This is just a game
Noah was becoming increasingly annoyed by Bridget's incessant pacing around the house. He let out a sigh and looked up at her.
"Could you please cease your constant pacing and take a seat for a moment?" Noah asked his wife, Bridget. "It's rather bothersome."
"What? Am I bothering you? Your daughter has been locked in since last night," she retorted.
"Well, once she's done with her theatrics, she'll come out eventually." Said Noah.
"What happened? How could the king not choose Lydia? Is that even possible?" Bridget exclaimed aloud.
"For starters, it's your fault for letting her out. And secondly, Lydia didn't have what it takes," Noah responded nonchalantly.
"She doesn't have what it takes? Is that all you can say when our daughter has been rejected and everyone is laughing at us?"
"How can we be viewed as a laughingstock when we are the family of the future queen? Or did you forget that we have two daughters one of whom was chosen?" Noah replied pointedly.
"Yes, and that is exactly what worries me," Bridget said dejectedly after sitting down. "We never properly prepared Mia to become queen while Lydia had been groomed for this position for quite some time now."
"And yet she failed. If I had known earlier, I would've spent months grooming her myself instead of having her sister steal it from under our noses," Noah remarked.
"It looks like both you and dad are feeling frustrated and concerned about the situation with your daughters. It's important to approach these types of conversations with empathy and understanding. Instead of dismissing your daughter's feelings as "drama," it might be helpful to validate and acknowledge their emotions. By doing so, you can create a more supportive environment for them to open up". Said Hardin to his parents.
"Where is your phone? Call Mia; I wish to speak with her,"Noah demanded.
"Why must I be the one to call her? Do you not have her contact information? Or perhaps you fear she will decline your request or have you just remembered that another daughter exists?"Hardin retorted sarcastically.
....
The incessant ringing of Mia's phone roused her from a peaceful slumber, prompting her to groan in annoyance at the untimely interruption. Though reluctant to abandon her cozy bed, she begrudgingly reached for the device resting on her nightstand.
"Hello?"Mia answered curtly, still bleary-eyed from sleep. However, upon hearing the familiar voice on the other end of the line, all traces of drowsiness dissipated in an instant.
"Dad?"She exclaimed incredulously as she sat upright in bed. It had been so long since they last spoke that she couldn't even recall when it was.
"Why are you still lazing about at this hour?"Noah's stern voice boomed through the receiver, causing Mia to flinch involuntarily. Knowing how strict and no-nonsense he could be only heightened her anxiety.
"A-ahm..."She stammered nervously as she struggled to form a coherent response; words failing her momentarily.
"Rise and prepare yourself for the day ahead. Do you wish to invite scrutiny upon my parenting? It is imperative that you comport yourself with decorum and avoid bringing dishonor upon our family name. I remain perplexed as to why the king selected you over your sister, but such is his prerogative." He sighed deeply before continuing, "I understand this may be an unfamiliar experience for you, given that it was unexpected, but endeavor to adapt swiftly and maintain vigilance as there are potential dangers which may arise during your tenure. Choose your battles wisely and stand resolute in your position." He ended the call after that.
Mia found herself at a loss for words.
"Did he actually express concern for my safety? This is uncharacteristic,"
she murmured under her breath prior to rising from her slumber.
........
""Did you find her more aesthetically pleasing after your visit to her chambers last night?" Inquired a blonde woman perched within the confines of the room.
Sebastian's voice was cold and emotionless as he retorted, "Who are you to question me?"
"I am someone who-"
Sebastian cut her off before she could finish with an insinuation that left no doubt about his contempt for Daniella's motives. "Someone desperate merely to climb into my bed? How foolishly naive,"he chuckled darkly while approaching her. "You must realize by now that I would never consider marrying someone like you."His smirk was cruel when he added, "Wake up, Daniella."
Her heart sank at his words; despite being born into one of the most powerful werewolf families, she had debased herself by becoming a servant just to be near him. Now that she thought becoming the werewolf queen was within reach, Sebastian shattered all hope with his callous disregard for their relationship.
"She is nothing but a worthless girl. It is unacceptable for me to be discarded after being used. I cannot tolerate this mistreatment and neither will my father,"she declared resolutely.
Sebastian sneered at her with anticipation. "I am eagerly anticipating your father's reaction. Leave my quarters immediately and vacate the Moon Castle as you are no longer needed here."
Daniella was seething with anger; such humiliation was intolerable given her noble lineage. Although she harbored immense resentment, she refrained from voicing it out of fear of Sebastian's character. As she made her way towards the door to leave, Sebastian spoke up once more.
"Let your father know that this is just a game."
Daniella forcefully shut the door, leaving Sebastian alone in the room.
Sebastian leaned back against the wall, his thoughts consumed by the upcoming war. He knew that he needed to focus all his efforts on preparing for the battle ahead, but his mind kept drifting to Mia. The thought of her being the werewolf queen irked him to no end. 'How could someone like her lead their people?" She was inexperienced and had no idea what it truly meant to be a leader.
But then again, Sebastian couldn't deny that there was something about her that intrigued him. Maybe it was her innocence or the fact that she is an outcast. Whatever it was, he couldn't shake off the feeling that she is special.