The Lycan King's Broken Luna

Chapter 3

Warning! Graphic Content!

The airport was situated on the edge of the desert that divided the northern kingdoms from the southern kingdoms. The kingdom of the shifters is the third largest kingdom in the south. There are other shifter kingdoms but not with as much power and influence as this one. Once we landed, our belongings were loaded into a white SUV. So white seems to be their thing. I thought to myself. We were ushered towards another white SUV. Since Tyra was acting so strangely on the plane, I instructed her to sit up front. I climbed in the back with Prince Jaekob. "We are about an hour away from the palace your Highness", said the driver without looking in the rearview mirror. "Thank you", was all Prince Jaekob replied.

"I hope your room is to your liking. We'll, of course, move into a shared bedroom after the wedding, but it's unsightly for anyone in the Royal family to share a bedroom with someone they are not legally married to. Plus, it will give us a chance to get to know one another", the Prince said, warmly. I smiled at him, "I'm not very picky. I was not born into nobility. I had a normal life until I was fifteen", I assure him. His eyes flashed for a split second. So quick, that I'm sure I imagined it.

"Oh, good. We do have a few things to discuss, however", he said as he adjusted himself on the seat. "I am a werebear, as I'm sure you're aware. You, being human, will need to become a werebear before the wedding", he stated. His tone made it sound like he was talking about changing clothes, and not a whole species. Does he not know I'm a witch? I thought. I glanced at Tyra, who looked incredibly tense. Her tension tells me I should keep this a secret for now.

"Is it absolutely necessary? I was not made aware of this fact when I agreed to the arranged marriage", I said, firmly. "We can discuss this at another time, but it really is imperative that all members of the Royal family in my kingdom be werebears. To ensure a werebear is always on the throne." I wasn't sure how to respond. I was not willing to lose my magical abilities. When I didn't respond right away, he said, "Try not to worry too much about it before you learn more about the kingdom", he said. His tone was short, and made me think he might be upset. It couldn't be helped though.

I wonder why King Linus didn't disclose that I was a witch. There isn't anything wrong with it. Maybe he knew they wouldn't agree to an arranged marriage. But if he knew this was the price I'd have to pay, why would he put me in this position? My thoughts were racing. The rest of the ride to the palace was silent. It seemed like everyone was lost in thought.

"What do you think of the palace?" the Prince asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. I hadn't even noticed we pulled into the driveway. Of course it's white stone. What is up with everything being white? It's a little boring... I pushed my thoughts aside and said the first nice thing that came to mind. "It looks very clean. And bright." Prince Jaekob smiled and looked very pleased with himself. "Yes, I made a few changes before you arrived. I like a neat and tidy environment. The palace was looking a little run down, so I had the stones painted."

Oh so you're a clean freak? Tyra shouldn't have an issue in this place. I thought. "Yes, it reminds me of a hospital, with how bright and white it is", I mumbled. "I suppose it does give off sterile vibes. I like that", he flashed a mischievous grin. Suddenly his eyes glazed over. He must be communicating with his bear. All shifters' beasts have their own personality. They are two beings sharing one mind. The driver pulled to the front of the palace and Prince Jaekob climbed out of the car. He walked around to the other side, where I was sitting, and opened the door for me. He held his hand out to assist me and together we walked inside. Tyra followed a short distance behind. We walked down a series of corridors.

I'm going to get lost in here. I need a map. I inwardly complained to myself. "Wow, it's almost like a maze in here", I said aloud to no one in particular. "Yes, I suppose getting the hang of the layout of the palace can be a little tricky", the Prince replied. We continued twisting and turning down corridors until we stopped at a large, ornate wooden door. "This is the entrance to the wing you and Tyra will share until we wed", the Prince said, pushing open the door.

The inside was decorated much the same as the rest of the palace. White, sterile. It was really starting to feel like a mental institution. Everything seemed too cold. There was no warmth, no inviting air about this place. I'm starting to understand Tyra's bad vibe. Something is off. I thought. Prince Jaekob led us into a large master bedroom. The king sized bed was at the center of the back wall and covered in white fabric. Yay, more white... I inwardly rolled my eyes. In the middle of the room were two white sofas, facing each other with a white wooden coffee table in between.

Next, he led us to the large master bathroom. White, everything is white. The only things in the whole palace it seemed that wasn't white were a few doors and the metal trim and decor scattered throughout. It was unnerving. I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this... I glanced over at Tyra, who looked uncomfortable. She glanced up at me and gave me a look that said she was very close to giving in to the running instinct of fight or flight.

Prince Jaekob gestured towards a small door in the opposite corner of the room. "Through that door is another small bedroom and a bathroom for you, Tyra", the Prince said. Tyra jumped at the mention of her name but quickly regained herself. "Yes, your Highness. Thank you", she said quickly, bowing her head. Prince Jaekob regarded her for a moment and then turned to me. "I'll let you get settled in, your belongings should be along shortly", he said, and excused himself from the room, closing the large wooden door behind him.

