ArianaThe guards took extra care to keep an eye on me when the time came to go back to the cell in the evening and even more so in the mornings as if they expected me to try and escape at a different time. There were far more guards around those times, which meant there was no way I was getting out that way again. Couldn’t they understand that my mate didn’t want me and that I needed to get away from there?Of course, they couldn’t! They didn’t give a damn that deep down inside I was broken and my wolf was dying because we had to be reminded day in and day out that the one who was destined to love us didn’t even care enough to check that we were okay! I shook my head and closed my eyes for just a second as I fought back tears and tried to convince myself that I didn’t want him!“Get back to work!” The whip came down over my shoulders and I cried out in pain. I was so focused on my thoughts I had forgotten where I was for a second and the guard was too close!“She won’t be able to wor
I could feel that the meeting was not going my way. The pixie queen wanted rights to the port in exchange for safe passage through the woods. I knew that her kind would soon take over the entire port. That has been her plan for generations. Yes, my father and his father before him have been trying to get her to give us safe passage. I had hoped if I spoke to her, she would listen.My father had already told me it wasn’t going to work and he was probably waiting in the wings somewhere to tell me he had told me so.“Well, it saddens me that we can’t come to some sort of agreement, your majesty, but there is no way the werewolves will ever give up any part of the harbour.” I got up, greeted her, and left. She was not going to budge and neither was I. It infuriated me and when my father appeared around a corner to say he had told me so, I lost control.Shifting in an instant, I pinned him to the floor and snarled. My mother’s gasp brought me back to my senses and I breathed in deeply to t
Of course, what the king did overshadow what happened to me. I was fast asleep when a loud ruckus woke me and I was still rubbing my eyes to try and focus when I heard her voice. It was the queen!“Why wasn’t I informed?! I want to know who is responsible for this! They should be charged! They should be tarred and feathered and then drawn and quartered!” The next moment she appeared frowning. Her eyes flashed with anger and I wondered what I could possibly have done to make her this angry. Dammit! It had to be the food! She was probably furious that they were giving me such luxurious food! “Oh, my darling girl, how are you doing?” Her eyes softened as she rushed to my side and took my hand. I had been trying to push myself up so I could get out of bed and curtsy but Trixie rushed in and shook her head and I lay back down.“I’m doing much better. I’ve been trying to tell the doctor that I am okay to go to work, your majesty, but he won’t let me. I’m terribly sorry for the inconvenience
I was running on pure adrenaline when I stormed into Luc’s room. The girl in his bed was the first one to wake up and her eyes grew wide at the sight of me. I ripped the covers off the bed and Luc complained but sat upright as soon as he saw who it was.“Dude, seriously.” He complained.“Get up!” My alpha voice rattled the windows and the girl flinched. I recognized her as one of the so-called nobleman’s daughters that was at the ball. “You have a lot of explaining to do!” I growled at Luc and stormed out of his room. “Meet me in my office! NOW!” I growled through the mind link at Luc before making my way to the doctor’s room.There I found him getting dressed and I realized how damn quickly the castle grapevine worked. Patrick must have alerted the doctor to the fact that I had found out what was happening. I was a little more polite with him since he was the one taking care of the girl, but I ordered him to meet me in my office. I had to get dressed myself.I couldn’t be seen reprim
This was not what I wanted, but if I let him get away … What was I showing the people? That the royals were untouchable and could do whatever they wanted and treat people in whichever way they pleased?“SON! Please! I beg of you! Don’t do this!” My mother cried. “What do you want me to do to stop this? I will go down on my knees and beg if you want. I will stop bugging you about grandchildren. Whatever you want.” She fell down on her knees in front of me and I sighed, feeling like a monster.“Mother,” I sighed deeply as I pulled her upright. “You know as well as I do that, I have no other choice. Father’s selfish actions have caused this. If he didn’t interfere, my people wouldn’t think me a fool.” I frowned as I saw anger flash in her eyes. Was it possible that she didn’t mean what she said just seconds ago?“You could pardon your father. You’ve warned him. He won’t do it again.” She pulled at her skirt and suddenly her tears were gone. I understood that it was her mate I was taking
The queen left to speak to the doctor and not long after that, Trixie was back. She carefully made sure that all the wires that were connected to me were removed before taking the drip out. She disappeared and when she came back, she had a set of clean clothes with her.“These are secondhand, but I guess they will do until the queen has your new wardrobe designed, my lady.” She was incredibly formal and didn’t look me in the eye once. She helped me out of bed and into my clothes even though I was now strong enough to do it myself.“Trixie,” I gripped her hand and waited until she looked me in the eye. “I’m sorry about your brother.” What more could I say? I was really sorry for what she and her family would be going through right now, but I wasn’t sorry that he was going to be punished. I was sorry that he would be killed by the king and I wished that I could give him a piece of my damn mind! She nodded and when I saw the tears in her eyes, I couldn’t help but pull her into my arms.I
