10

Five years later

The carriage stopped outside the palace and Siarah threw open the door and raced inside. Her family was standing in the grand foyer.

Her father's hair had started greying and her mother was slimmer, but her skin was as flawless as she remembered.

Her twin brothers were now five. They raced toward her and tackled her in a hug.

"Hey, Axel. Ian. How have you been?"

Ian and Axel giggled and then raced down the hallway. Her mother encased her in a hug, then her father.

He kissed her cheek. "How have you been, daughter? Has my mother treated you well?"

"Yes, Father. Your mother is a very sweet woman." Siarah said with a smile. "Would you mind if I go and make myself presentable?"

Her parents nodded, and Siarah headed up to her room. Before she arrived at the palace, her parents sent her a letter saying that they were going to throw a celebration to attract suitors for her.

It is the law for a princess to marry at 16. And when she turns 18, her parents will have her coronation.

There was a dress already waiting for her. It was a strapless lavender ball gown; the skirt was flowy and there were purple diamonds scattered on it. She reached and ran her finger along it.

Then there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Jennie entered and beamed. "Evening, Princess. Your mother asked me to help you prepare for the celebrations."

"What happened to the werewolf attacks?" Siarah asked. "Did they ever come?"

Jennie closed the door. "That is what has everyone puzzled, Princess. They only came to take the occasional citizen from town, and if they were spotted, they'd just kill their victim on the spot and then flee. They never tried to make an attack on the palace."

Siarah frowned. "Was there a pattern between the victims?"

"They mostly took men and young boys. No women."

"And how often did this happen?"

Jennie pulled out the supplies. "Not sure, Princess." she pulled down the dress. "Are you ready?"

Once Siarah was dressed, she was sitting in front of her vanity while Jennie was doing her hair.

"Goodness, Princess. Your hair has grown!"

"That it has. It is too difficult for you to do? If so, I can call someone to cut it."

Jennie exclaimed. "No, princess. It's no trouble. I'll be done in a few."

When Jennie was finished, Siarah's hair fell down in curls to her waist. By then, all the guests had started arriving.

Before she arrived at the palace she sent a green firework into the air. So wherever Liron was he would've seen it, hopefully.

Siarah stepped out of her bedroom and slowly made her way to the ballroom where the event was being held. Her parents were already there.

When she stepped into the room, the music stopped and her father stood and walked her to her seat.

"This is my daughter, Siarah Alyssum. Today is her sixteenth birthday. Six months from now I am hoping to unite my daughter with one of you handsome lads, let the music and fun begin!"