《Alpha King's Mate》


 A short introduction

    "Ariana-


    - Ariana will be her name." Luna Barbara announced looking at the recently born angel on her lap with misty eyes. Alpha Edward of Ravernia caressed his wife''s hair and gave her a faint smile.


    "Can I hold her for a while, mother?" Young Anwar hoped into the bed and extended his arms with a longing look on his face. His whole face lit up when he was handed over his baby sister. "Ariana, it''s me. Your brother and your future Alpha." He looked over at his father with enthusiasm which was returned with a proud smile. He shifted his attention back to his precious sister. "I will always protect you and keep you away from other male pups."


    Luna Barbara let out a chuckle.


    Although Anwar was a mere child of seven, he could speak fluently and carried himself with grace and power.


    Baby Ariana looked up with impish glee in her eyes which melted her brother''s heart. It was then, he swore to protect her even with his life. Just then Persephone roughly took the infant in her arms and started swaying which made baby Ariana burst into tears.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Persephone!" Luna Barbara raised her voice slightly.


    Letting out a huff, Persephone scrunched her nose, threw the distressed baby in her arms into the bed and stormed out of the chamber, followed by the Alpha. Her eyes were clear and manifested no emotion of hurt but a wailing sound was coming out of her mouth which made the two men guarding the chamber roll their eyes. Sensing her father behind, she started running on the corridor, fell back on purpose and let out a shriek. Alpha Edward soon came to her rescue.


    "Persephone! Are you alright, my dear?" He helped her to stand up with a lot of care. She sobbed for a few seconds and wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, again with no actual tears in her eyes or cheeks whatsoever. But that was enough for the Alpha to wrinkle his forehead with worry. "Don''t cry, sweetheart. "


    "You will love her more than me, won''t you?" She let out a whisper. Heightened sense of a werewolf didn''t miss that and Alpha Edward knelt down before his six years old daughter and started consoling her otherwise.


    "Alpha!!" Beta Richard approached with a pale face. Without a curtsy, he continued.


    "Alpha! There had been an unforeseen attack on the kingdom last night and the Alpha King has been massacred inside the palace along with the Queen."

 Different

    17 years later


    Werewolves shift for the first time at about 13 years old. However, half blooded weres shift late - around 18 years old. Despite the dominance of werewolf gene, not being able to shift is rare and baby Ariana grew up to be rare.


    She looked out from the window of her chamber towards outer ward, where wolves of her age were lined up, ready to go for a run. Letting out a sigh, she drew curtains and turned back to find her mother standing with a sympathetic and almost apologetic look on her face. No matter how much she loved and revered her mother, she couldn''t stand to be looked upon as a matter of sorrow or even worse pity.


    Winding up her musing and mustering courage, she approached her mother and stood in front of her with a blank face. Luna Barbara lifted her hand and slowly caressed her hair making Ariana almost let go of her facade.


    "Mother." She addressed cordially with a hint of forced smile on her lips.


    "Let''s go for a walk to the garden dear, shall we?" Ariana gladly accepted the hand offered by the Luna and started walking with the same pace as her, only to come to a halt in front of a pillar.


    "I knew that you were going to be different from the day I had started feeling you inside my womb." Putting a strand of hair behind her daughter''s hair gently, she continued. "Different. Something rare."


    "Rare? Do you mean something unfortunate?" Ariana let out a bitter scoff.


    While she was being consoled otherwise, she couldn''t hold back her tears any longer and quickly dismissed the matter by bowing with respect and taking a leave.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Now that was an insolent behavior by her." huffed Alpha Edward.


    Startled by the sudden and unexpected presence, Luna Barbara quickly regained her posture and retorted, "I would say it was quite insolent on your part, listening to an intimate conversation between us mother and daughter."


    "Well considering that you are my mate and she is my daughter, I have every right!" Alpha replied with a hint of playfulness in an attempt to lighten up the chat.


    "And does a good father rebuke his own daughter for a matter as trivial as such?" Luna folded her arms.


    "Had I known that you doubt my paternal responsibilities, I would have asked our daughter Persephone to convince you otherwise." Alpha faked a hurt look on his face, still playful about the whole affair.


    "This is exactly what I''m concerned about, Edward. Your partiality between your own children is hurting."


    After a pause, Luna continued, "Ever since Ariana was born, you have been distant towards her. No matter how much my poor baby tried to win your favor, you have always chosen Persephone over her, sometimes even over Anwar. You have failed to treat our three pups equal, Edward -


    - I sometimes fear that you even have a bit of hatred towards our youngest because of a mindless prophecy."


    "You were the one who prophesied about her, Barbara!" Alpha accused, in a darker tone.


    "I had said that she is destined to be different. By different, I didn''t mean to convey a misfortune or a curse. The fact that she was born precisely on the day when the King and the Queen were massacred is nothing but a pure coincidence. When will this get inside that head of your''s?"


    It was no secret to Ravernia that the Alpha favored the two older siblings. What Ariana and the people of Ravernia were unknown of, was the prophecy.


    Being a seer and predicting the prophecy which distanced Alpha Edward from Ariana, Luna Barbara blamed herself time and again for the misery of her daughter. But even she was unaware of whether the "different" was a good different or a bad different. Nobody knew whether Ariana Saoirse Bennet was a curse or a blessing-in-disguise to the entire werewolf race.

 Family

    With the hem of her dress dragging across the floor, Ariana took long strides to reach balcony. She stood there for a while taking deep breathes when she felt the presence of her brother long before he walked up to her. She acknowledged him with a faint but genuine smile. "How was the run?"


    "You wouldn''t believe what happened today Ari! Father let me lead the run and scrutinize those pups." The look on his face could not be mistaken for anything other than pride. Pride of living up to his father''s expectation.


    Seeing her brother this happy, Ariana too broke into a bright smile. "First of all of course he would. He wants you to not only lead but also connect with them and secondly, they are not pups. Some of them are probably stronger than you." She teased.


    "Oh you did not just say that. I have Alpha blood inside my body, my wolf is ruthless and I am taller than everyone."


    "Taller doesn''t mean stronger." She shrugged her shoulder.


    "Wait until I defeat your mate in a duel." Anwar smirked.


    "Now why would you possibly duel my mate?" Ariana rolled her eyes.


    "To prove that I am the strongest and that you are the dumbest."


    "I might not be physically strong but I can surely outwit you. Besides I am just waiting for the day when your mate shall come into the scene and put your arrogance into place." She mimicked Anwar''s smirk.


    "Or me turning her into an obedient wife is a greater possibility." Anwar countered with his chin held high.


    "We shall see." Ariana challenged.


    "That we shall. Anyways dinner is ready. People must have already arrived at the table by now."


    "And you have come to fetch me. How nice of you." They started walking.


    "I have always been nice and punctual unlike yourself."


    "Really? You must have forgotten all the excuses and lies that I had to make to cover up your shenanigans, but I haven''t."


    When they reached the dining hall, the sound of her footsteps died and so did their banter. After showing necessary curtsy to eminent people, they took their respective seats.


    As Ariana flipped the plate in front of her and started serving herself, Persephone acted to sound quiet but instead spoke in a volume as if making an announcement. "You are late, sissy."


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Everyone at the table stopped.


    Controlling a strong urge to roll her eyes, Ariana turned to Persephone who was on her right. "Sissy?" She rose an eyebrow.


    "Yes, of course. Sissy is short for sister." giggled Persephone along with Mary, daughter of Beta Richard.


    "I apologize to everyone for turning up late and specially to you, big sissy." replied Ariana not taking eyes off her elder sister for a while, then picking up a fork and start eating. Luna Barbara cleared her throat, making everyone resume with their eating. Ariana and Anwar shared a look and identical smirk before continuing to eat. This didn''t go unnoticed by the Alpha as he sighed and shook his head.


    **~~~**


    During dessert time, Alpha Edward stood up before speaking. "As we are aware that the Kingdom was being handled by Duke Lorenzo as a regent, but now as the Crown Prince is finally capable of exceeding duties of the monarch, I am ecstatic to announce that he shall be taking his throne on a fortnight from today."


    Not only the people inside the hall, but also the pack members were acquainted with the announcement through mind-link as loud claps and roars filled the surrounding. Everyone had been expecting to hear this news for quite some time. People inside the hall stood up and clapped before taking their seat as motioned by the Alpha.


    "I and Beta Richard, along with our family have been invited to attend the coronation ceremony and pledge our loyalty to the monarch. We shall be leaving for the capital after a week."


    "How old is the Prince, Alpha?" came an excited voice from Mary.


    "Beg your pardon, my child?"


    She lowered her face from shame. "How old is the Prince?" This time came a timid voice from her. Anwar snickered.


    "Uh - Anwar is the same age as the Prince, I reckon." answered Alpha in an awkward manner.


    Everyone excused themselves instead of the Alpha and the Luna.


    " A fortnight from today, you say?" Luna Barbara asked. Alpha simply nodded. "But that is the day-


    -the day our King and Queen were murdered by those blood sucking creatures? I know." Alpha cut in.


    "I was going to say something else, Edward."


    "And what could it possibly be?"


    "Have you really forgotten or are you pretending?"


    "Shall we go to sleep now?" replied Alpha dismissing the whole matter.


    **~~~**


    Ariana knocked at Anwar''s door and waited before she heard. "What?"


    "I have already waited for five seconds and now I am letting myself inside." She announced before barging in. They came face to face with each other before Anwar started clapping slowly. "Congratulation dear "sissy" for invading a kingdom called "my privacy". I am so proud of you."


    Ariana broke into a grin and approached her brother who was sitting on a chair, reading a book. She sat on the chair next to him. "Thank you. I have always wanted to do that."


    Anwar offered his hand which was gladly accepted by her and they did a mocking handshake. "Now why are you here? Pups are supposed to go to bed early." He ruffled her hair.


    "You think everyone in this world, except for you, is a pup, don''t you?" She folded her arms.


    "Yes."


    "Even the Alpha King?"


    "Yes."


    "Yes?"


    "Yes."


    Ariana let out a hearty laugh. "You know, I am very happy that the coronation ceremony shall take place in the same day as my birthday. People will finally stop seeing it as the day the former King and Queen died."


    It hadn''t gone unnoticed by Anwar how every year his and Persephone''s birthday would have a grand celebration unlike his little sister''s in which people would wear black and mourn. It was painful for him to witness his sister''s heartbreak when their father would avoid her like a plague on that day.


    "Now off you go and let me have my handsome sleep."


    "Beauty sle-" She tried to correct but "- whatever. Good night."

 Name of the Prince

    "Good morning." Luna Barbara entered her elder daughter''s chamber, trying not to step on the fabrics scattered on the floor.


    "Good morning, Mother."


    "Good morning, Luna."


    Persephone and Mary greeted and returned back to inspecting the fabrics. Seamstresses present in the room bowed and stood still. Luna motioned to continue whatever they were doing before her arrival.


    Persephone walked through bundles of fabrics, held both hands of her mother and made her sit on the bed beside Mary. She picked two pieces of gorgeous and expensive looking fabrics. "Which one will look better on me, mother?"


    Luna inspected for a while before answering. "The blue one, dear."


    "I told you." said Mary with a smug look on her face.


    "Blue, it is then." Persephone put aside the other one and started lecturing seamstresses about how the design of the gown must be and threatening them with their lives if anything shall go wrong.


    Meanwhile Luna sent a maid to fetch Ariana.


    Ariana was singing and swaying on her feet. Her movements came to a halt when she heard a knock at the door. She composed herself before speaking. "Come in."


    The maid entered and bowed slightly. "Luna has requested your presence at Lady Persephone''s chamber, m''lady."


