Chapter Three: Throne Rejection

Emily's POV

“I reject you as my mate, Jack…..” he didn't allow me to finish my statement and covered my mouth. 

The spark I've always longed for filled our bodies, his intoxicating scent I've always wanted to inhale filled my nose, pleading for his hazel eyes to look down at me with admiration just like now.

I got everything at once, and that got me overwhelmed.

“As your King, I bind you from uttering those words,” he commanded, his eyes widened as thick saucers. He was looking scared to accept my rejection.

I should be happy, right?

Ten years of trying to prove my worth has finally paid off. Why do I feel this way? His face alone was driving me insane, and I wanted nothing but for him to hold me in his arms.

I don't want them anymore.

My vision blurred with tears, making my heart ache. I should be happy but I don't feel happy. His hands cupped my face tenderly. 

“Give me this chance to set things right,” he whispered. Hee was saying some words but my mind was too far away to process them.

His head began advancing, his eyes on my lips. My hands held his hands that were cupping my face, I wanted him to stop but my heart refused. The bond was too strong for me to resist, his lips were just a few inches away from mine.

My heart began pounding heavily, my mind was screaming for me to stop him but I couldn't. Finally, his lips brushed against mine in a soft, sweet embrace.

My stomach tied a knot instantly and I felt some funny emotions in my lower abdomen. I felt a rush of excitement and anticipation, my mind recalling those moments he had humiliated me in front of his subjects.

A lone tear fell on my cheeks with my eyes closed, standing like a log of wood without pushing him away. He captured my lips again. His tender caress sent shivers down my spine, making my heart race with delight. 

He devoured my lips with a hungry desire, his kiss fierce and all-consuming. We both moaned at the same time, the tickling sensation fueling our desires. His hands began roaming my body, he cupped my cheeks and I found it hard to tell him to stop.

“We have been waiting.….” 

We were interrupted by a loud voice, making me push him instantly. I was as red as a tomato, my hands were quivering.

“W-What’s going on here?” I shut my eyes when I heard Kiara's voice behind me.

“What does it look like? That aside, who gave you the right to badge into my courtroom in that manner?” Jack scolded her. I was shocked. He would never do that on a normal day.

Shocked would be an understatement. From the corner of his eyes, I guess he saw my expression. He made me turn around, and intertwined our hands together.

“She's my Queen. And you must give her the respect she deserves henceforth. Now leave us to our business,” he said to her. Kiara was still overwhelmed by all the words Jack just said to her.

Personally, I was also not comfortable being with him yet. The fact that he just switched sides before me, made me rethink if I'm making the right decision.

Dumping everything he has done to me in the past, and embracing his new self with open hands. What if a time comes in the future and the table turns around?

What will become by fate then?

“Jack, can you hear yourself? I caught you kissing this imbecile and you…..”

“Take that back!” He growled suddenly, snapping me out of my daze. Within a flash, he was before Kiara with his palm around her neck.

My eyes widened in bewilderment. He just stood up for me. Having nothing to say, I ran out of the courtroom. Jack called me but I didn't respond to him.

Truth to his words, maids were really at my door when I got to my room. I didn't acknowledge any of them and entered.

I lay on my bed with my face buried in the pillows, crying my eyes out with my body shaking uncontrollably. My shoulders heaved with each ragged breath, as if the weight of my grief was crushing me. My fist clenched, grasping handfuls of the bedspread as if clinging to a lifeline. 

The agony was unbearable, like a thousand searing flames ripping through my body. Every breath was a struggle, and my skin felt as if it were being burned away. All my frustrations, desperations, pains and anguish were all poured out.

I was grateful that no one came to disturb me. My cries turned to sobs, facing the walls of my room. I could feel how swollen my eyes were, and didn't bother to wipe my tears. The bedspread beneath my face was soaked with my tears.

Soon, my eyes grew heavy and I closed them before I wandered into the Dreamland.

.

.

LATER THAT DAY.

I woke up with a throbbing headache, my body was too heavy for me to lift on my own. My nose was blocked, making me breath through my mouth.

If not for my half-opened eyes, I looked lifeless on the bed. After much contemplation, I forced myself to sit upright and that was when a knock came in.

“Come in,” I muttered weakly, five maids walked in with accessories in their hands. They looked at me in concern before one of them took the initiative to pour me a glass of water.

I gulped down the whole content.

