3. Their Biggest Regret

I never thought of getting a consort. The late queen ruled the kingdom of Sparta with women all around her. I don't think I will need consorts now.

Besides, I am queen Johannes Alora Evoy. I don't need any man to stand by my side.

I've been traumatized by men my entire life. My father left our family without a word. My former mate constantly abused and rejected me. It wasn't enough, since he still brought a concubine.

I don't think it would be of help if I brought consorts inside this palace. Men will always remind me of the repulsiveness of life.

"Oh, hehe. Are you serious about that, sir?" I asked and uncomfortably chucked.

"I am. My son is really good at magic. He could be of great help in this kingdom," the old man Afelio replied.

I sighed heavily. "Let me think about it first, sir. Anyhow, please enjoy the night."

_

The coronation took longer than expected. We were about to close the gates, but a visitor from Kingdom Edington arrived.

It was no other than King Michael Veruz and his new wife, Queen Lucrecia Veruz.

The two beings I utterly despise my whole life.

But thanks to them, I found the place where I truly belong.

I walked towards them with my chin up high as I fixed my new crown. My inner wolf was raging like a flame.

I remember all that happened five years ago, and all the abuse I experienced with this horrible man walking closer to me.

"Welcome to Kingdom Sparta, King and Queen Veruz of Kingdom Edington," I uttered as I looked Michael straight in his eyes.

His eyes were flaming red as they stared deep into my soul. His facial features were sharp, and his black and red suit fitted his muscly body very well.

Even if he looks exquisite and handsome, his attitude and personality are rotting rats. I will never be fooled by charming looks ever again.

He peered at me and looked at me from head to toe. After that, he gently held my hand and lifted it.

"You look familiar, my queen," he replied, and kissed the back of my hand.

Those red and lucius lips. Even if I was dying to kiss those lips before, O couldn't help but be disgusted.

He didn't even notice who I was. How pathetic of him.

Did I change too much?

"Hello, Queen Johannes," Lucrecia said with a bratty tone. She bowed to me to show honor and respect.

Her demeanor wasn't very applaudable to me. It's my first time seeing her again in years.

I suddenly remembered the first time I saw her. It was inside our room. Lucrecia and Michael were doing the deed, not knowing I was aware of everything.

I know everything.

"Please make yourselves at home," I said, and turned my back on them.

I shouldn't waste all my attention on anyone who doesn't deserve it.

Hours passed, and everybody was still having fun talking about their plans and aspirations. Some were talking about power, and some were just here to observe.

I can hear every detail because I have an enhanced sense of hearing. I regret having this ability sometimes because I hear things I am not supposed to hear.

This is a unique ability I have possessed since I was a child. And because of this, I figured out a lot of things.

As soon as the coronation ended, everyone shifted into wolves, except for the vampires and humans.

They went outside and faced the moon. They howled in respect and reverence for me, the new queen of the kingdom.

To my surprise, King Michael was staring at me while drinking wine. He looked at me like I was something he needed to be wary about.

That's right, be wary of me.

I'll be reclaiming everything you took from me, Michael.

And the coronation ended just like that. Everyone left, and I asked some servants to fix my room.

I still have a lot to do tomorrow. Besides, I need new ladies-in-waiting. I want women who are independent and trustworthy.

As soon as I arrived inside my room, I gazed around every corner of it.

It's a large room only made for the queen. The walls are made of gold and diamond ornaments. There are also several pictures of red roses and swords. I wanted these pictures to be placed here to remind me of myself and all the struggles I have experienced in the past.

Exhibiting a crown of magnificence, yet clenching a sword of valor and intransigence.

That's Johannes Alora Evoy.

I lay down wrapped in royal red sheets and brushed my fingers on the blankets.

"This has been a big dream for me. I promise you, Queen Valeria, I'll avenge myself and my people," I muttered.

My senses awoke when I heard someone approaching my room.

I grabbed a pointed sharp knife and placed it inside the pocket of my royal mantle.

Then I heard three knocks on my door.

There shouldn't be anyone knocking at my door at this hour.

I walked towards my door and opened it.

"My queen."

I was startled when I saw Michael standing at my door. He was staring right into my soul. Honestly, I was a bit terrified.

I calmed myself down. "Is something the matter, King Michael?" I asked in a casual tone. I hope he didn't notice the agitation in my voice.

He cleared his throat. "Wouldn't you at least let me enter?" he asked, pertaining to my room.

I suddenly got nervous. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I'm getting flashbacks of everything he has done to me before.

"And why would I do that?"

"Because you have to."

Michael pushed me inside my room as he also entered. He locked my door and looked back at me again.

He chuckled in a mischievous tone. "Look how far you've gone, Ritchelle. My former wife and mate. The dead queen of Kingdom Edington," he said in a haughty voice while walking toward me.

My legs started to wobble. I know he would find out about it, but why am I feeling so terrified?

My feet took a few steps backward, but I remembered the days when he used to hurt me. I always stepped back and ended up getting hit on a corner.

I won't let that happen again.

I stood still and maintained a straight face while looking at Michael.

"Are you surprised? I am Johannes Alora Evoy. Don't you dare call me a name that you once killed already," I stated in a voice full of rage, but at the same time, I was saying those words without yelling.

Michael stopped chuckling and finally stood an inch away from me.

He gently traced his fingers on my cheek.

Those fingers that used to slap and hurt me before. How dare you caress my face like that?

Michael moved and tilted his face closer to the side of my head. I felt his soft lips touch my ear. I was flustered.

"Come back to me," he whispered in a soothing voice.

I closed my eyes as he looked at me, and moved his face closer to mine.

"I'll give you everything you want. Just come back."

He kissed the tip of my nose.

"Johannes Alora Evoy, be my queen again."

He kissed my right cheek.

"Come back to Kingdom Edington, my mate."

As he was about to kiss my lips, I opened my eyes and glared right at his red eyes.

I placed my hand on his chest and the other on his nape.

"Do you still want me?" I asked him in a seductive voice.

He smirked and answered, "Yes."

I smirked back at him. "Over my dead body," I replied blatantly and pushed him away.

"Don't you ever enter my room again, King Michael! Once you do this again, I'll have your head delivered back to your kingdom!" I shouted at him.

My inner wolf was getting so mad. I felt like all the rage I'd been bottling up started to unveil themselves. I immediately shifted like a wolf.

My wolf was a big and white wolf. It has sparkly gold eyes and revealing fangs. Every time I shift like a wolf, I feel like I'm a very strong and brave being.

I growled loudly at Michael. His eyes flashed evidence of fear and shock. This was also his first time seeing me in my wolf form since I never shifted back when I was still in his dominion.

After crawling in fear on my clean and shiny carpet, he abruptly left my room.

Messing with me will be their biggest regret.