    Ariana nodded and led the way to her sister''s chamber followed by the maid.


    "You called for me. mother?"


    "Yes, dear. We are preparing dresses for the ceremony. Have you given any thought about the dress you would wear?"


    "I haven''t."


    "You do not have to worry at all. You have your mother and sister at your aid. Come, take a seat."


    Persephone rolled her eyes. "Yes, of course."


    While she and Luna busied themselves, a cool gust of wind entered from the windows directed towards the bed. Accordingly, Ariana wrapped a shawl around her. Mary couldn''t find another so she snatched Ariana''s shawl. Ariana didn''t let go off the shawl either. Tug of war started between them. It terminated when Ariana let go of the shawl abruptly making Mary loose balance and the upper half of her body crashed on the bed.


    Alpha Edward and Anwar entered the chamber at the same time, witnessing all of it. Ariana and Anwar''s eyes met, then they both let out a chuckle.


    This infuriated Alpha even more.


    "Ariana, apologize to Mary. Right now!" His voice boomed.


    "What happened?" Luna inquired.


    "Oh it is a trivial matter, mother. I am sorry, Mary."


    "You are?"Anwar, who was behind Alpha, silently mouthed. Ariana shook her head and gave him a toothy grin.


    "Ariana, Anwar. Your father would like to have a talk."


    "We shall be leaving for the capital at the end of this week - " Alpha started.


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "- We already know that." Persephone interrrupted.


    "Persephone!" Luna scolded.


    "It''s alright." Alpha dismissed.


    "As I was saying we all shall be leaving for the capital soon. Now your Luna and I have been there several times before. But, this will be the first visit for you children."


    "See? You''re a child too." Ariana whispered. Anwar rolled his eyes.


    "All of you will be representing our pack and I want all of you to be on your best behavior."


    "But father, we always do."


    "Some of you always do." Alpha commented, eyeing Ariana and Mary.


    "Personnel of high ranks will be present there. You all will be scrutinized by them. The way you walk, the way you talk, the way you deal with whatever questions thrown at your direction will make a lasting impression on them."


    Everyone was hanging onto the wise words of Alpha Edward. A knock at the door broke the trance.


    "Come in." Luna answered.


    Person at the door bowed before speaking. "Beta Richard has been looking for you, Alpha."


    "You may go." Alpha nodded before walking out of the chamber himself.


    Mary waited for him to reach far enough before closing the door herself. She let out the breath she was holding. She then sat down next to Persephone.


    "Luna, could you tell us about the capital and our future King?"


    "Sure, my child." Then she went on explaining about the magnificent structures and statues built during the reign of former King and how civilized the people of Wicrelf were.


    "Why do you and father talk like we''re savages?" Anwar huffed.


    Luna smiled. "It was not our intention, son. But in the city of Wicrelf, the nobles and courtiers reside. Once you reach there, you will see for yourself."


    Meanwhile Mary and Persephone gave each other a look which suggested that when Mary has insisted Luna to tell about Wicrelf and the King, they wanted to hear about the former less and the latter more.


    "What about out Crown Prince, mother?" Persephone immediately diverted the conversation.


    "Your father and I had been there at the funeral. He was devastated. We only saw him when he came out of his chamber to perform the rituals."


    "He was very young then, wasn''t he?"


    "Yes, he was." Luna answered looking at Ariana.


    "Rumor has it that he has these mesmerizing emerald green eyes." said Mary dreamily. Persephone too seem to be intrgued.


    "Yes, he does." Luna chuckled.


    "Over these years, he had been training as well as pursuing his formal education-


    "-Formal education? From where?"


    "I am not sure. But from the human world."


    "Oh! So the precious little Prince is allowed to complete his education there, but suddenly the human world is too dangerous for me." Ariana rolled her eyes.


    "What is wrong with your sister? Here we are talking about the Prince and all she could think of was her ridiculous obsession for studying." Mary whispered to Persephone. She nodded.


    "Now let us talk about something less trivial, shall we?" she said with a smug look on her face.


    "Yes, because color of the Prince''s eyes is a matter of utmost importance." Ariana fired back.


    Dismissing the whole ordeal, Luna continued.


    "He came back three years ago and started fraternizing with Alphas of all the seven packs. Now, he is highly revered by all of them."


    "Mother, I know all about that. Could you tell us how he is in person?" Anwar asked.


    "He is a man of few words."


    "As a king should be." Ariana added.


    "Our poor Prince has been affected by the death of his parents so much that he doesn''t even talk and that is what you''ve got to say, Ariana. How insensitive and immature!" Persephone accused.


    "Oh yes! Go on! Baby him like father babies you."


    This did it.


    "See, Mother! This is what she think of me. Forget about me, this is what she think of father!" Persephone burst with anger.


    Ariana had managed to strike the right nerve. She smirked in victory.


    "Ariana." Luna pretended to scold. Even Mary didn''t fire back as she knew that Ariana''s words might seem to be spiteful, but that was the truth.


    Persephone tried to calm herself. During the process, her murmurs could be heard.


    "Stupid..."


    "Jealous..."


    "I am better..."


    She even laughed in between. Everyone eyed her.


    "Mother?"


    "Yes, Ariana?"


    "We have been talking about the Prince since the day of the announcement of his coronation. But I don''t seem to recall the mention of his name. What is it?"


    "One does not address the royalties by their name, silly." Persephone tried to one up.


    "Bummer! I was thinking of calling the King by his first name and then having a little chit-chat about his feelings, the moment I become acquainted with him."


    Mary snickered.


    "What is the matter with you people? You all seemed to be obsessed with him." Anwar got up and left.


    "I smell of something burning. Might as well tame it before it takes form of a wildfire." said Ariana before getting up and leaving.


    "Xavier." She heard as she was at the door.


    "Beg your pardon?"


    "Xavier Kon Lancaster is the name."

 A man in the garden

    A specially composed fanfare announced the arrival of leaders of all the seven packs. The royal castle of Wicrelf looked even more grand than before with all the decorations. Not only the castle, every nook and corner of the capital was polished.


    Alpha Edward and Luna Barbara were greeted at the entrance by Duke Lorenzo and Duchess Lily. They had a small talk before Anwar, Persephone and Ariana were introduced. As soon as they entered the hall, they started mingling with delegates of other packs.


    "... and this is my eldest child, Anwar Ronan Bennet." Alpha Edward introduced to Alpha of another pack.


    Alpha Edward''s face showed irritation as Anwar was still facing the other way even after the mention of his name. Persephone elbowed him.


    "Huh? Beg your pardon."


    "Alpha Marshall of pack Yuloni." Alpha forwarded his hand and introduced himself. Anwar shook his hand and was about to speak when he got interrupted. "I already got your name."


    "Oh." Anwar smiled sheepishly. Alpha Edward facepalmed mentally.


    "And I am Persephone Luna Bennet." spoke a proud voice.


    "Luna? Is it really your middle name?" Luna Victoria of Yuloni chuckled.


    "Yes. Mother, here, had given something else. But when I reached the age of five, I insisted on changing it to Luna. After all, I am going to be one someday."


    Luna Victoria gave her a polite smile and turned to Ariana.


    "And what is the name of such a beauty?"


    Persephone rolled her eyes.


    "Ariana." She gave a shy smile.


    "Your last name holds power, child. Use it." Alpha Marshall gave her a stern look.


    "Marshall." His wife scolded.


    "Difficulty of being a girl, Alpha. A particular last name does not stick with us.Might as well use the name given to us, which is not shared with others, which is mine to build and mine to destroy."


    "Careful, child. Whether you agree or not, you have name and responsibilities attached to you by being born in the Bennet family."


    Ariana pondered for a while before nodding. "I shall definitely take your advice into consideration, Alpha."


    Alpha Marshall suppressed the smile trying to form on his lips. Instead he gently put his hand on her head as if giving a blessing and walked away to catch up with others.


    "Well that went well." said Alpha Edward, hesitantly.


    Ariana pulled Anwar to the side. "What is wrong with you?"


    Anwar checked left and right before answering. "I don''t know. Ronan is being restless. My mind is not functioning properly."


    Ariana widened at his words. "Do you think you are about to find her?"


    "Find who?"


    "What who? Your mate, of course."


    "I- I don''t know." He stuttered.


    "This is so exciting!" Ariana clasped her hands together.


    "Everyone! Please have a seat." voice of Duke Lorenzo boomed inside the hall, gaining everyone''s attention.


    "Firstly, I would like to thank all the Alphas and Nobles for taking out time to join us here. Now, you all must have been expecting the Crown Prince''s presence. But the Prince has gone to receive blessings of our King and Queen, to pay tribute to them. So we, Duke and Duchess of Wicrelf welcome each and everyone of you to the coronation ceremony of our future Alpha, our future King."


    "I hope you all have a comfortable stay at our palace." Duchess added, dismissing everyone.


    Anwar was still feeling restless. To divert his mind, he started chatting with other guests.


    "Alpha Tywin." He bowed.


    "Yes?"


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "I don''t see Nathaniel. Where is he?" he inquired about his childhood friend.


    "Oh! He decided not to come. He said that he had exams to give."


    Alpha Edward scoffed. "What is with this obsession of young generation?"


    "I know. Waste of time, I tell you." Alpha Tywin nodded.


    Ariana tried hard not to show the irritation building. She couldn''t cut the words of two Alphas.


    "Exactly! What is the point of learning something which is not necessary whatsoever." said Persephone, eyeing her younger sister.


    Ariana had tried many time before to explain the importance of formal education to her family. She had given an hour long speech to convince them. Seems like it went over their head. So, she didn''t try to fight this time.


    "He could have been training now." Alpha Tywin added.


    "Being a leader is not only about physical strength, Alpha Tywin. In the human world too, he will see and learn many things." Duke and Duchess joined.


    Finally someone understands. Ariana thought inside her head.


    "Even our prince was sent to the human world for his education." She added excitedly.


    Duke and Duchess gave her a smile.


    "It was important to show the Prince that there is a world outside. He needs to maintain a good relationship with human leaders in order to sustain the secret of existence of our kind-"


    His words came to a halt when he noticed a change in Anwar''s demeanor. He seemed to appear more restless than before.


    "Anwar?" Alpha Edward called.


    But Anwar was long gone. Ronan, his wolf, had taken over. He held his nose high and sniffed the air. After roaming here and there, his eyes transfixed on a girl. A very pretty girl.


    They slowly started advancing towards each other, gathering everyone''s attention.


    "Hi." came out as a breath from Anwar.


    "Hi." She nodded, shyly.


    "Hi." He repeated.


    "Hi." She chuckled. Everyone chuckled.


    "What is your name?"


    "Um- Naomi. Naomi Jeane Watson."


    "Of pack Celik." shouted Naomi''s younger sister, Emma.


    "Naomi Jeane Watson of Pack Celik, do you take me, Anwar Ronan Bennet of Pack Ravernia, as your mate?" Anwar kneeled before her.


    Everyone gasped.


    "Yes! Yes." She replied with teary eyes.


    Anwar got up and took her in his arms. "Do you want me to take you away from here?" He whispered into her ear.


    "Everyone''s watching." She scolded.


    "Fine." Anwar muttered under his breath, defeated.


    "Finally!" Ariana laughed. "Help me take revenge from him, will you?"


    Naomi gave her a smile. Luna Barbara engulfed her into a hug while Naomi''s parents, Betas of Celik, started conversing with Alpha Edward and Anwar. Soon congratulations came in order.


    After that, everyone took a seat when dinner was announced.


    "I cannot believe that a Beta''s daughter will be above than me from now on wards. " Persephone scoffed and headed towards the table.


