1 It Can't Be

"Straighten up a little. Yes, that's good..."

"My lady, you need to stick out your left feet. Your father had instructed that we use a pink paint. The same hue as that of your shoe."

I am worn out. It's today. The day is here. And I must look enticing the most among the ladies for the crown prince to notice me.

My father wants so much to be called the king's in-law that he even sought out the witches to cast a love spell on me. Just that they had refused, saying that the prince himself was half wizard.

And I am for once not grateful for that. I am beginning to turn greedy like my father. I need the crown prince attention, so I can endure this set dress contest.

Aware of my own beauty, I stood up to stare at my perfect figure in the large mirror right in front of me. Courtesy of my mother.

"You are so beautiful, My lady," One of the maids said. I am well accustomed with them. They had been the ones dressing me up after my mother and sister died, ever since I was still a little girl. So all this tight corsets and heavy make ups are not new to my body.

"I hope I am able to catch the crown prince's attention with this much time that I've spent here, " I responded with a chuckle.

"Oh my lady, you have the most perfect body and no one would dare deny that," Hearing what my handmaid just said, I smiled. If I am going to win this war, then I needed a smile, a very captivating one.

★★★

"You look great." My father confirmed, when he came in minutes later to check up on me.

"Excuse us," he ordered, and the maids took their leave. I am well aware of what he had come to talk about. And it was none other than trying to remind me of my purpose in the royal palace. About me gaining the crown prince attention for him to be called the king's in-law.

So I just ended the conversation without him even starting it.

"I know why you're here father, I am not going to disappoint you. This time, I think you're right too." And it's true, this is the very first time he is taking a good decision.

Because without him agreeing to the witches terms, I wouldn't have tried escaping last night. And I wouldn't have chanced upon a wolf with the forest green eyes. I would never forget his name. Ashter!

"Avalon, do not utilize your powers no matter what happens. And do not make it known that you are the daughter of the witch that saved the crown prince," he warned.

"Of course, father. That would only bring about groundless talks," I replied, And unwanted memories, I added in my mind.

"Your carriage is right outside. The royal guards would accompany you to the palace," he concluded the conversation.

"Alright, Father. Take care of yourself."

He looked shocked. Because this was the very first time in ages that I cared for him. We have always been on bad terms and the only reason he has been keeping me as his daughter is for this day. And here is the day. When his wishes would come true.

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Two men entered the grand hall, they were rumoured as the most beautiful princes. And the rumors were right. This men are beautiful, with the younger one dressed in blue attire, matching with his deep blue eyes just like mine. Long wavy blonde hair. He looked cheerful.

But the older one dressed in blue and white attire had deep brown eyes, with long black hair. He exudes a very dark aura.

None of them was the crown prince, I noted, and continued looking around. Most of the women from prominent families like mine, coming from different villages were all present. We were all dressed in bright pink attire, which was common for concubines of this palace. But we all had different aims.

"The crown prince is here!" one of the guards announced. And the grand hall went quiet.

"Are you ready my lady?" I heard my maid ask, and i nodded in reply. She retreats from my back just like all the other maids that had been standing at the back of their ladies.

Simultaneously, we all bowed our head low to the crown prince as he walked into the grand hall in all of his resplendent glory.

Concubines are not to stare directly into the crown prince eyes. I bowed my head low and my eyes casted down as my maids had warned me, before suddenly lifting my head up to stare at him.

But I dared to. I dared to stare into his eyes and I didn't miss the way his gaze flickered from darkness to tenderness? I guess I was mistaken, a man like him does not feel tenderness.

Never! the only thing he is capable of feeling is evil. That is even if he still has a heart. I quickly lower my head. That was it. The attention I needed.

"We have gathered here the most beautiful women from different villages, you may now choose the one of your liking, Your highness. Ladies, you may now raise you heads," the courtlady ordered. And we obliged.

I watched as the crown prince lazily scrutinized all of us. It feels like he was avoiding me. Why was he avoiding me when I am in need of his attention?

It was taking centuries, and the ladies were all getting tired. But I do not understand why he is taking so long.

I need the prince to choose me. I must not be like them. The other girls.

"So which of them is to your liking your highness?" Dorian the young prince with deep blue eyes asked.

"The crown prince just huumed In response. But everyone was shocked when he said, "Let every woman display their talents. I am never choosing any woman without a talent as a bride"

Talents? No my only talent is to hunt. And what am I to hunt here? There are no animals here.? What do I do?.

I was astounded by the amount of beauty and talents the other women gathered in this hall were displaying. Songs, beauty, dancing, composing poetry, arranging flowers....were the talents this women were displaying to please the crown prince.

But I am not better in any of these things. And God forbid that leave without the prince taking an interest in me.

"Oh by the blue moon.....this women are the best...amazing..." Prince Dorian said, clapping his hands as the women displays their talents. He was clearly enjoying himself. Unlike the elder brother.

Who does not seem interested in whatsoever was happening in here. He looked clearly displeased.

The maid that brought me in here already informed about the princes. The eldest, prince Derrick was a Lycan. Who is greedy of the throne. But the father, the former King Asa had appointed the last born prince. And his name is Ares.

Why he had a Greek god name is a misery, he doesn't even posses the qualities of the Greek god. Except that he is perfectly created. Sinfully beautiful, Tall in stature with a fair complexion, he possesses beguiling forest-green eyes that captivate all who gaze upon them.

His well-defined muscles are the result of his Lycan bloodline, which imbues him with extraordinary strength and agility befitting a ruler of his caliber.

"You! You! It's your turn lady. What are you spacing out for.?" And he finally noticed me.

I could sense the domineering aura in the way he uttered my name.

But then what am I going to display? I didn't have a talent like other girls. I only have a talent of hunting.

What do I do?. I am definitely going to embarrass myself right now.

I stare deep into his beguiling forest green eyes, I like the way he stood tall more beautiful in his all black attire. His black ebony hair cascaded down his shoulders. He was an epitome of beauty. Yes he is.

I am spacing out again.

Was I drooling over him? No way!

It can't be.