Forced to marry the powerful Lycan

Chapter twelve...Kael's orders

Ariella's POV

The morning sun filtered through the high arched windows of my bedchamber, painting soft gold streaks across the polished floor. Clarissa had spent over an hour preparing me, smoothing down the soft layers of a delicate pink gown with long sleeves. Fresh blossoms were woven into my brown hair, framing my face, and resting neatly atop my curls was my delicate golden crown.

Despite my calm appearance, my mind was anything but settled. The small cut on my arm under my sleeve had faded to a dull ache, but the memory of Kael's intense golden eyes remained burned into my thoughts.

I took a quiet breath and made my way down the stone corridors toward the library for my morning lecture. Linkin fell into step a few paces behind me, his armor clinking softly as we walked.

When we reached the grand library, my tutor, Master Varos, was already waiting behind a heavy oak desk. Normally, his expression was sour and full of subtle condescension, treating my daily lessons like an unbearable chore. But today, he stood up immediately, offering a polite, attentive bow before pulling out my chair.

"Good morning, Princess Ariella," Master Varos said, his tone striking a completely new level of deep respect. "Today, we shall set aside basic history and focus on the practical structure of the Eldorian court and its political factions."

I paused, my brows drawing together in confusion as I took my seat. Throughout the entire two-hour lesson, Master Varos was remarkably patient, answering every single one of my questions without a hint of his usual sharp attitude or dismissal. It was a complete night and day difference from how he had treated me over the past nine days.

When the lecture finally concluded, I stood up, smoothed down my pink dress, and stepped out into the grand stone hallway. Linkin fell into step beside me.

"Linkin," I said, looking over at him as we walked. "Why was Master Varos so remarkably pleasant today? He was actually helpful, and he didn't roll his eyes at my questions once. What happened?"

A soft, knowing smirk touched Linkin's lips.

"Ah," Linkin chuckled quietly. "You have Prince Kael to thank for that, Your Highness."

"Kael?" I repeated, halting in my steps.

"What do you mean?"

"Before he departed for the capital yesterday, he summoned the castle staff into the main hall," Linkin explained, his tone carrying a mix of amusement and respect.

"He made it clear that even though you are human, you are the future Crown Princess of Eldoria and his betrothed. He warned them that any disrespect or condescension shown toward you would be treated as direct treason against him."

Linkin paused, a faint grin breaking across his face. "He specifically looked Master Varos in the eye and told him that if he failed to properly educate you or treated you like a burden again, he would find himself assigned to library duty in the northern wasteland outposts. Safe to say, Master Varos took the warning to heart."

My heart did a strange, sudden flutter against my ribs. Kael had acted so cold and commanding on that balcony, yet behind the scenes, he was quietly forcing the scholar to treat me with proper respect.

"He really said that?" I murmured softly.

"Word for word, my lady," Linkin said gently.

"You are under his protection, and he made sure everyone in this castle knows it."

A small, quiet smile lingered on my lips as I digested Linkin's words. Kael's fierce protectiveness felt strange and overwhelming, yet a subtle warmth blossomed in my chest.

"I think I would like to take a stroll in the garden," I said, smoothing down the soft pink fabric of my dress. "The morning air will do me good."

"As you wish, my lady," Linkin replied with a polite nod, stepping back to let me lead the way.

We walked down the grand winding stairs and out into the vibrant palace gardens. The air was crisp, filled with the rich scent of blooming jasmines and damp earth. As we strolled along the cobblestone pathways, every guard stationed along the hedges and stone arches immediately stood at full attention.

They bowed deeply as I passed, their hands over their hearts in clear sign of respect. It was a stark contrast to the distant, cautious looks I had received over the past nine days.

We were nearing the central fountain when a figure suddenly emerged from the shadow of the rose arches, stepping directly into our path.

I stopped in my tracks. The newcomer was undeniably striking, with long, silky black hair framing a beautiful, almost aristocratic face. His eyes were a startling shade of fierce, brilliant green, gleaming with keen intensity under the sunlight. He wore the dark, silver trimmed armor that marked him unmistakably as one of Kael's personal Elite Guards.

The moment Linkin saw him, his posture relaxed into a bright, genuine smile. His eyes lit up with warm familiarity.

"Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence," Linkin said cheerfully, stepping forward to greet his friend. "What are you doing back here so soon?"

The Elite guard frowned slightly, a sharp crease forming between his dark brows as his green eyes briefly flicked to me before returning to Linkin.

"I am making a delivery," he replied smoothly, his voice deep and dark. "The prince asked me to do something here."

Linkin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the sudden assignment, but the guard's tense posture signaled that it was strictly royal business.

The green eyed guard turned toward me and gave a curt, formal bow. "Your Highness."

Before I could ask what Kael had sent him to do, he turned back to Linkin. "We need to talk privately. Now."

Linkin offered me an apologetic glance. "If you will excuse us for a moment, my lady. We shall return shortly."

With another respectful bow, the two guards stepped away toward the shaded archways, leaving me standing near the fountain with a hundred new questions spinning in my head.