Chapter 1: The queen

Ynez's POV

After being away for eight long years, I returned home to a dinner that was completely unexpected. I couldn't believe it and I regretted agreeing to come back. I should have stayed in Bhutan and come up with some good excuses, but it was too late now.

"We're so happy that you're finally home after all these years, sis," my sister Yza said with a smile.

I just smiled back at her. As the door opened, my eyes widened in shock when I saw who walked in. Our eyes met and I was completely frozen.

Raizel was a sight to behold, with his captivating cognac eyes, perfectly arched brows, long dark eyelashes, oval face, and defined jawline. His pointed nose and kissable lips only added to his charm, making him a man who could easily steal hearts with just one glance.

I took a deep breath, trying to understand what I was feeling. It's a mix of happiness and a strong desire to run into his arms and embrace him. It felt like I had missed him so much that it was physically painful.

"Agh," I moaned, gripping the chair in front of me. Yza looked at me and realized that something was wrong. Shit!

My mom asked, "Ynez, are you okay? What's wrong with you?" I raised my hand but didn't answer.

I had to put on an act. How could I hide the truth? My heart raced so fast that a tingling sensation filled me with excitement and energy. It felt like my blood was boiling, as if my veins were about to explode.

"Raizel? Your eyes! What's happening to you?" his sister, Romaine Richards, asks.

"Raizel is burning, mom and dad," Romaine said.

I turned around, searching for an opportunity to escape. They shouldn't know that we're... "This scent... it's you! Are you wearing a perfume that smells like orange and lavender?" he roared.

I gulped and froze. I hoped he wasn't pointing his finger at me. I took a step forward, but Yza stopped me.

"Don't be disrespectful. He's talking to... wait," my sister paused. She sniffed me and her expression changed. I was in deep trouble!

"She's not wearing any perfume herself, King Raizel," she said.

I close my eyes. I turn around and saw their expression. They all learn the truth. I can’t believe that coming home will bring problems to me!

I was trying to keep my heat all by myself but I know it’s impossible and now they knew the truth. "You two. It looks like you are mates. You two should get married in two days," his mother declares.

"NO!" I roared. They all look at me but in the end, it means nothing.

"You know the rules, Ynez. You two will get married whether you disagreed or not," my dad asserted. Damn it! I don’t want to!

"I beg to disagree," Raizel says. His grandpa glared at the king.

"We’re not asking for permission," he says. In the end, our reasons were nothing to them. A shotgun wedding will happen in two days.

…

I feel as though my world is falling apart. I stood by the sea, watching as the waves gently caressed my feet. I was compelled to marry Raizel Richards, the reigning Lycan king.

Despite our family's close friendship and despite our disagreements, the wedding proceeded. I closed my eyes, allowing the breeze to wash over me, and memories of the person I left in Bhutan flooded my mind.

I know he's waiting for me, but I am trapped here in England. What should be my next course of action? As I turned around, a dagger flew towards me, which I managed to catch. I let out a groan.

"How dare you!" she roared.

The bloodlust in her eyes revealed her anger. I understood her reasons, yet all I felt towards her was pure hatred. I removed the dagger that had pierced my palm, staining my wedding dress with my own blood.

I then threw the dagger behind me. She swiftly dashed toward me and delivered a strong slap to my face. The impact was so forceful that I could hear my bones crack. I glared at her and retaliated with a blow of my own.

"What the hell!" he roared. Raizel, my husband, arrived and glared at me.

She embraced him, pretending as if I were the one who had caused harm. I scoff. I confidently asserted, "Really? I find it amusing that after she attempted to kill me with a silver dagger, I am now labeled as the villain. Well done, Eleanor."

Mockingly, I glanced at her. I am relieved that I have taken precautions to protect myself from silver, mercury, and even wolfsbane while residing in Bhutan.

I have learned my lesson because these three things were the cause of those... I pushed that thought aside. I have no desire to dwell on the past.

"She's lying! Raizel, she harmed herself because she's a psycho!" I looked away, concealing my anger.

I decided to leave them alone. I have no time for their drama. As I took a few steps, Eleanor threw her white heels at my head. I turned around and glared at her.

