Alpha's Little Witch

"My Princess...! It's a wolf!" Mona shivered, but her words came a little too late as the arrow had already left the bow and went straight to the bigger animal, piercing through it's head.

Raziya tossed on the bed, hating the first rays of sunlight that seeped into her chamber. She groaned detestfully, burying her face in her pillow.

"The curtains...! The curtains..!" She moaned, feeling the presence of someone in her room, but when nothing changed, she figured who ever was there actually wanted her to go awake.

"Have you gone deaf, Mona? I said close the curtains?!" She zapped up her head and snapped, her ruffled hair going over her face.

The maid - Mona - bowed her head quickly.

"I'm... I'm sorry, My Princess, but you asked me to awaken you on time today. You... you said you wanted to go hunting" she delineated, keeping her head bowed.

Raziya grunted and returned her face to her pillow, gripping the sheets tight.

...

Few minutes later and she was leaving the bed for her big mirror on the wall.

"I hope the horses are set?" She asked in her usual grumpy tone as she stood in front of the mirror, staring at her drowsy image. She was irritated at the careless hair flopping over her eye and quickly flipped it back.

"Yes, My Princess. They've been properly cleaned and every other thing is set" Mona answered, feeling so proud she wasn't giving the Princess any negativities that morning.

Raziya said nothing else as she took her rose water from the big table in front of her and applied it all over her face. After which, she strolled to the window and opened them properly.

"Hmmm" she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, loving the feel of the sunlight on her rose-watered face. It was so refreshing.

She opened her eyes and enjoyed the sight of the flurry early-morning activities - the women moving about with baskets and bowls, the men pulling handcarts and children assisting those they could. She loved how busy it was.

"Uhm... that reminds me, My Princess" Mona went closer to her. "A letter came in from Prince Abrak a short while ago".

Raziya turned swiftly with a scoff. "And you're just telling me about it?"

"I'm... I'm sorry, My Princess" She slid her hand to her dress and pulled out the rolled script. With an eye roll, Raziya snatched it from her.

A smug smile clenched her lips as she read through the letter:

“Every Morning, I wake up with the image of you in my head...

Your beautiful smile and lovely voice

And it gives me the energy to start up my daily routine knowing just how lucky I am to have you

Good morning, My Princess”.

"He's so romantic" she touched her lips and giggled. "How was he so sure I'd be getting this letter by morning, huh?"

She rolled it up and threw it back at Mona.

"I am just the luckiest, aren't I, Mona?" She asked feverishly as she walked towards the bathroom. "Having the Almighty crowned prince of Raven Kingdom at my beck and call, writing me letters every week. Who is luckier than I am?"

Mona rolled her eyes from behind, wishing she could openly tell her she was making the biggest mistake falling for Prince Abrak. Everyone knew of his flirtatious lifestyle and she couldn't believe the Princess was still with him after discovering his cheating scandal a month ago. It was very possible he had duplicated that very letter and sent to five other ladies as well.

"Of...Of course, My Princess; you're very lucky" She answered anyways, saying what she knew the princess longed for.

And with laughter, Raziya walked into the bathroom.

....

Princess Raziya's bath was always the longest as she had a lot to do on her skin.

Stepping out of the bathroom in her silky towel, Raziya marveled at how well Mona had arranged the room in such short time. Tho, she wasn't in and Raziya figured she was prolly fixing her library room.

She ambled towards the mirror, her hair dripping wet and down to her body. She was about smiling at her natural beauty, not until she noticed a tiny round bump on her face. Whaaat?!

"Mona!!!" She screamed, holding her face and the young maid came running out of the library room immediately.

"My Princess...!"

"Look closely! Is this a pimple on my face?"

Mona's heart was already beating fast. She knew how worked up the princess could be about her skin.

"I... I think so, My Prin..."

"I WILL HAVE MALIK'S HEAD FOR THIS!" She thumped the table. "How dare he?! I knew there was something wrong with the remedy he brought. Now look at my face!"

Mona bent her head and went mute.

"Why won't you say something?!" Raziya yelled, making her shudder up.

"Uh... it's... it's not noticeable, My Princess. As a matter of fact, I think you look very beautiful".

"Oh! Just shut up and get me something to wear!" She rasped angrily while Mona scurried to her wardrobe.

Finally stepping out of her room, all heads bowed for King Zachary's youngest child. Every person she walked pass bowed and stared at her with admiration.

Princess Raziya was popularly known as the King's most pampered daughter - fearless, arrogant and short - tempered. With her father being one of the top ten powerful Kings, she felt untouchable and enjoyed more privileges than her two older siblings - the crowned Prince and her elder sister.

Aside her uncontrolled arrogance, everyone loved the princess - especially her unrivalled beauty. Her hair was naturally long and red in color, her eyes were gold-flecked, her lips were small, soft and pink and her shape was just perfect.

Her beauty was blinding; it made everyone wonder how she could be so perfect.

Hunting was the only thing she loved doing. So, she made it a habit to hunt once a week.

She decided to pass through the dinnette to see if her parents were there already, and well; they were.

"Raziya" Her mother called on spotting her walking through the door. "You're early today. Going hunting?"

Raziya felt a little jealous at how the family was gathered to eat without sending for her. Her father and siblings were there already.

"Yes. Good morning, Mother. Good morning, father" She bowed as she stood in front of the sumptuous dining. Various meals and drinks were arranged from the start to the edge of the long table, looking inviting.

"How was your night, Raziya?" King Zachary asked, his eyes focused on his plate.

"It was fine. Thank you, father".

"Raziya" her brother - Prince Archie - shook his head. "Do I have to remind you every time to greet me as well?"

