Chapter Two.

XANDER'S P.O.V.

       As the cool morning air filled my nostrils and lungs, I let out a triumphant howl and reveled in the independence and relief that only being in my lupine form afforded me. The cool air whipped against my fur, invigorating my senses and reminding me of my wild origins. My heightened senses caught every rustle of leaves, every distant melody of the singing birds, and the fragrance of the forest that permeated my nostrils. The morning’s sun slipped through the branches of the trees, and cast its bright rays on my sleek black fur; this illuminated my fur, causing it to glow and shine as I made my way through the grounds.

   Alongside Marcus, who kept pace beside me in his own brown coat of fur, I sprinted through the dense forest. Our paws pounded against the earth as we strode through the familiar trails of the forest, and while we did so, we fully embraced the freedom that our wolf forms granted us. As we ran side by side, our movements, which were in sync, hinted at the strength of the bond between the both of us. 

     As was our routine every morning, we took our time to exercise our limbs and bodies while also patrolling the palace grounds. Soon we were done with our early morning activities and headed back towards the palace. As we reached the hidden spot where we would transform back into our human forms, we slowed our pace. The process of transformation was always a dizzying experience but it was one that I had grown accustomed to over the years. The transition was both familiar and peculiar- a sensation that I was used to but never fully understood. 

     "Ah, what a run that was," Marcus muttered, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he shook off the last remnants of his wolfish energy. I gave a terse nod in reply as I had the same reaction. My cheeks were flushed from running around, sweat glistened on my chest, dripping down my brows in tiny droplets, and my shoulders heaved as I panted, my breath leaving my lips raggedly. All of this was as a result of the morning’s activities.

   Our run had truly been as invigorating as it had been a temporary relief from the weight of responsibility that awaited the both of us at the palace. A group of male servants standing in a straight line with their heads bowed respectfully awaited us; each one of them was holding a bundle of clothing in their arms. 

    "Thank you, gentlemen," Marcus said as we both plucked the neatly folded garments from their hands. 

    As I threw on my clothes, I was suddenly reminded of the heavy burden that had forced me out of the palace grounds in the first place; my impending marriage to a princess from a distant kingdom. It was an arrangement forged by the King- an arrangement that I was not at all keen on.

   I clearly recalled the day that the King had broken the horrific news to me; how it had felt like I had been doused with a bucket of cold water. I recalled how much I had hitched to wipe off the smug look that he’d had on his face. I could not believe that he could plan such an arrangement- not especially given the fact that he was fully aware of the circumstances which prevented me from being involved with such an alliance.

   "I despise these political games," I muttered, my voice filled with frustration as I tugged on the last item of my clothing.

       As we walked towards the grand entrance of the palace, I continued to air out my grievances to my only friend.

   "Marriage to a princess I've never met? It's preposterous! Marcus, can you believe this? The King really expects me to forsake everything- all that I hold dear all for a political alliance. I refuse to be a pawn in his game." I growled, my voice dripping with resentment. 

   Marcus turned to me, his voice filled with concern. 

   "Xander, you need to approach this situation with caution. Our kingdom relies on your leadership as much as it does the King’s. I fear that your impulsive actions could have severe consequences."

   I let out a heavy sigh as frustration bubbled up inside me. As always, Marcus was the voice of reason. But reasoning was not what I wanted at that point. I was too riled up to have the time to think straight. All that I could think about was how unfair my present situation was and how much I wanted to fight against it.

    "I know, Marcus. I know that the people rely on me as they rely on the King, but it's just severely unfair. How can the King decide my fate without even considering my desires? To marry a princess I have never met, when I already have a mate? It's preposterous!"

   Marcus placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his eyes brimming with an understanding that I was very used to receiving from him.

   "I empathize with your frustration, my friend, but you must remember the politics at play here. The King is always looking to secure alliances and ensure the prosperity of our kingdom. He is thinking about the kingdom’s needs.” He said.

   “I assure you that he thinks only of himself. His reasons are selfish and greedy, that is what they are.” I argued.

   Marcus let out a heavy sigh before placing his hand on my shoulder.

   “You need to find a way to reason with him." He said.

  "There is no reasoning with him. He is a strong headed mule who refuses to budge. I refuse to be a pawn in this game, Marcus. I will not succumb to the will of others, even if he is the King. I swear, I will have no part in this marriage." I said adamantly.

    "Xander, my friend," Marcus said, "You know I stand by your side no matter the path you choose, but have you considered the possibility that this union may bring unforeseen benefits? The alliance between our kingdoms could strengthen our people and secure our future."