    Seeing Mary hurt by that comment, Ariana put her hand on her shoulder. But desperate to be on Persephone''s good side, Mary ignored her and ran after her so called best friend.


    At the table, conversation revolved around the recent event only.


    "A future Alpha kneeling before a girl. A sight to watch!" Lunas laughed.


    "Son! You drowned our name." Alphas shook their head in disbelief.


    "Yes!" Persephone chimed in.


    This whole taunting ordeal prolonged when Christopher, future Alpha of Pack Celik too joined with some snarky remarks. Most of the people agreed with him.


    Anwar and Naomi looked mortified.


    "Well my brother was brought up to treat a lady with utmost respect. By kneeling, he showed his devotion and sincerity towards his mate." Ariana defended.


    "Now, Now. No need to get offended, pup." Christopher teased her.


    This went for a while until


    "Alpha Edward, Luna Barbara." Duchess Lily gathered everyone''s attention. "It is commendable how you have taught your son to revere his mate and your daughter to have opinions of her own."


    This made everyone shut up.


    Maids came and cleaned the table after completion of dinner. Then all of them were shown towards their respective chamber.


    **~~~**


    It was middle of the night. Clouds had covered the stars, but not the crescent moon. It shone the brightest. Ariana was staring at the luminous moon. She couldn''t sleep. Her long white silk nightgown shone as well. Feeling restless, she decided to take a walk.


    With the help of direction given by guards, she reached her destination. The garden. And it exceeded her expectations.


    The garden was filled with lush green grass and trees whose leaves were of other colors than green. To her dismay, some of the flowers glowed in the dark. Fireflies illuminated the whole surrounding, competing with the moon itself. She had never seen a more spectacular view before.


    As she was watching the magnificent waterfall filling up a nearby lake, she felt a strong presence.


    From behind a tree, a man emerged. A man so gorgeous, that it made her heart stop. From afar, she could see that the man was wearing a white cotton pirate shirt over black breeches.


    Travelling across everything, their eyes met.


    It was like the world has stopped spinning and the time had taken a pause. They were lost in each other''s eyes for like an eternity. The man started moving towards her without breaking the eye contact and stood in front of her.


    That is when she took time to notice his features. His chiselled jaw made a twitch. Although his eyes were sharp, they held a soft emotion for her.


    He opened his mouth to say something. She felt her heart constrict when it wasn''t something that she has wished to hear.


    "What are you doing here?"


    His velvety voice was low, but it held an authority. Now that she was out of the trance, she felt power radiating off the man''s body. She automatically broke the eye contact and lowered her eyes.


    "I couldn''t sleep. So I decided to catch some fresh air." She answered, nervously fiddling with the skirt of her gown.


    There was a silence between them before Ariana decided to introduce herself. "I am-


    "-I know who you are."


    "Oh."


    After a pause, she continued. "And who are you?"


    There was a pained expression on his face. But he quickly masked it.


    "Good night, Ariana." He whispered before leaving.


    Ariana started to breathe heavily. She covered her chest with her hands to stop her heart from beating so wildly. After twirling once in delight, the smile on her face gradually faded.


    Due to the absence of her wolf, she couldn''t tell yet whether the man actually was what she was thinking he was. But he must have sensed it? Is he not the one? She thought.


    With all these thoughts on her mind, she headed towards her assigned chamber and fell asleep.


    There was a week left for her birthday. It would be known then, whether or not the man was her mate.

 Roses for him

    The Bennet family occupied one of the tables set in a garden. Ariana was disappointed when they weren''t escorted to the garden which she had visited the night before. Apparently, the royal palace had ten different gardens.


    "Beautiful, isn''t it?" Persephone took a sip of tea while admiring topiary.


    "It is, indeed." agreed Anwar, who was occupied by Naomi lately.


    But not as much as the garden I had visited yesterday, Ariana thought.


    "Hope you had a sound sleep?" Duchess Lily joined them.


    "We did. Everything was wonderful yesterday." Persephone gave her a beaming smile.


    "Yes m''Lady. Thank you for worrying about our comfort." Ariana said in the most polite tone she could come up with.


    "No need to be so formal, dear." Duchess smiled.


    **~~~**


    After breakfast, the young ones, who hadn''t been in the palace before, set out to explore. The group included Anwar, Persephone, Ariana, Naomi, Mary and Emma led by Christopher who had already been here once. To everyone''s surprise, he took them to the training grounds.


    "Why did you bring us here?" Anwar, who was already irritated by the arrogance shown by Christopher on the way, asked.


    "Why do you think?"


    Everyone continued staring at him.


    "To check out your skills, of course." Christopher laughed. Everyone else groaned.


    "Now, come on." He insisted.


    Everyone returned in ten minutes after changing into suitable attire.


    "Let us start with sword, shall we?"


    Christopher dueled with Anwar whilst Persephone decided to challenge Naomi, leaving Ariana with Mary.Emma just watched.


    "Let us see whether you''ve got what it takes to be Luna to our pack, shall we?" Persephone started circling as if she was about to pounce on her prey.


    Meanwhile, Ariana and Mary too picked up swords and stood in alert postures.


    "I am going to defeat you. You have no chance against me." Mary bluffed.


    "Yeah. You don''t have to do too much talking before the duel."


    "If you hurt me, I will complain to Persephone and she will make sure you get punished." Mary said now in a scared voice.


    "Shut up!" Ariana spat before attacking. She easily won against Mary.


    Christopher and Anwar were busy fighting each other when Anwar felt pain of his mate. He rushed to Naomi, who had a cut on her arm.


    "Why did you do that?" He scolded his sister


    "This was meant to be a breezy duel, Persephone. Why did you injure her?" Christopher took Anwar''s side.


    "What? I was easy on her, okay? It''s not my fault that she is not capable of handling a duel."


    "It''s fine. I''m fine." Naomi tried to assure everyone.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    But Anwar was still angry. He took Ariana to side before whispering "Make sure she looses."


    Ariana nodded before starting to duel with Persephone. Although Persephone was trained by Alpha Edward himself and Ariana was trained by her older brother, she still managed to win. This crushed Persephone''s ego.


    "Not bad, pup." Christopher ruffled Ariana''s hair.


    "I found out yesterday that you are only three years older than me, Christopher. So, do not call me a pup again."


    "Fine, Ari." He gave her a grin.


    "No. You cannot call me that either. Only my loved ones call me that." She scrunched her nose.


    "But I love you too, Ari." He cooed.


    "Disgusting!" She spat before checking up on Naomi.


    The second activity of the day was decided to be archery. Whoever was able to hit the eye of dummy, won.


    Everyone was able to do that except for Ariana and Mary. The dummy was kept at a long distance from the archer. Everyone had an advantage over Ariana due to the presence of their wolves.


    Anwar and Naomi decided to spend some time together and headed out. Persephone too gave her a smirk to Ariana before heading out with Mary, leaving only her and Christopher behind.


    "Aw Ari. Are you feeling sad? Don''t feel sad." Christopher teased.


    Ariana rolled her eyes. She was about to leave when she heard. "I can teach you."


    She turned back. "Why?"


    "Because I wove you."


    She groaned hearing a grown man talk like a baby.


    Christopher laughed. "Seriously, Bennet. If you want to learn, then I can teach you."


    Ariana pondered for a while. "Okay fine."


    He started giving her vocal instructions. But even after an hour, there was no improvement.


    "Ugh. Just leave it, Bennet. Even I can''t teach you." he complained.


    Ariana ignored him and continued aiming, but in vain.


    Suddenly Christopher came near and touched her arm, positioning them in the correct way. They made an eye contact before he whispered. "Release."


    This time the arrow hit its target making Ariana happy. She thanked him before parting ways.


    **~~~**


    Ariana couldn''t sleep this night too. She couldn''t get the man she had seen the day before off her mind. Hoping to see him again, she strolled to the garden which was illuminated by the moonlight. Surprisingly the man was already there. Although his back was turned on her, she could still recognize him by the way her body and mind was reacting.


    "Couldn''t sleep tonight as well?" His voice sent shivers down her spine.


    "My body isn''t adjusting to this new place, I guess." She chuckled, nervously.


    "Oh but your heart is surely adjusting to new people."


    Ignoring the coldness in his voice, she replied "Yes." She thought the remark was meant to be about them.


    His body went stiff. After a while he turned around to find Ariana plucking roses.


    "Do you think it is acceptable to pluck flowers from somebody else''s garden?" He narrowed his eyes.


    "Is this your garden?" She asked, continuing what she was doing.


    "It isn''t." He answered, icily.


    "Then you have no authority whatsoever to stop me." However she stopped and lifted her face to meet his gaze. He had a frown on his otherwise perfect face.


    "Arrogant." He whispered. She too frowned and continued plucking flowers.


    After collecting five beautiful red roses, she walked forward and stood in front of him. "May I?"


    "May you what?"


    "Sit beside you."


    He was sitting on a rock with somewhat flat surface. She motioned towards a little space on the rock beside him.


    He sighed. "Wait."


    He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and spread it. "Sit."


    Ariana smiled before taking a seat. "I plucked these roses for someone."


    "For whom?"


    "A man."


    He huffed in annoyance before standing up and facing another direction. "I am sure the pup from Celik will be delighted to receive it."


    "Who?" Ariana pondered for a while before realizing who he was talking about. "Oh! So you know Christopher?"


    The man closed his eyes in pain.


    "You two seem to be taking a liking to each other today."


    "Oh please! We argue all the time. He is such a pain in the a-" She stopped herself before she could say the word.


    "So along with being arrogant, you swear as well. How nice!" He smirked and turned around to face her.


    "Technically, I didn''t."


    He continued to stare at her face.


    Ariana felt insecure under his scrutiny. She feared that the man, whose face she found to be completely flawless and body to be the most well built one, would not find her attractive enough. Little did she know that he was mesmerized by her beauty at that moment. Then, there was again that pained expression on his face before he looked away.


    Ariana was hurt by his action. She couldn''t stop herself from asking. "What happened?"


    "Don''t ask." He said in a soft voice.


    "Why?"


    "Because I said so." He answered in a firm tone this time.


    Ariana rolled her eyes. She approached him and left the roses on his side of rock before whispering. "You''re that man."


    After she turned around and walked away, he picked up the roses and inhaled the scent. His expression changed immediately and his face showed contentment and vulnerability. Not because of the scent of the roses, but because it smelled of her.

 Conspiracy and Accusations

    "Good morrow ladies and fair gentles."


    As soon as Christopher entered the hall for breakfast, everyone from the day before''s excursion gang groaned.


    "You people are no fun either." He retorted and took a seat.


    "So Ariana! When is your birthday?" came an unexpected question from Ivory, daughter of Alpha of Pack Ziram. She had a smug look on her face.


    Ariana composed herself before asking "Why the sudden interest in my birthday, Ivory?"


    "Ivory is only asking for your birthday, Ari. There is no harm in telling her." Persephone too had a smug look on her face.


    "It is near actually. Four days from now to be precise." Ariana answered this time, without a qualm.


    Judging by everyone''s face, they had connected the dots. They looked less relaxed than before and the atmosphere had tensed up. Ariana tried hard not to let this affect her. She finished her plate and took a leave.


    Emma, still eating the delicious steak, turned towards Christopher and asked, "So, where are you taking us today?"


    "I was thinking of exploring vicinity of the castle."


    "I suggest you take them to see the market, young man. They all would like to take back something from this place as a souvenir, I presume." Duke addressed Christopher.


    "I was thinking the same, your highness." He answered.


    "All of you! Meet me at the gate in an hour, will you?" saying that, he got up and headed outside. As everyone completed their breakfast, they too dispersed.


