"Daniel!" The male Alpha stiffens from my whispered shout.

Daniel whips his head around, soft green eyes becoming hard as he scans the area. "Princess?"

I stick my arm out from the hidden alcove I stand near. "Here!" Instantly, Daniel is at my side and checking me over.

"Princess Hope, why are you hiding?" He startles when I forcefully grab his wrist and back us into a dark corner.

"We were right about Queen Mac." I glance over his shoulder to see if anyone is walking past the hidden alcove entrance. After a moment I start again. "She says I'm her mate!"

He stands rigid as stone. "Alright..."

Seriously, he doesn't understand. "Daniel, are you even listening?"

"Yes, I am. What happened last night? I left your room well after midnight and you were still asleep." He places his hand on my shoulder in a comforting gesture.

My cheeks flame for the umpteenth time this day. All night and morning I've gone over a thousand times in my head about what transpired only a few hours ago under the darkness of night. Several emotions have swum through me most commonly, mortification, sadness, and curiosity. "I took a bath and Queen Mac entered my chambers while I was still bathing."

He growls, hand going to his sword strapped at his side. "You are a pure, unmated Omega, Princess! No one should ever be alone with you while you bathe."

"I know right." I agree with just as much fierceness as Daniel. "Then we had dinner, well not really."

"You didn't eat?" Daniel looks down at my stomach. "You are looking a bit smaller."

I hug my arms around my middle from his gaze. "Hush you!"

"Well, what did you do then?" Daniel crosses his arms across his chest, muscles flexing.

Although not as intimidating as Queen Mac's glare, it does the job. "We touched," I mumble softly with my head bowed.

"You what?" He lifts a brow, not sure he heard correctly. "You and Queen Mac had sex?"

"Oh, Luna no!" I shake my head furiously at the thought, but a tiny thrum of heat races up my spine. "Queen Mac's Alpha came out. She became a bit handsy with me but then we were finally able to discuss what was happening between us."

He nods, "So no sex?"

I smack him on the arm with a glare. "No sexual relations of any sort." I blush, "She did kiss me though." Hurriedly waving my arms at his frown, I explain. "Not on the lips, in other places." I rub a hand on my neck. "We're going to discuss further on our predicament tonight."

Daniel is silent. He breathes in deeply, leaning forward to scent at me. His lip curls in a snarl. "Smells like she went a bit too far."

"I know, I keep getting weird looks from all the Northern wolves." My hand presses into the side of my neck where a purplish bruise resides from Queen Mac's ministrations of last night.

"Alright, but why are you hiding?" He turns around to glance out of the alcove then leans forward conspiringly, "Has anyone threatened you because of her scent on you?"

Trembling, I shake my head 'No'. "I was hiding from you."

Daniel stumbles back in shock. "My Princess why?" He takes a knee. "Whatever have I done to cause such duress please forgive me."

"It's not you." I step away from the Alpha. "I thought you might be upset with my choices."

He stares up at me from his kneeled position. "Why would I be upset?"

"Because Queen Mac is a woman." I jerk back when Daniel breaks out into laughter.

"Princess Hope..." Daniel guffaws, rising from his spot on the ground. His shoulders shake with the force of his laughs. "If you're mates who am I to judge?"

I blink in shock. "You really think that?"

He folds me into his arms, quickly sobering up. "Of course, Hope."

Daniel squeezes me into his chest, Alphan scent helping to calm me. "I will always stand by you, your sexual orientation changes nothing."

"I'm not gay!" I whisper-shout and shove him away harshly.

He lifts an amused brow. "Yeah, that's what they all say."

My hand clenches into a fist, "Five seconds."

Daniel frowns, "What?"

I slip my leather sandals off my foot, the calm before the storm. "Three seconds."

The Alpha backs away when he scents the rage rolling off me, slowly building. "Princess?"

My head tilts to the side with a malicious smile tugging up the corners of my mouth. "Run." If asked about the high-pitched shriek that echoed throughout the entire Solstice palace, Daniel will forever deny that it was him. But we all know the truth. "Get back here coward!" I sprint down the corridor, rage glowing in my eyes. Dark brown irises alight with fire.

Daniel races ahead of me, shoving multiple Northern warriors out of his way. "Move! She's crazy."

