Oh no, you didn't have to," Shirley said, reprimanding Nyx. "Oh yes, I had to; you haven't eaten anything since morning," Nyx said while she walked over to the nearby table. She cleared off what remained on it before dropping the tray. Come on, you need to eat. It would help if you had the strength to stay beautiful for the Alpha. You're now his; I hope you understand," Nyx said, beckoning Shirley. "Thank you, but I'm not his. Not if he keeps treating me like trash," Shirley said as she walked up the table. Ever since Shirley began to talk with Nyx, she has become more than just a maid; she has also become a friend. They discussed anything, and she felt she could relate to her problems in the palace as she was about her age. "He loves you; he just doesn't know how to express it," Nyx said while she served her dinner from the big flask. “What do you know about love?” Shirley asked. "I know when a man loves you, it's not always clear," Nyx responded. "So, are you trying to justify him cheating on me?" Shirley asked "Not at all; you've got to eat; we can discuss this when you're done," Nyx added, trying to urge Shirley to eat her already-served food. "I don't feel hungry; I don't want to eat," Shirley said. "But you've got to, you need to eat," Nyx countered After much pleading, Shirley began to eat. While she ate, Nyx went around the room, setting it up in order. By the time she was done, Shirley was halfway done with her food. "You know you're wonderful, right?" Shirley asked Nyx only blushed. " I wish I were, but I'm just a maid." " C'mon, don't say that; you're not just a maid. You're my friend; I don't see you as my maid." "Thank you so much," Nyx said while curtseying. "So, tell me, who are you currently seeing?". This made Nyx blush. Shirley and Nyx continued the conversation, talking deep into the evening.