    **~~~**


    After an hour, Ariana, Naomi and Emma were standing at the gate. Ever since the word had gotten out that Ariana Saoirse Bennet, daughter of Alpha Edward was born on the same day their King and Queen had died, it spread like wildfire. Even the guards at the gate were giving her weird looks.


    As Christopher was on his way, he heard giggling. He quickly hid behind a wall and listened to the conversation in hope of getting some juicy gossip.


    "Did you see her face?" One of the girls asked.


    "Yes! She became pale instantly." The other laughed.


    He recognized those voices. It was of Persephone and Ivory.


    "I cannot believe everyone was starting to take a liking to that weakling." Persephone huffed.


    "Right? I got so pissed when my own father started praising her right in front of me. I knew then and there that I had to do something about it."


    "Now people will see her for what she is. A curse. A bad luck. I mean, it could definitely not be a coincidence that the King and Queen died exactly when she came into this world."


    Ivory nodded, agreeing to whatever was being said. Just then they heard Mary calling out their names.


    "Sticks to me like a gum that one, I tell you." Persephone rolled her eyes. Ivory giggled.


    As Mary approached them, the three of them headed towards the gate.


    Christopher took time to process that not only others but Ariana''s own sister had hatched a plan to hurt her. People already looked down on her due to absence of her wolf. Right when she had managed to win their respect with her words, they had started being skeptic of her even more than before. He wondered what else Persephone must have done back in their home to hurt her.


    All the members of excursion gang were already at the gate except for Christopher. They were waiting for him. Ariana was running out of patience. She folder her arms and started to look here and there to distract herself when she caught eyes of a man. No, it wasn''t the man from the ethereal garden. This man had a long bushy beard, ruffled hair and wore a gray cloak. Ariana narrowed her eyes towards him. This made him frown and leave. She let out a small laugh.


    Christopher, without his usual merry attitude, showed up.


    "You ask us to be on time and come late yourself." Ariana scolded.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Christopher shifted his gaze towards her and his face softened. He smiled. "Sorry."


    Ariana pouted and smiled back.


    "Excuses, excuses." Mary rolled her eyes.


    "I did not give one?" Christopher raised his eyebrow.


    Everyone laughed while Mary lowered her head and bit her lip.


    "Anyways, Ivory is coming with us too." Persephone ordered.


    "No, she is not." Christopher snapped.


    Everyone was shocked by his reaction.


    "You cannot order us around." Persephone argued.


    "Neither can you. I am taking you all to the market. So, I will decide who is coming with us and who isn''t." Christopher used his Alpha voice this time, leaving everyone stunned.


    Ivory let out a wail before running back inside.


    "Do you want to return as well?" Hearing this, Persephone shook her head no.


    Surprisingly, Christopher had already lightened up when they reached the market. Anwar and Naomi parted their ways. Persephone too, upset by the previous event, dragged Mary with her and disappeared leaving Ariana with Christopher and Emma.


    "There are so many shops!" Emma clasped her hand, roaming her eyes her and there, excited to shop. She pushed Christopher out of the way to link her arm with Ariana''s. "Your brother took away my sister. So now you''re stuck with me."


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Christopher furrowed his eyebrows.


    "Oh you can tag along too, Christof." saying this, she linked her other arm with Christopher''s. Then, the trio started walking.


    "Christof?" He frowned. "I am a soon-to-be Alpha. I am not a pup to be given nicknames. Do not call me that."


    "Nicknames are also given to our loved ones. And Christof isn''t a bad name either." Ariana argued.


    Christopher turned towards her. "If you say so, Ari." He cooed. Ariana grunted.


    "Ari? Is that really your nickname?" Emma inquired.


    "Yes."


    "Oh great! I shall call you that from now on wards."


    The trio, surprisingly, got along very well. With all the jokes and teasing going on between them, they seemed like close friends to other people in the market.


    **~~~**


    After the shopping spree, everyone gathered at the entrance of the market. Anwar and Naomi seemed to be cosy with each other. Ariana, Christopher and Emma too were smiling from ear to ear.


    "You know what? We should be named Ace club." Emma suggested.


    "What?" Anwar showed interest.


    "As a matter of fact, we are excellent. So, it could be a good name for our team." Christopher smirked.


    "No silly!" Emma chuckled. "Ace because it is out initials. Ariana, Christopher and Emma. Making it ACE."


    "Emma! That is brilliant." Ariana exclaimed. Emma smirked.


    "No way. Where are we?" Naomi pouted.


    "You and Anwar are with each other and we do not care about Persephone and Mary." said Christopher with a smug look on his face.


    Persephone''s face immediately turned red after this. Before she could burst with anger, everyone climbed inside the carriage headed for the castle.


    **~~~**


    Everyone was seated at the dinner table but nobody seemed to be chatting. Luna Iria of Pack Ziram broke the ice. "Alpha Henry. I would like to inform you about the tyranny of your little son."


    "Beg your pardon?" Alpha Henry of Pack Celik asked, confused.


    "Would you like to confess it yourself or rather I do it for you?" She turned to Christopher.


    "What?" asked Christopher, equally confused.


    Luna scoffed. "Alpha Henry. Ivory, my daughter, wanted to go to the market with her friends as suggested by the Duke. But your son not only denied her but also tried to overpower her using his Alpha voice."


    "I was there too, Alpha. He did the exact." Persephone supported.


    Alpha Henry shook his head in anger. "Christopher, apologize to Ivory, now."


    "Father, I am a soon-to-be Alpha and I know how to act accordingly. Wouldn''t you want to know the reason behind my action?" said Christopher, calmly. Alpha Henry seemed baffled by his words.


    "Would you like to confess it yourself or rather I do it for you?" Christopher mocked Persephone and Ivory.


    "It would be unfair to punish anyone without knowing the whole event. So present your side, young man." Duke Lorenzo encouraged him.


    "As you command, your highness." He bowed slightly. "I was on my way when by accident I heard Lady Ivory and Lady Persephone. They were talking nasty about Lady Ariana and about how she did not deserve respect from anyone. This morning at the breakfast table, Ivory had deliberately asked Lady Ariana her birth date, intending to hurt her reputation."


    Ariana''s eyes widened.


    "That was all their plan, your highness. They were jealous of Lady Ariana - " He was cut mid sentence by Ivory.


    "No, we are not. There is nothing to be jealous about a deformity." Everyone gasped.


    "Lady Ivory!" Duchess Lily snapped.


    "Your pup has grown to be insolent, Alpha Henry." Luna Iria sneered.


    "You might be talking about yours." Alpha fired back.


    "Your highness! My daughter could not have done it to her own little sister. They get along very well." Alpha Edward defended his daughter.


    "We did no such thing, your highness." Persephone stated with so much conviction that people actually believed her for a moment.


    "Liar!" Christopher roared. "Everything that I''ve said, is it not true?" He shifted his murderous gaze on Ivory.


    Ivory hesitated before giving in. "Yes, it is." She whispered. Persephone let out a sigh in defeat.


    "Your highness, my daughter only talked about the deformities in Alpha Edward''s youngest. It''s not as if they are not true. And she only asked for her birth date. It is not my daughter''s fault that she was born on that day with her deformities." Luna Iria tried t win an argument that she had already lost.


    "It isn''t my fault, either." Ariana whispered, her face blank. Everyone''s attention shifted towards her. She excused herself politely and headed out.


    While walking along the corridor, she could hear shouts and roars coming from the dining hall. Her eyes started to become misty. She tried hard not to be swayed by her emotions as she was still being followed by gaze of the royal guards. Taking long strides, she entered her chamber hastily and stood in front of a mirror. It was something she did when she wanted to regain control over herself.


    Her eyes lingered at her reflection before she shut them. Memory of her father desperately trying to defend his golden child made her cringe. She opened her eyes slowly to gaze back at her reflection. Tears were running down her cheeks.


    "Disgusting!" She spat before wiping her cheeks roughly with the back of her hands.

 For the greater good?

    Rose petals were falling from the sky and landing on the sleeping figures. Ariana''s petite body was wrapped safely around his firm arms. She was broken out of the trance when a glass blade poked her leg. She noticed his one hand was wrapped around her waist whereas the other was at the back of her head, holding it. Her face was placed at the crook of his neck, under his chin.


    When she blinked, her eyelashes brushed against the sensitive skin of his neck, waking him up. He withdrew his chin from her head to look at her face and gave her a smile. Her heart fluttered at the sight. She felt fuzzy in her cheeks and her feet - wait. Feet?


    Ariana jolted out of the bed instantly to find Christopher laughing with a feather in his hand.


    "What the hell, you asshat?" She snapped.


    He gasped. "A lady swearing! How scandalous!"


    "I am pretty sure other ladies do it as well when conversing with a dimwit." She adjusted her night gown.


    "I am choosing to ignore that." He narrowed his eyes before laughing again. "Anyways, you were smiling and blushing in your sleep. Is it because you were dreaming of me?" He wiggled his eyebrows.


    "You wish! What are you doing here anyways? Don''t you know better than to enter a girl''s room, especially when she is not conscious?"


    "You are right. I did not know any better. I was waiting for you actually. For you to come in my life and teach me manners." He cooed.


    "Ugh! Why do you speak like that? Don''t speak like that."


    "Why? Is it because me speaking like this melts your heart, Ari?"


    "No. Because a grown person should not speak like that."


    "I shall speak how I want -" He was interrupted by Alpha Edward and Persephone barging inside the room followed by Luna Barbara and Anwar.


    "We need to have a talk." Alpha Edward addressed Ariana. He approached her only when he intended to either scold or punish her, usually on Persephone''s influence.


    "I suggest you leave us alone, Christopher." Ariana knew what was coming and if Christopher defended her this time too, it would definitely cause a rift between his and hers pack.


    He was hesitant at first but obliged.


    Persephone walked over to the bed nonchalantly and frowned upon seeing it messy before flipping the sheets and taking a seat. "Sit." She ordered.


    Ariana frowned but sat nevertheless. Their father, mother and brother too sat on a sofa facing the bed.


    "Young blood! They act without reckoning consequences of their action." Alpha Edward started. "Instead of minding his own business, he had to open his mouth in front of everyone and complain about my daughter to the Duke and Duchess. Now, she has been punished by them." He vented in front of Ariana.


    "What happened yesterday at dinner should not have happened!" He added.


    "What happened yesterday at breakfast should not have happened either!" Ariana complained.


    "Oh it wasn''t a big deal." He waved his hand dismissing her statement. Noticing Ariana''s expression turning to anger, he quickly added "Luna Iria should have taught her daughter better than to conspire against others."


    Ariana couldn''t believe her own ears. It felt good to know that her father supported her. But it didn''t last long as she heard him say "It was entirely that insolent girl''s fault. And because of that blabbering mouth of Christopher, my daughter also got wrapped up in this whole matter. But you will not let your sister get punished." He said the last part softly.


    Hearing her father speak like that to her, she felt a bit emotional. "What punishment would she recieve?" She gulped.


    "She is to be publicly shamed by apologizing to you." A hint of rage could now be detected in Alpha Edward''s voice.


    "Huh? That''s it?" Ariana was genuinely shocked.


    "What do you mean by "that''s it"? Do you not understand the situation?" Persephone scoffed. "Just imagine. Me apologizing to you! Ridiculous! Right?" She laughed.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The audacity of her elder sister made Ariana shake her head in disbelief. She shifted her gaze towards her mother and brother who did not dare level their eyes with her or speak up for her. So she stood up abruptly and left the room.


    **~~~**


    At the noon-time, everyone was summoned at the hall. The Bennet family was the last to arrive without their youngest. Luna Iria was standing at the corner consoling her distressed daughter. Right then Ariana arrived wearing an off shoulder light blue gown and her hair left open which reached up to her hips, strands of hair secured by a shiny white headpiece. She could feel glares of many people directed at her.


