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A Servant for a Mate - Book 1 of the A Royal Hidden Secret

Caden has a darkness only his mate can soothe. When he finds her accidentally at a ball, she is torn from him due to his own arrogant behavior and cruel words.

It's his fault, and he knows it, but there is nothing that can bring back the little girl who heard all the lies he spewed that fateful night.

It's agony.

Forced to calm his darkness with a mixture of sex and violence, he waits for his true mate to turn 18 so they can be reunited.

For years, he wonders where she could be hiding, where she flew off to when he'd only caught a glimpse of her chestnut-brown hair and blue ball gown.

The longer he has to wait, the more the darkness threatens to overcome him.

Claudia, his little servant mate, watches her prince from the sidelines, her heart wracked with indecision, her wolf the only driving force for her to wait until she comes of age to see if he will be cruel like he threatened, or if he'll be a kind, gentle mate--the type she'd always pictured for herself.

Watching him fuck any number of women is the vilest form of torture, and there seems to be nothing she can do to keep the pain of his rejection from slicing her heart in two.

A prince without a mate is a terrible thing to witness, but when he does find her, will it be to reject her, or to hold her close and cherish her forever?

There are three versions

1. Before it was a trilogy

2. wattpad version that is on patreon

3. Final version that will start to be posted September 2020 on patreon

www.patreon.com/tessat

Sample

Chapter 1 - Claudia

I watched him from the shadows. My drool worthy mate stands strong in the crowded room of hungry female piranhas. The beautifully tailored clothes secure his strongly built frame. Dark green eyes pierce the soul of his female dance partners. Chiseled sturdy jaw proves to all men and woman he speaks business.

My eyes follow the female's hands down his sturdy appendages, and a boiling rage surges inside my heart. He if could scent me I'd show that female who's ass her fingers are gripping belongs too.

I shake my head at the ridiculous thought of me actually confronting another female. It'd never happen. At least not until after my 18th birthday that is. I'm hoping things change by then.

An appalling mistake nearly eight agonizing years ago, not only turned my life upside down but the whole kingdom as well.

The coldness of the brick wall cools my body down from the burning heat of jealousy. How I crave to feel his callused fingers gracing my smooth skin. At the age of seventeen, my body yearns to feel the warm touch of a males caress. This particular man is dancing and laughing away with a beautiful woman in front of my own eyes.

A single tear escapes, sliding down my cheek before a hand swipes out to catch it. "Go to him Claudia. Tell Caden who you are and how unbelievably remorseful you feel for running off." My brother Taylor whispers into my ear. He has been my rock these wretched years. "He will forgive you in time, and you have to know that." Squeezing my shoulder he gives my head a kiss before turning away, leaving me to my miserable thoughts.

Two years older than I, Taylor protects me from the harshness of our lives. Being born a servant isn't harsh nowadays, but it has its demands. A kingdom fails if its servants disobey and disrupt the daily routine.

My family has never felt the harshness of the Kings penalty, but I've seen it happen to others. The criminals get what's coming to them, eye for an eye sort of speaking. It's usually for the wolves who destroy property, steal, harm or disregard any and all orders given by the Royal family.

We do not have to be servants to the royal family. It's more of a honor. My family has been under the ideal care of the royal family for centuries. Not knowing other jobs, we have no need to leave the castle and seek employment elsewhere.

For the past year, I've had the honor as everyone calls it, of cleaning the Royal wing with my mother and three other women. My mom, I are in charge of cleaning four bedrooms; Prince Caden's, and his three guest rooms. Cleaning Caden's room is the easiest out of all four. He sleeps, showers and changes clothes. No sneaking off with a woman to have a quickie in his room. No that takes place in one of his guest rooms. Breaching those doors, I force myself to become impersonal. If I don't, I break down crying.

The devastation of the rooms tells a story of the heated night two lovers spent touching, kissing and caressing in the throes of passion.

The first time I walked into a room, I broke down sobbing in my mother's arms. We sat for an ungodly amount of time as she coo'd to me. I had heard he spent his nights with women of high ranking, but to see the aftermath of that lovemaking is nothing I could have prepared myself for. My mother had to call upon my father and brother to help with the rooms. Otherwise, we would never have finished them by nightfall.