As soon as we were sure he was gone, Tyra grabbed my arm and drug me into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind us. She grabbed a towel from the shelf and stuffed it at the bottom of the door in an attempt to sound proof the room. "Em, we need to leave. There is something very off about this place. I know it isn't my place to judge, but I had a very bad feeling when we met Kit, like something was off, or he was hiding something and that feeling has only grown stronger since we arrived here", she pleaded with me. "I have to admit, I wasn't sure what was up with you at first, but seeing this place..." I trailed off. "Every instinct in my body is telling me we shouldn't be here and it has nothing to do with them being werebears. This place speaks of evil. Where is the king? Why did he not greet his future daughter-in-law? Why did Prince Jaekob make no mention of him?" She questioned. I was questioning that myself. I have no answers for her.

"I can't just run away, Tyra. I owe this to King Linus. What would I tell him if I backed out now?" I asked, more to myself than to Tyra. "I don't know Em, but I can tell you, if we don't leave, something bad is going to happen. I just know it", she said, glancing around. Movement outside in the bedroom cut our conversation short. Tyra hurriedly snatched the towel up from the floor and placed it back on the shelf as if nothing happened.

I smoothed some wrinkles out of my dress and walked out of the bathroom. Tyra stayed behind. "You things, Miss", said Kit. Where are the servants? Where is everyone? Aside from the driver and Kit, there seemed to be no one else here other than the Prince, Tyra and myself. Kit nodded his head and walked out of the room. I heard a clicking noise on the door and assumed it was just the latch. Tyra walked out of the bathroom and over to her bedroom door. She gave me one last pleading look before she walked through the door and into her own bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

I spent about twenty minutes examining the room. I need some color. All this white is going to drive me nuts. Perhaps I can ask the Prince if I can redecorate this room. If I can find him, that is. I thought as I walked over to the door. I tried to turn the handle but it wouldn't budge. It's locked! He locked us in here! Something isn't right. I quickly walked over to Tyra's door and knocked softly.

She answered the door immediately. "What do you need?" she asked. "Tyra, the door is locked", I told her. "Her eyes went wide, it's locked? He locked us in?", she squeaked, clearly panicked. She ran over to the door and tried to open it. She even shook it a little, causing it to bang a bit. We could hear heavy footsteps coming down the corridor. Tyra and I backed away from the door. The footsteps stopped at the door and we could hear a key being inserted into the lock. With a click, the door opened and there stood Prince Jaekob.

"What is the meaning of this?" I demanded. His face twisted into a cruel smile. "Caught on rather quickly. You're a smart one, I'll give you that", he said coldly. Dread set in. We're in big trouble. "What do you think you're doing? King Linus won't allow this. Where is your father? Did he sanction this?" I demanded again, holding my ground. Prince Jaekob narrowed his eyes at me. I opened my mouth to speak again, and he cut me off with an evil laugh.

"My father is dead. He deserved it after agreeing to pair me with a witch!" He spat the word witch as if it left a nasty taste in his mouth. My eyes widened. He knows, and he does not like witches. I have to get us out of here. He killed his own father. I can't imagine what he'll do to me. I took a deep breath and felt for my magic. Nothing, it wasn't there. I tried again and nothing. His cruel laugh brought my attention back to him. "What? Can't feel something?" He smiled cruelly. Realization hit me like a smack in the face. "You knew all along. You put something in my food. Why are you doing this to me?" Tyra stepped in front of me. "I don't know what your intentions are with Princess Emmeline, but I have to insist that you rethink. King Linus would not be happy if something were to happen to the Princess", Tyra said, looking into Prince Jaekob's eyes defiantly.

His face twisted into a snarl. Within a blink, he had crossed the small distance between them and had her by the throat. "You think I care about what that weak king would like?!" Prince Jaekob grew angrier with each word. Tyra's eyes started to get blood shot as she struggled, her feet kicking in the air helplessly. "Put her down! What are you doing!?" I shrieked at him. I went into fight or flight and I unconsciously made the decision to fight. Before I could stop myself, I threw myself at Prince Jaekob, knocking Tyra out of his grip.

Tyra fell to the ground, gasping and grabbed her throat. Prince Jaekob roared in rage. Fur started sprouting on his arms. His eyes flashed black and his fangs started elongating. His nails turned to claws. He was visibly trying to keep from fully shifting. He took a menacing step towards me. "Emmeline, Run!" Tyra choked out. Prince Jaekob turned around and slashed her throat and chest wide open. Blood sprayed onto his face. He turned to me with a wicked blood-stained smile. The last thing I remember was him punching me in the face before darkness took over me.