2

Edward

Edward. It is my name, but I have nothing but hatred against the man who gave me such a name. He was king to every wolf in Galentia but he couldn't even be a father to his only son. It was alright. At least, I had my mother, and she was my foundation, the only person who could bring a smile to my face.

When my father passed, I moved on relatively quickly because I had my mother by my side. As I grew older to a mate-able age, my mother told me that someone would have to replace her but I didn't care for a mate.

My mother was enough.

However, I met Edwina, and that changed.

It didn't show on my facial expression but there was a stirring in the deeper part of me whenever I saw her. I was in awe of the way her skin glistened in the sun, and how her deep, blue eyes like that of the ocean conquered every discipline.

I wanted to meet Edwina again, I loved her cheerfulness and how vibrant her voice was. She stayed in Galentia for a few days but I could already imagine life with her.

I couldn't wait for her to officially become my queen.

Stupid me. I was young and foolish.

Fast-forward, five years have passed and truly, I couldn't wait to see her. I couldn't wait for the day that I would exact revenge and put her through pain. As the Lycan king of Galentia, my kingdom is the greatest amongst the seven kingdoms ruled by werewolves. I triumph over Alphas, betas, and gammas.

In the hierarchy of werewolves, each level knows to bow under my rule. As a Lycan, I display inhuman physical strength, speed, reflexes, endurance, and agility that is incomparable to other werewolves. You would think it shouldn’t take long for me to capture and find a frail woman like Edwina.

My wolf is a f**king ingrate! For five years, it has refused to track her scent, and it won’t allow me to lay a hand on her even when I want to bash her against the wall for killing my mother and betraying our vows.

However, I can get someone who is just as angry as I am to punish her and that is Gracie. I get up on my feet, squeezing my fist because she has refused to explain why she broke our vows. Why did her parents turn their back on the agreement?

What did Damien promise them? I do not grieve or feel pity for her parent's death. It’s what they deserve for betraying my mother. “If only they knew that Damien was my uncle, my father’s brother who longed for the throne of Galentia.” At this point, Damien has taken over Avalor, Edwina’s kingdom.

“And the vow I made to her to protect her Kingdom and herself has been broken.” I owe her no support anymore.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m so sorry.” Edwina says, her breaking voice is a weakness and her green eyes filled with tears is making my wolf submit.

When I look at her, she still manages to do things to me that I thought I wouldn’t feel. However, her ocean-green eyes have lost its spark, her voice is nothing but a broken spirit.

You are sorry? Everyone leave! I growl and my voice makes her tremble.

Immediately, the room is devoid of anyone and I bend to her level where she is curled up, covering her dignity. Her hair is drenched and it is helping her cover her bosom. I intend to dishearten her in several ways until I run out of ideas.

“Get up.” I said. She looked up at me in shock.

Now! I growl, and she gets up, sobbing, and my eyes drift to the injury on her waist. My wolf wants me to protect her and take care of her like I vowed. I won’t listen to it.

Were you there when she died? I ask, a crack in my voice as I remember what my mother’s body looked like.

“Yes.” She replies, removing her face away, unable to stare at the daggers in my eyes.

“Look at me when I speak to you! I say and she shuts her eyes, crying profusely.

I’m sorry! Edwina says, opening her eyes and holding her waist. I am about to ask her another question when her eyes dim and my first instinct is to run forward to hold her.

I grab a hold of her and she lays her head on my chest. Her body is hot, I think she must be running a fever. I grab a robe and swathe it around her, looking at her face and carrying her in my arms.

When I step out with her in my arms, everyone is focused on me.

Get the wolf doctor! I say, distressed and at the same, annoyed that my wolf is distressed about her health.

I lay her on the bed and Gracia looks at me.

“Your majesty, we should lock her up in the cell.” For her crime, she’s supposed to be left in the dungeons where she would rot until she cannot be recognized anymore. Gracia says.

You forget she is my mate and my wolf is fucking my head up already! I growl in anger and everyone parts way for me to pass.

Get a doctor! She is not allowed to die unless I kill her myself! I say and I barge out of the room in anger. Her scent is driving me insane, my wolf is stopping me from being as violent as I need to be. It doesn’t matter the gravity of her offense, my damn wolf will take her side and fall to her knees.

Your majesty! Omen says, he is my personal gamma warrior who sent news of Edwina after she was caught unconscious in our territory.

What is it? I ask, annoyed as I begin to gurgle a glass of wine that is handed over to me by a servant.

“It seems words have spread that Edwina of Avalor has been captured.” What do we do? The people will be expecting an execution. Omen says and I slump on a nearby chair, unable to answer immediately.

“I am king, I will not be forced to make a decision! Go ahead and tell that to the people asking.” I say, and Gracie enters the office.

“The wolf doctor says she is running a fever from the stab wound.” Gracie reports.

“It doesn’t make sense, your majesty. We have been searching for her for five years.” But this time, she entered our territory by herself. Omen says and I think about it.

It truly doesn’t make sense. Why did she come to Galentia so that she could be captured by me? I don’t even care the reason why she does things. I have finally gotten a hold of her and that is all that matters.

“I believe she wants to manipulate you because you share a wolf bond with her, your majesty.” It could be a trap. Gracie says.

“Why would a prisoner think to trap me? I have the upper hand here, Gracie.” I remind her, Gracie was my mother’s closest associate and I know she wants justice for my mother’s death.

“You are mates.” You marked her. Forgive me, your majesty but that is where your weakness lies. Gracie says.

“I don’t think it’s a trap. Damien has taken over her kingdom and he killed her parents.” Your majesty, I think she’s here because she has nowhere to go, I think she regrets everything. Omen says.

Good, then we execute her! Gracie replies, in a stern expression and it’s almost like an argument between her and Omen.

“I don’t want her to die immediately! I growl and they both bow their heads.”

What exactly is revenge if I execute her and immediately it ends for her? I want her to beg for death. Don’t question me about an execution again! I say.

Yes, your majesty! They both reply.

“Your majesty, there is another problem,” Gracie says.

“Speak.” I reply.

“Your fiancee, Rebecca has been trying to get a hold of you ever since she got the news that you have captured Edwina.” I think she’s worried about where she stands in your heart. Gracie says.

I close my eyes for a short moment. The presence of Edwina has brought about a wave that triggers and affects everyone. She is just one woman. How can she shake the whole kingdom in such a way?

I’m short of ideas at this moment. I proposed marriage to Rebecca because as king it was important that I gave Galentia a queen for the continuation of my legacy. I needed to have pups and it didn’t matter if she was my mate.

What do you suggest I do? I quietly ask.

“Since you want to punish Edwina.” Why don’t you allow Rebecca to move into the castle? You have been engaged for two years already. It’s time you stopped postponing the wedding. And to cause pain to Edwina, why don’t you turn her into a maid that will serve Rebecca?

“This will let her know that you have indeed cut all ties with her,” Gracie says.

Omen And I look towards her the moment she says that. My wolf doesn’t want me to go ahead with it but I hardly care.

“Fine.” Go ahead. I say, giving Gracie the authority to make Edwina’s life miserable.

“Turn her into the lowest servant in the castle, no one is to help or assist her,” I command, and they both walk out of the room to fulfill my orders.