ELLA'S POV
"I hope you understand why we can't dress you in an expensive gown and jewelry," Alpha Ethan repeats for the umpteenth time as he escorts me towards the row of carriages waiting in his palace courtyard. Some carriages look a bit weathered, while others exudes opulence that scream royalty. One of them will transport me back to Goldcrest.

Am I surprised? Absolutely. I can't believe I agreed to this. Well, "agreed" is a loose term since Alpha Ethan practically forced me to. He has my family. Not that I give a damn about any of them, but I wouldn't want them harmed or killed because of me either. I got them into this.
"Yes, I get it. The alpha Kings will sniff out the fact that I was helped by someone wealthy... and will be suspicious." I scoff, earning a disapproving look from Alpha Ethan.
I am in a shapeless, old dress that June provided. It resembles something a peasant's grandmother would wear, but its better than the bloodstained torn dress alpha Ethan brought me here in. Besides, I have no interest in impressing my former mates. They already have the beautiful royal woman they wanted.
"Where are you going? That's not your carriage," Alpha Ethan exclaims, taking my good arm and redirecting me towards the carriages at the front. I had been walking towards the least appealing, dilapidated one. I raise a curious eyebrow when I realize he is leading me to the most extravagant one instead.
"So, they won't be suspicious when I arrive in this royal carriage?" I question as we approach the lavishly adorned carriage. He had made it clear that I mustn't breathe a word about my stay in his palace to anyone.
"You are not going alone, princess," He says before swinging open the back door. I am about to inquire about who I am going with, but the door creaks wide enough for me to catch a glimpse of Sir William seated inside.

What?! I am returning to the alpha kings palace in a lavish carriage with William by my side? Or is there a plan these two have that they haven't told me about? I assume William will fill me in before we reach our destination.
I start to step inside the carriage without asking any more questions but Alpha Ethan tugs at my arm, and I turn and to look at him.
"You have five days," he states, and I stare at him in shock.
"What do you mean, five days?" I retort furiously.

"On the night of the new moon, after midnight, I will meet you at the point we agreed. Better bring the crown with you," he adds.
"So, you expect me to deceive three grown up Alpha Kings who rejected me and persuade them to hand over the crown in five days? They're not brainless kids," I complain.
"You will be able to heal them, ask for favors," he insists.
I snort in frustration. "That crown is the most valuable thing to them. In those five days, I doubt I'll even lay my eyes on it. They couldn't care less about me. I'll likely even end up getting executed for stealing."
Alpha Ethan steps forward, closing the small gap between us until our feet are almost touch.
"William will help you, nothing bad will happen. You'll be safe," he reassures, reaching out to brush my black hair gently.
For a brief moment, I almost believe there is genuine concern for my well being in his action and words.
How stupid? I am already believing another lie from a selfish Alpha who just wants to manipulate my feelings because he wants something from me. I mustn't forget that he holds my family captive in his palace.
I guess the reason I get hurt over and over again is because I never learn.
I put my good hand up and push him away. He barely budges. "Stop pretending like you care about anything or anyone besides that crown. Just keep away from my family, and I'll get it for you."
He smiles softly. "I do care about you, but yes, the crown holds a higher priority. I wish circumstances had been different when we met. I could have made you very, very happy. Much more than those wretches did."
I regard him with disgust, a look of revulsion etched on my face. He sure can lie convincingly, just like my mates. I am starting to think it's an Alpha trait.
"Just don't hurt my family."
He smirks and leans in close. "I most certainly will not, I promise. But that assurance stands as long as I you keep your end of our agreement. After the night of the new moon without that crown, I can't guarantee the same." he whispers in my ear before turning on his heels and striding back into his palace.
I step into the carriage, my heart racing with anger. All this suddenly feels impossible and dangerous, but I have no choice but to go through with it. I really hope they were right that the curse is back, because if it's not, I'll have nothing to offer to the kings.
Sir William sits silently beside me, his expression unreadable as the carriage begins to move, taking me back to the place I never wanted to return.
PRINCESS HELLEN'S POV
I crouch and let tears flow freely down my cheeks the second I step back into my quarters.
 
I feel like a cloud of bitterness has enveloped my heart. If the human was to fall right in front of me at this moment, I would rip her into the tinniest shreds more than I did that night.
 
She is taking everything mine away, she is ruining my life in every way despite being dead. Is she even truly dead? How can the mate bond between them still be there?
She was gravely wounded, bleeding profusely when we left her upon hearing someone approaching. No one would have intervened to help such a wretched human. Thinking otherwise I might cause me to lose my mind.
 
It's amazing how fast situations change from good to worst and vice versa. Before the old priest told the kings that the human is the true heir to the crown, they were extremely sweet to me. But now there is barely any of them that wants to see me.
 
Early today their mate was still the useless human that they all didn't want, now they are worried that they won't find her. Since yesterday afternoon, they have been sending letters and messagers to the packs and close by kingdoms in search for her. Can you believe it?!
 "Are you okay my Lady?" Asher's voice startles me. She stands almost a step away. I can't believe I am so distressed that even my powerful senses can't detect a person standing this close.
 
I quickly wipe my tears and stand. I cannot be seen looking this doleful and weak.
 
