Rejected At The Altar, Claimed By The Lycan King

09

Thorne's POV

I watched her enter the great hall and forgot how to breathe.

Zara moved like she belonged here like she'd been born to wear that emerald gown and those silver pins in her hair. The courtiers parted for her their eyes wide with curiosity and hunger.

Hunger I wanted to rip out of their throats.

She reached me and I took her hand. "You look beautiful."

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

I almost smiled. "Stay close and follow my lead."

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

The holographic displays flickered to life above us showing her bloodline heritage. Ancient symbols, ancestral lines. The silver crescent moon that marked her as the last of her kind.

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..."

I raised my hand making the murmurs died.

Then Elara stepped forward.

I knew that smile. It was the same one she'd worn for years dripping with false warmth and hidden daggers.

"So," Elara said, "this is the famous Zara. I've heard so much about you, my dear."

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

"Oh of course your Majesty." She turned to Zara. "Welcome to the Lycan Court, Queen-to-be. I do hope you enjoy your stay."

Her eyes said everything her words didn't.

You don't belong here.

I watched Zara's face expecting her to shrink back or to look down and apologize for existing.

Surprisingly She didn't.

Zara lifted her chin and smiled back. "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."

Elara's smile faltered.

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

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

She swept away.

I leaned down my lips brushing Zara's ear. "That was impressive."

"She called me little."

"Indeed she did." I squeezed her hand.

The holographic displays continued to cycle through Zara's heritage. Alpha Lords stared with hunger in their eyes. I saw the way they looked at her like she was a prize to be won.

A power to be claimed.

My wolf snarled inside me.

I kept my hand on her lower back possessively and claiming letting everyone see that she was mine.

General Marcus approached first. "My Queen. Your lineage is... extraordinary."

Zara nodded. "I didn't ask for it."

"Few do but you carry it well."

I watched her handle the exchange with steady grace no flinching, no hesitation. She met Marcus's gaze directly and held it.

I'd seen seasoned warriors crumble under that look from the General but Zara stood her ground as if she'd been doing this her whole life.

Of course she has.

My Athena

The court session continued with mor nobles, stares and hidden barbs disguised as compliments.

"You must be so overwhelmed dear."

"They say you can't even shift. How will you rule?"

Zara handled each one but I saw the strain in her shoulders. The way her hands trembled slightly when no one was looking.

I wanted to end it, to drag her out of there and protect her from all of them but she needed to do this, she needed to show them she was strong and she was.

Stronger than any of them knew.

Finally the session ended.

I led her out of the hall, my hand still on her lower back. We walked in silence through the corridors.

Then I pulled her into an alcove.

She gasped as I pressed her against the wall my body caging her in.

My voice came out a growl.

"They looked at you like prey I wanted to kill them all."

Her eyes widened her breath came faster.

"Thorne—"

I leaned closer my lips nearly brushed hers. I could feel her warmth, smell her scent. She shivered against me.

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

"Thorne I—"

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

Her lips parted. "I—“

I snapped out of it pulling away.

No!

Not now, she isn’t ready.

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

"More books?"

"More books."

She 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, I walked away before I lose another strand of sanity.