Rejected At The Altar, Claimed By The Lycan King

08

Zara’s POV

I woke to sunlight streaming through my windows every muscle in my body screaming from yesterday's training.

My knuckles ached where I'd punched the training dummy before I'd disintegrated it, my shoulders burned and my legs felt like they'd been through a war.

I know, I was complaining too much when everything is just getting started, i wonder how I’d survive it but I will, hopefully.

But beneath the pain was something I hadn't felt in years.

Pride.

I'd done it.

I'd actually let my power out even if only for a moment. I'd felt it, tasted it, understood just a little of what I was capable of.

It was terrifying yet exhilarating.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in."

Helena entered with a tray of food her freckled face beaming. "Good morning my Lady. I trust you slept well?"

"Like the dead. Sage nearly killed me yesterday."

Helena's smile widened. "The entire palace is talking about you. Destroying training dummies with your bare hands? You've become quite the legend."

I groaned. "That's not what I wanted."

"A little fear goes a long way in this palace. The nobles will think twice before crossing you now."

Then she dropped the real news. "His Majesty has requested your presence in the eastern wing this morning. You're to make your first official appearance at court today."

My appetite vanished. "What? No! I can't, I won’t… I'm not ready. I don't know how to behave, what to say—"

"You're the most powerful being in existence my Lady. You have nothing to fear from a bunch of gossiping nobles." She pulled open the wardrobe. "Now let's talk about your dress."

I opened my mouth to argue but I know it was pointless.

Two hours later I barely recognized myself.

Helena had worked miracles. My dark hair was swept up in an elaborate twist, delicate silver pins shaped like crescent moons woven through the strands.

A few loose curls framed my face softening the formality.

The emerald gown fit like it had been made for me which it had. The bodice was fitted with intricate silver embroidery that traced the phases of the moon.

The skirt flowed to the floor in waves of silk.

Around my neck rested a silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant that pulsed with faint, warm light.

I looked in the mirror and saw a queen staring back.

"Do I really have to do this?" I asked.

"Yes my Lady but you won't be alone his Majesty will be at your side the entire time, so you have nothing to worry about" she beamed.

I took a deep breath. "Okay. Let's get this over with."

___

The great hall of the Lycan Palace was enormous. Marble columns rose to a vaulted ceiling painted with constellations, crystal chandeliers cast warm light across the room.

And the people, so many people. Nobles in their finest silks, generals in polished armor, elders in flowing robes.

Every eye turned to me as I entered making my stomach churn.

Then I saw Thorne. He stood on the raised dais in black and silver, a crown of dark metal on his brow.

When he saw me his silver eyes lit up as he walked and crossed the hall taking my hand and pressing a kiss to my knuckles.

"You look beautiful."

"I feel like I'm going to throw up."

His lips twitched. "Stay close and follow my lead."

He turned to the assembled court. "Today I present Zara Ashthorne. The last heir of the Moon Bloodline and my intended Queen."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Is she really the one?"

"I heard she couldn't even shift..."

"They say she killed an assassin with a single thought..."

Thorne raised his hand and the murmurs died.

Then a woman stepped forward. She was stunning with tall, blonde, with emerald eyes and a sharp smile.

Lady Elara Ravenshade.

I'd heard about her from Helena she’s the most powerful noblewoman in the Lycan Kingdom, and someone who'd long harbored feelings for Thorne.

"So," she said her voice honeyed and poison-tipped. "This is the famous Zara. I've heard so much about you my dear."

Thorne tensed beside me. "Lady Elara I trust you'll be a gracious host."

"Oh of course your Majesty." She smiled at me, all teeth and no warmth. "Welcome to the Lycan Court Queen-to-be. I do hope you enjoy your stay."

Her eyes said: You don't belong here. You'll never belong here.

The old shame rose in my chest the urge to shrink back, to disappear.

I lifted my chin and smiled back cold polished even though I was dying inside."Thank you Lady Elara. I've heard so much about you as well. They say you've been waiting a very long time for a crown."

Her smile faltered.

"I must have been mistaken," I added sweetly. "How silly of me."

Elara's face went stiff. "I'll leave you to your introduction little Queen."

She swept away.

Thorne leaned down. "That was impressive."

"She called me little."

"Indeed she did." He says with a smirk.

The rest of the court was a blur I met generals and elders, nobles and warriors most were polite.

A few were even warm but there were others like Elara cold eyes, sharp smiles, hidden barbs.

"You must be so overwhelmed dear. It's so different from pack life isn't it?"

"They say you can't even shift. How do you expect to rule a kingdom?"

I smiled through it all but inside I was struggling.

The old voice whispered I was worthless, that I didn't belong.

By the time the court session ended I was exhausted.

"Let's go," he said softly leading me out. "You did well."

We walked in silence through the corridors with his hand still on my lower back then he pulled me into an alcove.

I gasped as he pressed me against the wall, his body caging me in.

His voice came out a growl. "They looked at you like prey. I wanted to kill them all."

My eyes widened my breath coming faster. "Thorne—"

He leaned closer, his lips nearly brushing mine. I could feel his warmth, smell his scent pine and something darker, something primal making me shiver against him.

"I hate it," he said with his voice rough. "I hate the way they look at you like you're something to be taken."

"Thorne, I—"

"Zara." He cupped my face his thumb tracing my cheek. "You're mine. Do you understand? Not because of the bloodline or because of the prophecy."

My lips parted. "I—"

Then he pulled away with his jawline tightening

"Tomorrow you’re meeting with Elder Orion. He has texts for you."

"More books?"

"More books."

I groaned "I'm starting to think being a queen is just endless pain and reading."

He almost smiled. "Welcome to royalty. It's not as glamorous as it looks."

With that he walked away leaving me pressed against the wall with my heart racing and my skin burning where he'd touched me.