After that first encounter, I shoved all emotion out the window. A blank slate became my work life. No laughing or telling jokes with my mother. I walked in, cleaned the room, prepared it for the night ahead and left.

That is what my mornings have consisted of. Emptiness.

My afternoons are a bit livelier as I get to hang out with my best friend, Nikolai. Ten wonderful years of friendship has solidified our souls together. There isn't a reason in the world where we will lie to each other. He knows my deadly secret, and I fear for the day he has to stand in front of his Prince and explain his betrayal. I for one am not looking forward to that.

Nikolai forced the truth out of me one year to the date of that horrible night. I can still remember the fright in my tiny ten-year-old body as I raced out of the ballroom.

Closing my eyes, I take myself back to that one night. The night everything changed.

I twirl around my mother in the exquisite ball gown she had placed me in moments before. My dark brown hair placed magnificently on top of my head. Little ringlets dangle around my heart shaped face makes me feel as if I'm a princess.

"Claudia sweetheart, you must remember this is a ball, not an afternoon with your brother." Spinning me around, she stares into my bright blue eyes. I had my mother's beautiful eyes and I couldn't be prouder. "This is Prince Caden's birthday ball, you must be a perfect Princess. Do you hear me? No running around, laughing out loud or speaking out of turn. Remember the reason you are allowed to attend this ball."

The love shining in her eyes brings me up straight. I won't disappoint my mother or father tonight. Not in front of the royal family and their friends. Tonight's ball is important as Prince Caden is old enough to recognize his future Princess.

Being a mythical creature has its benefits. All werewolf males have the ability to scent out his soul mate at the tender age of fourteen. Female werewolves, unfortunately, have to wait until their eighteenth birthday. Unlike males who can sniff out or gaze into his mate eyes to recognize his other half, females go into heat. She is forced to stay in bed to prevent unwanted male attention.

At least that's what my mother has told me on countless occasions. I'm not too sure what attention she is speaking off. She never goes into detail. My father informs me that I'm too young at the age of ten to know what male attention means. Nikolai gives me attention, though he educated me that his attention is entirely different from a mates attention.

"Hurry Claudia, it's time to go. We do not want you to be late to your first ball." Ushering me out of our small family apartment in the servant's quarters we rush down dimly light hallways until we reach the entrance to the magnificent ballroom. "Remember to keep your head up straight, my love. Show no fear. We have taught you well to dance as a high born lady." Her eyes sparkle with excitement for me.

"I will, Momma. I promise to make you proud." Smiling at her, I stand up straight, preparing myself for the night ahead.

"We are proud of you already Claudia. Your father and I couldn't have asked for a better daughter than you. Remember that, my love." Wiping a lone tear from her eyes, I lean up and kiss her cheek. I love my momma deeply and wish she could be with me inside the ballroom. Instead, she has to return to the kitchen and finish prepping tonight's dinner.

"Now, go Claudia. I do not want you to miss out on a single moment of this exciting night." Kissing my forehead she pushes me towards the two gigantic wooden doors.

Taking a deep breath, I keep my head high as I walk through the open double doors. I try not to look down as I pass by the guards standing at attention by the doors. They carry such power it frightens me.

This ball is for all the young available girls. Glancing around I notice girls as young as four all the way up to seventeen years of age. My family didn't have enough money to buy me a dress for this ball. Most servants didn't. The King ruled five months before the ball that any young lady who didn't have enough money to buy her dress was to borrow one from a sow shop. My dress may be used, but I think I look like a princess.

Walking on the outside of the dance floor, I keep my eyes open for Prince Caden. I've seen him twice in my life, and he is quite cute. Taylor teases me on my little crush on the older boy. He believes it to be funny when I think he is a big meanie to his little sister. I try to get him back, by teasing him. I'm not good at it at all.

Glancing towards the thrones sitting high up for everyone to see, I notice the King and Queen taking their seats. "Ladies, if I can have your attention!" Instantly the crowd becomes silent as all eyes are on the King. "It's time for the dancing to begin." At his words, four doors to his right open up, and boys of all ages regally saunter into the ballroom to take their position on the dance floor.

