The Wolf Princess

Chapter 4. A Wise Decision

* Alpha Daemon *

"I apologize for my daughter's rudeness Alpha Daemon."

The Alpha King lowered his gaze as a sign of sincerity while the elders murmured. I groaned and glance at the doors where the Princess left. She was upset, the matter must not have been discussed with her thoroughly. Or as I understand it, his Majesty the Alpha King has decided before formally announcing it today.

"It's only natural that she would react that way. Your highness, I am giving you three days to prepare her for me. Let me go back to my pack for now and make the necessary preparation for our alliance."

The hall fell into a heavy silence after my words. Three days should be enough for them. It may sound normal but we all know I am not making a request. Instead, it is a warning.

The elders exchanged glances, their whispers crawling along the walls like restless spirits. The Alpha King straightened on his throne, masking his unease behind authority, but I could smell it. His Luna just lowered her head, the Princess mother does not even appeal for her daughter's behaviour.

"All will be prepared as you wish, Alpha Daemon," the Alpha King said firmly, though his voice lacked the weight it carried earlier. And I noticed the shadow of fear that cross his eyes before he hid it from everyone.

I gave a single nod, indifferent. But my gaze, drifted back to the doors where she had fled. Princess Arriane.

Although she has her mother's beauty but she is fiery the blood of her Alpha King father runs through her veins.

Not the obedient, polished jewel they tried to present to me, but something far more dangerous. Something that made my blood more alive.

A faint smirk tugged at my lips.

"Make sure," I added, my voice cutting through the hall once more, "that when I return, she understands what it means to stand beside me as my chosen mate and Luna."

I choose the words beside me. As a princess she deserves that credit. A subtle difference, but one that made several elders stiffen.

Without another word, I turned and strode toward the exit, my cloak trailing behind me like a shadow swallowing the light.

The cold wind greeted me the moment I stepped outside the big palace. I would have preferred this. Unlike the suffocating air inside those walls.

"You are fast Alpha."

Zephyr appeared at my side, bowing slightly before walking in step with me. "Shall we prepare the horses?"

"Yes, let's not waste time here," I replied shortly.

But I didn't move. Not yet. My eyes lifted toward the towering structure of the palace, toward the wing where she had disappeared.

Beta Zephyr followed my gaze, then spoke carefully, "You've made quite an impression on the Princess. I assume."

A low chuckle escaped me. "Her impression towards me is not important. The Alpha King has decided to marry her off and that is what matters to me."

"She doesn't want this," he added, testing the waters.

"I know. But his Majesty looked desperate to have me as his son-in-law which makes me wonder why that is?"

That surprised him too. I could feel it.

"You know this would be a challenge for them after they refuse the Dark River pack. And you might have created an enemy as the favored mate of the Princess. This is dangerous, so why are we going to proceed?" Zephyr asked. I finally looked at him, my expression unreadable.

"Because alliances are not built on easy talk, I have no fear on those rival Alphas," I said coldly. "They're only built on what is essential. We need to have a stronger alliance maybe not physically but the Royal bloodline is enough."

But even as I said it, her face flashed in my mind. Tearful. A defiant Princess. I exhaled slowly. It made me want to have her even more.

"And because," I continued, quieter now, "a wolf that bares her teeth instead of bowing her head, is far more valuable than one who kneels without question."

Beta Zephyr studied me for a moment, then nodded. "You see potential in her."

"I see truth as well," I corrected. A brief silence passed before I stepped forward at last.

"Prepare the departure," I ordered. "We leave immediately."

"Yes, Alpha."

As the gates of the palace opened and my men assembled, I mounted my horse in one fluid motion.

But just before we rode out. I glanced back one last time. Three days. Would she break?, or would she run?

A slow, dangerous smile spread across my face.

"I almost hope she does," I muttered under my breath.

Because if Princess Arriane chose to defy fate. Then this wouldn't just be an alliance anymore. It would become a hunt.

And I had always enjoyed the thrill of chasing something, that could fight back. Unlike the she-wolves in my pack, the Princess is someone worthy of my time and attention.