Chapter 3 Chapter Three

Dalia’s POV

I couldn’t fall asleep again. 

I stood up from the bed and paced the room, my bare feet sinking into the plush rug.

The room was almost empty except for a few pieces of furniture here and there.

I glanced around looking for escape routes. My eyes drifted to the window, cracked slightly open. The night breeze carried the faint scent of pine and water. I stepped closer, pushing it wider, only to realize I was six floors above the ground.

No matter how fast I heal, a fall this high would break bones which will slow me down in return.

Should I try using the curtains?

Just as I was debating whether to act on my thoughts a knock sounded on the door.

The door opened to reveal two large men, from their look I could tell they were pack soldiers.

I instinctively took a step back.

“His majesty requests your presence.” The black haired one said curtly.

My heart thumped in my chest as I nodded slowly–maybe a jump down that window wouldn't be so bad after all. I followed behind closely, my hand patting my thigh for the small dagger I kept hidden there.

When you’ve had so many enemies you learn to keep weapons with you at every waking moment.

We approached two large double doors engraved with symbols I didn’t recognize.

The door opened to reveal a throne room. The room exudes wealth and opulence.

The lycan king was standing behind the throne-like chair in the middle of the room. His back turned to the door.

He has a tall and lanky build, I could see silhouettes of ancient muscles. He was probably a great warrior in his prime.

He turned to face us as we approached the throne. His face was stoic and calm.

He maneuvered to the front of the chair, sitting down regally.

His eyes met mine; his grey eyes are sharp and intimidating as they dated into mine.

“Welcome Dalia. I heard your journey was quite the trip. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I said, bowing my head.

“Welcome to the fire moon territory. You are free to get familiar with your surroundings.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Have you met my son?” He asked.

His son? The Lycan king has a son?

I can’t believe I'm about to become a stepmother at twenty two.

“What… I had no idea that you had a son.” I answered.

He chuckled slightly. “I see what is going on here. Did your father not explain what you are here for?”

I shivered slightly. “He told me that I was to marry you.” I answered. I raised my head showing him the disgust on my face.

He laughed loudly. He turned to face me, his face bare of any sign of attraction or lust towards me.

“I wonder why. It could have been that there was a miscommunication.”

So what was I here for? To be a slave?

“I’m not sure what happened, your majesty. My fathers didn’t explain anything to me.”

His hands rubbed on his jaw. “I see. To clarify, you are not getting married to me.”

I breathed a sigh of relief at that.

He continued. “You are getting married to my Son.”

“What?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

“I offered your pack protection and in return you have to marry my son. His coronation is tomorrow and you will be crowned queen alongside him.”

My mouth hung open.

“I will let you leave now. You have a coronation to prepare for.”

———

I walked back to my room, my mind running a hundred miles per seconds.

I didn’t know whether to breathe a sigh of relief at the fact that I didn’t have to marry an old man or feel fear at the thought of some sage Lycan heir. I don’t know which was worse but none was a better option.

It’s a relief that I didn’t have to be a sex slave to some old Lycan but what if his son was worse? What if he demanded the same submission, the same obedience?

I need to go for a run. It’s been months since I last went for one. My wolf was practically pleading to me at this point.

How hard could it be to sneak out a Lycan fortress?

I opened my door slightly. I squeezed myself through the small opening before tiptoeing across the hallway.

I noticed there was a small staircase near the end of the corridor when we went to see the Lycian king.

It looked more like a service stairway for workers rather than royals. I climbed down carefully, making sure I didn’t make a sound.

I reached a black wooden and pulled it open. I was relieved to see it led to the forest.

I ran across the grass, the forest more enticing as I got closer.

I squealed in excitement when I ran. Nothing beats the feeling of forest air on your face.

I carefully removed my cloth once I was in the shadows of the tree— I don’t intend to flash anyone. Not that my body was anything but phenomenal as my sister said when I told her I caught her boyfriend looking at me.

I took note of my surroundings so I don’t lose my clothes after my run.

I shifted in one swift motion, my bones groaning under the pressure of not shifting in a long time.

My paws hit the earth, claws digging into the soil. My black coat shimmered under the moonlight. My wolf was practically boiling with energy.

She let out a loud howl that pierced through the silent forest causing the trees to vibrate in response.

I ran across into the forest, the wind whistling loudly as I darted between trees and shrubs. How good it felt to be free. I stopped by a small stream staring at reflection in the water.

My jade green eyes shone like one of the finest gems, a large contrast to my black coat. My eyes were one the things I loved about myself.

The hair on my back rose as I felt eyes on me. A pair of large golden eyes shone through the trees.

My heart stopped as our eyes locked. An electrifying feeling rushed through my skin.

I didn’t wait to decipher what it meant or who the eyes belonged to before I ran away.