Princess Yeri.“This is not a marriage.”“This is not a marriage.” Magnus repeats to me and I exhale, loud enough for him to hear.“We are mates.” I whisper, raising my eyes to look at him.“Yes, I read that in your letter.” Magnus notes.“Good. So, it is a bond.” I claim.“A bond? I stand to be corrected but that man hates you. I felt it in his voice, I saw it in his eyes…tell me, has he forced himself on you?—”“If he did, he would be dead.” I hiss, rising on my feet while he stays seated.“So, what did he do?” Magnus asks and I stare back at him in shock.“Are you mad? What sort of a question are you asking me? He made me submit under him! He took me away from our kingdom.” I spit.“I know but neither you nor him discussed any of that in my presence. The only thing I heard was him being a dog and you being a—”“I can’t even utter it, mercy!” Magnus cautions. “It was a lovers quarrel in there—”“Ozar and I are not lovers.” I say, raising a finger in the air.“Then, what are you?” Ma
Queen Yeri.I stand in the quiet aftermath of my brother’s departure, feeling the weight of the moment. The Gardenia Mistwalker wolves stand in disciplined rows before me are a thousand warriors—it is not even a quarter of the inheritance that my mother left to me but it is a start. As of this moment, I have two right hands. Kiesta, a warrior and lady-in-waiting that my brother trusts himself and Katal, her brother. Alice and Beth, my faithful companions have chosen to stay by my side. Though, I have made Diana leave with Magnus.We are in an open field where sand and dust are rolling like a ghostly shroud around the gathered warriors. The Mistwalker wolves are fierce and silent. They stand at attention and their eyes are fixed on me. Katal, a formidable wolf, steps forward. His voice is deep and it cuts through the thick air like a blade."Listen well," he began, echoing with the weight of centuries of tradition."We are the Gardenia army, bound by blood and honor to serve the Queen
Alpha King Orizon.Fuck!The noise all around the castle grows louder. It is an unsettling symphony of thumps, howls and growls reverberating through the walls. The feral cries and actions are making the very foundations of the castle tremble. Under my feet, I can feel it. It is as if the ancient structure of the castle quakes in response to their fury. It has been going on for twelve hours and the dowager has sent her attendants to force me to find a solution to the problem.“Fuck!” I utter for the second time.“Ozar…” Kaine says, heading towards me with Camille.“You have to speak to Yeri.” Kaine mutters.“How about you tell your wife that?” I sneer, glancing at Camille for a second.“You don’t have proof of what you are accusing me of.” She retorts but I see the truth behind her eyes.“Oh, really? Mehera should be awake by now. She will tell me exactly what happened.” I snap at her.“Of course, Mehera. The poor thing is still asleep. This noise will wake her up and it will also bri
ContdAlpha King OrizonI step out in irritation to confront this new disturbance. The echoes of the Mistwalkers’ have finally faded because the dowager has given Yeri what she wants. We have gotten only a brief silence which has now been shattered by the shrill wails of Mehera.You would think that after the uproar caused by the Mistwalkers, the castle would have fallen into a rare moment of peace. But no, Mehera's lamentation fills the void, louder and more grating than ever.I finally reache her. A king’s presence should be enough to silence anyone, yet Mehera continues, oblivious to my approach. I look down at her hands wringing in distress.“Why is no one doing anything?”“Why is no one saying anything? Yeri was one of the veiled women! I saw her. I saw her. She took my place—”“Please!” She cries.“The king is here.” A maidservant tells her and she snaps her neck to find me.“Your majesty!” She screeches. The desperation in her eyes is obvious, and without a second thought, she
Mehera.“Your parents have sent several letters. The king is not seeing them or giving an audience yet.” Bertha says, closing the door behind us and I crash to the ground.My world is spinning out of control. There is no way that I can make sense of the chaos of my life. The grand celebration that was meant to crown me queen has turned into a nightmare. I woke up to the cold, harsh reality that my dream has been shattered, stolen by none other than Yeri.I walked through the desolate halls, holding my broken heart. The glorious cathedral which was supposed to be my crowning is now a scene of devastation. Once again, my vision blurs with tears as I take in the aftermath, the wreckage of my stolen destiny. My body trembles with despair. The future I had envisioned, the power I am supposed to wield, all of it has been ripped away in an instant. How did Yeri know that I did this to her? Who told her? How could she find out? I know her to be outspoken and brave. I knew that if she were ev
Queen Yeri. For the first time, I stand in front of the grand palace—the wing that belongs to me as the new queen of Orizon. It is called the Court of Virtue. At the entrance is a majestic golden wolf statue which stands as a sentinel, its eyes are seemingly watching over anything that passes. Archways, like portals to other realms, leads to various chambers. It is a cathedral of stone and marble, towering ceilings that have beautiful frescoes. Again, gilded designs and emerald-encrusted pillars. I hate Ozar but this place is beyond words. I clear my throat, glancing left and right at the unsettling silence that has filled the space. There are no servants bustling about, no maids attending to the finery, no stewards ensuring the smooth running of this household. The emptiness gnaws at me. I pause, wondering why the halls are empty of attendants but the quiet is suddenly broken by the sound of footsteps. Gladys rushes into the entrance and she exclaims, "Your Majesty!" My heart