    Everyone became attentive when as the Duke and Duchess entered the hall. Duke Lorenzo wasted no time before speaking. "Everyone here is aware of the events that took place yesterday and now the subjects found guilty are supposed to face the consequences of their actions.


    "Your highness! I am not fully aware of what happened yesterday." Ariana acted.


    Duchess Lily took in charge. "Accusations made by Lord Christopher, future Alpha of Pack Celik against Lady Ivory of Pack Ziram and Lady Persephone of Pack Ravernia of attempting to defame Lady Ariana of Pack Ravernia were proven to be true. Hence, the subjects found guilty shall request forgiveness from the subject found offended."


    "The subjects found guilty shall proceed." Duke Lorenzo ordered.


    Chaos began. Ariana calmly took in everything that was happening. Wailing of Ivory, pale face of Persephone, pleadings of Alpha Edward and Luna Iria, satisfied look of Christopher, confusion of other members. Finally she spoke, silencing the crowd.


    "Honorable Duke and Duchess and respected leaders, I shall first express my gratitude for defending my honor and providing me justice. However, I do not wish to prolong this ordeal anymore and simply forgive the subjects found guilty for their proven misconduct."


    Murmurs filled the hall.


    "If you say so, Lady Ariana. You surely deserve gratitude from many people for your lenience." Duke Lorenzo nodded. Duchess Lily gave her a small smile before they both walked out of the hall.


    Ariana was adjusting her headpiece when her family approached.


    "I am so proud of you, my baby." Luna Barbara gave her a hug which was not returned.


    "I honored your words. I did not let your daughter get punished for what she did." She addressed Alpha Edward in a cold voice. He did not say anything but gave her a nod and a small tight smile.


    "You could have assured me earlier and stopped this gathering." Persephone snapped.


    "Did you not hear what the Duke said? He said that I should be shown some gratitude as I showed you profound lenience." Ariana gave her a fake smile.


    **~~~**


    After getting out of this whole mess. Ariana couldn''t help but think about the man of her dreams. How she wished what she had seen in her dreams to become true. When it hit the dawn, she rushed to the garden. What she saw, stopped her.


    There he was, in a white shirt which she had only seen men wearing in movies made by human. First two buttons of his shirt was open and sleeves were rolled up.


    He first dig a small hole with a tool and planted a seed.


    This whole time, she was mesmerized by him before a sudden thought entered her mind. She only saw this man in the garden and never inside the palace. He was never in a formal attire. His voice did held power. But again why would a man of high rank not be inside the castle but always in a garden and gardening.


    "You did not visit yesterday." She heard him say.


    He got up and eyed her. When she moved near to him, he scoffed.


    "What''s your problem?" She scrunched her nose.


    "I heard that instead of letting the people who wronged you get punished, you forgave them beforehand."


    She didn''t speak, letting him continue.


    "Is it not pathetic how you cannot stand for yourself?" He taunted.


    "Do you know why I am here?" she questioned.


    "What type of question is that?" He frowned.


    "I am here to attend coronation ceremony of our Crown Prince. And this was my gift to him." She smiled smugly.


    He narrowed his eyes.


    "Had I let my pride get in the way, fragile ego of certain people would have been deeply wounded. This surely would have damaged the relationship between three packs Ravernia, Celik and Ziram. Sure I could have seen them struggling to apologize to me and enjoy it. But it would later have had dire consequences which obviously would have been hectic for a new King and the future of our Kingdom."


    "Duke even praised me for my lenience." She smiled.


    He pondered for a while before silently agreeing with her.


    "I always plan for the greater good but here you are, berating me." She complained. "But then, I can understand. How could a gardener know all of this?"


    This kicked him out of his trance. He shot his head up. "Did you just call me a gardener?" He spat.


    "Yes! You are always in the garden. You forbid me from plucking the flowers. You plant seeds. Hence I reckoned that you are a gardener."


    "Well I''m not." He was furious.


    "Fine! You are not a gardener. Why do you have to be so rude about it?" She started running hands through her hair, untangling them.


    "Because I feel insulted." He clenched his hands and jaws.


    "Insulted?" She asked. "It is a benevolent profession! What I meant was a gardener could not have known the inside politics. Regardless, no profession should be considered any lesser that the other."


    This shut his mouth. He couldn''t help but think what she just said was right and he had acted irrationally due to his prejudice.


    Suddenly he felt a flower hit his forehead. He shifted his gaze towards the girl who made him feel emotions which he had never felt before. She seemed relieved. He was perplexed.


    "If not a gardener, I thought you were a ghost. But you are not." She explained. He shook his head in disbelief.


    Taking a seat on a fallen branch, he rested his chin on his hand. This reminded her of her dream in which he had rested his chin on her head. She was blushing furiously.


    "Goodnight!" She took a 180 degree turn and took long strides, clutching her gown.


    He felt warm across his chest. He shook his head once again before smiling a little.

 Narcisse, the Seer

    As soon as the chirping of birds could be heard, every worker of the castle woke up for the preparation of Crown Prince''s coronation ceremony was to commence from that day. Duke and Duchess themselves were hustling to make sure everything would be perfect for the biggest day in life of the boy they had raised.


    All of the guests woke up later and had breakfast. Ladies were gathered at balcony of guests chamber and having a chat. When Ariana joined, some of them became quiet. After a while, Ivory joined them too. "May I sit beside you?"


    "Sure." Saying that, Ariana gave her an awkward smile.


    Taking a seat, she asked, "So, what are you all talking about?"


    "The Prince, of course." Persephone replied. Ivory did not acknowledge her whatsoever.


    "I wonder when he will find his mate." Mary blushed.


    Hearing that word, Ariana drifted gradually into the realms of fantasy where the man from garden lived.


    "Soon, I hope. The Kingdom needs its Queen." Luna Iria stated.


    "One of you young ladies might hold the title of the Queen someday." Luna Barbara teased.


    This made every one of the unmated ladies swoon. Including Persephone.


    Ariana was listening to them without giving her input. Why must I think of being mated to the Prince when I am almost certain that the man from garden is my mate, she thought.


    "Presence of one''s mate brings the greatest ecstasy in any werewolve''s life, I hear. Our Prince deserves so, after going through so much of pain all alone." She said.


    Duchess Lily had entered the balcony and was standing behind all of them.


    "Not all alone." Ariana corrected herself quickly. "Duke and Duchess were there. But our Prince deserves it anyway."


    Hearing that made Duchess Lily smile. She cleared her throat to make known of her arrival.


    "You Highness! Please join us." Luna Barbara invited.


    "How I wish I could sit and have a chat. We have a lot of catching up to do after all. But I''m afraid I would not be able to do so as I still have to see the floral arrangements."


    "I could do that." Ariana stood up."If your highness wishes." She added.


    "I must say, your willingness to help is commendable. But are you sure, my child?"


    "Yes, your Highness. Just instruct me and I shall complete the task." She said with enthusiasm.


    "Thank you." Duchess gave her a charming smile.


    "Shall I join too?" came an unexpected question from Ivory.


    "Sure." said Ariana in an unsure manner.


    As they headed out, Persephone whispered to Mary. "Look how desperate they are to be on Duchess'' good book."


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    **~~~**


    Ariana and Ivory were walking side by side when Christopher called then from behind.


    "Wait! Where are you going?" He directed his question at Ariana.


    "There is farm for floriculture from which flowers to decorate the castle is to be imported. We are to supervise the task."


    "You can tag along too." Ivory suggested.


    Ariana and Christopher were beyond surprised.


    "Um Ivory. Shall I ask you a question?"


    "Sure, Ariana."


    "Why are you suddenly being nice to us."


    Ivory sighed. "Look, I plotted against you with your sister and hurt you. It was petty of me. Despite that, you saved me from embarrassment. Persephone was trying to put the whole blame on me. But still, you saved me too. So, I''m thankful for that and sorry too."


    "Oh!" Ariana whispered.


    "You should apologize to me too, you know." Christopher spoke.


    "Why?" Ivory frowned.


    "You tried to shame me too."


    "Oh!"


    "Go on. I''m listening."


    Ivory took a pause before saying, "Sorry."


    After a moment of silence, Ariana spoke. "It''s fine, Ivory. And Christof? Wipe that smirk off your face."


    **~~~**


    "Wow! Look at all these flowers. So colorful!" Christopher was admiring flowers of the farm when he was hit with a stick on his leg.


    "What the hell!" He roared and turned back to see who had dared to hit him. In front of him was a girl wearing a white dress and blue ankle-length tunic belted at the waist.


    "Why did you do that?" Ariana questioned the girl.


    "This man here, was stepping over my plants." She replied.


    "Still you had no right to use a stick on him. Do you even know who he is, little girl?" Ivory scolded.


    Christopher growled.


    Ariana and Ivory looked at each other, terrified of what he might do to the girl in anger.


    Christopher walked to the girl and did the unexpected. He sniffed her. "Mate!"


    All three of the girls were stunned.


    "W-what?" The girl stammered.


    "You are my mate!" He hugged her. "How could you not feel?" He let go of her.


    "I am not of age yet." She whispered with teary eyes.


    He sighed and took her into his embrace once again. Ariana was watching the whole scene with amazement in her eyes and smile on her face.


    "Who are you?" asked the girl, timidly.


    "He, my little girl, is the future Alpha of Pack Celik, Christopher Harris." answered Ivory.


    "You should call him Christof." added Ariana.


    Christopher chuckled and buried his face in her neck. The girl was too stunned to move.


    "What''s your name?" asked Ariana.


    "Scarlett, m''lady."


    Ariana gasped. "Call me Ariana. We are going to be good friends." Ivory rolled her eyes.


    Christopher finally let go of her. "Come with me." There were so many emotions being displayed on his eyes.


    "Only if my father allows me." she said quickly.


    "Of course, he will. I will ask him for your hand."


    "Well, he is not here at the moment. He will return tomorrow."


    "So, it''s fixed then. I shall come here along with my family to introduce them to you." He cupped her cheeks.


    "Okay." She nodded, shyly.


    "We are here for the flowers." Ivory announced, breaking the moment.


    "Oh! I will load them onto the carts." She detached herself from Christopher and began to hurry.


    "Our guards will load them. Just show them where the flowers are." Ariana called the guards.


    As soon as they got back with the flowers, Christopher went to his parents and narrated the whole event. They were happy to see their son happy but a bit disappointed to know about Scarlett''s background. Almost everyone was.


    **~~~**


    ~ At the dinner table ~


    Duke and Duchess entered the hall. Along with them was a man. Ariana recognized him. It was the man she had seen few days ago while waiting at the gate. He was being treated with utmost respect by them.


    "Mother, who is that man?" She whispered.


    "That, my dear, is Narcisse, a very powerful seer." Luna Barbara replied.


    "Like you?"


    "More powerful than me. I am merely capable of seeing vague bits but he had vivid visions."


    Everyone started focusing on their plates when Narcisse interrupted. "Congratulations, young man."


    "Thank you." Christopher smiled.


    "I see a bright future for you and your mate." Hearing this pleased him.


    The seer then looked at Ariana and Persephone. "Be brave, you two. You both have a lot of burdens and hardships to face in life."


    This made both the sisters tense. After the dinner, Ariana approached her mother in private.


    "The seer, what he predicted, it is unlikely to come true, right?"


    Luna Barbara looked at her with worry and pity in her eyes. "He was the one to prophesied the demise of King and Queen."


    Ariana bit her lip and went back to her chamber.

