THE SEARCH CONTINUES

**Step Monster's POV**

As I lounged on the throne, basking in the morning sun's warmth, I couldn't help but seethe with fury. Alivia had fled, and I hadn't slept a wink since. How could she do this to me? After everything I had done for her, this is how she repays me? Disrespect and disobedience, which is what I get. I had given her everything she could ever want, yet she still managed to embarrass me in front of the whole kingdom.

Last night's search had yielded no results, so I had no choice but to resume our hunt in the morning. It had been hours since I dispatched the search party, and I was growing impatient. My wolf was pacing restlessly in my mind, clawing at the walls in frustration. I needed to find her, to bring her back and make her pay for what she had done.

But where could she be? The forest was vast and dangerous, filled with all sorts of creatures that would love nothing more than to tear her apart. And yet, she had fled there, without a second thought for her own safety. I could feel my blood boiling at the mere thought of it.

I knew one thing for sure, though. When we found her, she would pay dearly for her treachery. I had raised her, given her a life of luxury and privilege, and this was how she chose to repay me? No, she would learn her place, and learn it well. I would make sure of that.

But for now, all I could do was wait, and seethe with anger. The sun continued to pour in through the windows, casting an eerie glow over the throne room. It was a beautiful day, but I could not enjoy it. Not when Alivia was out there, somewhere, defying me and everything I stood for. The search party had better find her soon, or else...

My thoughts shattered as a guard enters the room, interrupting my seething anger. The guard bows deeply, his voice trembling with fear as he addresses me.

"Your majesty," he murmurs.

I narrow my eyes and bark out a demand. "Any news?"

"Nothing, your majesty," he replies, his voice barely above a whisper. "We've searched for hours, but there's no trace of the princess."
My anger simmers to a boiling point, and I lash out. "How is this possible?" I snarl, my voice dripping with venom.

"We're doing everything we can, your majesty," the guard stammers.

"Bring Lexi to me right now!" I bark, demanding to see Alivia’s server, Alivia trusted her and if anyone knew anything it would be her. I need to find answers and fast.

The guard hurries off to fetch her, but my mind races with fury. I gave Alivia everything she could ever want, yet she still defies me. I provided her with a perfect marriage, but instead, she listens to her father's nonsensical rants about freedom. As if there's anything more valuable than power and control.

As the guard throws Lexi to the ground, my rage explodes. I get up from my throne and make my way towards her, I tower over her, my eyes blazing with fury. "Have you heard what happened?" I hiss.

She trembles and sobs, her voice cracking. "Yes, your majesty."

"Did you have anything to do with it?" I snarl, my voice menacing.

"N-no, your majesty," she pleads, her body shaking with terror. "I would never betray you."

I take a step closer to her, my finger lifting her chin, so our eyes meet. "If I find out you're lying," I warn, "your entire family will suffer the consequences."

Her tears flow freely, and she nods frantically. "Yes, your majesty. I swear."

Just as I am about to interrogate her further, a guard bursts in "Your majesty, prince Eric has come," the guard announced, and I growled in frustration.
"What does he want now?" I fume, seething with anger at the interruption.

To my surprise, Eric had already made his way to the door and strode confidently towards me, his smug grin sending a chill down my spine. "Ah, I see you are no longer interested in the marriage between me and your daughter," he scoffed.

"I thought you were no longer interested in the marriage after what Alivia did," I retorted, my eyes narrowed.

"Well, I must admit I was angry at the princess's actions," he continued with a sly smile. "But after some thought, I believe she would be a fine bride."

I forced a smile, hiding my true feelings. "How wonderful," I said through gritted teeth.

"But where is the princess?" he smirked.

"Oh, she's run off to the market. Once she returns, I will let her know it is time to start preparing for the wedding," I lied.

"Hmm, I didn't expect a powerful queen like yourself to lie to me," he said with a knowing look. I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach.

"I thought you'd tell me that my future wife had already run away," he added.

"How do you know that?" I demanded.

"I heard people talking outside the castle and I caught your conversation with this servant of yours over there, too," he said, pointing to Lexi, who had been kneeling on the floor beside me the entire time.

"Leave us," I snapped at Lexi, and she quickly got up and left.

"So, prince Eric, I take it there is nothing else I can do for you now since Alivia has run away?" I asked, trying to regain my composure as I approached the throne and sat down.

"Actually, your Majesty, maybe we can be of assistance in your search for the princess. She is my future wife , and I believe Kingdom Lendorr could be quite useful in locating her," he boasted.

I could not help but smile slyly. "Yes, I believe your kingdom could be quite useful in the search for the princess. The more the merrier!" I spoke.

"It's settled then! I will call for our guards at once!" he bellowed, clearly pleased with himself.