Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder

Chapter 145: Things Are Not The Same

I woke up early in the morning and stretched my limbs. The warm rays of the sun were on my face and I smiled at the familiar comfort of being in my own bed. I turned, reaching out to the other side of the bed and frowned at the cool emptiness beneath my hand.

Why did it feel strange? I sat up in bed and looked around my room. Nothing seemed missing or out of place but still, something was off. I reminded myself that I had been away for a year based on what everyone told me, and whatever I did during that time, my body had to get used to being back home again.

My stomach growled and I hurried to get cleaned up and dressed for breakfast. Rushing into the dining room where the staff had already prepared my favorite foods, I felt myself frowning again as I sat at the empty table.

My father was usually a very early riser and I assumed he must have already eaten and gone to catch up on business he missed with the elders. It was so quiet. At the palace, people seemed to fuss over me nonstop, which I hated. But, I didn't like the feeling of sitting alone to eat either. There were so many things on my mind but no one to talk to.

I reminded myself that my forest friends would have missed me and were eager to hear whatever I was thinking about.

After I hurried through breakfast, I wrapped a spare biscuit in a napkin, grabbed a pencil and sketchbook, threw a shawl over my shoulders and made my way from the house into the forest, enjoying the crisp morning air and warming sunshine.

Birds fluttered happily in the tree canopy and rabbits scampered along the path. It didn' t take long for me to get to my favorite spot beneath a great oak tree.

“I can see that you all missed me," I teased the animals that seemed curious and shy about my return. 'Apparently, I have been away for a year. But, I have lost my memory. Don't be shy. It's the same old Ciana."

I set my pencil and sketchbook down before unwrapping the biscuit and breaking off a piece. I crumpled the pieces between my fingers and sprinkled the crumbs on the ground. The birds dove in first and were joined by the squirrels and rabbits.

'Okay, so you remember me now..." I giggled and smiled as they got comfortable gathering together for the crumbs I tossed on the forest floor.

When the biscuit was all finished I brushed my hands together and picked up the sketch pad.

"I have to say, I am so happy to be back home. When I was in the palace, I really didn't have anywhere to go or even any room to breathe. Everyone seemed concerned because I was injured and I did lose my memory."

A red robin landed on my shoulder and nudged my cheek while a squirrel took a moment to blink at me sympathetically.

"Dottie, the healer, was very kind. Then there was Brook who felt like a sister. She was in love with the king's beta," I emphasized dramatically and they all rustled around excitedly. 'Yes, he loves her too. His name was Jake and they are mates and getting married.'

Even more excitement rippled through them.

"There was Prince Warren who was polite and tender, he's the king's brother. And then King Theo. He has a zoo."

They all looked stunned by the idea.

"Oh, he had all kinds of beautiful animals. All were very smart and clever..."

Theo's eyes flashed in my mind and I put down the pencil I was sketching with.

"The king... He told me to call him Theo... He knew how much I like animals and he bought me a gift. It was a very sweet leopard. I named her Neava. Warren and Jake were supposed to make it a surprise but I stumbled upon them with her."

I laughed as I remembered the time he and I were together in his garden. My fingers touched my lips as I remembered the kiss he gave me when I first woke up.

I came out of my daydream the animals were looking at

all of you but if they are that kind and caring after

at me

pick up my pencil, I wanted to finish that last sketch before I left. When I

a tree with a

around my knees and

should ask daddy to help me recover my memories after

see what stepped on it but then felt

my mouth as I struggled to free myself. I quickly became dizzy. The world spun around me and I crumpled to

***

*Theo*

budget for the palace staff and soldiers. After staring

was thinking about

I had a long conversation with her father, and I was

Realm of Light and the White Queen. Everything seemed to have come

at some point, I would. However, after following her all the way home, after

energetic and joyful outside of the palace, why would I bring her back? She was

could recover her memories

get together, then I would brush against her,

until we could find the portal to the Realm of Light and get her the blessing from the White Queen

was about to enter. I picked up the pen again and looked

have come back in for each of

papers then went back to work on the budget. Warren put the papers down

was going to try, yet again, to bring up Ciana. I kept my eyes on the numbers hoping

He didn't.

that it is time for the palace and its new King to host

reasons why that was a bad idea ran through my

repair we have to pay for. The country is

brightest, coming-of-age children to meet and match with their potential mates. Nothing is more imperative to the future

are a lot

"I rehearsed them."

did. Fine. Sure, let’s throw a Moon Ball,

knew you would say that." He reached into his lapel and extracted a folded piece of paper.

I'll

and

“What now?" I asked.

and day nonstop. You can't keep this

"I'm fine.”

didn't you go get