"King William has asked for my hand in union and I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted his offer. I am certain that this union will bring immense prosperity to our nation," my heart ripped into countless fragments as I declared in a steady voice. It hurt like hell but I didn't let the pain in my heart show through my eyes. I kept my smile serene and my demeanor composed. My wolf who was just as blindsided as others by the news was completely stunned. King William appeared as bewildered as the guests in the room as I hadn't discussed anything with him. However, he quickly overcame his surprise and sent an ecstatic smile my way. "I am certain we will make great mates, my lady," King William gushed, sporting a wide grin. "I think that too," I replied. I didn't know about us being great mates but this union would be favorable for our nations. Unsurprisingly, a wave of puzzlement had swept through the room after I broke the news. Mating with someone who is not your mate was a
A few years ago"What if he rejected me, Daisy? What would I do then?" the 17-year-old girl turned her head to look at the old woman who was busy braiding her hair and explaining about mate bond. The younger princess has a dent of worry between her soft brows as she generously pondered over the possibilities. Her soft angelic voice deepened with a hint of trepidation. "No lad in his right mind would reject you, my lady. You are beautiful and obedient. Your mate is going to love you and now turn your head so that I braid your hair properly," the old maid reassured her with a fond smile. The younger woman thought over her words but failed to draw any confidence. She straightened her head and scowled into the mirror facing her. "But certainly not beautiful enough to catch Prince William's eyes," her shoulders slumped as she murmured to herself, despondently.She was heartbroken to learn that Prince William of Attiha had found his mate. The prince had caught her fancy when she had seen
Dread twisted in Rosalie's gut when she heard that. Barbarians. Only their name was enough to strike fear into anyone's heart. Her heart leaped up to her throat as she prayed to the Moon Goddess to keep them safe. However, her prayer went unanswered as not a moment later, the coachman was yanked out by a blood dripping paw. Rosalie's eyes bulged out and she shrunk back in terror. The other maids were equally terrified. "Your highness, you have to get out of here now," one of the maids told Rosalie. The princess' eyes widened in surprise. "No. I can't leave you all in such a ..""We don't have time, princess. We can't let anything happen to you. You have to escape," the maid asserted while trying her best to not tumble down the carriage."Yes, she is right. You have to escape, Your highness. We will be fine. Barbarians don't kill women," the other maid joined. Rosalie was unsure. "I don't think Thi..""They will take you prisoner, princess. They are here for you. So please run fo
PRESENTThird POVOver the years, Rosalie has gotten better with pretense. The smile on her face had successfully fooled everyone into thinking she was happy. However, beneath the surface, a storm of misery was mercilessly ravaging her and the void in her heart had stretched wider since the announcement. She was experiencing a challenge in keeping her eyes dry. She wanted someone to deliver her from this suffocating pain. The tears were eager to break free and strip her of this deception. If only she had someone to share her pain with. All she yearned to do was sit in a dark corner of her room and cry her heart out. But instead, she was here attending the dinner with King William and her ministers. The King and her ministers were busy discussing the various aspects of war as she silently played with her food.If only someone cared to see through her facade, they would see a devastated, broken, and a defeated woman. She was just that and everything else was just a play. After dinner,
"Fight me," she challenged him. Ryker upped a brow in response before an amused smirk played over his lips. "You want to fight me for that wimp?" he queried, a little amused. Rosalie clearly didn't share his amusement. Ignoring his question, she lunged at him with her sword. He had already seen her wolf's impressive battle skills and he couldn't wait to find out more about her. Responding to her challenge, he countered her move with his own sword, the clash of metals thundered loudly in the room. The fight had just started and the woman had already put him in defense, he realized that a little later. Yet, rather than resisting, he found himself enjoying her aggressive approach. Rosalie was fierce and bursting with rage. Ryker was having a hard time defending himself against this minx who seemed determined to punish him. He let out a hiss when the tip of her sword grazed his chest, drawing out blood. She had inflicted the wound right where his heart was.In response, she smirked trium
Giving not a single shit to her warning, he rose to his full height. She had unleashed his feral side by speaking those words. He had seen many looking down their nose at him because of his roots, he had become used to it but hearing it from her had burned him up like gasoline. Her brows furrowed in confusion when he shot out his hand towards her and took the sword from her hand. Maintaining their eye contact, he threw the sword far away. Her gaze diverted to the spot where he had thrown the sword. So she didn't see it coming when he fisted the back of her head and yanked her forward until her lips were tightly pressed against his. This time he kissed her wildly. He nibbled on her lower lip while separating her legs with his knee. His strength was unconquerable. She couldn't do much more than struggle against his beast size as he ravaged her lips with no trace of mercy. He pulled harshly at her hair, causing her head to tilt back. Pain shot through her scalp. She gasped and he shoved
After her heated fight with the barbarian's chieftain, she headed toward the infirmary. If something untoward had happened to King William, Attiha would have waged a war against Avalon. She was already surrounded by tons of troubles, she didn't need more. She just hoped William would be understanding enough. She opened the door to the infirmary and quickly located William lying on one of the beds. A healer was tending to his wounds. Guilt stabbed her guts. She was the cause of his condition. The good thing was he was not bleeding anymore and looked much better than before. Some of his bruises had even started to heal. "Queen Rosalie," William sat up with the help of the healer and regarded her with a tired smile. " I hope you are feeling better now," Concern dripped from her tone as she slipped into the chair beside his bed. She flashed him an apologetic smile. The healer bowed to them and left. "Yes. Much better. That lunatic barbarian would have killed me if not for you...darn
"Guards," William hollered. Ryker placed his finger against her cheek. Her skin felt as cold as ice. His heart jolted painfully. The tingles he felt were faint and weak. His wolf became restless. "Where?" his gaze raked her body impatiently, looking for the snakebite. When he received no answer, he looked up at the healer."Where?" his voice deep and low but laced with danger. The healer swallowed hard and pointed towards the heel of her feet. Ryker was quick to scoot towards her legs and cradled her feet in his large palm. His eyes narrowed a slit as he focused on the bite. The bitten spot had turned bright green which was so unlike a snakebite. He closed his eyes and brought his nose closer to the bite to sniff it. A foul smell assailed his nostrils. His eyes snapped open as the realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. It wasn't an ordinary snake bite. She was bitten by Ganguar, the witch's pet. A magical serpent that served as a pet to witches. They are deadly in n