4

Edward.

Edwina looked ethereal. It didn’t matter that she was dressed in a servant’s uniform—her beauty and grace is alluring. It took everything in me to put my face away from her. However, the glance that I took showed me that she has become a full-grown lady.

When I passed by her side, her scent awakened by sexual instincts and I had to stop myself from indulging in imaginations that would never happen. What does her lips taste like? How would it feel to lay in between her legs, mating through the night?

Has she begun to hate me knowing that I have replaced her? I don’t have any feelings for Rebecca, my wolf doesn’t even want me to be around her.

Her family is very influential in the Kingdom but it’s arguable that she is the best person I can choose as Queen. “If it were a competition between her and Edwina—Rebecca wouldn’t even come close.” Edwina is royalty, a wolf princess who was bound to become queen.

“You majesty, do you think it’s right to leave Edwina in Rebecca’s train?” Omen asks me as we walk towards the stable.

The sun is hot. I’m dressed in a transparent, cream shirt and a knife is tucked at my waist side in its scabbard.

“You seem to be on Edwina’s side.” Are you already bewitched by her beauty that you forget what happened to my mother? I ask, leading the way and he follows me.

“I will never forget that, your majesty! But we believe the words of a man who escaped while Queen Olivia was ambushed." I think it’s fair to know if there are missing aspects to this. Omen says.

“Missing aspects, you say?” I say, a brow of mine is arched and I’m getting pissed.

“Forgive me, it’s not my place.” Omen says and I roll my eyes.

We are welcoming the Kings of all Kingdoms ruled by werewolves to Galentia for the celebration of the eclipse moon. You need to focus all your attention on our security rather than Edwina. I say and he bows.

“Do we have to host the celebration? You know how cunning our visitors can be.” Omen says.

“We are the Largest and most powerful Kingdom amongst all for a reason. The moment our guests arrive here, our mightiness will uproot every cunning tactic that they have.” As my head security, you have to make sure of that. I say to him as I take out my favorite horse from the stable.

“Yes, your majesty!” Omen says and I climb my horse.

I and Owen have been together before I became king. His father, Richard, was the late King’s personal gamma and I remember Omen’s whole life’s mission was to follow in his father’s footsteps.

I stare down at him from my favorite horse, it is an animal that has grown up with me too.

Omen, take a day off! Aren’t there women who are on your radar? I say and he scoffs.

“I am only loyal to you, your majesty.” He replies with a smile.

Well, I’m breaking up with you! I say, kicking my horse and riding out of the castle’s premises. As I ride far and beyond, there is only one thought that comes to my mind.

Edwina. I want to know what she is thinking about me. I don’t know why it matters because I want her to think the worst. I look at my hands and it remembers how soft her skin felt, my heart skips when I remember how her head rested on my chest while she was caught with fever.

She was weightless.

Gracie is right! No matter who much I act like she doesn’t strike a nerve, it will never be true. I can’t bring myself to kill her and I also cannot bring myself to forgive her.

What do I do with her? I made a vow and as a Lycan, my wolf will never turn back from it. It will not reject her even if I say it, it will be of no use. Gracie knows that I have been postponing my marriage with Rebecca intentionally. She believes that if I marry Rebecca, it would break off my ties with Edwina.

Frustrated, I ride back the castle after thinking out loud, it’s still a long day and I have work to do. The celebration of the eclipse month is supposed to be an invitation to all the kingdoms ruled by werewolves but Avalor is exempted.

It is now ruled by Damien, my uncle and enemy. He has been quiet for five years ever since my mother died. I have regularly sent spies to his kingdom and according to what I’ve learnt, he is recruiting and training rogues of all kinds.

“Promising them a future if they join as warriors to strengthen Avalor.” I have learnt that the people of Avalor have been terrorized and forced to follow his rules and command. He is basically a tyrant. I get off my horse and I hand over the reins to a stable boy.

As I walk through the large hallway, Gracie rushes towards me and I take off my gloves.

“Your majesty, there is a problem!” She says and I frown. It seems I cannot leave the castle for a second without a problem occurring.

“What is it?” I ask.

“It has to do with Rebecca and Edwina.” Gracie says and the mention of Edwina makes my heart leap. My damn wolf wants to protect her!

I begin to walk and Gracie follows me.

“Where are they!?” I ask.

“In the throne room.” She answers and I head there. The large door opens and I see Edwina on her knees, she doesn’t even look in my direction despite knowing that I have arrived.

Your majesty! Rebecca says, running towards me and wrapping her hands around my waist.