"I'm going to cut off your tail!" I throw my sandal at Daniel's retreating form as he takes the stairs down into the palace foyer. "Then I'll skin you and make your coat into a nice rug!" The sandal hits its target, sending Daniel tumbling down the stairs. The Alpha winces, pained whimpers slipping through as he slams into the ground at the bottom.

I slide down the marble railing, skidding to a stop above the Alpha. "Oh Daniel," I smile down at him sweetly.

Daniel rolls over, his eyes widening in fear from my towering form above him. "P-princess, please m-mercy."

"Mercy doesn't exist here." I lift the sandal high into the air above my head. "Any last words?"

Around us several Northern warriors crowd around, murmuring in hushed whispers.

Daniel stares up at me, his green eyes shining brightly. "Yes, I do." Leveling him with a fierce glare, I motion for him to proceed. He smirks up at me. "You are so gay."

"Die!" The sandal sails through the air in an arc. Daniel puffs up his chest, staring into the cold eyes of his fate.

A loud smack echoes throughout the silence, a pin could drop.

"Ow!" Daniel slaps a hand to his face, a bright red shoe print marring his handsome features. "That hurt."

"No, it didn't you baby." I pick up my shoe with the grace of a royal. "Find my other shoe, peasant." I toss the sandal into his lap with a sniff. Behind me, Daniel groans, arms flailing as he flops back down onto the ground. I make it two steps toward the steps before the heavy doors to our right bang open.

Queen Mac stands with silver eyes. She surveys the scene, eyes quickly centering on me.

"Oh no." I take a step back up the stairs. I haven't seen Queen Mac since last night. It's well into the morning, almost lunchtime. I've gone four hours without seeing her, and now that I have, I don't know whether to smile or grimace.

"What is the meaning of this?" Queen Mac uses her Alpha command. The effect is instant.

All the gathered Northern warriors stand at attention, rigid like statues. One steps forward, gesturing toward Daniel and me. "Queen Alpha, the Southerners were fighting."

Daniel and I scowl at the Beta male who answered. Daniel stands, gingerly making his way to my side. "Princess, this is your fault." He whispers down to me.

My eyes narrow into slits, "My fault?"

"Princess Hope, is this true?" Queen Mac settles her gaze on me.

Immediately I want to bare my neck to my Alpha for forgiveness for embarrassing her. "It was a misunderstanding that has been resolved." Steel lines my tone. I refuse to bow down to her severe gaze.

The two of us hold each other's gaze, neither backing down. Internally, I tremble because I know Queen Mac will be upset with me, but as the face of the Southern Kingdom, I can't let her win. She growls, taking a step forward at my clear defiance. The room suddenly becomes chilled.

Beside me, Daniel goes to step in front of me, but I push him back without breaking eye contact with the angrily huffing female Alpha. Silver eyes the color of ice flash dangerously when I touch Daniel. Queen Mac snarls and advances on us. Before she can reach us though, the heavy doors to the right bang open once again. "Queen Mac, the Eastern Prince has arrived."

Xavier, the Northern Beta and Queen Mac's second in command announces into the silent foyer. He surveyed the area, briskly walking up to Queen Mac and whispering into her ear.

Her eyes never once leave mine, "Alright." She closes her eyes with a deep exhale.

"Princess Hope, would you like to greet our other esteemed guest, or are you too busy behaving like a child?" Queen Mac sends me a wicked smirk paired with a glare.

I blink, head jerking back as if slapped. She did not just call me a child. There is only a five-year age difference between us with Queen Mac being age twenty-seven. Still, did she have to embarrass me like that? "I would love to." I step down the stairs, regal air surrounding me in waves.

Not taking the bait and letting my temper get the best of me, I glide past her and Xavier. Daniel trails behind me shoulder stiff at the prospect of a fight. Once I reach the doors the Northern warriors guarding it stare behind me to their leader. A moment passes before they nod and open the doors. A blast of cold air whooshes past me but I stand firm. Not even swaying in the breeze.

A shadow towers over me and I glance out of my peripheral vision to see Queen Mac. She stares ahead, face locked into a blank mask. I glare harder, cursing the woman up and down inside my head. As if she knows, the corner of Queen Mac's lips lifts in a cheeky grin. In a flash, it's gone.