Sighing happily, I walk towards the middle of the line to stand in front of a boy slightly taller than me. All the males in this room are fourteen and older. Tonight they are here in hopes of finding their soul mate as well.

"My lady." Bowing slightly in front of me, we take each other's hands as the music begins its beautiful melody and the dancing starts.

I've heard from other servant girls how romantic it is to meet your soul mate. The warm feeling of his soft fingers on yours sends your body into complete bliss. If I find my mate today, I wonder if I will feel it. My father looks at my mother with love in his eyes. Will mine?

We dance from partner to partner for the next hour until the music stops for a small break. Dying of thirst I slowly walk towards the punch bowl table. Taking a small glass, I slide into a chair hidden by a few potted trees.

"What do you plan on doing once you have found her Caden?" A boy's voice whispers to my ears. Peeking through a potted tree, I see Prince Caden casually standing around with two other youths.

"Lock her up in our room until she goes into heat. I do not want another male near her until I can mark and claim her as mine," Prince Caden harshly growls to his friends. I can't see his face, but his fists clench into tight balls.

Why is he angry? Won't his mate feel hurt if she isn't allowed to see anyone until she is eighteen? I would miss my momma and daddy if my future mate did that to me. Though with the hidden tunnels, I might be able to escape with Taylor and Nikolai. Hopefully, I will never have to deal with that.

"What will you do if she is younger than you? We can't believe you will stay a virgin for her once you have her locked up. It's not like she would know if you fooled around." The same boy voiced with laughter.

Fool around? Does that mean he will play with other girls?

"What do you think? Of course, I will. I'm not a pedophile! Do you think I'm stupid Jason?" Power radiates off Prince Caden's body in rivulets. "My mate will stay in our room being schooled on her Princess duties. She will take her meals in our room unless my parents request her at the table. Remember she was born to please me and serve me not the other way around. Once she is in heat, I will mate with her until she is round with my heir."

"You plan on playing the field?" My heart aches at Jason's words. Doesn't that mean cheat? Will Prince Caden cheat on his mate?

"If she is good in bed, I will continue to go to her after she gives birth to my son. I will be stupid to reject any female who comes to me wanting to pleasure me in bed. It's the reason I have three guest rooms, Jason. My mistresses will sleep in the rooms across from mine in case I need them in the middle of the night."

Shivers run down my spine at the offensive words Prince Caden spoke. Mistress? How can he be so cruel to his mate? My father would never dream of having a mistress. I've heard horrible things about those women. They offer themselves up to men in exchange for money and standing.

I will pray for the future Princess tonight before going to bed. I may not know what happens in the bedroom at night, but I do know a male is supposed to love and protect his female soul mate not lock her up and keep mistresses.

"Don't you think she will speak out against you if she finds out?" Nikolai says. He knows what it feels like to lose a mate. The only reason he is here tonight is that he is Caden's best friend. "She won't be happy that you put her second."

"If she thinks to confront me, I will show her what the dungeons look like for a few nights. I'm the Prince by birth, and she is the Princess by mating. Her status means nothing without me," he growls lowly before downing the drink in his hand. "If she goes to my parents, I will flog her in our bedroom until she is submissive to me and only me. There will be no disobeying allowed in this union." (I'm tired of seeing young girls think they will love to be flogged. Caden means he will use a whip to tear the flesh off her back. Scaring her. Nearly killing her. This isn't some 50 shades of grey shit. This is meant for pure and utter torture.)

Flog? Will he physically harm his mate? Oh no! I must inform her before it's too late. I've heard the stories of men being flogged, seen the pictures in books in the library. It's a horrifying act to do, let alone to your soul mate.

Shivering, I stand up on unsteady legs. Taking my glass into both hands to keep them steady, I rush past the evil Prince and his cohorts to drop my glass off. Sighing once I'm out of their eye path and the table, I turn to the dance floor as the music begin to start back up.

"Taylor!" I whisper to my brother through our family mink link.

"Why are you whispering?" I haven't seen him all night as he is only twelve years old and not allowed to be here until he is fourteen.

