Chapter 48
The news of my proposal to Prince Lucian spread faster than I expected. By mid-morning, every corner of the castle was buzzing with whispers of my engagement to Prince Lucian. Servants stared at me with wide eyes as I passed, and nobles murmured behind their hands, their expressions a mix of curiosity and contempt. I was barely in the Castle for a week and I had secured a marriage proposal. How did she do it? That was what everyone was thinking about.
Lucian, of course, couldn’t keep his excitement to himself. I heard him before I saw him, his voice ringing out in the main hall as he spoke to a group of courtiers.
“Yes, it’s true. Lady Arin has agreed to marry me,” he said proudly, his grin wide enough to split his face. “It was only a matter of time, really. She couldn’t resist me forever. Besides it will be a good partnership, between us and Braam. Her father is very close to the Emperor."
I clenched my fists, willing myself to stay calm. This was what I wanted—attention, access, a place closer to the crown. But hearing him gloat about it made my stomach turn.
“Lady Arin,” Lucian called, spotting me. He strode over, his green eyes sparkling. “I was just telling them the good news. The court is thrilled.”
“I can tell,” I replied, keeping my tone polite.
Before he could say more, Queen Isabelle appeared, her regal presence commanding the room. She looked me over with a critical eye, then nodded approvingly. “A wise choice, Lady Arin. It’s good to see someone of your standing recognizing the value of loyalty to this family.”
Her meaning was clear—she was relieved my attention wasn’t on King Rowan.I didn't have the heart to tell her her joy was short lived. With what had happened at the full moon the day before, it was obvious Rowan's wolf remembered me. I offered her a small curtsy. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I only wish to serve the crown as best I can.”
The queen’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Good. We shall celebrate this union properly tonight. A dinner in your honor.”
“Of course,” Lucian said eagerly. “It will be a night to remember.”
I managed to smile, though my stomach churned at the thought of sitting through an evening of forced congratulations.
That evening, the grand dining hall was a spectacle of glittering chandeliers and rich tapestries. The table was laden with delicacies, the finest wines flowing freely. Lucian basked in the attention, toasting to our future every chance he got.
I played my part, smiling and nodding, though my mind was elsewhere. Every time I glanced toward King Rowan, I found his amber eyes on me, sharp and unyielding. He hadn’t said a word about the engagement, but his disapproval was written all over his face.
“Congratulations, Lady Arin,” a smooth voice interrupted my thoughts.
I turned to see Elana, the royal concubine, her emerald gown hugging her curves perfectly. My heart jumped when I saw her. Eight months ago, the woman before me had condemned me to my death. She had humiliated me and let everyone know that I was an Otsayak. To see her again, it was nothing short of horrible. I struggled to stay calm. Her smile was sharp, her eyes cold. “I must admit, I’m surprised. I didn’t think my son was your type or that he would be so smitten with a woman to propose marriage just a few days after meeting her."
“Prince Lucian is a remarkable man,” I replied evenly. “I’m honored to have his affection.”
Elana’s smile didn’t waver, but her gaze turned piercing. “I’m sure you are. But tell me, Lady Arin, are you truly prepared for what it means to marry into this family? It’s not all gowns and titles. We are werewolves you know.”
“I’m more prepared than you think,” I said, meeting her gaze head-on.
Elana’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. “We’ll see.” She swept away, her perfume lingering in her wake.
As the dinner wore on, the tension at the table grew thicker. King Rowan’s silence was like a storm cloud, looming over the celebration. When he finally spoke, his voice was low but firm.
“Marriage is not a game, Lucian. Don't you think it's a little too soon? Given everything that has happened lately? You should consider the consequences of your decisions.”
Lucian laughed, waving a hand dismissively. “Brother, for once, let me enjoy something without your lectures. Arin and I are happy. Isn’t that what matters?”
Rowan’s gaze shifted to me, and I felt the weight of it like a physical force. “Is that true, Lady Arin? Are you happy?”
The room went silent, all eyes turning to me. My heart pounded, but I forced myself to smile. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’m honored to be a part of this family. There is nothing I want more than to be Lucian's wife.”
Rowan’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing more.
When the dinner finally ended, I slipped away as quickly as I could, my head spinning. The queen was pleased, Elana was suspicious, and Rowan... I didn’t know what to make of him.
As I reached my chambers, I leaned against the door, closing my eyes. The night had been exhausting, but it was also a reminder of why I was here.
This was my path to revenge, and I couldn’t let anything—or anyone—distract me.
.................
I was on the edge of sleep when the knock came. It was sharp and urgent, cutting through the quiet of my chambers. My eyes flew open, and my heart leapt into my throat. For a moment, I thought I might have imagined it, but then it came again, louder this time.
I pushed back the covers, quickly grabbing my robe and tying it around my waist. My footsteps were unsteady as I hurried to the door, wondering who could possibly be visiting me at this hour.
When I opened it, my breath caught.
King Rowan stood in the dimly lit hallway, his expression as stormy as the night sky. His dark eyes burned with an intensity that made my pulse race, though whether it was anger or something else, I couldn’t say.
"Your Majesty, what brings you here in the dead of the night?" I asked
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