    "I understand the political implications, Marcus, but this is a matter of the heart- my heart. How can I marry someone I have never neither met nor seen? How can I forsake the one who holds my heart captive for another that is nothing more than a stranger?" I said, gritting my teeth in anger.

    Marcus continued to place a comforting hand on my shoulder, his gaze unwavering. 

    "Love knows no boundaries, my prince. Perhaps, you may find that this arranged marriage will lead to a love as great as the one you have already discovered."

    The weight of his words hung in the air, and I struggled with conflicting emotions. While Marcus words were reasonable, my heart remained firm in its refusal to accept the forced union. 

   I scoffed at his advice, my frustration boiling to the surface.

    "Finding love be damned, Marcus! I will not be forced into a loveless union while my heart aches for another. I will make the King regret his decision, mark my words."

    Ever the level headed voice of reason, Marcus said, "Xander, I understand your anger, but we must approach this with caution. Challenging the King's authority could have grave consequences."

   My eyes blazed with defiance as I replied, "I will not be a pawn in his political schemes. I will make him see reason and I will make him change his mind about this marriage."

   "I understand your frustration, my friend, but remember, we must tread carefully. The king's intentions may not be entirely clear to us." Marcus sighed as he adjusted his collar.

    Our conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a breathless servant who sunk into a deep bow once he was in front of us. As he rose up from his bow, his eyes darted nervously between the two of us. 

   "Your Highness! His Majesty, the King, summons you to his study. He insists on seeing you immediately." he announced, his voice trembling slightly.

      The king's summons rarely meant well, and the urgency in the servant's voice only increased my curiosity. With a nod to Marcus, I followed the servant's lead to the heart of the palace with an unsettling feeling settling deep within my gut. 

    As we approached the towering doors that led to the King's study, I braced myself for the confrontation that lay ahead, determined to voice my complaints. Inside the King's study, I found him seated behind his imposing desk. His commanding presence engulfed the room and his stern gaze pierced through my determined adamancy. The gravity of the situation washed over me as his words echoed through the chamber.

   "She is already on her way," the king declared, his voice tinged with triumph. "Your future bride, Princess Olivia, is en route to our kingdom, where she shall be introduced to you."

  My heart plummeted and the shock washed over me, freezing my limbs in place. My jaw clenched as my fists curled in anger. 

   "I will not go through with this marriage," I declared, my voice laced with determination. “I will not be subject to your political plots any longer. I have a mate whom I love dearly and it is unjust to force me into a loveless marriage."

   The King's face contorted with anger and his eyes blazed with fury.

    "You have already agreed to this union, Xander. You will honor your commitment to this kingdom and to the princess."

   "No," I said firmly, my voice filled with unwavering determination. "I never agreed to marry a girl I have never met. I would never do that, especially not when I have already found my mate."

   The king's face contorted with fury, his eyes blazing. His icy gaze pierced my soul and his words dripped with disdain. 

   "You dare to defy me?" his voice rang and reverberated in the large room, "Your mate is not of royal blood, Xander. She is unworthy of our lineage. You will fulfill your duty to our kingdom or face the consequences."

   A fire burned within me, fueled by my anger as well as my love for my mate.

   "I will not allow you to dictate my happiness, Your Majesty. I will upend all your plans if that is what it takes to be with the one I love."

   The King's face twisted into a wicked grin. 

   "Be careful, Xander. You dare not disobey me. As long as I am King, you will obey me and if you defy me, I will ensure her life is cut short."

   Rage surged through my veins and my fists clenching involuntarily. How could he be so heartless? 

      I stared into the King's eyes with anger and said, "I will not be swayed, Your Majesty. I refuse to let you control my life and the lives of those that I love. I will fight for my mate, even if it means toppling your entire kingdom."

   The king rose from his seat, his face contorted with savageness.

   "You forget your place, Prince Xander. You forget the consequences of your defiance. If you do not go through with this marriage, your mate will pay the price."

    "If you dare to harm a single hair on her head, I will ruin all of your plans. I will not rest until justice is served, even if it means sacrificing everything."

   A storm of fury brewed in the King's eyes as his anger erupted. 

   "You have no choice in this matter! I am King and I am the one that gets to make the decisions here. You had better not defy me, Xander, if you do not want yourself and your mate to suffer a fate far worse than death." he said.

   "I will not be a pawn in your game any longer," I declared, my voice laced with lividity, "I refuse to bow to your will."

   "Very well then. Prepare for the consequences of your choices." The King said icily.

  Without bothering to give a reply to his threat, I turned on my heels and left the King's study.