"I heard Prince Caden speaking to his friends about flogging his mate and locking her in the dungeon if she speaks her mind! What should I do?" Sticking my fingers in my mouth, I start to bite my nails. It's a nasty habit my mother scolds me about regularly.

"Nothing, it will only get you into trouble Claudia. We can only hope she runs from him. I've heard he is an evil prince. One that doesn't care if he hurts others." The disgust is evident in his voice. "I'm happy to be a servant. It means I don't have to be friends with that evil boy. I fear for our future. He needs to change. Otherwise, this kingdom will go up in flames. Claudia, don't worry about it. Go back to dancing before you draw attention to yourself."

Taylor may be twelve, but his mind is advanced in years. I believe his words to be true. May the future Princess run and hide from her evil mate.

Walking into the crowd of dancers, I weave between bodies to get to the dance floor. Right before I take my position I accidently bump into two boys. Instantly a hand shoots out and snatches my hand in his. Small tingles warm my smooth skin. Is this what I think it means?

Peeking out of the corner of my eyes, I notice the boy Jason standing next to the boy I bumped into seconds ago. Small growls sound behind me. What is happening?

"Caden is she?"

Caden? The hand scorching mine belongs to the Prince? The female flogging Prince? I don't want to be flogged and sleep in the dungeon. Tears reach my eyes as the hand begins to tug me around. Keeping my head down, I force myself to look at the floor.

"She is Jason," he softly purrs. "Inform my parents, will you?" Tugging me against his chest harshly, I stumble losing my footing and grabbing onto a nearby arm. The fear in my body at being flogged dims the warm tingles. Yanking harshly on the unknown arm, I pull the unsuspecting person into the Prince behind me.

In the commotion of the bodies falling to the floor, Prince Caden's hand loosens its grip on mine long enough for me to rip it away. Without thought to my actions, I sprint out of the ballroom to my secret hiding spot within the castle walls.

"Taylor!" I scream out frantically. What have I done?

"Claudia, what's wrong?" He asks worriedly.

"It's me!" Brushing past a few guards, I run down circular stairs to come to a dead end.

"What's you?" Looking behind me to make sure no one followed, I hurriedly push in the solid bricks in the wall in the correct pattern. Within moments a hidden door pops open wide enough for my tiny body to slide past. "Claudia, answer me! You're scaring me, mom and dad."

Pulling the lever, the door slams shut in my face, causing dust to fly up around me. I've only used this entrance to the underground tunnels twice in the past year since Taylor and I found the hidden doorway in our room.

"I'm Prince Caden's mate!" Reaching my hand out I grab the flash light to help guide me through the dark and dirty tunnels. It will take me nearly fifteen minutes to reach my room.

"Claudia, please tell me you didn't run?" My mother's worried voice slithers into my mind.

"Of course I did. I don't want to be flogged momma. He said he would flog and send his mate to the dungeons. I don't want to sleep in the dungeon momma. I'm scared. Please don't make me go back." I cry to her. Tears were now slipping down my cheeks at the thought of my back being torn into.

"Sweet, where are you?" My dad's soothing voice eases my aching mind. I'm a daddy's girl. He loves me and will help me, I know it.

"In the tunnels," I whisper softly. "I don't know what to do, daddy. I'm scared."

"We are sending Taylor, sweetheart. Head to the center room and stay there. Until we find out what is happening you do not leave that room, you hear me?"

"Yes daddy. I promise." Brushing the tears from my eyes, I take the steps in front of me to the center room. It's the one room that connects to each tunnel. Over the past year, my family has moved items down here to create a small getaway. Slumping against the couch, I sigh in confusion.

Did I do what I should have done? Am I going to get punished for leaving? I don't want to be punished.

Picking up my dolly, I hold her tightly to my chest.

"I brought you a change of clothes. Why don't I help you out of that dress?" Taylor asks me softly. "That way you can go to sleep." Nodding my head, I stand up as he comes behind me and undoes the strings. Slipping the dress down I step out of the poof ball of fabric. "Here you go." Handing me my pajamas, he turns around. Once I'm done I lay down on the couch.

"What do you think is going to happen to me? Do you think he is going to flog me?" Coming towards me he cuddles up against my back, holding me strongly in his thin arms. My protector.