 Birthday gift

    Ariana woke up with a heavy head as she had not slept well last night. The words of Narcisse, the seer and her mother were revolving inside her head. Just when she was thinking about a serene future with her mate, the old hag had to open his mouth, she thought. She was sipping tea and thinking about it when Anwar entered and sat beside her.


    "And finally he remembers that he has a sister." She gestured with her hands as if presenting him.


    "Stop being so dramatic." Anwar scolded.


    "Whatever." She rolled her eyes. After a pause, she continued. "Everyone is finding their mate nowadays. You, Christof... It''s only a matter of time before Emma finds hers as well. Then, I''ll be stuck with Ivory."


    "What did you just say?" entered Ivory, followed by Christopher. Her face clearly showed that she was offended. She took a seat. "What''s so awful about being stuck with me?"


    "Yes, Ari. Pray tell her." Anwar teased.


    "Uh- nothing." Ariana chuckled nervously. "I was just spitting nonsense."


    "Aw Ari. I always knew you had thing for me. Don''t worry at all. Even though I''ve found my mate, I shall still give you my company." Christopher cooed.


    "Oh for God''s sake. Will you stop talking like this? I honestly don''t know how poor Scarlett will tolerate you for the rest of her life." Ariana shook her head.


    "Yeah. Poor Scarlett." said Ivory in a dry tone.


    This of course killed the vibe of the room.


    "Do not get me wrong, Christopher. I am thrilled that you have found your mate. But you surely know how people haven''t been taking this news well. They are concerned whether Scarlett, considering her background, will be able to tale the role of Luna of Celik or not." Ivory explained.


    "I am aware, Ivory. But Moon Goddess must have thought of something before pairing me with her. Call me selfish, but even if Scarlett is not able to fit the role of Luna to my pack, I will never let her go."


    "And nothing is more important to us people of Celik than the happiness and well-being of our future Alpha." Naomi and Emma joined them. Christopher smiled at their words.


    "By the way, you are welcome, Christof." Ivory had a smug smile on her face. "Had I not asked you to tag along with us to the farm, you wouldn''t have met her."


    "Whatever." Christopher rolled his eyes. "And what is with you calling me Christof?"


    "Oh. Emma asked me to call you that." answered Ivory.


    Emma chuckled. Christopher turned his head towards her. "As your future Alpha, I forbid you from calling me that." Emma was about to protest but stopped when given a stern look.


    "By the way, Christof," Ariana started. Everyone laughed. "When are you going to introduce Scarlett to your parents?"


    Christopher sighed before answering. "Mother and Father said after the coronation ceremony.Everyone is busy today."


    "Why?"


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "Today is the Oath taking ceremony."


    "Oh..."


    "Ari?" Emma called. "I know this is personal. But aren''t you afraid of yesterday''s prophecy?" Everyone looked at her silently, expecting an answer except for Anwar. "No! Do not let yourself suffer because of another prophecy."


    "Exactly. It might be false." Naomi took Ariana''s hand between her hands, trying to assure her.


    "Mother said that the seer was the one to prophesize the death of former King and Queen." Ariana stated in a soft voice. Everyone became silent.


    "Where is Persephone?" asked Anwar, breaking the ice.


    "Probably with Mary. They might be grooming each other like monkeys somewhere." answered Ariana.


    Everyone started joking once again. After a series of laughter, Anwar spoke, "Do you people know? Nate is coming today."


    "Who is Nate?" asked Emma.


    "My brother." answered Ivory.


    "And my childhood friend." answered Anwar.


    "Oh I see. Nate is short for Nathaniel Astor!" Emma exclaimed.


    "Yes." confirmed Ivory.


    "What if he is your mate, Ari?" Emma suggested playfully.


    "It would be great!" Ivory clapped. "Luna Ariana of Pack Ziram."


    Ariana shook her head and lowered here eyes. How nice it would have been to tell them about the man from the garden. But then, how could she tell others about it when she wasn''t certain herself.


    Just then Luna Iria entered. "Ivory. Your brother has arrived."


    Ivory stood up in excitement and rushed out. Everyone else too followed her out to meet Nathaniel Astor.


    Contrary to the things Ariana had heard about Nathaniel, he was a tall well built man. She remembered the time when Anwar and Persephone had compared him to her. According to them, Nathaniel was as introverted and bookish as her. But the man in front of her seemed quite extroverted. He was actually mixing well with everyone.


    Ariana was lost in her thoughts when Ivory dragged Nathaniel by his arm and placed him in front of her. "And she, my brother, is Ariana, the youngest daughter of Alpha Edward."


    "Hello, Lady Ariana." He spoke politely.


    "Hello, Lord Nathaniel." She smiled a little.


    "Seriously? That is how you greet each other?" Ivory scrunched her nose in distaste. So did Ariana.


    "Excuse my little sister, Lady Ariana. She can be rude sometimes." Nathaniel turned towards Ivory who sticked out her tongue in response.


    "And no need to be so formal with me. You can call me Nate."


    "Well then you can call me Ari."


    They smiled at each other and parted their ways.


    "So she isn''t your mate?" Ivory whispered, clinging to her brother''s arm.


    "Does it seem like it?" Nathaniel snapped.


    "Well no..."


    **~~~**


    The Oath taking ceremony had commenced. First, the Alphas. future Alphas, Lunas and the future Lunas took an oath. After them, the Betas, Beta females, Gamma and Gamma females took the same kind of oath. The oath was a solemn promise to manifest their dedication towards the Kingdom in the time of need and to place their loyalty towards their Alpha King before anything else.


    As the ceremony ended, everyone shifted into their wolves. Howls of all the strongest wolves in the Kingdom got even Ariana''s adrenaline pumping.


    . **~~~**


    Everyone was feasting after the display of energy when Alpha Edward noticed that his precious little child wasn''t anywhere to be seen.


    Just then Narcisse, the Seer arrived. Everyone cleared and made a way for him. Ariana only realized then that the seer was not present during the entire Oath taking ceremony. It''s rather suspicious, she thought.


    The Seer suddenly approached Alpha Edward. "You seem agitated." He spoke slowly.


    "I cannot seem to find my daughter Persephone." replied Alpha Edward. Then he turned towards his wife. "Have you seen her?"


    "I haven''t." replied Luna Barbara, worried about her daughter''s whereabouts.


    "Do not worry, Alpha. Your daughter is precisely where she is supposed to be." answered the Seer, calmly.


    Although Alpha and Luna were puzzled, they accepted the wise Seer''s response and returned to the feast.


    **~~~**


    It was midnight already. But Ariana''s eyes were wide open. How could she sleep? It was her eighteenth birthday after all. She was in bed, lying on her back, fidgeting with her hands to calm her delirium. However, she was startled when she heard a knock at the door and the sound of footsteps fading away. She flipped over the sheets and got out of bed.


    "Who''s there?" she asked, approaching the door cautiously.


    There came no answer.


    When she opened the door, she was perplexed to see what was in front of her.


    It was a bouquet.


    A bouquet made of five red roses arranged in a circle.


    And a beautiful gold rose, embellished with red gemstones, in the middle of the five natural roses.

 Coronation Ceremony

    Finally, the day had arrived. It felt like no ordinary day as everyone was happy. Leaders of every pack, courtiers, nobles as well as subjects of the realm were looking forward to progress under the rule of new Monarch.


    Ariana walked up to the breakfast table with a smile on her face and a rose tucked behind her left ear. Every person on the table was busy feeding themselves as after the ceremony, they had to shift and go on a long run led by their new Alpha.


    When she took a seat, she caught their attention. What happened then had never taken place before. She was wished on her birthday by people other than her brother and mother. She happily thanked all of them.


    After everyone dispersed, Luna Barbara, Anwar, Naomi, Emma, Ivory, Christopher and Mary stayed behind and gave her a hug turn by turn. It became a rare moment when Alpha Edward caressed her hair and then wished her a happy birthday. She did not know what to say. She sat frozen on her spot. Luna Barbara wiped her tears away.


    Just then, Persephone appeared out of nowhere. She looked shocked for a brief moment seeing her father''s hand on her sister''s head. But shaking herself out of it, she sat on a chair and started piling on her plate.


    "Won''t you wish your sister on her birthday?" asked Christopher, annoyed by her attitude.


    She stopped eating. "Now we have started wishing her on her birthday?" She chuckled. "Happy birthday." She said, looking at no one in particular and resumed her eating.


    Ariana was unfazed by her behavior. But Luna Barbara snapped. "Persephone!" However, as usual this did not have any effect.


    Luna approached her elder daughter. "Where were you yesterday?"


    Persephone was eating quietly.


    "Answer your mother." Alpha Edward ordered.


    Persephone threw the fork she was eating with and stood up. She left the table without saying a word.


    Needless to sat, everyone was furious.


    **~~~**


    Persephone was walking through a corridor and murmuring along the lines of


    "People are so nosy these days..."


    "Why do they care?..."


    "They are showering their love to that weakling anyway..."


    She came to a halt when she saw a man. The man was occupying the balcony she was intending to use for venting. Any other day, she would have been furious over someone getting something that she wanted. But then, she felt happier than ever.


    The man seemed to tense up at first and quickly turn around.


    After coming face to face with each other, both mates broke into a wide smile. They came closer and embraced each one another.


    "I can''t believe..." The man spoke in a shaky voice.


    "Me neither..." Persephone whimpered.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "I can believe it''s you among all."


    "Are you disappointed?" Persephone sounded hurt.


    "No! No" The man quickly rectified. "Not at all."


    They held each other for a while before Persephone began sobbing. The man caressed her hair. "Why are you crying?"


    "Nothing." She broke the hug. The man still kept her at arm''s length.


    "Do you mind if we keep this information to ourselves for now?"


    "Why?" The man seemed hurt.


    "You know, everyone is busy today. We shall tell them later."


    The man wasn''t convinced but he couldn''t deny the very first thing his mate had asked him to do. So, he obliged. He pulled her into his embrace once again. She pulled him closer. "Oh Nathaniel..."


    **~~~**


    The Coronation Ceremony


    Everyone was gathered at the throne room. Right side of the room was occupied by leaders of the five constituent packs and their family members. Courtiers and peers of the realm were seated at the left side.


    Ariana was dressed in a beautiful red gown. Although she had a different dress made for the ceremony, she went to a shop and bought a red dress for she wanted to look as enchanting as a red rose. She was admiring the grandiose throne room and the people inside it. She noticed all the courtiers had wore white coats and red shoulder cloaks on top of it.


    She felt Persephone sit beside her. When she was roaming her eyes, she noticed that Nathaniel was looking at their direction. She waved, catching his attention. He gave her a smile in return. Persephone grabbed her hand and pulled it down roughly. Ariana was about to argue when arrival of the Duke and Duchess was announced.


    Duke Lorenzo entered the room, followed by Duchess Lily with the royal crown in her hands. They walked over and stood on either side of the throne.


    A short ceremonial tune played on brass instruments filled the whole room. This was the signal of his arrival. Everyone had their eyes set on the massive door which was yet to be opened. They knew he was getting nearer as the aura around them was getting stronger. It was being difficult for them to control their anticipation.


    After a minute of utter silence, the fanfare started being played once again. That massive wooden door was pulled open by two guards. Everyone stood up.


    He then entered in all his glory.


    He was dressed in breeches, boots which reached up to his knees, poet shirt layered with waist coat having silver buttons and a cloak, with grey fur at back of neck, on top of it. All black in color.


    Everyone was giving him their undivided attention. But he seemed to be unfazed by it and took long confident strides up to the front wearing a stone cold face. As he reached in front of the throne, he turned around to face his subjects.


