The Prince and the Rebel

Heather's POV

I hastened my feet down the stairs heading towards the dining area. I knew I was very late and everyone would probably be waiting for me. Almost tripping on my gown, I took a deep breath, grabbed both edges, and continued with my walk. Anyone who saw me right now would think I was being chased by someone but all I wanted was to get to the dining area on time to avoid my step-sister and step-mother's wrath.

The only person I had always known and referred to as my mother was my stepmother. I never knew my biological mother. I heard she passed away shortly after birthing me. I had never seen any portrait of her and I knew nothing about her. It felt like inquiring about her was a sin of the highest order. No, it was forbidden. Probably because she was my father's mistress; if you could hold having a one-night stand with an unknown woman in such regard. And I was the result of that one-night stand no one expected. As soon as I got to the door, I took in a deep breath and fixed my hair before gently making my way inside.

They were all already sitting at the gigantic table. Father, on the highest chair in the middle, and my step-mother and step-sister sitting by the right two seats away from him.

"Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence," my stepmother said sarcastically.

"I'm sorry I'm late..," I started trying to take a seat next to them.

"Sit somewhere else. It's so hot in here. I need air," she cut me off without glancing at me. I slowly let go of the chair and moved to sit on the left side of the table.

"Do I need to tell you before you realize that you will be obstructing our view if you sit there? As if arriving late and starving us wasn't enough, why do you have to stress me out?" my step-sister asked irately. So much for not incurring their wrath.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to," I replied politely walking towards the right side of the table again and sitting about seven sits farther away from them. I glanced at my father but he didn't say a word.

"Good day Father," I greeted with a smile. He hummed and made a gesture with his hand in response. If it wasn't already obvious, my family wasn't exactly fond of me. My father has always been a bit cold towards me since I was a child. As the illegitimate child that I was, I knew it had to do with the fact that I was a stain on his reputation. A stain he could never get rid of.

As for my stepmother and stepsister, it wasn't their fault that we didn't get along. We had misunderstandings at times but it didn't mean that they hated me. Besides, the backlash I got today was partly my fault. I delayed them from having their meal because the time skipped my mind. The maids began to serve our meal when I settled in my seat.

"I have an announcement to make," Father said speaking for the first time that evening.

"What is it? Have the dresses I ordered arrived from the other pack already?" my stepsister asked excitedly. I grabbed a glass of water to quench my taste.

"Your marriage has been fixed, Debra. It will take place in three days," he said with a straight face staring right at my stepsister. Debra stared at him speechlessly.

"Marriage taking place so soon? To whom?" my stepmother asked coming to her rescue.

"To the son of the Alpha king, Prince Keith of Devontae," he replied calmly.

"What!" Debra screeched. I spat out the water from my mouth in utter shock. Debra glared daggers at me. I shook my head trying to explain that I didn't mean it but no coherent words could come out from my mouth.

"Prince Keith? Are you serious right now?" my stepmother asked in shock. I was just as shocked as they all were. Devontae was a prosperous and powerful kingdom led by the Alpha king who ruled over smaller packs like ours. Anyone would jump for joy if they were opportune to get married into such a family or even become acquainted with them but getting married to Prince Keith? That was a totally different thing.

Prince Keith was the last son of the Alpha and a cripple but despite being disabled, he was rumored to be cruel, useless, and disliked by the king. The Alpha king even had him outcasted to a part of the palace where no one frequented. Father was going to allow his favorite daughter r marry such a man? It was unbelievable.

"I will not marry Prince Keith, father. He's the worst out of all the Alpha King's sons," Debra said shaking her head vehemently.

"That's my final decision and you shall obey me," he declared. Debra turned towards her mother in panic.

"Mother, did you hear that? Father hates me. He's going to make me marry a disabled man," she cried out.

"Don't say that Debra. Father doesn't hate you," I muttered softly but she glared at me so hard that I thought her eyes would pop out of their sockets.