Fated To The Cursed Lycan Prince

Crystal’s POV:

With the exception of the cars owned by the royal family, all other vehicles had to go through a thorough inspection. Once checked and approved, only then would the cars be allowed to enter the imperial palace. It had been so long since I last stepped foot in these grounds, but right now, I was entering the palace as an Alpha. I had become accustomed to how I was living my life the past few years that it had slipped my mind how strict the palace was when receiving visitors.

I did not apply for approval in advance, so I had to walk to the gate to have my arrival recognized. I slid out of the car, grabbing an umbrella on my way out, and strode towards where the guard was. The rain brought gloom as it poured hard, but I maintained a smile intended for business cracked on my face before I handed the guard my ID card and job certificate.

The other party curtly bowed in my presence. He took what I handed over with respect before giving me a confused look. “You’re an Alpha and you haven’t applied for a pass?”

“My coming over was rather unplanned, so I forgot to apply for an immediate pass.” I pushed an awkward cough, bringing my free hand to touch my mask. It was an unnecessary explanation since he was only a guard, but I felt the need to somehow defend myself.

“Please wait here for a minute. I’ll let your car pass for now, and you can apply later,” the guard said as he returned my belongings. He was rather enthused and complacent than strict. After making sure that I got back my card and certificate, he ran to the back and talked with another guard who was in charge of the cars that were checked and approved for passage.

I stood still and stared at the open gate that was welcoming us in. I ought to feel relieved that we were passing without any difficulty, but I couldn’t help but feel a little inconceivable at the same time. When did the guards here become so complacent about the people they were letting into the palace grounds? Well, then I remembered I was now an Alpha. The thought made me shake my head. Indeed, power was a leverage at almost everything.

I slowly let go of a sigh, folded the umbrella, and hopped on the car again. Like I said, it had been a long time since I had been here, so a lot of things had changed. It was silly of me to assume that I was the only one who did.

The guard who had checked on my document slipped into a white patrol car and led the way.

Soon, the vehicle came to a complete halt when we reached the area where the white palace was. No vehicle was permitted to enter beyond the point we were at, so we had to walk inside.

Umbrella in hand, I was walking ahead with my men behind me, bringing with them the gifts we brought for the lycan king. Although it was unnecessary since I was somewhat familiar with the surroundings, I let the guard warmly acquainted me with the area. With the way he was briefing me, it seemed he completely thought it was my first time being there. He even considerately told me what foods I should be trying and the places I should be visiting while in the city.

I let him be and even asked questions from time to time to let him know that I was immersed in what he was talking about. I guess I did not have the heart to break to him that I was no longer a stranger to the city or the palace, much less.

“The Alpha of each pack resides in the nearby palaces, and each palace has its own unique characteristics. You can pay a visit to them later.” A bright smile was notched on the guard’s lips trailing his suggestion.

“I will,” I responded as I closed the umbrella. The rain stopped pouring and was replaced by a gust of wind blowing my hair away.

The guard took the umbrella from me and led us up the white marble steps. The widely opened palace door gave us a sneak peek of how resplendent and magnificent the inside was. The night was starting to eat the light away when we arrived earlier coupled with the rain, so the lights were naturally on in the palace. As we ascended the classy perron, the servants were lined up, waiting at the door to help us with our baggage.

“I’ll be the one who’ll guide you to the reception party later. It’s specially prepared by the King and will commence at eight o’clock. All the Alphas who’ve come here will be gathered by then.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

I studied the guard. He was a young fellow. I could see how dedicated he was at his job by how loquacious he was as he toured us around the palace. I was pleased to know that rather than be bothered that entertaining us topped his tasks, he was enthused at having us that I was close to giving him the thumbs-up he so deserved.

“What’s your name?” I asked, speaking out of turn.

He was taken aback at my sudden question. If I were in his shoes, I would probably be as shocked as he was. Considering our stations in life, it would be surprising to have his name asked by an Alpha such as me. He stammered with fear, perhaps trying to recollect what he had done wrong in the past couple of minutes. “My name is Ben.”

“Okay, Ben,” I echoed. “You’re doing a good job, so I’ll keep you in mind. I’ll put in a good word for you when I’m with the lycan king.” I patted his oddly frail shoulder for a guard and continued to walk forward.

I caught a glimpse of how his face brightened and became even more effervescent. Perhaps my gentle bearings resonated with him, he became bold and made it more obvious that he was looking at my mask.

A rare shot of embarrassment swept through me as his gaze became more obvious, so I simply told him that my face was marred in an accident just so he could stop looking at my mask. Now that I thoroughly considered how defensive I might have seemed, I silently hoped he would not keep his mouth shut from spreading things about me that did not concern him. His bubbly personality was key to this move.

One look at the guard and I could decipher that he was the type to have compelled a lot of friends. Considering how he blabbered, just listening at him for a few minutes would give away how he was not good at keeping secrets, either. I believed that in a span of just a few days, chattering conversations about me having a disfigured face would soon fill the palace halls.

The guard sported a complex expression. His face was distorted into a mix of regret, pity, and misery for what he thought was an unfortunate tragedy that befell upon me. Not even once did he look again at my face.

At least he was not stupid.