"I have no idea Claudia. Mom and dad will take care of it." Brushing his hand through my hair he sooths me to sleep. "The three of us will do whatever it takes to keep you safe Claudia. He will die before he lays a harsh hand on your soft skin."

I fell asleep soon after Taylor's words. After that night, the kingdom was in complete chaos. Caden threw a fit nearly killing the boy I made tumble into him. Jason had to step in and pull Caden off Nikolai before he killed him. Nikolai informed me years later Caden actually hunted him down for a second beating later that night.

Chapter 2 - Claudia

"Day dreaming?" A familiar voice whispers in my ear, forcing me to open my eyes.

"You know me to well Nikolai." Smiling, I punch him softly in the arm. I wonder how long he searched for me this time. Apparently I have no true scent.

"I do, that's why it only took me a mere twenty minutes to hunt you down. Not having a damn scent to fallow drives me to quicken my time." It's true. Since the night I gave him my blood, he's had a pull towards me. Not romantic, more brotherly. "I can remember the first time we played hide and seek. It took me nearly four hours to find you and that's only because your brother stepped in out of pity." Shaking his head he leans against the wall next to me.

"How did the date go last night?" The night I gave him my blood he lost his soul mate. Apparently a female wolf had her eyes and paws set on having Nikolai as her mate no matter what. He had no clue who she was until after he murdered her for taking Anna's life. He says he is ready to move on after ten years, though I know deep down he will always love Anna, as she was his soul mate. No matter who he ends up with, she will be in the back of his mind and own a piece of his heart.

"A bust. All she wants is the status I will bring her. I believe I will take you up on a blind date next time." Sighing he turns to the crowd, watching the couples laugh and dance.

"Once my heat is over we will get down to business on lining up a few dates. Find the perfect name to hide your identity." Being one of the military's top leaders tends to bring woman crawling to your feet. Single females know Nikolai's mate is dead and take advantage of it. Crawling into his bed at night, crying rape unless he mates with her. Stupid females don't realize he has cameras in his house for that reason. "We can't have a twenty-five year old handsome male running around single can we?"

"No...no we can't." Giving me a smirk he brings his hand up to my cheek, giving it a small rub. "To bad you're taken, otherwise I wouldn't be single."

Breaking contact with his hand, I roll my eyes. We have joked about being together for the past year. It would be idiotic to go through with it. Once I go into heat Caden should be able to find me through the birth book. It holds all werewolf births unless you're a rogue that is. They tend to forsake rules.

"You're in trouble as is for helping me hide. I do not want you to die for being with me sexually." Over the years Caden has mellowed down from his youthful ways. Flogging went out the window days after feeling the loss of me. Apparently Jason remembered seeing my dress through the tree branches. When he put two and two together they realized the reason for me running away. Hiding in the wall behind the battle room, I heard the screaming, crying and unforgiveable words between all three royals. His parents couldn't believe he stupidly contemplated flogging his own mate. I left before they finished their discussion as the words were getting to me.

"Don't remind me. Once he finds out, I have no doubt he will strip me of my title and banish me to the dungeons. We both know it will take him months to get over my betrayal, if ever."

"I will work my magic, Nik. Technically you protected your future princess. You're loyal beyond reason. If anything he should be thankful you were by my side, defending me." Snorting, this time he rolls his eyes. If anything, Caden will beat the living day lights out of him for knowing who I am. He knew I was Caden's mate from the ball, but didn't give me away. He figured I had to run for a reason, which I did. "I'll do everything in my power to make sure he doesn't kill you Nik. I'm the one who forced you to my side. If anything I should be the one who is punished, not you."

"We both know what your punishment will in tale, sweetheart." Blushing, I push him out into the open. Stupid man knows how to make me blush and I hate it. "It's the truth, might as well get used to it. You have one week before your body will crave his rough touch."

"Be quiet will you. We are at his birthday party, I do not want them to find out who I am yet." The only way to get out of being Caden's mate is to kill myself and I'm not the desperate. Over the years, I've watched him grow into a strong young man who makes mistakes and learns from them. "Isn't it time for you to join your comrades on the dance floor?" If a female saw him speaking to me, all hell would break lose and the both of us did not need that.

