Beneath The Veil

Visenya's heart raced as she approached Lucian, her pulse pounding with a wild mix of anticipation and disbelief. Each stride felt like an eternity, as if time itself had stretched to accommodate the weight of this moment.

When she finally stood before him, her words caught in her throat as she took in his presence. "It's you," she managed to utter, her eyes locked on his, as if she was trying to imprint this surreal moment in her memory forever.

A smile tugged at the corners of Lucian's lips as his eyes roamed over her form, drinking in every last detail. "Wow, you just get more and more stunning each time I see you," he said, the intensity of his gaze causing her heart to skip a beat. With a gentle motion, he extended his hand, offering her the bouquet of lilies.

As her fingertips brushed against his, a spark ignited, coursing through her veins like a wildfire. Visenya's breath caught in her chest, the electric touch awakening a surge of emotions she had never experienced before.

"I don't understand," she murmured, her voice tinged with confusion. "How can this be?"

"I guess we'll have to wait for the gods to answer that," he replied, a touch of amusement in his tone. "But what I do know is that being with you feels like finding a missing piece of my soul. And if you'll allow me, I want to spend the rest of my life cherishing you, making you smile, and living out the love story that you’ve always deserved."

Visenya's heart soared as she looked into his eyes, seeing the truth of his words reflected back at her. She brought the bouquet closer to her face, inhaling deeply. The sweet fragrance of the lilies filled her senses, intertwining with the alluring scent of the man standing before her.

In a breathless moment, Visenya surrendered to an irresistible impulse that she could no longer resist. She threw her arms around his neck and eagerly pressed her lips against his, boldly staking her claim on him in front of a sea of guests. With equal fervor, he melted into the kiss, and together they lost themselves in this timeless moment, completely oblivious to the world around them.

He effortlessly lifted her into his arms, his touch radiating both possessiveness and desire. It was a moment of pure bliss where time seemed to stand still, allowing their love to take center stage.

Suddenly, a vicious growl reverberated inside Visenya's head, causing her to abruptly break away from their kiss. Her startled gaze swept across the room, only to find everyone frozen in bewilderment, their eyes fixed on the unexpected display of Visenya and Lucian. Even the musicians had halted their melodies, leaving an eerie silence hanging in the air.

Slowly, Visenya's eyes traveled to the back of the room, where they locked onto the furious gaze of her father. His eyes, blackened by the emergence of his wolf, pierced through Lucian's very soul.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" he demanded, his voice filled with outrage.

Lucian gently placed Visenya back on the ground, their hands tightly intertwined, as they took a hesitant step forward. "Father," Visenya's voice trembled with a mix of angst and resolution, "Lucian is my mate."

A gasp echoed throughout the hall, a collective expression of shock etched on the faces of all the onlookers.

"No," King Ezra's voice rang out, filled with vehement denial. "That can't be."

"It's true, sir," Lucian declared, his tone respectful yet firm. "Visenya is my complement... and I love her."

Visenya looked up at Lucian, her eyes searching his for confirmation. "You do?"

He turned towards her, his eyes filled with promises that he vowed to keep. "Yes, I do."

A radiant smile graced her face, her eyes overflowing with pure elation.

"Your kind doesn't know how to love anyone but yourselves!" Ezra exclaimed, his words shattering the tone of the moment. "I don't know what game you are playing here, but there is no way in hell you're claiming my daughter as your little plaything!”.

"Ezra..." Sarai interjected, trying to diffuse the tension.

"I understand your feelings towards me and my kind," Lucian calmly responded. "And I don't blame you one bit. Most dragons are arrogant, self-absorbed, overbearing assholes. And I... well, I was the biggest one of all. But I'm not that person anymore, nor do I ever want to be him again. I don't see your daughter as an object; I see her as a person... my person, and I would never do anything to hurt her. I can stand here and tell you that I see her as my equal, but that wouldn't be true because she has far surpassed me in every way imaginable. I don't deserve her, and I know that better than anyone in this room... in this entire world, in fact. But as long as she wants me, I will never let her go. I would give my life for her happiness in every situation, every timeline, every reality."

Tears welled in Visenya's eyes, genuinely moved by his heartfelt declaration. She squeezed his hand, shifting closer to his side as they gazed lovingly into each other's eyes. With a deep breath, she turned to her father and pleaded, "Please, Father, don't make me choose between you and my mate because I just can't bear to break your heart. Can't you see? Lucian and I belong together."

Ezra let out a flustered sigh, his perturbed disposition evident on his face. He turned to Lucian, his voice filled with urgency. "Who else knows of this?" He inquired. "Aside from everyone in this hall, who else is aware? Your father? The elders?"

"Only my immediate family," Lucian replied. "We haven't informed the elders yet. My father seems to be waiting for the right time."

Visenya's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait a minute, you knew?" Her tone rising in pitch. "Since the last time we saw one another? You've known this whole time?"

Lucian's gaze faltered, a tinge of guilt flashing in his eyes. "Yes," he admitted.

"Well, why didn't you tell me?" Her tone demanding an explanation.

"Because," he explained, his voice carrying his sincerity. "I wanted you to experience this moment the way it was meant to be, the bliss, the magic, the element of surprise... all of it. I wanted it to be perfect for you."

Visenya's heart warmed at the tenderness in his eyes, knowing his intentions were rooted in love. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she leaned into him, her gaze melting into his.

"That is very sweet of you," she whispered, her voice filled with understanding. "But let's promise to never keep things from each other. I want us to always be honest with one another."

Lucian gently brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers caressing her cheek with a feather-light touch. "I promise that I will always be honest with you from this day forward."

In that tender moment, Visenya leaned in, her heart filled with love and longing, as her lips brushed against his in a gentle kiss.

"Alright!" Ezra's voice blared, interrupting their kiss once again. "The party is over! Everyone, out!"

But before the guests could reach the grand hall's exit, the commanding aura of the Lycan King stunned them with his alpha tone. "No one shall utter a word of what you witnessed here tonight. This secret remains within these palace walls."

Everyone's eyes went black as their wolves obediently adhered to the alpha's command. Their mystified expressions remained unwavering, even as they reluctantly made their way out of the palace doors. The backward glances they cast betrayed their unsettled souls.

"Visenya," Ezra's voice rang with authority, "take your mother upstairs and assist her in removing her gown. Caspian, escort your mate to her room and remember, no funny business." His gaze then shifted to Lucian, his eyes piercing with intent, "a word with you in my council chamber."

"Come now, Visenya," Sarai gently grabbed hold of Visenya's arm, intending to guide her upstairs. However, Visenya's grip tightened around Lucian's hand, showing her reluctance to let go. Lucian met Visenya's eyes with a reassuring smile. "It's okay." He whispered.

With a heavy heart, Visenya eventually released Lucian's hand but not before stealing one last longing glance at him. She allowed her mother to lead her away, their figures gradually fading as they ascended the grand staircase.

As Lucian watched her depart, a pang of separation weighed on his heart. With a sigh, he turned and followed Ezra to the council chamber where their private conversation awaited them.