Chapter 4. Sorry

"Ladies," he hissed, rolling his eyes. "This is an important event. You need to be on your A-game."

We both lowered our heads politely in an apologetic manner.

I jumped at the sound of Alpha King Charles' fists slamming into the table before him and he sprang to his feet. His face was red with fury.

"I can't believe he is late, yet again," Charles hissed through his gritted teeth. "He knows how important this is."

"Darling, William has his own life. I'm sure there's a reason he's late," Luna Queen Cara said, keeping her tone calm.

"What possible reason could he have?!" Charles asked, still furious as he returned to his seat. "Why can't he be more like his brother?" Charles added in a mutter.

"Well..." Cara said, glancing around at her family and then landing her eyes back on her husband. "I heard that he marked a maid last night."

I felt my heart sinking into my stomach and the color in my features draining. My breathing got caught in my throat. I attempted and failed to keep myself from shivering uncontrollably; panic rising through me and tearing me into pieces.

How had she heard about that?

"What?" Charles asked, shooting his gaze at her. "Mark a maid?"

A timid smile was placed on her lips.

"I think we should find out who this maid is. She could be his mate," Cara stated with humor lacing her tone.

There's that word again. Mate.

Royal house Arnold is famous for its noble status and dignity bloodlines. How could a maid be a prince's mate? It was impossible and laughable.

I felt sick to my stomach; for a moment, I thought I was going to pass out.

Charles looked over at Mr. Carson, a snarl on his face.

"Find William and bring him here. NOW," Charles ordered.

Mr. Carson didn't waste much time; he headed towards the doorway to find William, but before he could go anywhere, William casually strolled through the door.

I knew he had drunk a lot the night before, but I was surprised that he didn't at all appear to be hungover. His sun-kissed skin was elegant, and he looked gorgeous even dressed casually. No maid would dare to look him in his eyes, or they would get lost in his ocean-like storm.

I felt my cheeks flush as he strode into the room.

He glanced around at the table of royals, his frown deepening as he stared at Cara. From the 5 years I've resided in the palace, I knew William didn't have a good relationship with his family. Especially Luna Queen Cara. However, the reasoning behind it was unknown.

Of course, there were rumors, but that's all they ever were. Rumors.

"You're late," Charles hissed to his son. "Again."

"I'm here, aren't I?" William muttered, strolling towards an empty seat at the table.

"I'm disappointed in you; you were also late for your brother's wedding. You knew how important that event was," Charles said, trying to maintain his anger but we could still see the fury of his wolf rising within him. His wolf's honey-brown eyes flashed through his gaze as he addressed his son. "How dare you disrespect Warrior Reilly Pack like that."

"But I'm not the groom," William said casually. "Whether I was late or not had zero impact on the wedding. Am I right?"

Charles took in a deep breath to steady his anger; William was right. It didn't matter whether he was late or not. It had nothing to do with him.

Only I knew why he was late though, and the thought was sickening. There wasn't a bath cold enough that could take away the memory and feeling of his touch against my bare skin.

"Fine," Charles finally said. "I'll let you off the hook this time. But what is it I'm hearing about you marking a maid?"

I used the table beside me to keep from falling over; I placed the teapot on the table and held onto the edge with dear life.

"I don't know," William said without any emotions. "I was drunk." He shrugged it off like it meant nothing to him. "Now, your majesty, would you mind if I started my breakfast?"

He didn't wait for Charles to answer before shoving a forkful of filet steak into his mouth. Charles opened his mouth to say something, but Cara stopped him before he could get a word out.

"Okay darling," she chuckled nervously. "This is Grace's first meal since joining our family. Let's not ruin it by getting angry."

Charles sighed, releasing his anger. He turned his attention back to his food which seemed to please Cara for she gave him a soft smile in return. She turned her attention to Mr. Carson who straightened his back, ready for his orders.

"Mr. Carson," she began. "I want you to find out who this maid is that William seemed to have marked."

"Yes, your majesty," Mr. Carson replied obediently.

"Oh, and please do so alone," she added, glancing at the rest of us that stood behind him.

He nodded in respect to her before he turned to face me.

"Serve the tea," he ordered me.

I straightened my stance and grabbed the teapot off the table; I began walking towards the dining table when my foot snagged onto the outstretched foot of another maid.

Melody.

Before I could stop myself, I was tumbling forward with the teapot firmly in my grip. But not firm enough to keep it in my hands. I landed on the ground, and I heard the clattering of the teapot before me.

Gasps erupted from the royal family and William stood up quickly as the tea soaked through his clothing.

"How dare you disrespect the prince!" Melody hissed as she stepped alongside me.

I scrambled to my feet, my features flushing, embarrassed. Wide eyes were staring at me; anger was clear on Luna Queen Cara's face. My body was shaking uncontrollably as I tried to keep the tears from escaping through my eyes.

Melody was furious with me, but this was her fault.

"I'm so sorry..." I stammered to William. "It was an accident."

His lip curled up in disgust as he stared at me, but he kept his tone low and even.

"What is your name?" He asked.