Her crumbling life: A princess in distress

Ivorie Kanin stood before the Elders and her father, the Alpha of Moonbeam pack in the courtroom. Beads of sweat rolled down her face, she wondered what her father had called her for.

“You called for me, Alpha.” With a respectful bow, she said.

“Yes, I did.” Alpha Johan, a big black haired man with small eyes answered. There was silence in the room afterwards.

Alpha Johan shot one of his court members a look and the man cleared his throat before speaking.

“Princess Ivorie, as you know, your sister, Eloisa is betrothed to Alpha Regan of Cresthowl pack and should be getting married to him in a fortnight.” The Elder said and Ivorie nodded. She wondered where this was leading to. She glanced at her mother to see her expression but she wasn't looking her way.

“Umm…Princess Eloisa is well …unwell and sadly, the marriage with Alpha Regan cannot be shifted so …” the Elder cleared his throat again for the umpteenth time.

“Oh for fucks sake! You're getting married to Alpha Regan now, girl!” Alpha Johan snapped when the Elder couldn't complete his statement.

Ivorie stood there, confused for almost a minute before gathering her father's words into understanding. She was getting married to the Dreaded Warlord?

“What?” She exclaimed, facing her father squarely.

“You heard me, your sister is ill and we have to get a bride for the new Alpha. The only candidate is you since Anna and Emma are too young for marriage.” Alpha Johan growled without remorse.

Ivorie immediately broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. She turned to her mother for help, but it seemed the woman was avoiding her gaze.

“I can't!” She screamed just before running out of the courtroom.

Luna Ivy stood to her feet and glared at the Alpha. “You could have at least shown some sympathy!” She spat before running after her daughter.

In her room, Ivorie kept on sobbing uncontrollably.

“I can't get married to him. He is a monster! Why will Father have me get married to him!”

Alpha Johan of the Moonbeam pack has four daughters and his second daughter, Eloisa has been betrothed to Alpha Regan since birth.

Everyone knew it was because the Alpha hated her that's why he didn't choose her even though she was his first child. But now, all of a sudden, they were shifting the peril responsibility to her.

There was a knock on her door but she didn't answer it. The door was opened and her mother stepped in slowly.

“Ivorie…” she called softly. The latter immediately turned her face to her.

“Mother I can't get married to that monster, I just can't!” Ivorie yelled.

Her mother quickly shushed her and sat beside her. She patted her shoulder.

“I'm sorry about this, Ivorie but I tried to talk your father out of it, he wouldn't listen.” Luna Ivy said.

“But he didn't want me to marry the Alpha before, he says I am not good for diplomacy, that's why he chose Eloisa!” Ivorie said, barely audible between her heavy sobs. Her mother squeezed her shoulder.

“I'm sorry daughter, I really am. If there was another way, I would have gone for it. Eloisa is ill and the only option is you.”

“But I don't want to!” Ivorie sobbed the more. The Luna had to hold herself from breaking down also.

At the entrance, a guard stood there bowing. “Luna, the carriages have arrived.” He said.

Luna Ivy pats Ivorie and kisses her forehead. “I am so sorry, love.” She whispered before exiting the room.

As soon as her mother was gone, she slid onto the floor and wailed.

Early that night, while her maid was tying her hair for dinner, Ivorie abruptly turned around to face her handmaid, holding her hands in hers.

“Maudi, I can't get married to the Dreaded Warlord.” She said in a tone of urgency. The maid looked at her with a mix of confusion and fear in her eyes.

“You’ve heard about him, he is a monster and a killer. My life will be hell if I get married to him.” She added, squeezing Maudi’s hand harder.

“I…I’m sure the Moon Goddess will protect you, Princess.” Maudi stuttered shakingly.

Shaking her head, Ivorie retorted, “No Maudi, I need to get out of here. I need to leave this pack as soon as possible. I need your help, Maudi!” She breathed. This triggered fear into her handmaid, causing the latter to shake.

“I …I am sorry Princess, I can't!” Pulling her hands out of Ivorie’s grip, she walked briskly out of the room.

Ivorie stood there with regret. Emotion rushed into her and she broke down into tears. Why is her life crumbling before her eyes? Why is the Moon Goddess allowing all these?

She couldn’t let this happen, she just couldn't!

Standing to her feet, she approached her wardrobe of dresses. If her father wouldn't listen to her pleas, why should she adhere to his crazy commands?

After packing just enough clothes for an escape, she squeezed them into a small bag before swinging it over her shoulder. The new dress she had changed into was tight enough for her not to be dragged by it.

As she approached the door, a sense of apprehension befell her, one that made her rethink her decision. This was still what she wanted. There was no other way to avoid this marriage unless she ran away.

With determination, she walked out of the room into the dim corridor. ‘’Moon Goddess be with me.’’ she muttered.

She was lucky not to find a patrolling guard along the way. They must all be helping out with the wedding preparations. It was, after all, everyone's current priority. Everyone except Ivorie.

It didn't take her long to get out of the castle walls. She grew up sneaking around through secret unknown tunnels and passages since she had no friends. Who knew those sneaking around could help her now?

She watched the castle gates across the field of the compound. There were only a few guards stationed there and from what she knew, most of them always slept on duty. This was it, her chance to leave.

Hair on her skin rose as the cold night's breeze wheezed fiercely. But she didn't let that deter her from silently sprinting through the tall blades of grass.

She kept her breath steady as she raced across the field, a wide grin appeared on her face as the castle gates drew nearer. She was doing it!

She collided all of a sudden, on a brick wall, causing her to ricochet and fall backwards with a groan.

“You're not sneaking out tonight, lassy” a deep masculine voice said above her.

She cracked her eyes open, ignoring the pain that covered her entire body. A tall burly guard stood there, his scowling face focused on hers.

“Princess?” His eyes widened and Ivorie responded with a growl. He brought a hand to her, helping the Princess to her feet.

“What were you…”

“Just let me pass, Sir.” she interjected with frustration. Why did he have to show up now?

“Forgive me, Princess but I can't let you. You…you are …I have to get you back in.” He suggested politely and she sighed.

A few minutes later, Ivorie was sitting head bent in front of her mother as she was being scolded.

“What were you thinking, Ivorie?” She asked in a shrill tone. “What if something had happened to you?” She wailed. Ivorie held herself from rolling her eyes.

“Good thing I wasn't, mother. I told you I can't get married to that rogue Alpha!” she rasped in a harsh tone.

“Don't you raise your voice at me, daughter!” Luna Ivy retorted with a goaded tone. Ivorie remained silent and sulked.

“Where were you even planning to go?” the Luna asked with a sigh. Her face held a genuinely worried expression.

“Uncle Brennan's village.” Ivorie grumbled. The Luna's eyes flared.

“Your uncle who's cross with your father for not assigning a position to him in his court?”

“He would still have me.” she sputtered, her face flushing with embarrassment.

“And you're a fool for thinking that. I'm having you on lockdown till the day of your wedding, my patience has been tested enough.” She said in a tone that spelt anger and frustration.

“But mother, you can't…”

“I'm your mother, I can and I will.” She interjected decisively. She paced out of the room and Ivorie could only watch her leave. Things just got worse for her.