CHAPTER FOUR

Later that day, I went back to the King's palace. I only had a few things in a small bag. Leaving my old home and pack area was very hard. My pack members whispered mean things and looked at me with dislike until I left their territory. One pack member said "Good riddance", showing they were glad I was leaving just like the others left.

I tried not to cry, not wanting to show more weakness in front of those who saw me as a cursed burden. I was trading one bad situation for another - but at least with the King, there was a chance for some temporary relief instead of constantly being rejected like before.

When I arrived at the palace gates, I was instantly let in and taken to the royal family's rooms. The fancy surroundings were confusing after my old plain living conditions. Soft curtains, shiny floors, and beautiful furniture filled the rooms meant to be the "mate's chambers" for me and the King.

I felt sick in my stomach, realizing again that me staying here was a complete fake act. But did I really have any other good choice?

I was changing into a nicer dress that was picked out for me when there was a soft knock at the door. "Come in," I said.

The door opened and two young maidservants came rushing in, respectfully curtsying. "Greetings, my lady. We've come to help you get ready."

Help me? The politeness and showing respect were totally new to me. I shifted uncomfortably as the maids moved around, straightening the big canopy bed and lighting the lamps.

"There will be a formal introduction for the King's new mate soon," one maid told me. "In the throne room. We were instructed to make sure you are fully prepared."

My throat felt tight, realizing this pretend act was really starting now. Of course word of my supposed new role here would need to be spread. I took a deep, calming breath and forced a small smile. "Thank you, that's...very helpful."

With the maid's help, I was dressed in an elegant emerald green silk gown with intricate silver designs. My usually messy hair was styled up neatly in a upswept way fit for a noble lady of the court. Some rouge makeup was put on my cheeks and lips, transforming how I looked into that of a highborn woman.

When I finally saw my reflection, I had to look twice. I barely even recognized the polished, refined look in the mirror. The tired, lonely look that had been etched on my face for so long was gone. Instead, I now had the royal appearance of what the Lycan King's mate should look like.

The jarring transformation made my whole situation feel horrifyingly real again. A shaky laugh came from me at the sheer ridiculousness and audacity of the fake act that was about to happen.

Too soon, I was being ushered into the throne room where the King's entire household and court had gathered. Hushed murmurs filled the huge space as all eyes turned toward me. At the front, seated regally on his throne carved of shining black obsidian stone, was the King himself.

Any amusement I felt vanished as those pale predator-like eyes of his locked onto me. His intense staring made me feel completely exposed despite my modest dress. Heat crept up my neck from the burning look he dragged over my body before finally meeting my eyes.

An approving look entered his eyes, which did nothing to calm the sudden turmoil and confusion inside me. What was I supposed to do now? Give some kind of speech or address?

The King stood up smoothly, effectively making the murmuring room become totally silent. He waved one hand in a subtle beckoning gesture.

"Come here," he commanded.

His commanding tone left no room for argument. With my pulse racing, I walked forward down the open aisle between the rows of onlookers. Every eye was focused on my every step, studying this mysterious newcomer their king had apparently taken as his mate.

I stopped before the raised platform, my stomach twisted in knots. For several tense moments, the King simply stared down at me with that unreadable expression. Then, with regal ceremony, he descended until he towered right in front of me.

I fought the urge to shrink back as he reached out to trail his rough fingertips along my jawline in a shockingly intimate caress.

"My esteemed guests, hunters, and staff," he addressed the room in a resonant voice, though his pale eyes remained intensely locked on me. "Let me introduce my new mate and your princess… Bianca."

A murmur went through the crowd when he said my name. I felt my face get hot with embarrassment. This was actually happening. I was being presented as the Lycan King's mate to all these spectators when we both knew the truth. When……..

His fingers grazed my cheek, pulling my attention back to him. The set of his jaw showed he would not argue. And the fire in his eyes meant we were committed to this path now.

Still, I could not help holding my breath when he leaned in closer, his actions making my heart stutter. Those rough fingers slid under my chin, tilting my face up even as his mouth hovered just a breadth away from mine.

"Embrace this moment, my mate," he uttered in a husky tone that allowed no protest. "For soon, you shall have the pleasure of my complete… and undivided...attentions."

Then, with the entire throne room watching with rapt fascination, the Lycan King claimed my lips in a shockingly possessive kiss.

I tensed instinctively as the King's lips met mine, harsh and demanding. This was not the feverish, drunken kiss we had briefly shared before. No, this embrace carried the weight of ceremony and expectation behind it.

For a dizzying moment, it was as if the entire world had fallen away. There was only the firm pressure of his mouth molding to mine and the earthy, masculine scent of him surrounding me. His calloused palm cradled my jaw with surprising gentleness even as his tongue swept boldly past my lips.

I could not stop the shiver that coursed through me from the intimate invasion. My fingers clutched at the expensive fabric of his tunic as I was wholly overwhelmed by his sheer presence and the reality of our actions.

A strangled sort of moan escaped the back of my throat before I could stop it. The King's chest rumbled with a low growl in response, the vibration resonating through where our bodies were flush together.

Then, much too quickly, he stopped the intense kiss. I felt confused and unsteady as he pulled away, his light eyes shining with something I couldn't understand. Was it smug satisfaction? My face felt hot from the strong feelings still lingering between us.

The King did not acknowledge the heated moment further. Instead, he turned to face the throne room, keeping one possessive arm anchored around my waist.

"Let the celebration commence in honor of my new mate!" he announced in a booming tone. "The Lycan Princess has taken her rightful place by my side at last."

A loud cheer went up from the crowd at his words. Music and lively festivities immediately kicked into gear, celebratory drink flowing freely. I watched it all with a dazed sort of detachment, my senses still muddled from that overwhelming kiss.

The King leaned in close, whispering so only I could hear. "You seem unsteady, my mate," he said with a hint of amusement. "Maybe you need a break from the events for now."

I wanted to argue with him, but I couldn't find the energy. He was right— I felt strangely exhausted from the adrenaline of being shown off as his woman so boldly. And that intense, dominating kiss had taken a lot out of me too.

"I...yes, perhaps that's wise," I managed in a tight voice.

His expression showed a slight smirk at my agreement before he suddenly swept me up into his arms without any warning. I gasped at the unexpected movement, instinctively grabbing onto his shoulders.

The King paid no mind to my shock. He simply lifted me securely against his muscular frame and strode out of the throne room as if I weighed hardly anything. I could only stare up at his chiseled profile as we exited, feeling uncertain and confused about the entire surreal situation.

Once we reached the privacy of our quarters, the King carefully set me down on the enormous ebony bed. I sank back against the plush furs and covers in a daze, feeling distinctly off-balance.

The King settled on the edge of the bed, regarding me with that inscrutable look as I caught my breath. "That was merely a glimpse of your new life here with me," he stated evenly. "And the attention it will bring."

I swallowed hard, unable to look away from his intense gaze. "I...understand."

A low rumbling sound came from him as he leaned in closer, so that I could detect his distinct scent.

"You've done well so far, Bianca," he murmured in a tone that made me feel unsettled. "But our situation has only just begun."