I felt as if I was being smothered by the makeup. My head suddenly felt way too heavy for my body thanks to the ridiculous hairdo, and after a short while, the shoes no longer felt as comfortable as they had in the beginning. I had never worn shoes with a heel before and although those heels weren’t very high. I could still feel my feet taking strain, but I wasn’t going to complain.I was going to go to this ball no matter what. I was going to make the queen proud so that I could figure out a way out of here. I was convinced that the prouder she was of me, the more freedom I would get. At least, I hoped she would give me more freedom. I still had no freaking idea what the hell ladies in waiting did and as the other two looked down on me, I knew it wouldn’t help to ask them.Were they jealous? Of course, they were. I was a slave girl and they were the daughters of noblemen and now we are at the same rank in the king’s court. The queen and I had just finished getting ready when the othe
ArianaI was trying my best not to lose my damn temper while talking to a couple the queen introduced me to. The woman had a lot to say about slaves, and she was clearly talking out of her damn ass! She clearly knew nothing of what it meant to be a slave and how slaves were treated. All she could say was how lazy we were and that I had to feel honoured that the queen took me in.I wondered if she realized that I was technically still a slave. The queen owned me. Nobody had actually set me free, but I wasn’t going to say anything about it, so I just politely smiled at the couple before excusing myself from the conversation. I wanted to have a look at the guards near the doors and, more importantly, which one of them followed me around.I might have decided to stay so I could prove to everybody I deserved my freedom, but if I had to run, I wanted to know what my options were.“I hope you aren’t planning an escape again.” His voice sent a shiver down the back of my spine just as I reache
IT FELT AS IF I BLINKED AGAIN and we were standing in the front of the chapel waiting for Liam’s beautiful mate to come down the aisle. We planned their wedding in record time because there was no way those two would be able to hold out for much longer! The only reason we probably did was because Lorenzo rejected me, and I had a chaperone. I suggested it to Liam, and he nearly bit my head off!Besides, Lorenzo was already the king for a couple of years when we met, so the circumstances were different. Lorenzo slightly nudged me and I smiled at him. I found myself constantly trapped in memories over the past couple of weeks, but I just couldn’t help myself. The castle was filled with love and happiness, and I couldn’t help myself. My children’s lives have turned out so much better than I could ever have hoped for.They actually turned out far better than I ever prayed for. The bride walked down the aisle and she looked even prettier than she did at the last fitting. She curtsied in fro
ON THE NIGHT LIAM TURNED EIGHTEEN, I was standing in our room looking at myself in the mirror. I had the seamstress make me a dress similar to the red one since Lorenzo actually physically tore the old one from my body! Only this dress was a little more appropriate for the queen … For the last night, I would be walking into the ballroom as the queen.Our darling son didn’t just look like his father. He was a true carbon copy. He was kind and loving with a fire in his belly. He wanted to change the world and make things better for our kind and he loved visiting the pixies who simply loved him. Tradition dictated that Lorenzo hand over the title to Liam tonight in a small alpha-type ceremony.The big coronation was going to happen in a couple of weeks. At least the damn protocol allowed for a little time to just celebrate the fact that he was coming of age. I was sending up silent prayers all day that he would find his destined mate tonight. So, it could possibly complicate things, but
THE NEXT YEAR I STILL FELT STRESSED when the other kids had to go through their ceremonies, but it was a lot easier since they weren’t the future of our territory. Well, they were, but it wasn’t a make-or-break moment like it was with Liam.All our children found their wolves and it was part of the memories I would never forget. It was almost as beautiful as the days they were born. The children were growing and our pack was growing, and while I was sitting in the morning room with my ladies, Lorenzo showed up out of the blue.“I thought we could go for a walk.” He grinned and I knew my husband well enough. I was right because he had a basket waiting just outside the morning room. I laughed as we rushed down the hallway and breathed in the fresh morning air. Lorenzo pulled me into the maze in the garden and finally came to a halt right where we had one of our first dates. I loved that spot. He pulled out a blanket and nearly made me fall into his lap when he pulled me down with him.H
