Tribute to the Alpha

Rhiannon made her way through the shrubs, she circumvented the huge field that she had just been walking in. This was the best time to be up and about. She was 18, she was a pretty girl with porcelain skin, dark brown hair, and striking green eyes.The vibrant forest beyond, the clean, crisp air and dew-wet grass that made up the lands around the castle somehow made the day ahead seem easier to get through. It was such a contrast to the dark castle where she lived with her father the Duke of Allendale, her stepmother, and half-siblings. She was usually ignored by the rest. It was quite apparent no one liked her. She was the unwanted daughter of a mistress after all.She sighed in happiness, there was still time until the sun was up in its full glory.Before the farmers and workers would arise. Their busy figures roamed about the place as they carried out their early morning duties. And then the day would truly begin.A low mist hung over the

The hamlet was small and isolated, nestled in a narrow valley among majestic peaks. Less than 100 families inhabited the hamlet. The land was suitable for some crops like barley.The winter was harsh though. Deep snow often made the single road that led in and out of the village impassable for months at a time. Most days were routine. Work started before dawn, and by nightfall, the villagers were in bed. It was a quiet and simple life for most of the villagers.However, all that changed the night that, their village was attacked.A band of 20 shapes surveyed the village from the mouth of the valley. Their blood lust driving them mad.The leader of the band grinned with evil anticipation. It was time to have some fun. He turned aside to give instructions to his men."Remember, don't spare anyone.No mercy. Understood?"He waited until his people nodded their understanding. The leader gave their signal to attack. The raiders swooped on th

Rhiannon stood patiently as the seamstress measured her body. It was probably the first time in her life when she was getting a new outfit which would actually fit her.Since she was was officially"engaged" to count Belfort. She was required to appear more respectable, and attend the banquet.It was no surprise that her protests went in vain. Dejected she just allowed the seamstress to do her work while she planned her escape."I want a pink dress mother!" Margaret squealed."Of course dear, " Catherine replied."Pink would look horrible on Margaret because she was a redhead but who cares," thought Rhiannon.She was not even interested in any of this."Alright! That should be enough, by when can we expect the dresses to be ready?" Catherine asked the seamstress."In a week my lady," the seamstress replied.******Vasilios rounded his desk in the library and pulled a heavy leather-bound book off a nearby shelf and looked at

Rhiannon shivered and wrapped her hands around herself. Her wet clothes clung to her."Rhiannon!" Alfred ran towards her. Ignoring the dishevelled state he hugged her."Thank God! You are safe sister, you frightened me."Rhiannon felt genuinely grateful, "I am ok Alfred, I was saved....by a wolf," she said."What?" He peered at her as if she had grown horns."When I woke up a wolf was staring at me.""Maybe he was contemplating lunch,"  Alfred commented," anyway let's go. The prince is worried about you."Alfred wrapped his cloak around Rhiannon which she accepted gratefully. "I am relieved to see you safe, my lady," Prince Matthew said as Rhiannon arrived near the horses along with Alfred. He looked genuinely concerned.While they rode back the prospect of getting scolded by her father and stepmom, made drowning in the lake seem like a cakewalk"I know what you are thinking sister, " Alfred whispered

Rhiannon sat at in her room, idly brushing her long, dark curls, wishing she was anywhere else but in this room, in this castle, on this day. She glanced over her shoulder at the stiff folds of shining fabric covering her narrow bed.Her dress was delivered to her room and she was ordered to be excited about this banquet? It was sure to be overpopulated with arrogant nobles, she was supposed to play the demure bride of the old count.A bastard, she was not quite a noble, but not quite a servant, therefore fitting in nowhere. The servant girls instantly ceased their gossiping when she approached. The girls of noble birth snubbed her as beneath their station as if she wanted to spend her time in their stiflingly dull company in any fashion. They bonded with Margaret though.She sighed. On the brighter side, she was finally allowed to be out of the room.She turned away from the mirror and toward the small tower window, guessing the sun was hovering at about mid