With an annoyed sniff, I take to the stairs, walking in front of Queen Mac. I know this is considered rude. The guest should not lead the procession. But I don't care.

Queen Mac can eat dirt.

I smirk at the approaching carriage moving at an even pace toward us. The Eastern Kingdom flags wave in the air, the symbol of Evergreen a stark contrast to the bland area surrounding it. The rather large carriage stops, it's flanked on either side by two Evergreen knights on horses. An Eastern warrior opens the carriage door, and a black boot extends out of the car. Long legs follow, causing my heart to stutter in my chest.

"Oh no." I take a small step back.

The female Alpha Queen looks down at me, immediately looking me over for anything wrong. "What is it?"

Instead of answering Queen Mac, I turn to Daniel. "You smell that too, right?"

Prince Nicolas steps out, his dark hair shining. His lazy air and laid-back appearance give off easy vibes, but I know him better than that. It's all a front. That's not what I'm scared about. The second the door opened I was assaulted with a familiar flowery scent. A scent that I know by heart.

He looks back at the car to see another pair of boots peeking out. "She follows you wherever you go, Princess."

"Oh my gosh." I facepalm. "Brace yourself, Daniel."

Sensing the atmosphere, Queen Mac steps in front of me. She towers above, a silent wall full of Alpha. I roll my eyes, she honestly thinks she can protect me from this threat.

My ears bleed when the first squeal breeches the air. "Oh my gosh! This place is freezing."

"Crown Prince Nicolas and Princess Everest of the Eastern Kingdom of Evergreen." An Eastern warrior announces loudly. The Eastern warriors all snap together forming a line.

Discreetly, I move behind Queen Mac a few inches to fully hide. Daniel frowns, he reaches out for my upper arm. He sends me a wink and mouths, "Payback."

Widening my eyes I slap his offending hand. My ministrations fail, and I'm pulled into the spotlight.

Another banshee screech breeches the air. "Hope!" The familiar scent of my best friend assaults my nose as I'm tackled to the ground.

"You're here! I can't believe it. Nick told me but I thought he was lying." The Omega talks a mile a minute, bright eyes gleaming.

Large breasts cover my face, soft plush pillow-like softness doing nothing to soften my fall. I wave my arms frantically, the need for air prominent. "Mmff!" Hands fist into the hard dirt, "Mmmm!"

"Everest get off of her already." Prince Nicolas growls down at his younger sister. He walks forward, ignoring the stiff Northern warriors.

Another growl rumbles above me and I roll my eyes. "Get. Off. Her." Leave it to Queen Mac to get jealous.

Suddenly Everest is pulled off me. She whines, arms still outstretched in my direction. "But it's my Hope!"

Heavenly air fills my lungs causing my already blue face to turn red. "Couldn't...breathe." Everest squirms in Daniel's arms that are wrapped around her. He smirks down at me, sending me a devious wink.

Queen Mac reaches down, helping to bring me to my feet. She growls softly, "Are you alright?"

"Of course, I'm used to getting tackled." I brush the dirt from my robes with a dignified air. Daniel releases Princess Everest once she calms down enough.

"I apologize for my sister's actions." Prince Nicolas bows deeply in my direction.

I lift a brow, he is anything but apologetic. "Yeah right."

Queen Mac looks between us, the Southern and Eastern royals. She clears her throat, "Welcome to the North and Solstice Palace." The normal pleasantries are exchanged before our large group is escorted inside. "Your luggage will be taken to your rooms." Queen Mac sends a smile over her shoulder as she welcomes Nicolas and Everest into her home. "Would you like a tour and then lunch?"

Before anyone can say anything, Everest latches onto my arm like a snake. "I'd like a tour of the palace first." A grimace rises onto my face when Queen Mac glowers at Princess Everest. My best friend is oblivious to the stare as she's too occupied staring up at the intricate ceiling.

"Very well." Queen Mac has steel in her tone, her face blank of any emotion. "Xavier if you will." Her second in command, Xavier, steps forward.

"This way." He begins to lead Prince Nicolas and Princess Everest down a corridor, Eastern knights trailing behind.