    He could feel people sizing him up. Hence, he straightened his posture and stood tall with his hands behind his back, showing who was in control. Duke and Duchess were pleased to see even the Alphas and Alpha females submit to his act.


    Narcisse, the Seer, walked up to him and started whispering what seemed like incantations. As he completed his task, Duke Lorenzo motioned the crown prince to take his seat.


    The throne was placed at center of the stage which stood at the end of the aisle. He sat on it, claiming it as his own from the moment.


    Duke Lorenzo took the crown from Duchess Lily and announced


    "In the name of Moon Goddess, I now proclaim Xavier Kon Lancaster, third of his name, King of Wicref and guardian of all the five packs."


    The Crown was placed on the Prince''s head. Everyone bowed and chanted,


    "Long may he reign! "


    The Alpha King seemed overwhelmed as he sighed. He closed his eyes, listening to the chants. Once he opened them, he stood up abruptly, silencing the crowd.


    For the first time, he spoke, "I am honored by your manifestation of acceptance towards my authority. Your faith is what I value the most as a King. I shall make certain that it never perishes in any condition."


    His voice boomed and it held superiority and assurance at the same time. He took a long breath before speaking up once again.


    "A kingdom requires its Queen and a King requires his counterpart. From the blessing of Moon Goddess, we werewolves have our soulmates to complete us. I am pleased to announce that I too have found a worthy person to rule beside me."


    The crowd broke into gasps and whispers.


    "I wish her to step forward."


    A girl made her way to the front and stood beside the newly crowned King. She had a proud and smug look on her face.


    "NO!" A voice boomed. "She is not the one!"


    Luna Iria tried to control her furious son. "Nathaniel! What are you saying?"


    But Nathaniel was beyond anybody''s control. "Mother, she can''t be!"


    "Why?"


    "Because she is my mate!"


    Chaos erupted.

 Two broken hearts

    The massive wooden door was pulled open and the face of their future Alpha King was seen by everyone, including Ariana. She stood up from her seat like a senseless puppet as her mind had froze from the reveal.


    The man from the garden. His eyes, his hair, his stare, everything was the same. Except for the attire and the aura around him. It was much stronger. "He even looks better than before." She thought.


    The way he waltzed in and made everyone submit, she was impressed. She remembered the time when she had mistaken him for a gardener. Watching him sit on the royal throne and being crowned mortified her to the core.


    As soon as Duke Lorenzo was out of the view, she could see him clearly. He was looking as supreme as one could.


    She began chanting proudly with others. "Long may he reign."


    When he stood up and started speaking about the Kingdom and its Queen, it finally dawned on her that the Alpha King standing in front of her was not just a person for admiration, but her soulmate and a profound responsibility came with that.


    Unlike her sister, she hadn''t dreamt of being a Luna, let alone the Queen. Despite that, she vowed that she would take on this responsibility wholeheartedly.


    When he asked for his mate to step forward, she panicked. She was now certain that he was her mate. But during all the time they had interacted with each other, never had he acknowledged her as his mate.


    She was processing all these thoughts inside her head when she noticed that her sister, who was standing beside her, was no longer there but in the front, beside him.


    Her whole body became cold. She couldn''t decipher what was happening in front of her. Why had Persephone gone over there? Why wasn''t her mate objecting? What were they trying to do?


    She looked around her. Her father seemed to be pleased. Her mother was crying but with a smile on her face. Her brother and sister-in-law were also smiling, seeing the couple standing on the stage. Her eyes widened. She understood what they were thinking. But of course, they didn''t know the truth.


    She turned her eyes to the front again. Persephone had a smug look on her face. She usually did. But her mate was standing there without any emotion on his face. Shouldn''t he be shocked or even angry on what Persephone was doing? The girl was standing beside him instead of his mate!


    Her head shot up when she heard a loud roar saying "NO!"


    She heard the whole conversation that took place between Nathaniel and Luna Iria. Relief washed over her as she heard Nathaniel say that Persephone was his mate. However, it was short lived when Persephone spoke, "Enough Nathaniel!"


    Nathaniel turned his head from his mother to the girl he was claiming as his mate. "No! Enough you, Persephone! What are you doing? Why are you standing over there when the King clearly asked for his mate?" He was fuming.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Your answer lies in your question." said Persephone, diverting her gaze.


    "No, it does not." Nathaniel frowned.


    "I think it is crystal clear why my daughter is standing over there, young man." Alpha Edward gritted his teeth.


    Nathaniel tried to compose himself before speaking, " With due respect Alpha Edward, your daughter and my mate has no business over there."


    "I am not your mate!" Persephone shouted. Tears were visible in her eyes. She closed them and repeated in a low voice, "I am not your mate."


    Nathaniel just stood there in silence with his misty eyes set on Persephone''s face.


    Persephone opened her eyes before continuing, "I always knew you were obsessed with me, Nathaniel. How you only visited my brother in hope to see me. But now, you have crossed your line!"


    Nathaniel did not defend himself. His head was hung low.


    "No matter what you say or do, Moon Goddess pairs us werewolves before our birth. " Alpha Edward spoke in support of his daughter.


    "Do you want to know why I am standing here, Nathaniel?" Persephone spat.


    Nathaniel lifted his gaze.


    Persephone straightened her posture before answering. "It''s because the Alpha King is my soul mate."


    Color drained from his face.


    "You''re lying!" came a dangerous shout from an unexpected person. Shocked from the outburst, everyone shifted their perplexed gaze towards Ariana who was looking at Persephone with a gaze that suggested she could jump on her any moment.


    Persephone opened her mouth in shock. Her younger sister was never known for throwing fits. She heard her so called mate, who was standing beside her, release a long sigh.


    "You''re not his mate." Ariana declared.


    Nathaniel was now looking at Ariana with hope.


    "What is the matter with you two today? Have you lost your mind?" Alpha Edward was accused.


    But Ariana didn''t back down today for the sake of her sister. She rubbed the tears that were forming in her eyes with the back of her hand and stepped forward.


    "How could you claim him to be your mate when he is mine?"


    Murmurs filled the hall once again.


    "If you don''t believe me, ask him." Ariana challenged.


    Everyone shifted their attention from her to the Alpha King.


    "Tell them." Ariana pleaded to him.


    There was utter silence before the only person, who could settle this whole ordeal once and for all, spoke. "I have listened to both the Lady and the Lord and wish to clarify that..."


    Ariana was looking at him expectantly.


    "...that Persephone Luna Bennet of Pack Ravernia is indeed my mate."


    Ariana let out an audible gasp. Her shocked and bewildered eyes did not leave his face while he was not even looking at her direction.


    "Thank you for rectifying this whole matter, Your Majesty." Alpha Edward hissed looking at Nathaniel and Ariana.


    Now that the Alpha King had confirmed himself, Nathaniel looked defeated whilst Ariana''s eyes were brimmed with tears. Her legs gave way and she collapsed. Anwar rushed to support his sister who was sitting on the floor and having a meltdown.


    The Alpha King lowered his eyes and waved his hand. "I suggest that you escort the Lady to her respective chamber."


    Ariana got up with her brother''s help and let out a desperate wail. "Why are you doing this? Why are you lyin-"


    "Enough!" She was cut mid sentence by Duchess Lily. "How dare you, girl! How dare you accuse your King!"


    Ariana was startled.


    "I have known him since he was a little boy. Never has he come up with a lie. Because there is no need for him to do so. Why would he lie about something as pious as mate bond?"


    "Duchess! Why would I lie then? Why would Nathaniel lie?" Ariana cried in anguish.


    "Luna Barbara! Take your daughter to her chamber and talk some sense into her." Duchess ordered.


    "Yes, Your Highness." Alpha Edward bowed and motioned his wife to do so.


    Luna Barbara and Anwar escorted a reluctant Ariana, who was sobbing uncontrollably, out of the Hall, followed by Alpha Edward and Naomi.

 Concern for her

    Ariana was being taken to her chamber by Luna Barbara on one side and Anwar on another. On the way, she kept on trying to convince them. But her words couldn''t even be understood by them as she was sobbing in between.


    When they reached the door, Luna Barbara shoved her inside and made her sit on the bed forcefully.


    "Mother!" Anwar raised his voice.


    "Anwar! Not you too." Alpha Edward warned which made Anwar shut up.


    Satisfied by Anwar''s silence, Luna Barbara turned her head towards Ariana. "Now, tell me. Why did you do that?"


    Harsh tone of her mother made fresh tears stream down Ariana''s face. She opened her mouth to speak but stopped when she saw curious faces of everyone present int he room.


    She realized that nobody had believed her words, not even her brother. Sure he was feeling bad for her but not because he thought that she was being deprived of her right but because he knew the consequences she will have to face for her actions.


    Her "father" of course wanted his golden child to be happy. So when he saw that she could be in a position which would enable her to step on everyone else like she always did and be happy about it, he was beyond relieved. He wouldn''t let his obvious least favorite child ruin it!


    Nevertheless, she decided to speak up for herself. She looked straight and answered. "I did that because I cannot let another woman snatch away my soulmate."


    Naomi gasped at her boldness.


    "Perhaps you mean that you cannot let your sister be happy with her soulmate." Alpha Edward put emphasis on the word "sister" and "her".


    Ariana narrowed her eyes at him. "Of course you would say that." She threw her hands in the air and let out a bitter scoff. "Just snatch something which belongs to me and hand it over to your precious little daughter like you always do, won''t you father?" She mocked.


    Alpha Edward was taken aback. Never had she spoken to him in this manner. He cleared his throat and retorted. "You are making many false accusations today, aren''t you?"


    "False accusations?" Ariana asked with a shaky voice. " Of course you would deny your blatant favoritism as well." She bit her lip in frustation.


    Alpha Edward shifted his gaze to his wife and son in hope of their support in this matter. However, their silence left him hopeless.


    Ariana got up from her bed and started pacing for a while before looking directly at her father and asking suddenly, "Do you hate me?"


    Her arms were crossed and she was tapping her right foot impatiently. "Is that why?"


    Her question and her continuous stare with teary eyes made Alpha Edward, judging by his body language, very uncomfortable. He stormed out of the room.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "What has gotten into you?" Luna Barbara gave her a nasty look and shook her head in disappointment before following her husband.


    "I''m not lying, Anwar." Ariana reached out for his arm.


    Anwar squeezed her hand in his arm with his other hand, then freed himself from her hold and walked out of the chamber, followed by Naomi, who gave her a sympathetic look.


    ~~***~~


    Two guards were standing in front of the Crown Prince''s chamber. Despite being crowned already, he hadn''t moved to the royal chamber built for the King and Queen.


    The guards heard footsteps approaching followed by a girl who looked a mess. One of them whispered to another, "Send for a maid. Quick!"


    The other one rushed to find a maid. Ariana was about to reach for the door when the guard put his spear forward to block her. "Apologizes, Lady Bennet. His Majesty does not wish to see anybody in the moment. He is exhausted by all the ceremonies he had to attend today."


    She ignored his pretense and started banging the door.


    "Please. Do not disturb the King, M''Lady." The guard pleaded. He looked at the direction which the other guard had gone and prayed for him to come soon with a maid as he couldn''t manhandle the daughter of an Alpha.


    "Open the door! Please." Ariana cried.


    Just then the door swung open. Seeing Persephone inside her mate''s chamber, something broke inside her.


    ~~***~~


    Duke Lorenzo was seated on the bed, watching Duchess Lily pacing back and forth in their chamber.


    "This was my first time meeting Lord Nathaniel but Ariana -" Duchess shook her head. "I had bonded with her in these past few days. Never had I thought that she would do something like this."


    "But Lily, Lady Ariana and Lord Nathaniel wouldn''t have accused their King of something as disgraceful as lying about mates if they weren''t sure of themselves -"


    A knock at the door made the Duke stop talking.


