Unforeseen Paths

Amelia’s POV

The council chamber felt colder, heavier, after Queen Larissa’s abrupt exit. Her biting words still echoed in my mind, each one carving a deeper hole in my self-worth. A rejected she-wolf... That’s what she saw in me—someone who wasn’t worthy of her son or this kingdom. The weight of the council’s gaze pressed down on me like a physical force, and I fought to keep my expression calm, even as my heart raced with uncertainty.

Lucas, ever composed, stepped forward and addressed the council. “This marriage is not just a personal union, but one that benefits us all. Amelia will be a strong Luna, and together, we will secure the future of this kingdom.”

His words were confident, meant to reassure the council, but I could see the flickers of doubt on some of their faces. A few exchanged wary glances, clearly unsettled by Larissa’s outburst. King Luther, however, stood firmly by his son’s side, his eyes scanning the room as he gave a slight nod of approval. “This union has my full support,” he stated calmly, his voice carrying the weight of his authority.

Despite the king’s reassurance, the tension still lingered. I could feel it wrapping around me like a vice. My gaze dropped to the polished table in front of me as I tried to steady my breathing, but Larissa’s words refused to leave my mind. Could I truly live up to the role of Luna? Of queen?

Inside me, Snow stirred. “You belong here, Amelia,” she said softly, her voice calm and sure. “Don’t let her get to you. We’re stronger than this.”

But even Snow’s confidence couldn’t shake the doubt that had taken root. Larissa wasn’t just any wolf—she was the queen god damn it, the one who had ruled beside Lucas’s father for years. If she didn’t think I was worthy of this role, then who would?

I clenched my hands beneath the table, my nails digging into my palms. Snow might believe in me, Lucas might believe in me, but could I believe in myself? Was I really ready for the responsibility of leading this kingdom, or was I simply following the path laid out in front of me because turning back seemed impossible?

I straightened my shoulders, forcing myself to stand tall even though the weight of my thoughts was pulling me down. No matter how much doubt I carried, I couldn’t let it show. Not here. Not now.

The council recessed, and Lucas immediately pulled me aside, his hand gently resting on my arm. “Amelia,” he said softly, “don’t let my mother’s words get to you. She’s... difficult, but her opinion doesn’t change anything between us.”

I looked up at him, trying to find comfort in his words, but the sting of Larissa’s rejection still lingered. “She doesn’t want me here,” I whispered, voicing the fear that had been gnawing at me since we’d arrived.

Lucas’s expression softened, and he reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. “She doesn’t know you like I do,” he replied. “Give her time. She’ll see what I see in you.”

His faith in me was unwavering, and quite shocking to hear coming from him. I mean we wanted hardly knew each other. I wanted so badly to believe him, to trust that time would change things. But for now, all I could do was nod. “I hope you’re right.”

Lucas gave me a reassuring smile. “I am.”

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, and for a brief moment, I froze. But as soon as we pulled apart, reality set in again.

“I have more to discuss with the council,” he said, his voice returning to its formal tone. “But you don’t need to be here for that. One of the servants will show you to your chambers.”

I nodded, grateful for the reprieve. My mind was too full of swirling thoughts to handle more political discussion. As Lucas returned to the council room, a servant appeared at my side, bowing slightly before gesturing for me to follow.

The servant led me through the winding halls of the castle, each one more grand and ornate than the last. My thoughts drifted as we walked, Snow’s words echoing in the back of my mind. “You belong here.” But did I? Or was this life too far beyond anything I’d ever known? Ans why is she so easily accepting everyting?

We finally reached my chambers, and when the servant opened the door, I found myself staring in awe. The room was enormous—far bigger than anything I’d ever lived in before. A large canopy bed, draped with rich, velvet curtains, dominated the center of the room, and the tall windows let in streams of soft light. The bed bigger than three not four of my bed combine. The walls were adorned with delicate tapestries, and a fireplace crackled softly in the corner, filling the space with warmth.

The servant bowed once more and left, closing the door behind him. I stood there for a moment, taking in the sheer size and luxury of it all. This was my new reality. A life of grandeur, far removed from the humble existence I’d once known.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, the weight of everything finally catching up with me. Snow stirred again. “You’re stronger than you think, Amelia. You’ve come this far for a reason.”

“I don’t feel strong,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. “I feel... lost.”

“That’s normal,” Snow reassured me. “But we’ll figure it out. You’ll see. Just take it one step at a time.”

I took a deep breath, letting her words sink in. Snow was right. I couldn’t let fear or doubt rule me. I had to find my strength, for Lucas, for this kingdom... and for myself.

Deciding I needed to clear my mind, I headed toward the adjoining bathroom. The idea of a warm shower seemed like the perfect way to calm my nerves. I started undressing, letting the tension slowly ease from my muscles. The sound of the running water was soothing, and for a moment, I allowed myself to just... breathe.

But before I could fully relax, the door to the room suddenly creaked open.

Startled, I grabbed a nearby towel and quickly covered myself. “What are you doing here, Lucas?” I gasped, my heart racing in shock as I saw him standing in the doorway, a smirk playing on his lips.

He crossed his arms, his muscles flexing, leaning casually against the doorframe. “What do you mean, what am I doing here?” he replied, amusement clear in his voice. “This is my room.”

I stared at him in disbelief, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Your room?”

He took a step closer, his smirk widening. “That’s right. Did no one tell you?”

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. I’d been so focused on everything else that I hadn’t even considered the possibility that I’d be sharing a room with Lucas. The realization hit me like a wave, and I wasn’t sure if I was more embarrassed or surprised.

Lucas chuckled softly, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Don’t worry,” he said, his voice low as he closed the distance between us. His eyes linger on the towel wrap around me. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”