| Three |

"Hope is being able to see that there is a light, despite all of the darkness."

- Desmond Tutu

Song : Count on me by Bruno Mars

•••

February 1, 1943

As we drew closer to the palace, I sucked in breath. Immortals usually don't really need to breath, it's not really a reflex that is required for us to survive. I felt sick to my stomach and nervous. Butterflies flew within my stomach. My father said that he would make the announcement to the family before we go hunting.

As much as my throat burns from the lack of blood and food, I'm more focused on how my other brothers might react. How would the kingdom react? A female Alpha? There has never been such a thing. An idea like that has been opposed for years and years. More like centuries. Then my mind went to to other things.

What about the Elders? Better yet, What would the Elders think?

The Elders were wise, but they lived in the past. Most were born in the B.C time. Our oldest was around since King Agamemnon of Greece! They lived in a time where a female's purpose in life was to create sons and keep house. Some of our Elders still believe I must be used to make alliances with royal families of foreign countries.

Ryland must have seen me shudder for he leaned over and pulled me close.

"Nervous, Aimé?" My brother raised an eyebrow.

"A little bit, yes."

"Don't be."

Our palace was the smallest in every country. We did not want our royals to look to rich and famous. Everyone is equal. Everyone must be equal. So the palace was more of a mansion, than a palace. It didn't have any lavish gates or security. It was just a small palace on a mountain surrounded by lavish and green forests. There were no servants or butlers. We admired handiwork and accomplishing things for ourselves. The exterior was quite lovely with tan bricks and fresh ivy hanging on the walls. Surrounding the left side was the beautiful rose garden.

Ryland tended to it every day to make sure our roses stayed healthy and strong. Theta guards marched around the palace to make sure everyone was safe and sound. There was a large bell in the field that looked over a hundred years old. That bell was used to signal everyone that rogues were attacking and that the non-thetas should take shelter. Our rogue shelters were underground and close to the weapon shed.

My favorite guard, Eikko Mecidi was standing by the entrance waiting for me. He was a male a two hundred years, even though he had the body of a twenty one year old. He had the life I always wanted. A simple home, a loving mate, and two grownup daughters, a bit older than I was. Eikko's mate Anamelia, was a healer, and his two daughters Kenttru and Delilah were both local actresses. Kenttru was one hundred five and Delilah was sixty eight. Kenttru was the one who taught me how to sew and cook. Although I'm not the best cook in the world, I can at least do the basics. My brother Lovecraft is the better cook.

"Afternoon, your highness." He tipped his hat.

Eikko was born in the junia world, called Earth, into a nomadic tribe. The Nomads were immortals who chose to live in the junia world instead. It's very hard to become a nomad, for there is a lot of paper work to be done. The worst part is, the nomads have to hide themselves and aren't free to be immortal. I heard that there is no magic, or different species. How must it be to live without magic? That is one of the many perks of the human world.

I could live a normal life without rogues, drama, and magic. People will look at me and see me. Not some pretty faced princess. I could be free there. If I wasn't Dauphin, I would become nomadic. Princess Ledelle of Athenion lives a carefree life in a place called Dublin. I also have heard that on Earth, there are smaller countries. Some people think the junias are idiots who cannot remain united as one. That is true, but I admire junias. I admire their bravery and will to accept everyone as they are.

Eikko said he was born in a place called America. It was country located in the same area as Erlund and Nevaeh. Our globe is very similar looking to Earth. He said in America there were no royals. Just a person called a "president". He told me of the stories of America's bravery and will to be equal and different. I have met some american spirits. They told me stories of war and liberty. They do have "celebrities", however. But that doesn't matter. Everyone has equal rights and status.

There isn't any Alpha, Beta, Thetas, or Omegas. They called their government a "democracy." We had democratic monarchy. A system in which royals lead, but there are many different rights of the common folk. The common people have the right to impeach a royal family. They also elect a Prime Minister and Parliament to help advise the royals and nobility. Very different from America.

I shall visit there someday.

One day.

"For the last time, Eikko, call me Snow." Eikko had a habit of calling me princess or 'Your highness". I didn't like formalities. They made me feel special. I'm nothing special. I'm just a regular female trying to learn her trade and purpose in life.

"As you wish, your highness- I mean, Snow." I smiled.

"Good day, Mr. Mecidi." Ryland greeted.

"Good day, your grace." Ryland raised an eyebrow. He hated formalities as much as I did.

"Ryland." Eikko smiled.

Ryland put his hand on my shoulder and led me inside. The interior of our palace was quite spacious and simple. My bedchamber was the top floor along with my brothers. It was particularly decent size. I noticed my whole family gathered in the main room, my brothers, Caius, Dominic, and Lucius. I took in a large breath as I walked inside the dining hall.

Dominic's sons, were my half brothers with the surname of Bellmonte. Archangel is the oldest, with whom I have bonded with over our love of archery. I was trained in all weaponry. He was always the most sophisticated and had a tendency to be a bit boring at times. Foxclove, the second oldest, was more outgoing. I always recognized his scent, because he always smelled like peppermint. Foxclove is a closet weapon designer, he doesn't know I know. And Draven was the brother I was least close with. I know he wants to be Alpha. He wants it more than anything in the world. I don't want our relationship to suffer because of this.

I know what you are thinking sister. I heard Ryland's voice echo in my head. He's mind linking me. Families can train their minds to mind link each other. Only families can naturally mindlink. Others must have the natural gift in order to mindlink.

Of course you do, you can read minds.

I don't need telepathy in order to know what is going through your mind, Snow. Don't be nervous about Draven. If he truly loves you, he will understand. 

Caius walked up to me proudly. "There she is! The pride of Scarlet! Wait until we make the announcement!"

Caius wanted a father bond with me. He wanted to be my father. Along with Dominic and Lucius. All of them tried to win my attention. I need not a father. Although sometimes I wish I had one. I only ever looked at Caius, Lucius, and Dominic as mentors or uncles.

I brushed him off. "Caius, please."

"What announcement, father?"