Chapter II

The flight to California was long and exhausting. I hated flying and nearly got sick every time, but I had to be here for the Gala, so I sucked it up. My parents offered to come along with me, but I knew people would not take me seriously with them clinging to me. I had to do this alone. I just forgot about the plane ride that I had to endure if I did not want to drive over a day to the Royal Crest Pack.

My fingers tapped lightly on my lap as a driver and a bodyguard drove me the rest of the way to the kingdom. I was very nervous for a few reasons. One, this entire experience was unknown and I do not do well with the unknown. Two, I was singing in front of the royals and all unmated high-ranking wolves. Three, I am about to meet the freaking Queen and King!

I quickly calmed myself down as I felt my nerves tingle in my stomach. This was not the time to freak out, not with two skyscrapers in the front seats, especially. My eyes darted around for anything to ground me. I spotted my bottle of water next to me and chugged it down. The coldness against my mouth and throat eased the tension in my head as I hoped it would.

As we finally broke through all the trees, a town came into view. My favorite part of the Royal Crest was its architecture. All the buildings and roads were made of cobblestone. There was a strip of small shops and cafes I had been dying to go to, but we never had time. I made a mental note to not let the opportunity slip this trip, especially if I had time. The roads were simple, and all curved in a circle as you got deeper into the town. The reason for this was to make the palace the centerpiece of the pack. It was the most breathtaking building I had ever seen. The outer walls were a soft gray and hung the Royal Crest banners along them. It had a few towers stemming from it, but it was all protected by a giant stone wall and warriors.

I grew confused as we got closer and closer to the castle's main entrance gates. Surely I was being dropped off at the hotel I would stay at before greeting the King and Queen? I would hope so, at least. My hair was frizzy from the flight and I was looking forward to getting my appearance in check ahead of meeting the Royals.

I licked my lips at the time that I realized we slowed down to a stop at the gates. The driver said a few words to the warrior standing guard, and they soon opened the gates for the car to pull through.

The castle was much taller from the point of view I was now in at the base. I nearly got a stiff muscle in my neck whilst looking up at it, but the two men threw from my fascination by jumping out of the vehicle. The passenger walked to the back and popped the trunk, grabbing my luggage. I could have gotten it.

"Miss," the driver said after pulling my door open and holding a hand out for me to take. I almost rolled my eyes at this. I was not a princess. The royalty treatment is not something I want. Out of respect for the man just trying to do his job, I grabbed his hand and pulled myself from the car. Warm wind hit my face, and I happily welcomed it. The weather was so much nicer here than in the Aurora Dawn Pack.

The passenger soon joined us, rolling my luggage behind him. "This way Miss Ford."

"Just Everly please." I corrected both of them politely.

They both did a simple nod and led the way to the two massive doors made from navy blue stained wood. They look ancient but so modern. The driver opened the left door, walked inside and held the door for the two of us to enter. When I did, I was absolutely mind blown by the inside. White marble that complemented the gray walls well covered the ground of the grand entrance. They lined every bit of furniture in gold accents, along with pops of navy blue. Wolves were walking around, smiling and laughing as they carried on their duties for the day. This was heaven on Earth.

"Miss Ford!" A woman's voice came from my left. My eyes caught the owner approaching with a smile, "Hello, I am Esme and I will take care of you while you stay here."

Stay here? I thought they got my luggage because I was going to be transported by a different vehicle to my hotel.

"Oh," I replied in obvious shock, but I wiped it away as soon as it appeared on my face with a smile. "I am Everly. The Miss thing makes me feel special when I am certainly not." I joked with her.

She chuckled with a shake of her head, her blonde hair bounced. "Oh Everly," she emphasized my name, "If you were not special you would not be a guest of King Legacy and Queen Fallon." She then turned to the males behind me. "John, would you care to take her things to her suite? They placed her in the Michelangelo room."

I nearly choked on my silva from her words. The what room?

Before I could ask questions, the passenger, now known as John, filed through the huge opening in the middle of the grand entrance. I guessed it led deeper into the palace.

"Now," Esme curled her hands together in front of her stomach. I noticed her attire then. She wore a light gray dress that was very plain, with gold and blue stitching on her left breast. Royal Crest Attendant, it read. "Let us get you to your room so you can get freshened up before meeting the Royals."

I had nothing left to say, so I nodded and followed her through the halls.

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