Chapter 115
Morning light streamed through my chambers as I sat before the vanity, my fingers tracing the delicate embroidery of the ivory gown draped over me. The wedding dress was finer than anything I had ever worn—soft, flowing fabric that clung to my frame with just the right elegance, its intricate gold-threaded details shimmering under the sunlight.
Today, I would become Rowan's wife.
My heart fluttered at the thought.
A knock on the door startled me from my thoughts. I turned just in time to see Princess Blanca sweeping into the room, her expression thunderous.
"You're cruel," she spat, her voice sharp and dripping with venom.
I frowned. "What are you talking about?"
She stepped closer, her blue eyes flashing with rage. "Do you even care what you've done? You have destroyed this family! You’re a witch! You humiliated Lucian! You humiliated him. You tricked everyone into thinking you're carrying the king's child just so you could crawl your way into power! You’re some sick woman!”
I stiffened, my hands clenching in my lap. "That's not true."
Blanca let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, please. You expect us to believe that this child is really his? The child is the Alpha King’s? Convenient, isn't it? Right when Rowan was about to marry Lilian, you suddenly come forward with this miracle pregnancy.”
“No wonder! No wonder you were acting so weird during the selection. It’s because you wanted the King all to yourself isn’t it?! You wanted him all for yourself! That was why you were so hard on all those girls!”
I rose from my seat, my voice unwavering. "Believe whatever you want, Princess, but I have never lied about my child's father. You can as well as Rowan yourself if you are so interested. He would never deny his own child. So don’t worry about all of that.”
Blanca sneered. "You're disgusting."
Before I could respond, another figure entered the room.
Royal Concubine Elana.
Dressed in deep crimson, she carried herself with an air of smug satisfaction, her eyes dancing with malice as she regarded me.
"Now, now, Blanca," she purred, placing a gentle hand on the princess's shoulder. "Let's not waste our breath on someone who will get exactly what's coming to her. Let her gloat now. Let her celebrate now, but it’s only a matter of time. She’ll soon get what’s coming to her.”
I met her gaze evenly. "Is that a threat, Lady Elana?"
She smiled. "A promise."
I held my ground, my fingers tightening around the fabric of my gown. "Then let me make a promise of my own." I took a step forward, my voice dropping to a deadly calm. "If you ever try to harm me or my child or Rowan, I will fight back. And trust me, you won't like what I do. Don’t test me. I’ve been quiet for far too long. I have endured your nonsense for far too long. I won’t tolerate any more disrespect.”
For a brief moment, silence stretched between us.
Then, Elana's lips curled into a smirk. "Enjoy your wedding day, Your Majesty," she said mockingly before turning on her heel and gliding out of the room.
Blanca shot me one last glare before storming after her.
As the door slammed shut, I let out a slow, measured breath.
I had won this battle.
But I knew the war was far from over.
—
The temple was quiet when we arrived.
Lit only by flickering torches and the soft glow of the moon through the stained-glass windows, it was nothing like the grand, public ceremonies held for royals. This was private, secret—just as Rowan had wanted. With the death of the Queen Dowager still fresh, to make a huge deal about the wedding during the morning period would be insensitive so it would be only right if they did it privately.
My fingers trembled slightly as I was led to the altar.
And then I saw him.
Rowan stood at the end of the aisle, dressed in deep black robes lined with gold, his broad shoulders squared, his expression unreadable. But the moment his gaze met mine, something in his eyes softened.
He was waiting for me.
I stepped forward, my heart hammering in my chest, until I finally stood before him.
The high priest cleared his throat. "We gather here, in the eyes of the Moon Goddess, to bless the union of King Rowan and Princess Arin..."
His words faded into the background as I looked up at Rowan.
This was real.
Rowan took my hands in his, his grip firm and steady. "Are you ready?" he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
I nodded. "Yes."
The priest continued, reciting the sacred vows of the wolves, words that bound not just our bodies, but our souls.
"Do you, Alpha King Rowan, take Lady Arin as your mate and queen, to cherish and protect, in times of peace and war, in darkness and light?"
Rowan's gaze never wavered. "I do."
The priest turned to me. "And do you, Lady Arin, take King Rowan as your mate and husband, to stand by his side, in loyalty and love, as dictated by the will of the Goddess?"
I swallowed the lump in my throat and whispered, "I do."
The priest nodded solemnly. "Then by the power of the Moon, I pronounce you bound in sacred union."
Rowan's fingers curled under my chin, tilting my face up to his. "You're mine now," he murmured before pressing his lips to mine.
The moment our lips met, warmth spread through me, replacing all the fear, the doubt, the pain of the past few days. Here, in his arms, I felt safe.
I was home.
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