    ~~***~~


    Ariana was being held by maids from either side. She struggled to free her hands from their hold but they wouldn''t budge.


    "Stop it!" Persephone snapped.


    Ariana looked at her with disgust. " Never had I thought that you would stoop so low."


    Duke Lorenzo, Duchess Lily, Alpha Edward, Luna Barbara, Anwar and Noami arrived with the guards, who had been sent by Persephone to fetch them.


    Persephone''s demeanour softened upon their arrival. "Look at what she''s doing! She just barged in here and called me all kinds of names under the Sun." She complained.


    Alpha Edward glared at Ariana.


    Persephone wrapped her arms around herself and lowered her eyes. "She even tried to choke me."


    Those maid widened their eyes in disbelief. But they didn''t dare call out the lies of their future Queen.


    "NO I DID NOT!" Ariana shouted. "But I should hav -"


    She was cut mid-sentence by a slap. across.her.face.


    "Edward!" Luna Barbara wailed.


    "Alpha Edward!" came a deadly roar.


    Everyone bowed upon the arrival of the Alpha King. Everyone except the Duke, the Duchess and Ariana.


    "No matter what your rank or your relation is, you are not allowed to lay a finger on her." The King commanded every word clearly in his Alpha voice.


    Seeing his jaw clenched and his hands balled into fists, Alpha Edward submitted immediately.


    To everyone''s surprise, the King''s face softened as his gaze shifted to Ariana.


    "Are you fine?"


    There was a vivid contrast in his voice between now and a few seconds earlier.


    No reply came as Ariana was visibly too stunned to say anything. Her hand was covering the cheek on which she had received a slap from her father not a long moment ago. Tears were streaming down her face and she was shaking.


    She walked out of there slowly, unaware of all the eyes that were watching her move.


    ~~***~~


    "A part of me will go with her. I am her mother after all. But I agree with your decision, Edward." Luna Barbara wiped her tears.


    "It''s for the best." Anwar agreed.


    Alpha Edward released the breath he had been holding. "So it''s settled then.


    Ariana will be sent to the human world."

 Unworthy

    As soon as Ariana had entered her chamber, a maid locked the door from outside. Not that she noticed as she had her head buried in a pillow, which muffled her cry, for the whole night.


    Only in the morning, people decided to check on her. She lifted her gaze when she heard the door click open to find Christopher, Emma and Ivory standing at the door.


    "We are letting ourselves inside." said Ivory while entering.


    "How are you?" asked Emma softly before sitting on the bed beside her. "We heard what happened in front of the Prince''s chamber." She continued.


    "Correction Emma. In front of the King''s Chamber." said Christopher. His tone was unusually sharp.


    Ariana turned her face towards Christopher. He rose his left eyebrow in response.


    "I''m fine." Ariana lowered her face.


    They sat in silence before Christopher asked, "What is all this act for?"


    "Christopher!" Ivory snapped.


    "So you don''t believe me as well?" asked Ariana in response. Her voice was hoarse and shaky.


    "It''s your word versus word of the King. What do you think?" Christopher folded his arms.


    Ariana scoffed. "Well, what are you here for then?"


    Christopher narrowed his eyes and left the room. Even Emma left as her wolf couldn''t tolerate the disrespect towards her Alpha. That''s what was happening to everyone else. Their wolf chose to believe words of their Alpha King over anybody else''s.


    Ivory stayed.


    "I do not know my brother for lying, you know." She broke the silence. "And I know my brother very well."


    Ariana hesitated before asking, "What about me?"


    "I think that not only are you the least favorite child of Alpha Edward, you are the least favorite child of Moon Goddess too."


    Ariana gave her a sad smile.


    "Be strong, Ari. That''s what I said to Nate."


    Ariana closed her eyes as Ivory gave a kiss on her forehead and opened them to watch her leave.


    Her eyes widened when she saw Narcisse, the Seer enter. A guard closed the door behind him.


    "You have come to lecture me about what I did yesterday, haven''t you?". Ariana sniffled.


    The seer gave her a sympathetic smile.


    "No, my dear. I have come here to guide you through your dark time."


    "Guide me?" Ariana let out a bitter scoff.


    She was about to turn her body to the other side but stopped when she heard him say, "I know that he is your mate."


    She looked at him, dumbfounded by his words. "W- what?"


    "Oh my sweet child, I see your eyes. They''re blood red. I see your nose. They''re puffy and red too. Look what he did to you!"


    Ariana wiped her face with her hands. She sniffled once again. "So you know the truth?"


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Narcisse stared at her face for a while.


    "How vulnerable you have become."


    "Answer me!" cried Ariana.


    "Yes, I do know the truth." answered the Seer. "So does your sister and so does your mate."


    Ariana gulped. "Why is he doing this then? Pretending as if I''m not his mate but somebody else is."


    "You do not wish to hear it, my child. Trust me." Narcisse shook his head.


    "Tell me."


    "It will not make anything better."


    "For better or worse, I have the right to know."


    The Seer waited a second before answering. "The King believes that you do not have what it takes to be the Queen." Ouch!


    "I can''t help that I was born without my wolf." Ariana shouted in her defense.


    "It isn''t about your wolf." Narcisse worded his next sentence carefully. "The King believes you are unfit as a person."


    Seeing Ariana is denial, he continued, "The Queen does not need to go a war. She is protected by her guards all the time. Even our former Queen, the King''s mother, was wolfless. A human."


    Ariana had her mouth hung open after the revelation.


    "Yes. People do not know but the Queen was a human. King Victor accepted her as his mate anyway."


    Ariana looked at the Seer with hope. "If me being wolfless isn''t a problem, then I could groom myself to be worthy enough to hold the title of Queen."


    Narcisse pitied her. "The King found your sister perfect for the role and decided not to wait any longer."


    Ariana took a seat on her bed and began sobbing. People made her feel unworthy all the time. That''s what her mate thought about her too. It hurt more to know that it wasn''t because of something that was out of her control. It was because of her own shortcomings as a human.


    There were no questions left to be answered. It was confirmed. He had given up on her. On them. To be with someone else. Her sister, of all.


    "I hope you find happiness in someone else too. I''ll pray to the Goddess for you." Saying that, the Seer left.


    **~~~**


    Ariana hadn''t eaten anything since the day before. Her nose managed to catch the enticing smell of food amid all her sufferings. Her mother and brother had come to her with a tray of food in their hands.Unlike before, her mother was looking at her with love and an emotion she couldn''t decipher yet.


    "Come here, my child. Have something."


    Luna Barbara called.


    Ariana wiped her tears and gave into the request of her mother. As she was about to put a spoon full of rice in her mouth, she heard her brother say, "We came here to talk about something."


    "Anwar! Let her eat first." Luna Barbara scolded.


    Ariana put the spoon down. "No. Tell me."


    Luna Barbara sighed. "Fine. Listen to me carefully. Me, your father and brother love and care about you very much, my baby."


    "Just tell me already." Ariana interrupted.


    Luna Barbara and Anwar shared a look. "Ari, we have decided to send you to the human world."


    Ariana stopped moving. She didn''t even blink. After that, she burst into laughter like a maniac. "Send me to the human world? What am I? A parcel?"


    "This is not a joke, Ari." said Anwar. Sadness evident in his eyes.


    Ariana''s whole demeanor changed immediately. She looked furious. "Neither am I, Anwar!" She shouted.


    "You''ve always wanted to go there. To pursue your dreams. You are getting what you wanted." Though Anwar was trying to reason with her, his own voice was failing him.


    Ariana stared at him in disbelief before breaking down into tears. She had been doing that a lot lately.


    "Please! Don''t do this to me." She begged her mother.


    Luna Barabara rushed to her side and cupped her face. "It destroys me to this too, my baby. But it''s for your own good. You''ll understand this later."


    "Please..." Ariana repeated.


    Luna Barbara couldn''t listen to the pleas of her daughter anymore. She knew she would give in if she stayed any longer. So, she left. Anwar too. People have been doing that to Ariana a lot lately.


    **~~~**


    Luna Barbara and Anwar returned to Ariana''s chamber at night. A maid was called to clean the broken pieces of plates and mirror. Another maid had a tray full of Ariana''s favorite food in her hands. Luna Barbara took the tray from her hand and placed it on the bed.


    "Come on, Ari. You haven''t eaten anything." She tried to caress Ariana''s cheek but Ariana backed away.


    Anwar cleared his throat. "We have decided not to send you anywhere."


    Listening to this, Ariana looked at her mother. Luna Barbara nodded in confirmation. There was a genuine smile on Ariana''s face after a long time.


    Luna Barbara smiled too. "Now come on. We have brought your favorite food."


    **~~~**


    The three of them had their dinner together and chatted heartily like they used to do in Ravernia.


    "I''m sorry for my behaviour earlier." said Ariana with teary eyes. "I don''t say this often but you two mean the world to..."


    She couldn''t complete what she wanted to say as she closed her eyes and dozed off.


    Luna Barabra wiped the tears off her face. So did Anwar. Just then, Alpha Edward entered along with Beta Richard. "It seems the potions has started to show it''s effect. Richard! Take her away before she wakes up."

 A bit of Xaviers Musing

    "She left." Narcisse approached the Alpha King. He got a nod in response.


    It was a new moon night. Darkness everywhere. Only a candle had been lit. The Seer was not able to see the King''s face. But he was able to a rose in his hand.


    Persephone joined as the two men stood next to each other in silence. The first thing she noticed was the rose in his hand. Her sister''s favorite flower.


    She looked at the man, who would never be hers completely. She then closed her eyes, picturing the man, who would have gladly been hers forever in every possible way. In the end, it didn''t matter. Decisions had already been made for four people by two of them.


    Aware of the tears rolling down her cheek, Persephone excused herself. Narcisse''s eyes lingered at her till she reached the door then snapped back to his King. "She was crying."


    "I know." The King gulped. He wasn''t capable of consoling anybody else when he was in an intense agony himself.


    He remembered seeing her for the first time. After spending an entire night beside his parent''s grave, he hadn''t expected any fortunate thing happening to him any time soon. But then, as soon as he had entered his castle, an intoxicating scent had engulfed his mind. After that, he doesn''t remember much expect for his body following the trails of that addictive smell and Kon, his wolf, purring in ecstasy.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Oh the moment his wandering eyes had found her! The most beautiful creature in existence. That''s what he thought. He recognized that an overwhelming love was what he felt for her. It didn''t need any second thoughts for him to confirm that she was his mate. He watched her the whole time while she was mingling with the crowd.


    Later in the night, he became unable to restrain himself and set out to meet her.


    As if the Moon Goddess had heard his desire, his mate came out of her chamber herself. Seeing that, he instructed a guard nearby to guide her way to the garden in which no one, other than himself, was allowed to enter.


    One time wasn''t enough. He wanted more. So he waited every night for her in the very same place. Even those nights in which she didn''t show up.


    He liked conversing with her. Although they didn''t talk the way two people made for each other would talk, her mere presence did wonders to his heart.


    It took every ounce of his willpower to not harm that pup of Celik when he had touched his soulmate in the name of teaching archery. Receiving roses from her that day surely eased the turmoil inside him to certain extent. And of course, the news of that pup finding his own mate was of great relief.


    Every moment that he had spent with her was being replayed in his mind. He snapped out of it when he heard Narcisse ask. "How are you?"


    He didn''t reply.


    The Seer continued, "I had warned you, Your Majesty. Why did you meet her anyway? It only makes it harder."


    The King sighed before answering. "I wanted to know what my mate is like."


    But now, she was gone. His Ariana was gone.