chapter 7: The Unwelcomed Journey

The next morning the stifling air inside the castle grew thicker than a dense fog. Leo sensed it in the atmosphere?an invisible burden suffocating her by pressing against her chest.

She sat on the edge of her bed after the guards had led her to her room, gazing at the walls that seemed to be closing in on her more and more every second. Her soul was constantly reminded that she was no longer free by the heavy suffocating bond.

Her brief period of escape had been a delusion that ended when Charles pulled her back broken but unbowed. She moved slowly to the window and watched as the morning light came in through the drapes.

Although the light was lovely it now seemed far away, everything was the same. Once a haven the castle now felt more like a prison, its golden walls mocking her every attempt to flee.

She and Charles had formed a bond that could not be broken, not without significant expense. Leo's hand at her side clenched into a fist. She wouldn't accept it. He wouldn't have her.

The sound of footsteps outside her door interrupted her thoughts. Her heart pounding, she turned swiftly. She was certain that someone from Charles's side would be there to further seal her doom, most likely one of his guards or even the priest.

But it wasn't. Slowly the door opened, and her mother entered her face hidden behind an unreadable mask. The woman who used to be Leo's guardian now appeared unfamiliar.

She felt the pressure of the kingdom's expectations and there was a glimmer of regret in her eyes...or guilt.

Her mothers voice was hollow as she said, Leo... We need to have a conversation."

At first Leo was silent. She just looked at her mother, her chest churning with pain and rage.

" Mother, you've already decided what you want to talk about. I've already been imprisoned by you." She said sadly.

For an instant, her mothers eyes fell to the ground before returning to Leo. It's best that way Leo. You need to realize that. This union is essential to the kingdom. Charles possesses both strength and power. He can keep you and us safe.you... You couldn't have made it through without him."

Leo felt a mixture of hurt and betrayal as her heart twisted at the words. Leo could see the tremor in her mothers hand as she set it on the edge of the door frame despite her expression remaining neutral.

,l"You're giving me away Leo spat out in a dagger-sharp voice. You are allowing him to have me. As if I were a possession you're allowing him to claim me."

Even though her mothers eyes wavered, she didn't waver." I'm acting in your best interests. For our own sake. For the kingdom. Leo I wish there were another option. There isn't though. There are other people whose destiny is linked to this marriage besides you. This is how things must be."

Leo shook her head, her anger growing." No this is not how things have to be. For me, you could have fought. You had the power to stop him."

When her mother sighed, Leo felt the fatigue in her eyes strike him like a blow to the body." I've taken what action I can. Leo you must get it. Love has never been at the center of this. This has to do with surviving. The Alpha lacks a successor. Stability is required by the kingdom. As well as this marriage, this connection between Charles and you. It will guarantee that."

Leo's voice broke as the anger turned to something darker despair." You think that will make me happy? She asked. You think I'll love him because of that?"

Her mothers voice softened as she stepped forward," I didn't say you would adore him. But you'll manage to coexist with him. You'll figure out a way to make this work for everyone's benefit."

Her words caused Leo's heart to shatter. Her mom was no longer standing up for her. She wasn't defending her. She was voluntarily putting herself in the arms of the man she feared the most.

In an attempt to control the tears that threatened to fall, Leo balled her fists at her sides." I will never love him Leo muttered a promise she would never forget. And he will never own me."

Her mother merely turned her eyes to the door without replying. Leo could tell her mother was running out of time by the expression in her eyes as the guards waited outside.

She was forced to leave her room and confront the reality that awaited her. Leo felt the final connection to the person who had once looked after her when her mothers hand briefly touched his shoulder.

Her mother retreated into the hallway after saying softly," Take care of yourself Leo and leaving her to deal with the consequences.

With her mothers words still reverberating in her head Leo stood in the quiet of her room. It's best this way. She couldn't believe that this was the best thing for her. She couldn't lead a life that other people had predetermined for her.

Though it was more intense than ever the rebellion within her was insufficient. Both the bond and her own family's choices had bound her.

Before she could continue to think, her room door opened once more. The guards came in and started collecting her things without saying anything. Piece by piece everything that had once been hers?her identity, her past?was being taken away including her jewelry and clothing.

Watching them treat her belongings like they were just things to be moved made her heart hurt. Her pain was not acknowledged nor was there any regard for her, only obligation, just Charles's desires.

Leo was rendered motionless and numb as they packed her belongings. No she couldn't object. Because she couldn't stop them, what would it matter? Now she had no choice but to wait. Await the journey that would separate her from her entire world, far from the life she had envisioned.

After several hours she was finally escorted from her room with her possessions. The oppressive weight of Charles's power seemed to be pressing down on her with each step making the corridors appear longer. Her home, the castle, was getting farther away from her every second.

Upon arriving at the stables the sun was high in the sky causing the ground to be harshly shadowed. When she saw the magnificent carriage waiting to transport her to Charles packhouse Leo's heart fell.

She was doomed. She could see Charles standing close by confidently addressing his guards as though this was the result of all his preparations.

As she got closer he turned to face her with a chilly grin. Well Leo, he said in a cool smooth voice. The moment has come. I hope this is something you've accepted. It's best that way."

Unshed tears burned in Leo's eyes, but she resisted letting them drop." Charles, you will never have me. I will never love you. You believe that I will love you because of this bond? No?"

For a moment Charless smile wavered, but he soon recovered his poise." It makes no difference. Love doesn't matter. Leo you'll figure out where you belong in no time. You'll realize that this was the only option when you do."

Leo's voice was firm and low as she shook her head." I'll never be in love with you. I will also never be able to accept this life. "

Charless eyes became gloomy." You'll realize that it makes sense. You'll know your place in this kingdom and be my queen. I will see to that.

The weight of his remarks made Leo's heartache, but she resisted allowing them to rule her. She was more powerful than he had believed. She must be. The doors of the carriage closed behind them as they entered excluding the world she had known.

The beginning of her new life was marked by the distant sound of the horses hoofs. But Leo was certain that she would never be Charles's regardless of how far she went or where they took her.

Right now, no. No never. And one day she would manage to escape. The journey was only getting started.