"Spare me, Archie, or I'll fist your face" she extended her hand to tousle his hair, arousing laughter from the table.

"You should eat with us; come on" He winked at her. He was just the replica of their father.

"Urgh! Thank you, dearest brother; But I'm going hunting and wouldn't want to get lazy" she smiled and turned to the King.

"I beg to take my leave now".

"Raziya" Her mother called. "Don't you think you should apologize to your sister for what transpired yesterday?"

Raziya furrowed her brows and glanced at her sister who had been looking all moody since she stepped in.

"But, why mother? She started it! Yet, you want me to apologize because I'm the youngest?"

"Keep shut, Raziya" Her sister snapped, her eyes glaring. "I still don't know how to fix this attitude of yours".

"I do not have an attitude problem. I'm twenty-two and know what's best for me. Why don't you just admit the reason you keep having issues with me is all because Prince Abrak left you for me? It isn't my fault, Rana!" She placed one hand at akimbo.

"Seriously?" Rana scoffed. "You really think I'm jealous you inherited my used toy? It's only a matter of time before you come crying to mother's arms from his heartbreak".

"In your dreams, Rana; In your dreams".

"Enough! Both of you!" King Zachary rasped. "Raziya, apologize to your sister right away".

She gasped. "But, father .."

"I said Now!" He ordered harshly, making her cheeks get swollen with shame.

She stared at her mother who didn't look like she'd be giving any support. She stared at her brother, but he was staring down at his food. Then, she glared at Rana and rolled her teary eyes.

"I'm sorry" She mumbled and turned around to run off, but unknown to her, there was a manservant walking up with a tray of fruits. They bumped into each other, making the tray clatter on the ground.

"What is wrong with you, you oaf?!" Raziya gritted, ignoring the servant who was already on his knees.

"I'm sorry, My Princess; it wasn't intentional" He apologized, but Raziya wasn't having any of it as she dashed to the table, reached for a cup of wine and spilled it on him.

"Raziya!" Her mother flinched, but she ignored them as she flung the cup on the floor and flounced out of the room.

...

Mona was waiting outside and knew things had gone sour, judging from the vexed look on her face. She didn't say a word as she didn't want to risk a slap. So, she humbly followed the princess to the horse stables.

Her favourite horse had already been cleaned and kept waiting for her, while Mona's horse had all the loads they needed.

"Greetings, My Princess" the stable men greeted, but of course, she ignored them as she climbed onto her horse and rode off.

With Mona behind her, Raziya rode for a long time, using it as a means to express her anger.

It was so long, Mona was beginning to get tired and wonder when they'd stop. That was the disadvantage of being the Princess' personal maid. When she was angry, she suffered it as well.

The ride lasted for hours, going through markets, some houses and even riding pass the river. It was beginning to get Mona scared, but finally, she stopped at a deserted area.

"Argh!!!" She climbed down from her horse and yelled, brushing her fingers into her neatly-parked ponytail.

Mona quietly stepped down from her horse and looked around. The area was just too quiet and deserted for her liking, with a typical forest in front of them.

"Tell me, Mona" Raziya turned to her. "Am I rude?"

Mona forgot her worries over the area and focused on the perplexing question of the Princess. Really? That was the first time the Princess was asking such. She's never cared!

"Well..." Mona had thought of mincing words, but realizing it was a golden opportunity, she decided to whisk it. "If you ask me, My Princess, I'd say you are - very".

Mona nearly laughed at the Princess' own surprise.

"You think low of others, and talk back at those you shouldn't. The Prince and Princess Rana are actually more cultured than you are".

"But, how is it, Mona?" She spread her arms. "I only talk back when people offend me, and what makes you think I look down on others? Although, of course, they're lower than me 'cause I'm a princess and they're just servants. But I .." she sighed.

"You know what? Let's quit this".

"As you wish, My Princess" Mona bowed. "I'd suggest we ride back; We're too far away from home".

"Fine".

They were already headed for their horses when they suddenly heard a strange sound. Raziya stopped abruptly and looked behind.

"What's that?" She asked huskily, her eyes directed at the sound which was the forest in front of them.

"I... I have no idea, My Princess. We should just leave..."

"No, I think it was an animal. Where's my bow?" She hurried to Mona's horse and pulled out the bow and arrows.

The young maid was already having a heated heart.

"My... My Princess, I don't think it's safe to go in. We've never been here before" Her face was crumpled.

"Stop being such a child, Mona; this isn't the first time we'd be hunting. It's just like every other forest" Raziya snapped as she fixed the arrows to her back and set out with her bow.

"Take the sword and come with me" she ordered, making Mona reluctantly do it.

And fixing an arrow into her bow, they set out into the forest.

The sound came again, sounding like the howl of an animal and it only got Raziya more excited as she couldn't wait to get her first catch.

They made sure to take quiet, careful steps, walking through the bushes and it amazed Mona just how fearless the Princess could be. But, why did she have to be fearless at her own expense? Immense fear gripped her. And after a while, they finally spotted two animals beneath a tree.

"Hah! That's it!" Raziya whispered to Mona, her eyes holding so much excitement.

It tickled through her, wondering which to chose since she could only get one. Definitely, she needed to go for the bigger one.

"My Princess ..." Mona's voice shook behind her.

"Shut up, Mona! They might hear you and run away!" She whispered huskily and instantly, just like they'd heard them, the animals looked their direction.

"No!" Raziya gritted and quickly aimed her bow at them, seeing they were about running away.

"My Princess...! It's a wolf!" Mona shivered, but her words came a little too late as the arrow had already left the bow and went straight to the bigger animal, piercing through it's head.