The Mystical Attraction of Alpha
Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Chapter 201 – A New Dawn

Ella

If I thought the world was going to look different waking up as a princess, I was wrong. Everything isthe same, even though I feel like an entirely different person than I was yesterday. I suppose I shouldbe getting used to having my entire identity and sense of self turned upside down and inside out, but itnever seems to get any easier. If anything it just becomes more confusing. I still can’t believe that Iknow who my parents are… that my father likely killed Sinclair’s mother… that my own mother is outthere somewhere. Frankly I can’t even contemplate the Goddess’s role in all this, it’s difficult enoughbeing a princess without also being some sort of demi god.

Above all else, I can’t wait until Sinclair is home next week. Yes, we’ll be preoccupied with the summit,but with everything that’s happening right now I simply don’t feel steady without him. I need my mate,and I know he’s just as anxious being away. He would barely release me from our dream date lastnight, making me promise to take it easy today and call him if I got overwhelmed. He could clearlysense my reluctance to agree – but can you blame me? I don’t want to interrupt my mate while he’smaking battle alliances just because I feel a bit weepy.

I force myself to get up and out of bed, even though I feel like I could sleep for a year. I’m almost fourmonths along now, and the baby is more active than ever. He’s also creating new challenges for mybody – like testing the limits of my bladder, stomach and brain. I move in front of my mirror to marvel atmy round belly, running my hands over my stretched skin. I’d been worried that my stretch marks wouldbe gigantic since my body is trying to cram nine months of growth into six, but I see only a few feathersof purple and white around my sides and breasts. It’s also difficult to feel self-conscious about themwhen my mate insists on calling them love marks’ and kisses them every chance he gets.

Of course, another challenge is the fact that none of my clothes fit anymore. Luckily Gabriel’s tailorshave been hard at work designing me a line of maternity dresses and gowns for the summit, but we’vestill got a week to go before they’re ready and I don’t want to walk around naked until then. I head forthe closet and eye all the pretty outfits I bought when we first arrived here, sighing in resignation as Iturn to Sinclair’s rack of clothes. I snag one of his t-shirts, which fits snugly on his powerful build, buthangs around my thighs like a dress, even with my baby bump. I replace a pair of very stretchy leggingsand don’t even bother looking at the mirror before leaving the room. I’m extremely comfortable, but Ihaven’t dressed this way in public since I was a teenager.

When Philippe sees me he valiantly attempts to mask his expression, so I give him a big grin. “It’s yourlucky day, Philippe. We get to go shopping!

Won’t that be fun?’

His humor evaporates, and I relish the look of a man who would rather go into battle than spend themorning in a dressing room watching women try on clothes. Ha! My wolf thinks victoriously. All thesebig bad wolves, scared of a little shopping.

Babies. I agree, deciding to seek out Cora. Of course, I haven’t moved three feet before I notice thatpeople are staring at me way more than usual – and I don’t think it’s my casual outfit. Everyone wecome across bows their heads and moves out of my way, rather than saying hello or smiling at me likethey usually do. I stop dead in my tracks. “Philippe, why is everybody acting strange?” I have a feeling Ialready know, but I need to hear it just to be sure.

‘You’re in a royal palace. Even the walls have ears here, and as loyal as the staff are… when it comesto gods and prophecies… nothing stays secret for long.” He remarks, shrugging in half-heartedapology.

I exhale shakily, So much for the world seeming the same today. My wolf observes.

I can’t make myself move, because a new possibility has occurred to me now. “Is it… is it always goingto be this way?” I whisper, so only Philippe can hear. “People bowing and scraping wherever I go?Afraid to look me in the eye? Am I never going to have a normal interaction again?’

Philippe steps up beside me, a strong, steady presence. “I think you humans have a saying, you haveto teach people how to treat you.”

My lip quirks, “thank you for calling me a human.”

He nods with a soft smile, “the point is that everyone is in shock and doesn’t know what to do… as faras we know there’s never been anyone like you before. So if you don’t want them to bow and scrape,then tell them not to. Tell them you’re the same Ella you were yesterday.”

