14. Smiling and Seducing

The twins gasped while I continued looking at King Maxxwell. I did not know what came into my mind, but it just happened like that.

“You don’t want me to be your mate, huh?” the alpha king asked. “Do tell your reasons, River,” he said, emphasizing my name.

Having him as my mate would be a big advantage on my part. His Highness could offer me the biggest protection I could get. However, in exchange, my life would always be in peril.

“It’s because you do not want me, Your Highness. I don’t want to force myself to be with someone who doesn't like me. My mate rejected me once. I don’t want to suffer again another rejection.”

One of the twins put her hand on my shoulder, wanting to sympathize with me.

“You are better off with someone who will accept you as you, River.”

“Or to stay single or unmated for the rest of your life,” the brunette, Flare offered.

I gave them each a small smile, feeling victorious that slowly, I was gaining their attention and compassion. It would take another push before they would trust me.

The alpha king was unmoving for a few seconds.

“If you do not have anything to say, Your Highness, can I at least go for now? I will put this dress on so we could go to your meeting.”

He turned his back. “Do it faster,” was the only thing he said.

Inside the changing room, the twins hastily helped me slip on the dress, and to my amazement, it fit perfectly with my body. It was not that tight or not too loose. Just perfect for my frame as if it was made just for me.

The twins gave me their approval as they looked at my dress.

“I’m scared I would ruin this dress,” I whispered, brushing my fingertips along the soft fabric.

The dress had a long sleeve but was open in the chest area, showing enough cleavage. My belly button was slightly showing. The dress reached past my knee.

“Don’t be. Now that you are the face of the alpha king, you have to do your best in serving him,” they said again altogether.

I chuckled. “Is that your usual way of conversation?”

“What?” they said again at the same time.

“That way. Talking in unison. It’s amazing.”

Clara shrugged. “We can look at each other’s mind and know what we are thinking.”

Flare said, “It is not a big deal, River. Now, we have to go outside before the alpha king will throw a tantrum again.”

“Wait. What do you mean by being the face of the alpha king?”

The two glanced at each other as if they were contemplating whether they would let me in with the secret or not.

In the end, they whispered. “This is purely based on our observation. You should never let the alpha king know this.”

I nodded and lent more to them. “My lips are sealed.”

“Every ten years, he usually chooses a personal slave that would serve him. And he would kill them with his face.”

“And then?”

“When you say you are the face of the alpha king, you are required to be modest in words and thoughts. Your fashion will synchronize with him. You will be his voice when he does not want to talk.

You can give commands using his name. Above all, you will lay down your life when it is needed to save the alpha king.”

“I can command someone to do my bidding?”

“Yes. In short, you have some power over the slaves. You are like the right hand of the alpha king.”

“My position is that powerful?”

“Yes. But given your status as a servant, I am afraid, someone will not honor your position.”

My heart sank. My past would always be a hindrance to achieving my goal. That was why I should bear His Highness's mark.

“Do they know about it?”

“Only us. But we are certain someone already did a background check on your life. That’s how life in this place works. You will be encountering a lot of enemies along the way if you are on the alpha king’s side.”

That was expected already.

I beamed at them. These women will be of great use to me. “Thank you so much for filling me with all the information I should know.”

“Don’t mention it. We are happy to help you. You see, you seem kind.”

The guilt gnawed at me. However, I try to set it aside for having no choice. I will do it to survive in the palace.

“Let’s go now. The alpha king is waiting for us.”

—-----------------

I shifted my weight from side to side as King Maxxwell continued looking at me. I could not tell if he was satisfied with my dress or not. His expression wouldn’t allow me to see it.

He was hard to read. Difficult to please.

“Did it pass your taste, Your Highness?” I asked.

“River is gorgeous with that dress, Your Highness,” Clara urged. Perhaps she saw it was getting awkward as moments passed by.

“Absolutely gorgeous,” Flare seconded. She put her hands on my shoulders and turned me around. I nearly tripped because of the fast motion, and the twins giggled softly.

He remained silent again.

Damn it. I was trying to gain his favor, but he was not saying anything.

“Let’s go.”

I uttered my thanks to the twins and followed the alpha king.

No matter where I go, as long as I was in the presence of the alpha king, the people would always stare at me. This was what I realized as I followed him. His eyes were straight, trying to answer the people’s courtesy while I was a mere inch far from him. I was like his tail. I looked like a dog waiting for his master’s commands.

Life at Haverstone Pack resurfaced in my mind.

By this time, I would be again busy cleaning every place in the packhouse. Especially the kitchen which I loved dearly. The cook was awfully good at me, letting me eat some leftovers.

“Eyes forward, River.”

I jumped at the alpha king’s voice. He was already beside me, matching my every step. He did not have to do that. I was his slave.

“Forgive me—”

“Hearing you say your apologies over and over again is already irritating, River. Can you be more creative in uttering your apologies?”

I played with my hands. His scent hit me hard and I had a difficult time stopping myself from sniffing him. He smelt so good even if he did not wear any cologne.

“Forgive—” I cut my own words, reminded of what he just said earlier. I gave him a throaty grin. “It will not happen again, Your Highness.”

We passed by a group of guards. They saluted and the alpha king gave his curt nod and we turned left.

Where was the meeting taking place again?

“A kiss between us does not make us friendly towards each other, River. Or friends.”

My cheeks automatically burned at the memories of our heated kiss. Back in the pack. I already buried it in the deepest corner of my memory. But why did he have to bring it back?

“What? I am not…trying to be friendly with you, Your Highness.”

“Really? Why do you always smile?”

Why would someone always think smiling was equivalent to flirting?

“Because I always smile back before?” I offered to say.

It was partly true. I always prepared my smile whenever I stepped inside the kitchen. The cook would say something about being the cheerful slave.

“I don’t think so.”

I clenched my fist and erased my smile. “What do you think, then, Your Highness?”

“That you are trying to seduce me with your smile.”

Seducing him with my smile, he said? It did not even cross my mind.

My steps faltered and I stared at him in disbelief. I looked around. The hallway was empty. I can say what I want to say.

“With all due respect, Your Highness, if I wanted to seduce you, I mind as well strip in front of you. But I don’t want to do that. You said earlier that you don’t want me to be your mate and the feelings are mutual.” I beamed at him. “Smiling eases my stress, Your Highness. Please allow me to do this. This would make me adjust faster in life at the palace.”

“Do what you want. I don’t care. But remember I do not always smile. And being my face, you should portray my emotions.”

I stilled and removed my smile. This brute was difficult to please.

“Understood, Your Highness.”

We continued walking a couple of distances and finally stopped in front of a big room, heavily guarded by warriors of the palace.

I fixed myself, nervous at what I might see on the other side of the door. What kind of people will I see?

The bullies? The friendly type? Or the unreadable ones?

“We are here, River. I want you to be on your best behavior and not fool around.”

Before I could reply, the guards opened the door and I was momentarily blinded by the light coming from inside the room. I saw silhouettes of people.

My eyes widened at what I saw inside the meeting hall.

“Are they real?” was all I said and His Majesty dragged me inside, holding my hand.

“Your Highness, you do not have to bring your servant with you.”

Servant.

My head spun. Someone already knew my status.