Chapter 21

ARIEL~~~~

I sighed as Denise helped me get ready for the dinner. She was very meticulous with my preparation and outfit which was a little unusual for her. She was quite diligent but usually composed and relaxed as she worked. It was different today as she seemed almost excited. She was a little erratic and enthusiastic as she made sure that everything was perfect for the dinner meeting.

"Denise," I called as she applied my makeup.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Are you happy that I would be meeting the Northerner today?"

She paused for a few seconds before resuming her job. "I can't say for sure that I'm excited, but I don't feel bad about it either. I think it's fair."

"You might act clueless but I know that you are aware of what I and Roseline are doing concerning this relationship."

There was no response from her as she applied the finishing touches to my makeup.

"You do, right?" I probe.

"To an extent, yes," she nodded. "I don't know the fine details of it though and I would never expose it to anyone."

"That's great," I smiled. "Do you think we're doing the right thing?"

"Do you want an honest opinion?" she asked, walking around me to make my hair.

"Something tells me that I'm not going to like it," I laughed.

"I can't promise that you would," she replied in a monotonous voice with an expressionless face as usual.

"Okay, tell me," I said. "No matter what it is."

She exhaled before saying anything. "I think you are both being stupid and childish. This was Roseline's idea, wasn't it?"

"Yes?"

"No surprises there," she shrugged.

"Do you think your view on it is influenced by your hatred towards her?" I asked.

"Maybe," she replied. "But it doesn't change the fact that whatever you both are doing is dangerous, childish and stupid. I'm sorry if I sound rude."

"You do sound rude," I laughed. "But it's okay. Continue. Tell me why it's wrong."

"First, you both are toying with a matter concerning two packs. This is more political than personal. One little slip-up and this blows up in not just your faces, but in all our faces. War might break out and your father would especially bear the brunt of it," she explained. "Secondly, you are toying with not just his emotions but yours. That, in my opinion, is absolutely childish. Third, this seems like a total waste of time."

"What do you suggest then?" I asked. "I don't have an iota of affection towards him and I definitely do not want to marry a Northerner. They've killed a lot of our kingdom's warriors and even innocent non-combatants. They're savages."

"That's a bit flawed," Denise replied. "Both packs have been at war since forever. Both packs have killed members on both sides. Besides, it is a known fact that the war has been more political than physical now, which means our generation hasn't had to go to war yet. Especially not the Alpha's children. You're simply grasping at straws to convince yourself that you are doing the right, and I can assure you that you are not."

There was an awkward silence between us as I couldn't think of anything to say in response to that. I couldn't deny the fact that she was right, but I wouldn't accept it either. I don't want to marry that Northerner and I'll do everything in my power to make sure I don't.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped my bounds," Denise apologized as the silence stretched on.

"No, you didn't," I sighed with an exhale. "Things are just a little more complicated than you think. I can't deny your words but I still think I am doing the right thing and the best thing for me."

She let go of my hair and stepped back as she was done styling it. "Then, I hope you remember that this marriage is a political one, not one of love or convenience. You should be thinking about the best thing for everyone, not just you."

"That's the problem," I stood up. "I don't want to compromise my happiness just to please the pack and my father. I wanna do something that would make me happy. Live a life that I won't end up regretting."

"As you wish," Denise bowed curtly.

I ended the conversation there since Denise was obviously not gonna take my side and I don't want her convincing me that I'm in the wrong.

I did a quick once-over of my outfit. It was a tight-fit blue gown adorned with jewels that sparkled, giving it a flashy allure. It went down the length of my thighs, stopping just short of my kneecap. My pieces of jewellery were blue, matching the colour of my dress and also with the earrings and necklace pendant shaped in the form of a wolf's head. My make-up was light as always, leaving much of my look to my natural charm while always boldly accentuating my facial features. I must admit that I look great today.

"Let's go, ma'am," Denise said, a little too formal for my liking. "The Alpha has requested your presence."

"Yeah," I replied, catching a glimpse of the small earpiece in her ear.

She led the way quietly, making sure to hold the door for me as we made our way to the dining hall, and my dreaded meeting with my in-laws-to-be. I hope not though.

The doors to the dining hall were immediately held open by the guards in front as we approached.

"Ariel," I heard Roseline call once I entered the dining hall.

"Roseline," I breathe a sigh of relief that she was here already. I needed her presence here or else I might have broken down under all of the pressure I was feeling right now.

"Are they here yet?" I asked.

"Um, almost," she replied. "The kids are here already but the parents are still exchanging pleasantries with a few people. They'll be here in a sec."

"What do we do then?" I panicked, unable to keep it in anymore. "What's the plan?"

"We go along with it," she replied. "We will be exposed but I want you to make it clear to him that you don't love him or want to have anything to do with him."

"What if he flares up and yells, huh?" I asked. "What if he tells everyone that he's been dating you and not me for the past month since he got here."

"I know him," she smiled. "He is clever and really adaptive. He also knows what's at stake here. I think he would rather play along and find out the truth later."

I let out a deep sigh as I thought about it. This was the most dangerous and risky thing I've done all my life. Denise's words were beginning to reverberate in my head, and with just minutes to imminent doom, I finally understood the severity of the situation.

If things fall apart here in this small dining hall, I won't be the only one suffering from the results of my foolishness. Everyone around me will suffer as well. That includes the kingdoms too. Innocent lives might be taken and a full-scale war might occur. All because of my impulsive and stupid mistake.

"Ariel," Roseline called, shaking me a little bit to get my attention. "What are you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing," I smiled.

We were both led to the dining table where the first surprise I'd gotten today hit me.

"You!" I gasped at the girl in the seat beside mine.

"Hey," she smiled in response.

"You are that girl, right?" she asked. "The one who was focused on the paintings. Why are you here?"

"Believe me, I don't want to be here," she sighed. "I'd rather spend the night exploring the city than sitting in here for dinner when I've already eaten enough for one day. They are not gonna be eating much either as they would be more focused on their political issues."

"What's your name?" I asked, a little intrigued by her.

"Juliet," she replied. "I think it's obvious by now that Xavier is my brother."

"Yeah," I nodded

"You!" Roseline gasped. "You are that girl who was trying to steal our information and then offer it to the Northerners."

"How on Earth did you even get to that conclusion?" Juliet facepalmed.

"A better question is what are you doing here?!" she retorted.

"I think it's pretty obvious if you have half a brain," Juliet growled, letting out a bit of her aura.

I was taken aback by the amount of aura she produced. I'm pretty sure Roseline noticed it too as she backed away slowly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," a voice said from behind me, startling me.

I whipped my head around to find a replica of Juliet but with longer hair. Her smile was a lot more gentle and feminine compared to Juliet who seemed rough.

"Take your seats, please," Xavier's voice announced to everyone in the hall. "They're coming."

Here goes nothing.