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.

came out of my daydream the

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

animals looked at me with

to finish that last sketch before I left. When I was done, I

a tree with a python and a leopard next

knees and looked out at the

should ask daddy to help me recover

sudden cracking of a twig startled me. I turned to see what stepped

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

***

*Theo*

the budget for the palace staff and soldiers. After staring at

was thinking about

had a long conversation with her father, and I

Realm of Light and the White Queen. Everything seemed to

following her all the way

father was right. She was so free, energetic and joyful outside of the palace, why would I bring her back? She was safe and happy at home, and that was all that

recover

Maybe what? Even if she remembered, we might get together, then I would brush

"maybe" until we could find the portal to the Realm of Light and get her the blessing from

door let me know that Warren was about to enter. I picked up the pen again and looked up as he brought yet another stack

Theo." Warren scanned my desk for an empty space. "The census results have come back in for each of the packs. You promised

his papers then went back

was going to try, yet again, to bring up Ciana. I kept my eyes on the numbers hoping he would get the hint and

He didn't.

that it is time for the palace and

put the pen down as a million reasons why that was a

all the aid and repair we have to pay for. The country is just getting up and running. No one will have the time or the

how antisocial you've always been, A Moon Ball is about more than dancing, Theo, mothers and fathers bring their best and brightest, coming-of-age children to meet and match with their potential mates. Nothing is more imperative to the future of this kingdom than seeing that the packs remain amicable and

a

"I rehearsed them."

Fine. Sure, let’s throw a

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

there. I'll look

and

“What now?" I asked.

and day

"I'm fine.”

so much, why didn't you go get her and