Chapter 4

“The 4th Princess of the United Realms, first of her name, Lady of the Tengyan Sea, her Royal highness Akira Mair.”

The heavy double doors creaked open after they announced my entrance. I curtsy upon meeting the King’s gaze and slowly walked towards him, testing the waters. Is he mad? Rightfully so. Will he stop me? Perhaps. Why is he wearing a blank face? I do not know.

Leaning back on his iron throne, a magnificent chair with spikes that could pierce an entire nation and the very spikes that keep said nation afloat. The spikes sharpened every day by its owner. The King. My father.

Who, unsurprisingly, gives me attention only a handful of times a year. I dare say I crave it, but it’s enough to be given even one, knowing I share his attention with eight other sisters and, oh, an entire realm.

“Your majesty.”

I curtsy once again as soon as I get to the proper distance. I kept my eyes on the floor. It is not proper etiquette and my etiquette governess may scold me for it, but I feel his heavy gaze. I know I cannot handle it directly. So I avoid it.

“Are you of sound mind, daughter?” were his first words.

I knew it.

Why did I even hold on to that little hope that he would support me?

Even if he’s a loving father, he will also have to think about the future of the realms. And this is obviously not in the future he foresees.

“Yes, father. I am. You know, I was hoping you’d listen to me first.”

He frowns but motions a hand for me to continue. I prepared for this. After yesterday’s heated conversation with my sisters, I arrived at the realization that I will need my father’s approval more than I thought and that I needed to step up my game to do it. So I thought of a trade deal.

“I ask that you give me time to make the House of the Wolves a formidable ally, that this betrothal will not be an opportunity wasted. The werewolves are our strongest, most dangerous race in the Union. Their only flaw is that they’re barbaric and wild. Allow me to fix that. As their first human Luna, I will create order.”

“And if the werewolves won’t listen to you?” He tilts his head.

“Then I will trust your judgment, my King. Pick a new husband for me and I will obey. That is—if I fail.” I met his gaze; determined and ready to stick to my words. I planned this out last night before going to bed, and I am quite impressed with myself and my newfound confidence. I wasn’t sure about this before because my chance of taming the pack is depressingly low, but I must do it.

My entire reputation and future rest on it.

“I will take your words with a grain of salt, Akira. Leave. I must confer with my advisors. I shall call for you, so do not go doing anything reckless,” he says, emphasizing the last phrase. I smile faintly and curtsy before turning to leave the hall. Outside, I crossed paths with my father’s advisors.

Some were shamelessly glaring at me, while some were respectful enough to curtsy before passing.

I sigh. Another reason I want to escape the palace is because of these arrogant and self-centered nobles. There are a handful of things I love about the palace, and a hundred more of why I hate it.

“Most girls, if not all, envy your position, Princess. They would die to live your life. Who would’ve thought their Princess dreams of being in another person’s shoes?”

Ellie’s words resurfaced in my mind. I frown.

Then they go live in this hellhole for one and twenty years. I’d rather be a baker or a farmer than a Princess who has to live in an enormous place with people of the coldest hearts and the heaviest stares.

I’d rather be a nobody.

But fate has already decided what my destiny is. So I must live with this. Unfortunately so.

“Your highness, the King summons you.”

My eyes peel open from idling in my chambers. It’s almost nightfall. I am summoned again and I am quickly fixed by my maids. A few moments later, I’m in front of the same nerve-wracking double doors.

My presence was announced and the doors creak.

“Flavian Fauntleroy is a good man,” he starts. He’s now slouching on his throne, a metal cup in his left hand. “At the very least, he can treat you well. But, if the House of the Wolves’ reputation does not improve in four fortnights,” He holds up four fingers with his free hand, “You will return to the palace and you will meet a Lord from the House of Men.”

“Your consideration will not go forgotten, my King.”

I spin to leave, a small victorious smile teasing my lips. He agreed! I do a small fist bump in the air as I returned to my chambers, celebrating my own small victory. I must have been trapped in my world too much as I almost bumped into Clara, who was blocking my way with crossed arms.

“Father gave his blessing?”

I smirk. “Of course, it further confirms the rumor that I am the favorite child.”

“There is no such rumor, sister.” She rolls her eyes, laughing. “If anything, you’re the least favorite. He lets you do whatever you want because he cares naught for you… nor your well-being.”

Clara was good at stomping on my victory. It’s one of the few things she’s good at. She had already wiped the smile from my face and she was not dumb to not notice that. Her smile only got wider, realizing it hit the spot. She speaks the truth, after all.

“Don’t be too sad, at least you’ll have another man who will give you the bare minimum attention,” she further mocks and walks away, chuckling. While I glared at her retreating figure.

—

In the few days that passed, the palace was bustling with wedding preparations.

And I could not sneak out to see my betrothed. The frustration was slowly eating me out. I knew Flavian can no longer refuse this marriage, but I do not want to be wed to a reluctant husband. I may seem desperate, but I still have my pride intact.

So, one night, I colluded with Ellie.

“I must meet him before the ceremony, Ellie, we have something important to discuss,” I convinced her one busy morning, using the only chance I have to speak privately with her. The other lady’s maid was busy with the preparations, and I only have this short intervention to plan.

“But- my lady, you cannot go anywhere during a time where everyone has their eyes on you.”

“I know.” I sigh. “That’s why we will make it seem as if I’ve never left the palace.”

She stared at me, her eyes filled with doubt.

“Do you trust me, Ellie?”

She nods.

Later that night, when the blanket of night covers the sky and the palace has turned its torches off for a good night’s sleep, the Princess lays down with beads of sweat trickling down her face- a face that looked oddly similar to the Princess’s lady’s maid.

Akira sneaks out of the palace, masterfully avoiding the guards’ radar and going into the town square to rent a hackney for the night.

“To the House of the Wolves, please,” she says in a voice lower than usual and throws a pouch of copper coins to the coach. She climbs into the carriage in her breeches, the most scandalous outfit she keeps hidden in her closet. Because a princess only wears gowns and dresses.

She looks out to the window as they journey to her betrothed’s territory. She’s coming to settle yet another agreement.