"Princess Hope, I would like to speak with you." I stiffen at the Alpha's sharp tone.

Everest pouts, "Seriously?"

Sending the pouting Omega a smile, I pat her cheek softly. "I'll see you at lunch."

Daniel and I watch as the Eastern royals walk away and around the corner. He places a hand at my elbow, "You will see her soon."

"That's not what I'm worried about," I whisper back and turn to face the silent Alpha behind me.

Queen Mac stands in the foyer, her arms crossed over her chest with an empty face. Her sharp blue-eyed gaze trails slowly up and down my form. It's not sensual like all the other times, but analytical. It's almost as if she's seen something that causes her great discomfort.

"Queen Mac?" I walk forward until I stand a respectable distance away.

The female Alpha continues to look me up and down with that same devoid expression. Seemingly finding nothing, she gestures for me to follow her. "Come along, Princess Hope."

The large doors leading to the royal hall open behind her. Quickly trailing after the Queen, I immediately glance around since I haven't been inside this room before.

"Daniel you shall remain outside while I speak with the Princess." Daniel frowns about to object when I shake my head minutely. He growls but nods his head in my direction before leaving. The doors slam shut behind him, leaving Queen Mac and me alone. I can't help but roll my eyes. These situations where the two of us become alone are starting to grate on my nerves.

We stand in silence for a moment, and I take the chance to survey my surroundings. The throne room is grand. Its dark walls and black marble floor reflect the afternoon sunlight that comes from a beautiful rose window situated directly above the throne.

The Northern throne is black, it's made of heavy stone. It reminds me of the ancient tales of black ice in the Northern mountains. Ice that never melts, and is impossible to mine. Queen Mac gracefully sits on the throne, her eyes flashing silver once again before going back to a soft blue. "Come here."

"Are you commanding me or asking?" I cross my arms, attitude rising at the Alpha's rudeness.

"I can make it an Alpha command." Queen Mac gestures once again for me to come forward.

With a roll of my eyes, I stalk forward. With the two of us alone I know that I can act my usual self. "What?" I stand a few feet away at the bottom of the grand steps leading up to her throne.

The female Alpha gazes down at me from her spot on the throne. A lazy smirk lifts her lips. "Closer."

My foot plants on one step, one after the other I slowly climb the stairs. "Are you happy now?"

She shakes her head, "Closer."

I stomp up to the dais, now standing directly in front of the Queen. "Yes, your majesty?"

Queen Mac stares up at me, her smirk stretching across her face.

Anger courses through my veins when she chuckles. Obviously, I don't know what's so funny. Quick as a whip, Queen Mac lunges forward. She wraps her hand around my wrist while the other goes around my waist. She effortlessly tugs me onto her lap. "Sweet, beautiful Omega." She whispers in my ear seductively.

A red blush forms across my face, steadily rising to my ears. "Let me go."

Queen Mac tuts, arms tightening around me. "I don't think so." She leans down to nuzzle at my neck, placing a chaste kiss on the love bite she left from the night before. "You're in trouble, my sweet Hope," Mac says while nuzzling the other side of my neck. She runs her tongue along the shell of my ear garnering a whimper from me.

I muffle a moan by biting my lip. I refuse to spiral down into this hole like last night. "Q-Queen Mac, this is inappropriate."

"No, it's proper punishment for you." Queen Mac lifts me and turns me around so that I face her. My legs dangle off the arm of the throne.

"What do you mean?" My bro furrows in confusion. I don't remember anything that could cause...oh wait.

"You challenged me in front of my men." She nips at my sensitive ear. "Then you embarrass me by letting another woman scent you." She grips my hair, yanking it back so I'm forced to look into her eyes. When I open my mouth to speak, Queen Mac snarls. "Then you try to defy me."

Air stutters in my chest from the pheromones that emit from the Alpha. I find myself desperately wanting to bare my neck while also wanting to passionately kiss Queen Mac. I blink, not knowing why I would be feeling arousal at a moment like this. Snapping back to the present, I whimper again, when Mac grips the back of my neck and holds me still.

She glowers down at me. "Beautiful girl, I'm the only one who can touch you." Queen Mac smiles brightly down at me, silver eyes gleaming.