ContdQueen Yeri.The door shuts behind me and a shiver of apprehension runs down her spine. My eye sweeps over the first space, taking in the austere decor that reflects Ozar's temperament— the first thing I encounter is his grand receiving room. Beyond it are a series of corridors, each one lined with dark wood and lit by glowing sconces.A large fireplace dominates one wall, its mantle is lined with ancient artifacts and trophies. The scent of burning cedarwood lingers in the air and to the left, there’s a massive oak desk. The leather-bound chair is imposing, built for a man of his stature.I move cautiously. My footsteps are barely making a sound as I cross the threshold into the corridor that leads to his bedchamber. Asher's words about Ozar's bloodline reverberates in my mind and it heightens my unease. In the bedroom, there are velvet drapes cascading down from the windows. I stare at the imposing bed at the centre—its sheets are ruffled, as if Ozar had been lying there only mo
Princess Yeri.Ozar slides my dress off my shoulders. His rough fingers trace the line of my collarbone, peeling the gown away until it pools around my waist. My hands work with equal urgency, fumbling with the belt at his waist. The sound of leather sliding through loops is quickly followed by a sharp click as I unfasten it. Ozar allows me, for a brief moment of control before he takes over, yanking the belt free and it clatters against the floor.His calloused hands that have played in the art of war slips under. Ozar pulls my underwear down, yanking it away and tossing it aside. I gasp as the last barrier between us is removed and he reaches for my lips.With both of his hands, Ozar grabs my face and his lips crashes against mine in fierce hunger. He pushes his tongue into my mouth—his fervour makes my knees weak. His mouth tastes of rain, like the first drops of a storm that could quench the earth. So raw and untamed, a tempest can neither be tamed nor ignored. A potent blend of wh
Alpha King Ozar.As I pass through the courtyard, I sense the chill of the night. It clings to the castle walls like rain on leaves. My mind, though weighed with thoughts, is pierced by the sound of laughter—her laughter. Yeri's voice floats through the shadows like a melody, unrestrained and untouched by the bitterness between us. I pause and my eyes settles on her figure just beyond the archway.Oh, has her date with Theodric come to an end already?However, this is different.She is walking a small puppy. Her laughter is soft, with one hand resting on her stomach as though to steady herself from the joy spilling out. What could be joyful with everything that has been happened between us? I scoff and my chest tightens at the sight. That must be another gift from Theodric? Of course, it must be. He showers her with trinkets, and this puppy is no different.The puppy, a clumsy thing, tips the rope in her hand and dashes off on its own, its tiny paws clatters against the stone path. I
Alpha King Dimitrio.After announcing her arrival, the dowager strides into my study with a gown that rustles against the stone floor. I lift my eyes from the paperwork before me for I am slightly surprised by her presence. Ever since the wedding, she’s kept her distance, not even so much as a glance in my direction or the castle. And yet, here she is. There must be a reason. The dowager never does anything without reason."Since you haven’t dethroned her, I’m guessing you have your reasons. King Magnus has our people, and therefore, Yeri has to hold the seat for now they have the upper hand." she begins, calculating as she takes a seat across from me. She lowers herself gracefully to sit, back straight with hands folded in her lap.I find myself admiring, grudgingly, how well she understands the situation. "You know it all," I say."Is that all there is to it, Ozar?" Her eyes pierce through me, and I can already sense she’s digging deeper. "What did Collins tell you that made you b
Queen Yeri.King Ozar storms into my chambers with a force that makes my hands freeze mid-stitch. My maidservants immediately scatter, eyes wide with fear, sensing the fury that has just entered. Only Kiesta remains, standing still like a sentinel beside me.I glance at her briefly.“Leave us,” I say, despite the feel of my heart thudding against my ribcage.Kiesta hesitates for a moment, flickering between Ozar and me, but then nods and steps out, closing the door behind her.A scoff escapes his lips before he even speaks, his anger radiating off him like heat from a forge. I stop what I’m doing, setting the fabric aside, and slowly rise to my feet, but before I can steady myself, he strides forward and shoves me back down onto the couch. I gasp, my breath caught in my throat as I look up at him.Ozar towers over me like the man that he is and his shadow casts me in darkness.“Explain yourself…” he growls, thick with annoyance.I press my lips together, drawing a slow breath to calm