"Are you crying My Lady? Did the kings hurt you?" The meek idiot asks.
"I have heard the kings are looking for Ella! Is it true." She presses, igniting a surge of anger within me. I already know that but hearing it over and over again is like a direct stab to the heart.
"Yes, but only because the curse has returned," I tell, but I am not sure if I am attempting to convince Asher or myself. At the table, they spoke of the human with so much fondness. But the good thing is I know they won't find her. If they are fortunate, they may stumble upon her decaying corpse.
Even Asher appears unconvinced by my words. She moves to sit beside me, taking my hand in hers.
"Perhaps its time you wait for someone else who truly cares for you, my Lady. Someone kind and gentle, who won't hurt you," she suggests, her voice filled with genuine concern. I am taken aback by her unexpected stupid words.
"Have you lost your mind?" I exclaim in shock, what a ridiculous suggestion. She shakes her head, her gaze fixed on the floor.
"I sleep in beautiful rooms on most expensive feather beds and look at the jewelry and the beautiful gowns I wear." rebuke her gently. "I don't want someone gentle and loving, I want the alpha kings. I'm supposed to marry them. I love them and I am meant to be their queen and have their babies." I state.
Asher gazes at me, visibly surprised, but wisely chooses not to argue with me further.
"So what will you do now, my lady?" Asher inquires just as the door swings open, and a happy Julia comes in hastening towards us. Has her wound truly healed? Her face is still beneath the face scarf? she wouldn't be wearing it if she has healed.
I don't want her going outside so much, people will undoubtedly pry about the ugly wound on her face.
"I have good news, Your Highness," She announces cheerfully, dropping to her knees by my side.
"What news?" I inquire eagerly, hoping for good tidings that might mend my shattered heart, news like the kings have stopped their search for Ella would make me really happy right now.
"I have found a powerful sorcerless who can cast a healing spell to rid me of this awful scar," she tells, causing me to click my tongue in frustration.
While I am concerned that people will question about the unsightly wound on her face, I have more bigger troubles right now.
"She demands payment I fear I cannot afford," Julia continues like she can't see my lack of interest.
Before I can tell her I can't afford to pay on her behalf she interjects once more.
"She also can cast love spells... you can have her deepen the kings' affections for you," she tells and I and Asher immediately share a look.
Asher nods at me encouragingly. Love spells are the most hard spells to cast. I have never been able to do one myself.
"Where is this sorcerless you are speaking of?" I inquire of Julia. "Quick, go bring her here."
"I left her at the palace entrance to come and inform you first. I will fetch her immediately." She rushes out of the room.
Moments later, she returns with an older woman dressed in strange robes adorned with mystical symbols. She also has white long hair and her expression is stern as she glances around my opulent room.
"May I introduce you to my mistress, princess Hellen." Julia says to the woman.
The woman stares at me coldly. " I am here." she states curtly.
I offer a strained smile. "Welcome. Please, have a seat." I gesture graciously at one of the seats across from us.
I am taken aback by her lack of respect as she takes a seat without bothering to bow. Did she just not hear that I am a princess?
"What is it that you seek?" She asks getting directly to the point.
I gather my composure putting on a more convincing smile. Julia takes a seat beside me in anticipation. "I have heard that you possess the power to cast love spells. Is this true?" I inquire.
"It is true. But such magic comes with a price. Are you willing to pay it?" she responds.
I nod eagerly. "Yes, whatever it takes. What do you want?"
" Whatever you offer," the woman replies.
"I have lots of gold. How much gold do you want?" I ask hurriedly getting up and heading to my chest. Opening it, I grab half of the gold coins and a selection of gold jewelry, stuffing them into a pouch, I toss it toward her. That's nearly half of everything I own here, but I believe it will be worthwhile. I can get much more from the kings after the spell works.
"That's enough?" I inquire, and for the first time, the woman smiles and stoops to gather the coins that spilled from the pouch onto the floor.
"Now we can talk." she declares, and I return to my seat eagerly.
"Do a spell for me, a spell of happiness, wealth and love." I tell.
"You want all of them?" She asks.
"I demand nothing less. I must have all of them." I assert firmly. What else I'm I paying her this much for? I want the kings to love me unconditionally, make me extremely happy and spend their wealth on me.
"Then I'll need a little more scratch on my back." she murmurs and anger simmers within me at the audacity of her request. Have I not already given her enough?
"Those are three spells." she states sternly.
"How much more?" I inquire, my voice tinged with apprehension at the thought of losing more of my gold.
"One more token, like this," she demands raising the portous I have just handed over. My hands tremble, but I try not to panic. Will she strip me of everything I possess?
"Very well, I'll give it to you," I concede, watching as a satisfied smile dance across her face once more.
"And who shall this spells be cast upon?" she inquires, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"The alpha kings, all three of them," I reveal and a flicker of concern dance in her eyes.
She quickly masks her unease. "What are your desires for the love spell?" she probes.
"May the alpha kings just want me. May they be consumed by their desire for me. I must be whenever they turn their eyes."
"I want the spells today, at once." I declare and she nods.
"Is there nothing you desire for your loyal servant here? Perhaps a spell to heal her wound?" The woman inquires, her gaze drifting towards Julia, who immediately sits up expectantly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
I feel a pang of guilt and frustration at the mention of more payments for Julia. My chest is empty, there's nothing more I can give.
"No, she doesn't want anything." I respond curtly, turning my gaze to Julia, whose eyes widen, her expression a mix of disappointment and simmering anger. Can't she see that I have nothing left to offer?
The woman merely shrugs, unconcerned.