"Fine. You own me a dance after the ball. You hear me?" Nodding, I watch him walk off into the crowed room.

Breathing deeply, I try and catch his intoxicating scent. Receiving a tiny morsel, I sigh with a hint of satisfaction. I've loved his musky scent since the moment I saw him at the age of five. It didn't turn me on of course. A since of sense of security covered me when I would smell it at a young age. Until my sixteenth birthday, I felt no sexual intentions towards him. Now I crave his rough touch.

Do I still have doubts? Oh yes I do. The reason is standing in Caden's solid arms. One of his many mistresses. She believes he will pick her for his mate. After all he is twenty-two today and mate less. If his mate doesn't show up by his twenty-fifth birthday he has the choice of choosing his own female to mate with. Until then, by law he has to wait to mate unless he finds his mate first.

I've given him multiple chances to meet me, leaving love notes on his bed for the past four years is one of them. Knowing he didn't bring his mistresses into his own room, I knew the letters wouldn't be opened by anyone other than him.

Each night I would sneak into the secret tunnels and walk my way towards his bedroom. The master of the tunnels created peep holes and secret entrances to each room. Caden's happened to be over his king size bed. Placing a kiss on the seal, I would toss the letter on his pillow. Praying he would respond to one of them.

For four solid years, I've waited silently for a reply. To my hearts horror, I haven't received one.

Nik has tried to explain it way, saying he never received them or the letters he leaves behind are being stolen.

I know the truth. On the outside he appears to have changed into a strong and caring man. In private he cares not a damn about my feelings. He has received and read several letters, I have no doubt. After the first few months he probably stopped reading them and threw the in the trash.

Over the years I've noticed his type of female, big chest a nice round bottom and the face of a goddess. Not one of those can I claim. It's one more check to the board of reasons I stay away. I'm not the beauty he wants for a mate. He probably plans on keeping his mistresses on the side after he finds me. Who knows if his evil side has dimmed down? And finally no response to the letters.

It all adds up to him wanting to choose his own mate not the one the fates gave him. The kicker will be the day I go into heat. The truth about my status will be the final straw. I'm no princess, far from it actually. A mere servant will not be accepted as a princess and future Queen in our kingdom. Definitely not an ugly servant. Queen are pure perfection, which I am absolutely not.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention." Rang the voice of the one and only King. "It is time for the royal run. First off has the Prince selected his partner for the run?" All eyes turn to Caden and the female in his arms. Nodding his head with a seductive smile, I try to hold in the distress in my heart." Excellent. If the females would please head out to the forest to change, the males will follow behind. The run will begin once Prince Caden and his partner reach the front line. Enjoy!" Ending his speech the females head off to undress in the privacy of the trees.

One stays behind to give Caden a rub down with her hands and a heated kiss. Sending her off with a love tap to her rear, he joins his friends for a chat before its time to leave. Nik being one of them.

Out of the corner of his eye, I notice Nik eyeing me up. He knows what seeing Caden kissing anther female does to me. It's my own hell. Giving me a soft smile he turns his attention back to Caden. Without the females present the male's voices wafted over to my small ears.

"She will be a nice bang tonight Caden. I bet she has a little something planned for you in her bed," Jason smirks while punching Caden in the arm. "This night need to be over. I'm already missing my mate underneath me."

"You know the reason she occupies my bed Jason. Not one of us is thick enough to not see through her lies. Jessica wants a crown on her head in three years." His musical laugh slashes my heart. Is he going to give it to her?

"The only reason she believes that is because you've kept her the longest. Normally your mistresses last a few months, not a year. It's not like I blame you." Raising his eyebrows up and down Jason laughs before walking to the refreshment table to grab a drink.

Catching Nicolai's eyes, I shake my head sadly. I knew it was too good to be true. The search for a servant mate lasted two years until he gave up the fact that no servant would stay hidden from a Prince.

Wiping the lone tear away I force myself to walk away yet again. If he wants a whore as his mate he damn well can. I will not step in his path to have a beautiful woman on his arm and in his bed.