Chapter 11

Dylan POV.

The journey was long, and although I was in a limousine I felt completely trapped with all these wolves inside with me. I was seriously exhausted from being drugged earlier and on top of everything else, I had to go to the bathroom.

"Once we get home my queen, you will be treated with the utmost respect, I can assure you. A handmaiden will be assigned to you to help you dress and bathe, of course all your clothes will be chosen for you, and you will have a guard with you at all times, to ensure your safety of course." The king explained as we continued to drive along a country road, I could tell we were getting closer and closer to the royal palace.

"Or to ensure I don't escape." I mumbled looking out the window at all times. I refuse to look any of these men in the eye, they think that just because they kidnapped me, I'll bend to their every will. No chance.

"That too." The beta chuckled as I stared at the fields that littered the side of the road. I switched off to the men as they spoke to me about what was to happen upon our arrival at the castle. It's funny, most little girls, Lycan or otherwise often dream of becoming princesses. I'm living the ultimate fantasy for any normal girl. However this is more like my nightmare.

Me and my dad would always talk about what I was going to be when I grew up, I always said a footballer, or astronaut. When I got older it became a mechanic or a joiner. Never in a million years would I have said a princess, never in a million years would I have said a queen.

"Of course, my mother and father can't wait to meet you. We will be joining them both tomorrow for lunch while we inform you about your new role, before we make the announcement." I didn't let on that the thought of meeting his folks terrified me. I didn't let on that the thought of eating at the same table as the people who took my 12 year old selfs happy, normal life away, disgusted me to no ends. Finally I didn't let on that talking to the royal family face to face, didn't make me think of how my father was ripped to shreds defending humanity from these very people.

"I can't wait to show you around the castle, my love. I just know you will love the gardens as much as I do. Perhaps you and I could go for a stroll this evening to get acquainted with each other before I mark you!" Again I didn't even acknowledge that I'd heard him I simply stared out of the window watching my old life zoom away with every mile we traveled.

"I almost forgot... Here" the royal beta quickly held out my fathers picture to me as I continued to look at the sky. I flicked my eyes towards it before snatching it away from him. I bunched my knees up to my chest and placed my feet on the seat holding the picture tightly to my chest. "You look a lot more like your father than your mother." The beta spoke directly to me, I could hear an awkward smile in his voice.

It's true, my features were very much my fathers. I was just like him too. His personality matched my own, as did his spirit and fight. I know he would have done anything in his power to stop me from being taken, even if it meant he died because of it. Unlike my mother, who practically gave them permission to take me.

Unconsciously I felt my hand close into a fist as I thought about him, and how two wolves tore at his skin while his screams of agony filled the air, the street flooded with my fathers blood while I watched on in horror. I remember running out and throwing the biggest rock I could find at one of the wolves, but that only resulted in the first lashing being given in my district. I was 12 years old.

"I'm sorry to hear about your father, I'm sure he was a good man." The Betas hand suddenly rested on my knee as he spoke, he was being genuine but I could help but snap.

"He was the best!" My head turned to the Beta as tears began to build in my eyes causing a shocked expression to form on everyone's face. "He was butchered in the middle of the street, protecting me. He was massacred for joining my districts rebellion, he was torn to shreds on your kings orders." I aggressively pushed his hand off my knee and turned to the window once more, the entire limo had gone quiet at my revelation.

"If he joined the rebellion then punishment was right to be given. I'm sorry that your taking it so personally." The king shrugged before pouring himself another drink while I quietly seethed. "Just remember every death helped pave the way for the new world."

"My dad, would be rolling in his grave if he could see the world you and your family built." I must have had a death wish, because I could feel the kings anger radiating off him every time I spoke.

"Do you think that because you are my mate and queen you are exempt from punishment! You're stupid father was a war criminal and got what he deserved. If you keep up this attitude youll end up worse off." He spat at me his fist clenched and his body tense, in fact I thought he might have even shifted but he managed to control himself. "Your mine! From the moment I saw you in the hallway until death parts us. You belong to me!"

"I don't belong to anybody. If my dad were alive he'd never have let you take me!" The atmosphere was becoming almost insufferable. The king however had an answer for everything.

"He's dead! And your mother had no issues with me taking you. She knew you were mine. Now one more word of this and you'll have regrets for weeks, do you understand me?" I glared at him and sighed. I know when I've been defeated. So I turned my head to the window and got lost in my thoughts. So much had happened that I couldn't comprehend so quickly.

I silently watched the outside world zoom past before I saw a giant gate come into view. The limousine passed through with ease and finally the king spoke once more.

"Welcome home, my queen." King Josh announced as we made our way up a hill to the front of the castle. Once the vehicle had come to a stop, the Kings door was opened by a man in a suit, and he gracefully climbed out. Before I could blink my door was opened by a man in an identical suit and a hand was held out for me to take. Ignoring it I too climbed out and had a small stretch before a hand was placed on my upper back.

I jumped forward not expecting it and looked at the beta who simply placed his hand once again on my back and led me to the side of the king.

Outside the main castle doors a line of servants waited to greet the king. I was led to the front of the line by the king whose hand was placed a lot lower than the betas was.

"My queen, this will be your staff." The king announced pointing to the entire line of people. Wait everyone here was for me? I thought they were simply greeting the king. "Harriet and Lauren, will be your handmaiden." He gestured to two girls, they both looked to be about 20, their hair was placed in an extremely neat bun and their outfits resembled that of a typical maid.

"It is a pleasure to serve you, your highness." Harriet spoke before they both curtsied before me.

"Greta, will be your royal dress designer." He led me one step so that I was in front of the next person in the line. Greta, was a middle aged woman, she had a hard face and her grey hair was tied in a very neat bun also.

"You are a very beautiful young lady. I look forward to working with you. Your majesty." This is far too weird, it's too much to take in. She too performed a low curtsy before I was led to the next servant in the line up.

"Warren, will be your personal escort. Wherever you go, he will follow. He is here to ensure your safety above all else." I swallowed thickly before lowering my head, as is what I'm used to doing. The king growled slightly before grabbing my arm and turning my body towards him, his finger gently took hold of my chin and lifted it slightly to his eye level. "A queen, never lowers her head to anyone. Except me." He spoke before tucking a stray piece of my messy hair behind my ear.

"It's an honor to meet you, Your grace. I assure you, you have nothing to worry about while I'm here." My personal guard spoke before he placed one arm over his stomach and bent his upper body in a low bow.

We walked a long the line introducing me to my personal chef, my royal hairdresser, my makeup artist, a butler and even a bloody shoe shiner before finally walking me through the doors.

"It's a lot to take in isn't it?" The beta quickly jogged up to us to walk next to me while I was being escorted by the king, the gamma did the same but on Joshua's side.

"You could say that." I mumbled as we made it into the main hall. My face instantly dropped as I gazed upon the extravagant interior of the palace. "Holy shit!" My sight wandered from the staircase to the giant pot of flowers on the table. I was never going to get out of here