WE GOT THROUGH THE MEAL, and I mean literally just survived it with all the children. I breathed a sigh of relief as we stepped out onto the grass and I could feel the cool grass under my bare feet. Everyone was dressed casually so we could shift after Liam shifted.The moon was full and beautiful in the sky as Lorenzo made his speech. The bonfires were lit, and we started a countdown. The moon shone down on my beautiful boy as I sent up one last silent prayer. I know I’ve asked a lot of her during my life, but if she could just help me this once …“Three … Two … ONE!” We all shouted and everyone looked at Liam. When the first bone breaking echoed through the clearing, I realized that everyone had probably been holding their breaths! It was horrifying watching my son go through his first time, but it was an incredible relief as well. His wolf was gorgeous once he completely shifted.His pelt was a purist silk black colour just like his father's and he had a beautiful white spot on the
AS I EXPECTED, Lesley and her mate returned from their getaway with the news that they wanted a normal werewolf ceremony. I was a little sad to hear that they wanted to have it at his pack house, but I could understand why. He wanted to show off his Luna and it was going to be her new home.They invited us to their ceremony, which was a plus at least. After most of our guests left and the excitement of the entire thing was over, I had some news for Lorenzo and, this time, it was huge! I couldn’t believe it myself when the doctor told me, but it happened! Lorenzo was sitting on the couch in the library and I curled up next to him while the kids played on the floor with the nanny.“Since there is no reason to give you a gift this time, I thought I would just tell you.” I felt so damn nervous! Why was I so nervous?!“Okay …” I could hear the frown in his voice and I laughed nervously.“Well, I don’t know how it happened so fast, but I’m pregnant!” Our baby girl was barely a couple of wee
ON THE NIGHT OF LESLEY’S COMING OUT BALL, the two of us got ready together and when Lesley walked out from behind the dressing divider, I gasped. I had seen her dress at every fitting, but seeing it on her with her hair done and her make-up, she looked stunning.Lorenzo arrived and we went downstairs. When Lesley walked into the ballroom to be presented in front of us, the old queen looked so proud. It was a great moment for all of us. As if a circle had just been completed. I could feel the excitement in the room and all the single male eyes looked at Lesley as if she was the best dessert they could ever have!In the corner of the room, I couldn’t help but notice the guard she had been seeing before all of this, and I swore at myself for not thinking of making sure that he wouldn’t be there. But as I looked at Lesley laughing at something one of the males said to her, I knew it didn’t matter. The champagne was flowing and people were dancing and having fun.At the end of the night, i
THE WAR DIDN’T LAST LONG if you could even call it that. The rogues attacked our borders a couple of times, but they never broke through. It was sad to think that it happened on the day of Rebecca’s birth, but thankfully, it all worked out.Peace reigned … Or so I thought. Things had just turned back to normal around the castle when Lesley walked into our room with red tear-stained eyes. I had to drag it out of her, but she finally told me that the guard had found his destined mate. My heart ached for the pain she so clearly felt. He might not have been her destined mate, but she clearly cared for him.“Lesley, why don’t you let us have a proper coming-out party for you?” Okay, so I sounded like the old queen, but I didn’t care. I wanted to see her happy. She had given so much and cared so much for me over the past couple of years that I felt she deserved to be happy. Lesley sighed and wiped the tears from her eyes. I couldn’t believe it when she actually agreed!Jumping for joy as so
LIAM’S FIRST BIRTHDAY was the best day of my life. Okay, well, one of the best. We had gotten him this far. We survived the first year, and more importantly, he survived the first year with us. If it wasn’t for the entire village of people helping, I would probably have done something to make it all go wrong.Two more ladies-in-waiting had been married by this time and it was incredible to see them with their destined mates. Leila was pregnant, but since they were lower-ranked wolves, her pregnancy would last a little longer than mine did.People came from all over the kingdom to celebrate with us. There were balloons and streamers and flowers everywhere. The food ranged from snacks for the children to all sorts of finger foods for the grown-ups and people were laughing. The entire lawn was covered with people who were all there to celebrate.Liam looked like a carbon copy of his father, but he had my eyes. He was a good little boy and I loved him more than life itself. My boys … But
I was a shifter dammit! Of course, my body would accommodate the birth of my son, but I was in so much pain that my brain seemed to short out and I couldn’t think straight. I understood why some women only had one child because this was just the worst pain I had ever gone through. Pushing and screaming and sweating like a pig! It wasn’t beautiful! It was the most horrifying moment of my entire life!“Okay, Your Majesty, one last big push.” The doctor sounded as though he was smiling, but I didn’t give a damn! I was tired, and every muscle in my body ached, not to mention what was going on down there! I begged Lorenzo to stop this madness. I couldn’t push anymore. Lorenzo climbed onto the bed behind me and I felt some relief as he whispered in my ear.“Just one more push baby and I promise it will all be over.” He sounded just as frustrated as I felt.“YOU’RE NOT THE ONE PUSHING!” I growled as another contraction hit and I had no alternative but to do as they asked. Falling back onto L