I intervened when both of our families wanted to remove Eleanor from the ceremony after she showed up in a stunning wedding dress. Yes, I considered it a wedding dress. The only thing that is missing was her veil.

It was a mermaid dress that accentuated her seductive figure. Her ample bosom and curvaceous hips were truly captivating. Her make-up was perfect as well.

She had blonde hair and a heart-shaped face. Her upper arched brows and long lashes enhanced the attractiveness of her hazel-brown eyes. Eleanor also had a distinctive nose and full lips.

In frustration, I grabbed her heels and threw them into the sea. "You're such a bitch! Those shoes are a limited edition design!" she yelled angrily.

"What more do you want?! I already let you off the hook after you ruined the ceremony, and now this?! Can I just have some peace and be left alone? I don't need your pettiness, MISTRESS!" I shouted in anger.

I emphasized the last word out of sheer frustration. Eleanor's expression showed how much she disliked being called that, but I no longer cared.

My life was already a mess, and her actions meant nothing to me now. "Did you see that, Rai, honey? This woman will never be suitable to be your queen. She can never meet the standards of a good queen," she mockingly asserted.

I knew she was pointing her finger at me. I laughed and rolled my eyes at her. "Don't laugh, you bitch!" Eleanor firmly asserted. I glared at her deathly.

She forcefully pulled Raizel towards me, compelling me to meet her gaze. It was apparent how envious she was, but I couldn't blame her since my in-laws clearly favored me.

"I am the one the Lycan King loves. I am the one he desires, not you. You are merely a platonic wife. Your title is just a meaningless document, do you understand?!" she bellowed. I pushed her away and pointed my finger directly at her face.

Deep down, my pride was wounded. I am well aware of my place in my husband's heart, but a woman's dignity is significant, and she should also understand her position.

"Do you truly believe that I am nothing more than a platonic wife? Ha! The audacity of that mistress." I emphasized the last word, making it evident who possesses the authority in this situation.

Regardless of whether she is the one he loves, I am still his lawful wife, and that secures my position in this world. Suddenly, Raizel grabbed my chin and his nails slowly pierced into my skin. I must admit, it was fucking painful.

"Shut the fuck up. Know your place, Ynez. You are merely a doormat that I use to wipe the dirt from my shoes. Do you honestly believe that being my wife grants you any privileges? You are mistaken, my dear," he mutters.

His face inches closer to mine, and though I tremble with fear internally, I meet his gaze. In his eyes, I see the haunting memories that continue to torment me. Yes, the trauma still lingers.

With a forceful push, he sends me stumbling backward, and before I can lift my head, his hand lands a stinging slap across my face.

"Welcome to your personal hell, Ynez. I will ensure that you suffer until you beg for death."

His eyes turn red with madness and disgust as he gazes at me. I know he makes these threats with complete seriousness. Eleanor laughs, mocking me. I wipe the blood from my face and face them both.

I display my dignity and pride as a woman and as his wife. I refuse to be afraid and decide to further provoke his girlfriend. "I’m already in hell, Raizel. And you?" I paused and pointed my finger in Eleanor’s face.

"I couldn't care less if you are the one he loves. If you believe that being the woman he loves would make you more desirable and victorious, you're mistaken. Ruining a marriage won't make you the best. You'll always be the second and pitiful loser. You’ll always be labeled as the second wife, a mistress, and a home wrecker," I asserted.

Eleanor’s eyes glare at me. It’s full of bloodlust and the desire to kill me without a second thought. I didn’t show any fear and looked at her proudly. She scoffs and I know she’ll try to save her face from this.

"Do you really think you are suitable to be his wife? You? A girl without a degree becoming the Lycan Queen? Oh, please! I have told you this before, and I will say it again," Eleanor sneers arrogantly.

She takes a step closer, but I instinctively step back. She forcefully grabs my arms and glares at me once more. "This body? He was addicted to it. I am the dessert he will never get tired of. He will moan with pleasure at every touch, kiss, and embrace from me. Know your place, Ynez. Do not provoke me any further," Eleanor threatens. I move my face closer and smirk.

"Then what? Don’t tell me that you guys will kill me here, huh?"