NUPTIAL CHOICES

CHAPTER 4: Nuptial Choices

ALTHEA'S POV

GREECE

 My heart thumped with trepidation as I slowly backed away from the large brown wolf looming over me. His piercing green eyes glaring daggers at me.

"Please..." I fell to my feet, wanting to run and hide away from him. The authority that oozed from him took over the atmosphere. I could tell it was the King.

While my body trembled uncontrollably, I couldn't even get away from him if I wanted to. I was glued to the earth, and paralyzed under his intense gaze.

"You do know what your actions are punishable by, don't you?" He questioned causing me to nod vigorously. I didn't want to be executed. The image of Thaleia dying right in front of me flashed in my head once more. Another growl echoed. 

And the fear that clawed at my chest made me believe that he was definitely going to hand me over to the guards for execution. I couldn't help the sob that escaped my lips. I just wanted to be free from all the pain that the maidens and omegas have put me through.

I was held up with absolutely no regard and now...

"Follow me." He growled as he walked past me causing me to flinch.

Shaken, I gently rose and walked silently behind me. My heart thumped with trepidation as he was headed towards the gate of the castle.

Still trembling, I couldn't bring myself to speak because he was the King. Questioning his orders was punishable by death and it wasn't even as though I wasn't already being led towards the slaughter.

I silently followed the King, careful not to make a sound, because my breathing was unintentionally heavy. We were heading towards the ball as I could see. I was astonished to say the least.

Why was he leading me to the ball. Something I tried so desperately to run away from?

I was being led back to this dungeon where the maidens would want to use me for their own deeds.

Immediately we entered the silent hall where nobody was, two maids approached the moment they noticed the King. I recognized them as the king's maids. 

"Dress her up for the event." He ordered while they curtseyed. My eyes were as wide as saucers as I turned to him. He only gave me a blank look without saying anything. But his eyes...I ignored it and began to think of how I could repay his kindness.

While I thought I was going to be executed. My wolf tugged at me again. At least she wasn't dormant anymore I was happy about that. She could keep me sane in these times.

The maids finally escorted me to a room. The last thing I expected was for them to be so rough with me. But then, what did I expect? They were part of the omegas in the kingdom.

The strong grips they had on my shoulders and all other part of my body made me cry out.

"Silence! You're not even fit to be anyone's bride. You think we do not know that the king spared your life?" She questioned, gripping my chin before jerking it to the other side.

"Funny enough she's not even that pretty like people have said she is. And here she is trying to compete with the most eligible." The other maid said while tears rolled down from my eyes.

"How pathetic." 

I screamed as they wore my gown. I was shaken by the way they treated me. I didn't even ask to be anywhere because I avoid trouble as much as I can. Once I was dressed and presentable, they forced me to sit and took a bowl of liquid before forcing it into my mouth.

Struggling against them, I tried to spit the content but was forced to swallow it. It was so bitter and weirdly scented. 

"It was the King's orders." 

My wolf whimpered the moment I felt a little bit weak and uneasy. 

When I looked at myself in the mirror it was as though this wasn't the real me. My orange hair cascaded down my shoulders. My freckles were more evident and my stunning green eyes were accentuated my how decent my makeup was.

Asides this the maids only gave me a side eye.

"What man would even want to choose you? You'll remain single all your life and a disgrace to your family."

"Didn't you know it was bound to happen that way? Her sister was killed because of her rebellion. Why would anyone take her seriously?" The other maid said striking me hard in the chest. My blood boiled the moment I heard that while still trying to put on an unbothered face. 

It wasn't the first time I would be mocked for my sister's demise. 

The King walked into the room, seeing me in my distressed state while he furrowed his brows. The aura he possessed made the maids shrink backwards in fear and submission even me. 

I looked down, not daring to look up into his eyes. He came closer, observing me. My hands trembled in fear as I took a step backwards. 

"Seize 'em." He ordered and the guards seized the maids. 

"Your highness, we are terribly sorry, we were ignorant...we."

