### CHAPTER TWO **Anna's POV** “Till when are you going to keep spoiling her? You need to make her understand that we are not her puppets!” Rydel's voice cut through the air, sharp and accusatory, as he hurled a dart toward the wall. The sound of the dart striking the wood echoed in the room, and I couldn’t help but listen, a habit I had cultivated since donning the crown. Every whispered critique and every glance exchanged between my advisors painted a picture I often wished not to see—they didn’t think much of me. I still vividly recalled the first time I met Daniel, a pivotal moment etched in my memory. I had just turned twelve—my family visited for a marriage arrangement. That day, I encountered him for the first time. He possessed a striking charisma, yet wore an expression of indifference that sent shivers down my spine. “I have no interest in marrying someone like her; she is below my expectation,” he had declared, his words like icy daggers piercing my heart. Stung by his arrogance, I unleashed my own anger. “It's pointless to engage with you! I will not marry a man who thinks so little of me!” With that, I stormed away, determined to escape the confines of their pack mansion. But my resolve faltered as I felt an undeniable pull—if I was to take my place in this world, I needed to confront him. I found him in the garden, surrounded by the vibrant blooms, as if nature itself knew he was untouchable. “Do you mind if I stay here with you?” I hesitantly asked, expecting rejection. He merely shook his head, dismissing me with an air of apathy. “What is your name?” he inquired, and something sparked within me. “I’m Anna. My mother named me after her great-great-grandmother, a woman known for her fiery spirit and arrogance—much like myself,” I declared, a hint of pride lacing my voice. “One day, I will be queen, and everyone will bow to my command. Will you serve me when that day comes?” His gaze turned to me, shadowed by indifference. “You lack standards and modesty. I will only serve you if you prove to me that you won’t be a waste of my time.” With that, he left me standing in confusion and frustration. Determined, I returned to his house daily, seeking to best him in a duel of wills and strength. Each time we clashed, he emerged victorious, his prowess a relentless reminder of my own inadequacies. “How long are you going to keep this up? It’s impossible to beat you, and you know that!” I shouted one day, frustration boiling over. For the first time, a genuine laugh erupted from his lips, a sound that both confused and thrilled me. “Failing countless times means you are nothing but a waste of time. But accepting defeat means you’re capable of growth. I will place my bet on you, but remember—any mistake, and my support will vanish.” His words ignited a fierce admiration within me. “I may not be good enough, but with your backing, I can make the right choices. Please, will you attend the appointment ceremony? It would mean everything to me.” My heart raced as I implored him, feeling a thrill at the prospect of his assistance—something no one else had ever offered. The years slipped away, and our paths diverged until I turned eighteen, and by then, he had risen to become the Alpha of his pack. “She will learn with time,” Daniel said, defending me against Rydel’s bitter scoff. The air thickened with tension as Sullivan, ever the pragmatist, warned, “He will be returning today. I fear those scars will resurface.” I took a step back from their conversation, my pulse racing as I recognized the unmistakable sounds of Daniel approaching. Panic surged through me, and I darted to my room, knowing all too well it was futile—he could track me like a shadow. **If they didn’t like me, why did they consent to be my advisors?** This question swirled in my mind as I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. “May I come in?” Daniel’s voice, a warm caress, broke the stillness after a gentle knock. “Yes, you may,” I replied, heart pounding. As he opened the door, his eyes still closed, I caught myself thinking of the silly stunts I used to pull just to draw his attention. His stoic presence made me feel foolish but exhilarated all at once. “You should know I’ve outgrown that by now,” I said, resting my hands on his cheeks, an attempt at intimacy that felt both familiar and nerve-wracking. “What is it you want?” I asked, stepping back to gauge his reaction. “It’s your birthday tomorrow,” he stated simply, eyes piercing through me. “I was wondering if there was anything you wanted to do before then.” “Do you think he would come?” I blurted out, the anxious hope consuming me. “I know he hates me, but what I did was for the best, right?” I sought comfort in his eyes, hoping to dispel the shadows of doubt that clouded my heart. “I doubt he would want to see you; if I were in his shoes, I would surely harbor resentment,” he replied, my hopes crashing down like glass. “Leave if you won’t support me! I know I’m not wrong. It was he who refused to adhere to my rules!” My voice rose, filled with the anguish of a wounded heart, and in my frustration, I sent a porcelain vase crashing to the floor, shards scattering like the pieces of my resolve. “The way you shattered this vase is the same way you shattered his one chance at a better life,” Daniel replied, his tone calm yet firm. “I know you’re hurt, but you must acknowledge your mistakes. You keep digging in your heels, never offering an apology.” Before I could understand his intent, he swept me off my feet, cradling me in his arms like a precious treasure. “But I—,” I started, wanting to argue, but he deftly held me suspended, hovering over me, both tender and commanding. “How would you feel if I smashed one of your belongings and threatened your very existence if you disobeyed me?” he challenged, intense eyes boring into mine as he wrapped a hand gently around my neck—not to harm, but to evoke clarity. “I would be furious and lock you away!” I replied, the truth tumbling from my lips. “Exactly how he feels. You’ve robbed him of his happiness, and you must atone for your actions until he finds it in his heart to forgive you.” His words cut deeper than any blade, and I averted my gaze, fighting back tears. “I didn’t mean to hurt him; I was only trying to act in what I thought was right. Why can’t he understand? He belongs to me! I should be his priority, the sole focus of his loyalty!” The raw greed in my voice pulled back the curtain on my frustration, igniting a fire in Daniel’s eyes. “If that’s how you feel, then there’s no point in me being by your side,” he stated coldly, retreating from the room before I could even collect my thoughts or call out to him. This time, the silence felt heavier than ever, a chasm swallowing the space between us, and I was left standing amid the shattered pieces, reflecting on my choices.