“But then, won’t they just be obeying me because of who I am?” I inquire hesitantly.

“Maybe at first.” He confirms. “But in time they’ll get used to it, and when you go home the people therewill see how your inner circle treat you and they’ll take the cue.”

“Okay.” I breathe, placing an appreciative hand on his arm. ‘Thank you.”

“Of course, your highness.” He teases, and I narrow my eyes to slits.

Philippe chuckles and returns to his place behind me as I continue down the halls, telling everyone Isee not to fawn or grovel. I want to see the pups. My wolf huffs. They’re always too curious to havethese silly stuck-up manners.

I like that idea. I confirm, First shopping, then the nursery.

When I reach my sister’s rooms, I’m surprised to hear her pacing and grumbling before I can evenraise my hand to knock. Once I do the door swings open and Cora’s livid face greets me. “Goodmorning sunshine.” I say, unsure why she’s so on edge and praying I’m not the reason.

She ushers me inside. “Did you know?” Cora hisses, baffling me completely.

“Know what?” I ask, wondering if the rumors have reached her as well. My heart sinks, I’d wanted tobreak the news to her myself, to let her know that this changes absolutely nothing between us.

‘That Roger helped orchestrate the rogue attack the night at the club!” She exclaims, as if the answer isobvious.

“He did?’ I question, taken aback by this accusation.

‘Yes! It was a plot with the prince from the very beginning. They would attack and he’d rescue you toearn Sinclair’s trust. He acted like it was common knowledge.” Cora grouses, crossing her arms overher chest.

“I didn’t know.” I confess, “But that was months ago, before he saw reason and came back to our side.”

“How can you be sure he did?” Cora lashes out. “If he was willing to do that then how do you know he’snot willing to betray you still? Dominic thought he turned him into a double agent but maybe the Princeturned him back – to a triple agent!”

“Cora,” I begin gently. “Dominic trusts his brother, and I trust him too. Roger lost his way for a long time,but I genuinely believe he turned over a new leaf. I can guess why my mate didn’t tell me this particulardetail, but honestly – I can’t bring myself to care after everything that has happened.”

“How can you say that!” Cora bursts. They might have killed you!”

“Because millions of people are dying because of Damon at this very moment, and I know Roger wellenough to understand he would never let a personal feud with his brother overpower his duty to hispack. He wouldn’t help Damon do this.” I explain. “Besides in the grand scheme of things, that incidentwas nothing.”

“Well, you might not be able to be angry for yourself, but I sure as hell can be!” She declares fiercely.“I’ve told the rat that I’m never speaking to him again and if he comes near either of us I’ll rip his headoff.”

“How did you even replace out?” I inquire curiously.

Cora sneaks a furtive look in my direction, and I can see guilt written clearly on her face. “I wasconfiding in him… I heard about your last session.” She admits, not quite meeting my gaze. “I know youfound your parents and look, I’m not proud of it, but I was really jealous and angry that your dreams arecoming true and mine never will.” The words come out in a rush, and then her shoulders sag. “I thinkhe was trying to comfort me by telling me he was an even worse person than I am – which sort ofworked but it didn’t actually fix anything.” Her lower lip quivers as she glances over at me again. “I wantto be happy for you Ella, I really do… I’m just not there yet.”

Before she can blink, I have my sister wrapped in a rib-crushing hug. ‘Thank you!”

‘What are you doing? Didn’t you hear what I said?” Cora questions stiffly.

“I did.” I confirm, cuddling closer to her. “Everyone has been treating me like some sort of magical chinadoll and it’s driving me fucking crazy.” I confess. “I need some normal. I need my sister – more thananyone else – to keep treating me like I’m the same person as before.”

“Even if I’m being a horrible, ungrateful brat?’ Cora asks against my neck, her arms coming around myback.

“Especially then.” I confirm.

She sniffles and squeezes me, “I can do that.” Cora agrees, her voice thick with emotion. “Now whatthe hell are you wearing?”