"And kill them." He ordered causing me to gasp. They both scraamed in fear as the guards took them out of the room.

"You do not have to..." I started and his snarl shut me up. He stared at me for a long while, and for a moment I thought I caught a flicker of admiration in his eyes. Who was I kidding though. 

The King was emotionless, stone cold and brutal. He became that way the moment Thaleia died because as I heard from the rumors she was his first love even though they were never mated.

The magistrate had unjustly killed her when he heard the orders of the King.

 He stopped being the nice and understanding King when it seemed as though the subjects were using that to their own advantage and no longer listening to him, he turned cold.

Well... from what I heard. Now nobody dared go against his rule. The subject will be executed, and his head will be placed on a pole for the empire to see.

We entered the ball room. Me entering with the King gave me even more face in the Kingdom. Today would decide. Who would I be chosen by? Then the King did the most shocking thing. He leaned down and whispered into my ear. My breath hitched in my throat as I realized how close he was, I could feel his hot breath on my neck.

"This will give you more face in the empire. I expect total cooperation from you." His voice lowered like a stone dipped in water, causing me to shudder slightly but I nodded nonetheless.

 I looked up at him. But when he said nothing more and took placed my arm in his, we both walked towards the ladies who were occupied with discussing with each other.

I could tell, the high class were distinguished from the middle class. When it came to marriages, the man from the noble class could choose a maiden from the high class as. 

The maidens from the middle class were dressed astonishingly. And me...the lowest of ranks and classes, was dressed like a noble because the King had permitted it. 

My eyes looked at Dionne whose eyes spoke for her. She was both stunned, seeing me like dressed like this and with the King. She was middle class. She was my best friend until I caught her sleeping with the King who she knew was my mate. 

I looked around seeing the Noblemen and Kings from other Kingdoms and Empires. They were all distinguished as the Kings were seated and the noblemen were standing. But one of them caught my attention. He stared at me with this dangerous eyes even though his face was completely blank. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes. His dark hair is swept back, and he has a regal air about him. 

He was covered in an elaborate red and gold robe, adorned with jewels, and a golden crown rested upon his head. His posture is regal and confident, and he held himself like a true leader. He was figure who commanded respect, and I couldnt help but feel a sense of awe in his presence. 

In instantly knew he was the King of Rome. His eyes lingered on mine for a little bit too long, and it sent shivers down my spine because I didn't understand the reason he was staring at me. 

My heart thumped in my chest whilst my cheeks flushed a little bit, a bit ashamed that I was feeling the way that I was for a King who took away everything from me even to my older sister Thaleia. The women naturally gravitated towards him, and I could tell they wanted him more than any other noble man in the room.

My mind drifted to so many things, has I had heard, The King of Rome had never released any of his mistresses to go outdoors. They were locked up till they were needless to him, which was quite painful if one thought about it.

 He too treated women like useless beings made for bed and fertility. 

It was time to choose, and the women stripped their gowns off to their undergarments, just so the men could see who was befitting enough for them. My heart thumped with trepidation because I had so many scars but the women stood arranging themselves in order, so as to be chosen while I stood wanting the earth to swallow me up because of all my scars. No woman with scars was considered beautiful, it only brought pain and disgrace.

The King noticed my hesitation and nudged me forwards. With trembling hands I stood beside the other girls who gladly stripped. I didn't.

And so the Kings checked the women and nodding as they whirled. I could see how impressed they were...except the King of Rome. My hand was shaky when he descended the stairs. 

He looked at the giggling women with a stern face to the point where they even cowered. I watched him, when he got to Dionne's turn. She had a smile any man would die for but the Caesar of Rome with nothing as much as a nod, walked past. If stunned every woman that he gave no impression of interest in them.

Then he stopped at me. My hands trembled. I was still fully dressed.

My head was bowed because I couldn't bring myself to look at him. 

"What are you still doing fully dressed?" King Leontios questioned.

I swallowed. "My King."

"Strip." I hesitated but the tone of his voice sent thrills down my spine. "Now."