The Rejected Werewolf Princess by Didiadeyemi

CAMILLA'S POV

I was anxious. I had woken up that way and since the moment I got out of bed, it had been bubbling under my skin. My entire body felt alive and poised for the moment something were to happen. I didn’t know what I was waiting for or what that something could be but it was like my subconscious knew and was forcing me to prepare for it.

I knew I wasn’t the only one because I passed Christine in the halls and she was so lost in thought that she didn't even stop to acknowledge me. Something felt completely off and I knew it was only a matter of time until I figured out what it was. I made sure to keep a close eye on Marie and Peggy but the truth was that neither of them had left their rooms since last night.

“Camilla,” Ryker's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I looked up at him. “Aren’t you going to answer?”

We were on the dining table and I had been absentmindedly pushing my food around my plate. I gave him a confused look and he gestured over to Riley who I could see was staring at me expectantly and waiting for a response.

“Could you repeat the question?” I asked and I saw her smile falter a little with worry. “I had zoned out for a hot second.”

“I was wondering if Ryker told you about my offer. We haven't been able to spend time like a family and I don’t want things to be awkward between us. I was hoping we could just take a day off and just have fun. It is alright if you don” want to.”

A refusal was at the tip of my tongue but looking at her, I couldnt bring myself to say those words. It reminded me of kicking a bruised puppy. I turned to Ryker with a raised brow because one thing I didn't miss in her statement was the fact that Ryker knew about this and didn’t prepare me for the question.

His lips didn’t move but I heard his voice clear in my head. “l wanted to refuse her too but you know how hard it is tc say no to Riley. She thought we were avoiding her because of what happened between Damien and Riley.”

“That isn't true.”

“Do you want to try explaining that to her? I cannot tell her what is happening and unless I have a good reason as to why we don’t want to spend time with her, it feels like we are. It's just a few hours of one day, we can spare the time for family. Besides, the girls dont have school today, it would be fun.”

“Okay,” I said and he sighed I relief but I stopped him. “What about Juan and Christine? In what world do you think that Juan would agree to this? He doesn’t want to see Damien after what happened.”

you just focus

like a fine day to go out. We wouldn't want to veer too far fron the palace so I was thinking we could have lunch on the terrace.

blank eyes. I explained everything tha happened in detail hoping that it would make the news easier to swallow but her

“Say something”

to see either of them. He tends to hold grudges.” “Ryker said he would handle it. Look, I know this isn’t the best thing in the world and it is probably the last thing yot wanted to hear- me too- but we have to do this for her. You don’t have to, I completely understand if you refuse because she isn't your family but

I would come, Camilla,” she laughed pushing to her feet. “She might not be my family but she is yours and she is Ryker’s and that makes her important to me too. I just need

“I have to go get the girls ready. We will wait for

enough to keep them seated long enough so I could dress

five minutes after the start time and we made our way to the terrace. I was surprised to see Ryker and Juan already there. Christine was already seated behind them and it was clear that she was anxious. Juan had a frown on his face and his hands were crossed over his chest. His frown cracked a little when Audrey went skipping over to him to show him

for a second in between talking to my daughter. “I want to preface this by saying I do not

I sighed. “I know.”

in their lane then this might just go well. I don't want him looking

office.” “I thought we already established the fact that she was sent to the physician's office because something was

doing this as a favor and the moment he pisses me

nothing I could do about it. We sat Damien as far away from Christine as possible but it was still a small table and all one had to do was lift their eyes and they would be looking at each other. It was clear that

next to me. I glanced over at Ryker. “This will be a disaster. I can smell

fine,” I wasn't sure if he was trying to convince me or

out and that was enough to get everyone's attention off things. Audrey filled the air with her chatter as usual and for a few minutes, there was some peace and serenity to

her words. “I just- I know you had to see the physician and I wanted to

fine,” her response was curt and to the point. It was clear she didn’t want to talk

what happened to you? The maids come up with the most absurd pieces