Queen Yeri.“Her attendants are processing her for a night with the king.” Camille says and I huff, looking at her with an emotion I cannot give a name yet. I accused Ozar of being jealous but right now, the expression of my emotions is more than jealousy.“He kept me in the castle because he is jealous of my relationship with Theodric. Yet, he wants to completely wither me by spending a night with Mehera.” I lament, pacing back and forth in Camille’s room. Camille, ever composed, is pouring herself a drink as if my world isn’t on the verge of crumbling.“Do you think he’ll do it?” I ask, betraying the fear that’s tightening around my chest.Camille barely glances at me and her lips curls into a wry smile. "Fuck his consort? Yeri, before you came, the king was swimming in a harem filled with women of all shapes and sizes. Of course, he’ll do it."I freeze, my hand flying to my forehead, my skin is hot to the touch. I’m sweating, and my heart is pounding so violently I fear it might b
Alpha king Ozar.“What do you want me to do?” Clipper asks.I don’t know what to say. I scratch my forehead in a worried manner.“I am worried.” I confess.“So, what? You want to find a way to stop her. If she cannot go today, she will go another day. Plus, Theodric is a married man. You shouldn’t have to worry about him.” Clipper ensues.“But have you seen Yeri? The council officers who are all married men were gawking at her the other day. She is mischievous and is capable of wielding her hand.” I say to Clipper but he may never understand. I know what prompted me to push Yeri to consort, then leave her as queen. Was it when she stroked my manhood at the time where she was a consort? Or was it how she sojourned me in the tents? Yeri just has to make a smoke, and the rest will result in fire.“Okay, I will leave now.”“No—let there be a spy that has been found in the capital. Send gammas to the capital to search for the spy and because of that, no royal is to step out.” I say.Clipp
Alpha King Orizon.I enter the dining hall for breakfast at the grand table. To my surprise, Camille is the only one around the table. So, my eyes have no choice but to instinctively find her. Her gaze lifts to meet mine as I approach. The memory of last night hangs between us like a thick, unspoken cloud.Yesterday, she came into my bedroom, half-dressed and bold in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Her request was clear, her intent was undeniable. She asked—no, she practically begged—for me to take her. I wasn't expecting it. The surprise, the sheer audacity of it all, left me momentarily speechless. I didn't know what to make of it.In truth, I am still grappling with it now. How did it come to this? Where once I was sure of myself, confident in my desires, I now find myself adrift. The ordeal ended with me escorting her out—a conversation that I have no desire to revisit. But the question gnaws at me, persistent and unyielding: What is wrong with me? I have shared my bed with women befo
Queen Yeri.I glide into my private bedroom, feeling the soft embrace of the space as the door closes behind me. I kick off my shoes, letting them fall unceremoniously to the floor. The sensation of freedom spreads through my toes, and I waste no time in collapsing onto the couch, reclining in a manner that would scandalize the court—a manner entirely unbecoming of a lady.But I don't care. Not tonight.A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, slow and wicked, as I replay the events of the day in my mind. Satisfaction curls within me like a contented cat. The image of Ozar, his eyes locked onto me in anger, is a delicious memory. While I spoke with Theodric, I could almost feel Ozar’s far breath.There is something intoxicating about knowing I commanded his attention so completely, despite all his gruffness and reserve. How could I forget? I have done it so well against him in the past. I stretch out on the couch and I can’t help but chuckle softly to myself. The day has gone in my fav
Alpha King Ozar.I watch as she laughs softly with King Theodric. Her fingers lightly tap his shoulder, and the man respond with a playful tilt of his head. I don’t know what is funny but the both of them are seemingly lost in a private jest. I was quite surprised when he decided to get up and choose her side. It is a true fact that Lord Theodric is known well for his intelligence. Most of the council officers are quick to stand with him—it his influence and the quickness of his actions. By taking Yeri’s side, he has bought her a lot of followers in court already. However, I cannot help but be annoyed. Before I can dwell further on the scene, Clipper discreetly clears his throat, a subtle reminder to refocus. I blink, tearing my eyes away from the pair“Lord Daniel is approaching,” Clipper murmurs.Heaven only knows how long I have been staring at Yeri.I shift back to the stoic expression that I wear like an armor. Lord Daniel stops before me and bows. "Your Majesty," But before
Queen Yeri.I lay still on the bed, face buried in the pillows. I have been like this since last night—my despair pulls me deeper into the sheets, refusing to release me. I saw when the morning light crept into the room as Alice opened the windows, letting in a soft breeze that stirs the curtains but did nothing to stir me. Kiesta stands at the foot of the bed."Your Majesty, there is a court meeting. You need to get up and dress. It is the first time you will appear as queen to the officials of Orizon."Alice moves to the side; her voice is gentle but with a sense of urgency. "I’ll start boiling water.""I will pick out her dress," Beth adds, as if the right gown might somehow revive the queen's spirit.I do not move. And my voice, when it finally emerges is faint. "I don’t feel well.""No, you just feel hate. Don’t beat yourself, Your Majesty. He is dragon wolf blood; he’s quite powerful." Kiesta says, it is a subtle encouragement but I do not want to see Ozar’s face.Kiesta sits on