“How are you feeling, your highness?” The one that poured me water asked.

“G-Good. Why are you all here?” my voice sounded weak and soft.

“The King asked us to bring you to the courtroom,” she responded and I shut my eyes. I've made up my mind on what to do.

About to get up, one of them stopped me.

“Not like this, your highness. We're here to bath you and doll you up,” the brown-haired maid responded with a giggle.

“Huh?” That was the sound that came out of my mouth. Was Jackson really serious about crowning me?

The maids helped me up, did their tasks and walked me to the entrance of the throne room. I was dressed in a royal blue ball gown, the embroidery and glitters designs on my chest made the dress stand out.

My sunbeam hair was braided in front with loose ends, swept to one side with a jewel comb. I gripped the edge of my gown nervously before the doors were opened.

My heart hammered in my chest steadily, trying so hard not to look down. Jack’s and I’s eyes met, his smile was like never before. He looks proud and content with what he saw.

The elder wolves were also represented, I didn't reciprocate the smile and only walked in. Once bitten, twice shy.

Whatever that changed his heart within a span of twenty-four hours was still unknown to me. And this is more of a reason why I have to end this quickly.

I walked in gracefully, and for the first time. Everyone rose to their feet, bowing slightly at me. Lady Elena was looking at me with mixed feelings I couldn't decipher. But Kiara's expression says it all.

Her midnight orbs were filled with hatred and bitterness, I leisurely glanced away. She can keep the Queen's throne if that's what she wants so badly.

At the moment, my peace of mind is my first priority. Getting closer, Jackson descended down his throne and came to get me. His Jasmine scent became very strong as he got closer, but I fought the urge to fall for it again.

He wanted to hold me but I made sure to walk past him. This didn't go unnoticed by everyone. I ascended the throne and stood in front of my claimed seat, Jackson was still gazing at me confusedly.

I tore my gaze away from him, fisting my hands on my dress and gathered my words before I spoke up.

“I have a special announcement,” I proclaimed, murmurs were heard promptly. At this point, Jackson climbed up the throne and came before me.

“What are you trying to do?” His voice was barely audible. I made sure to avoid eye-contact and stepped aside.

“Nedlovk pack deserves a motherly figure to keep the harmony of the entire werewolf realm going. And this led me to the conclusion that I'm not…..”

“Your highness!” We were all startled when Madison badged in with the Queen's crown. She looks breathless.

“I-I apologize for getting here late,” she added, walking in at a fast pace. She got closer to me, bowing and gave the crown to one of the elder wolves present.

“The ritual can begin if the King's permits,”

“Definitely,” Jack seconded Madison's words.

“I'm not done talking yet,” I clenched my words.

“That can wait until later, my Queen,” he responded with a sly smile. I knew the games he was trying to play.

About to insist, he pushed me to seat on the Queen’s throne.

“Goddess!” I yelped, jumping up from the my seat instantly that turned suddenly hot like wildfire. My heartbeat palpated and my mouth went agape, everyone stared at me in surprise.

“What's wrong?” Jack asked me in concern. Before I could tell them what actually happened, Kiara has come forward.

“The throne rejected her,” she declared and my eyes widened like thick saucers.

“What?” Jack was also stunned. Sitting on my seat almost got my bum roasted. It suddenly got hot immediately I sat on it.

A loud murmur filled the room, and I was in so much shock to digest this fact. So I wasn't the chosen Queen, was that why Jack has been cruel towards me and has refused to crown me as his Luna?

“Can someone fvcking explain what's going on?!” Jack boomed angrily while I was crying already. I had the chance to walk away sooner, but I chose to wait until this moment just to humiliate myself.

“The Queen has been rejected by the throne, your Majesty,” one of the elder wolves said.

“How is that even possible?” Lady Elena questioned.

“That could only mean that Emily isn't Jack's mate, she must have used her means as a witch to make it seem like she was his mate,” Kiara answered the question.

“Never!” Jack declined, “She would never do anything of such,” he sided with me, making me hold on to the leap of faith that I will be protected.

“Or maybe the throne has been tampered with?” Madison's voice came from the executives' seats. My eyes grew suspicious and they landed on Kiara.

“Find the maid who poisoned my food closest friend. Bring her to my chamber for questioning,” Jack commanded, holding my hands and pulling me out. No words came out of my mouth and only followed behind him.