The Beast King's Bride

Chapter Ten

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Calliope followed her husband up the winding staircase of the castle, taking in her surroundings with awe filled eyes and true wonder. The interior was unlike anything she had ever seen, lavish appliances and more surrounding the space. Although her mind swirled with the possibilities of what her husband would require her to do on their first night, she could not help but soak in her new home.

The silent tour came to an abrupt end once they stopped in front of a pair of massive mahogany doors that towered over them, the markings on it seemingly telling a story of some sort. The carvings were intricate, reminding her of one of the history books she had read with Kelsey on the origins of the Beast Immortal.

This must be his room...His inner sanctuary...

Calliope mused silently, watching as her husband to be pushed the doors open effortlessly, a feat that was truly remarkable considering the size of it and the heavy wood. It was a glimpse into his power, a wondrous sight indeed but not as much as the room they walked into which seemed to be completely different from the outside. The room was massive, decorated with hues of gray and undertones of silver. From the massive, four poster- Queen sized bed, with gray covers to the matching expensive looking rugs, the reneissance like paintings on the walls- everything was truly remarkable and nothing like Calliope was expecting.

Floor to ceiling windows marked one side of the room with doors opening to what seemed like a grand balcony that overlooked the city and the ocean in the distance that seemed to shimmer under the light of the stars and the two moons. The room had a grand seating area with a fireplace, victorian styled couches, rugs, a brown grand piano and a small dining room on the side that was strategically set before the floor to ceiling windows- offering the beautiful view beyond.

There were two doors in the bedroom area, one leading into a grand, white and grey themed bathroom that had every luxury one could think of. His and Her's bath sinks, a grey and white bathtub that seemed large enough to fit five people and a glass shower that seemed just as large with His and Her's sides.

The other door led into a walk in closet that was just as grand with His and Her's sections. Clothes lined both sides of the closet, prompting Calliope to pause and admire the silk dresses and outfits that had already been unpacked and put away for her. Each of them held the telltale Elven designs she had come to be familiar with, filling her with warmth at her husband's consideration. her gaze strayed to the glass display in the middle of the room that beheld all sorts of jewellery for her and a few for her husband who leaned against the doorway, watching her silently take in everything around her.

It was interesting to watch her absorb her surroundings with such awe. He was not sure why he had changed his mind about them sharing his room. Having someone in his space after such a long time felt weird. Never had he allowed women into his Royal chambers. He considered it his only safe space- somewhere only he could relax in and wallow in whatever emotion he was going through at the moment. It was the only place he could be himself- vulnerable.

So why? Why did you let her in?...

He knew the answer to that question. He knew it had everything to do with the conversation he and Zaros had had. Having her suffer at the hand of the aristocrats was too cruel, even for him. They would zone into any weakness she afforded them, including the fact that he did not favor her enough to have her sleep in his room. It would put her at a great disadvantage, especially considering the mere fact that she was not a part of their world.

Useless politics and yet...I want to give her a fighting chance. Doing any more for her will undermine her authority as the Queen of this realm and be detrimental to her first impression with them...Let's hope the fire that she possessed when she faced off with me is still present...She'll need it to bend them to her rule and make them respect her...

"I am assuming with the presence of all my clothes here that I shall be sharing a room with you?"

Her question pulled him from his thoughts and echoed what he had been musing over. His gaze fixated on her form, standing before the floor to ceiling mirrors in the room. Her reflection gave him pause as his heart seemed to beat somewhat faster at the sight of her. His body was reacting to the shedding of her cloak, all to reveal a beautiful dress that seemed more risque than he had deemed it to be. The bareback dipped low, accentuating not only her gorgeous back that surprisingly possessed a few tattoos but also her curves that seemed to addle his thoughts as he took her in.

Her outfit was certainly not in line with the quintisential modesty he knew Elves for- no, her style seemed to have a touch of modernity with it and that truly elated him more than he knew he should be.

"Yes, we shall be sharing a room during the Marking Nexus. However, should you feel the need to take your own room after, there is one available next to my own and connected with a door at the living area. It is the Queen's chambers and was created as well as designed to ensure your comfort. It has, therefore, been prepared for you and contains many of the amenities you see here."

Calliope nodded, taking in her husband to be's words. It was reassuring to know that he had considered her comfort and preferences but she could help but fixate on the caveat in his words- namely the 'Marking Nexus'. And it filled her with crippling anxiety to know what was to come. She had read up on it, blushed hard when Kelsey had told her why it was done and what would be expected of her.

The Marking Ceremony, performed during the Marking Nexus, was a ritual performed by the werewolves whence they found their mate. A visceral attraction usually occurs once they are bonded and it usually leads towards an intimate night which entails the werewolves marking each other through a bite to ensure that other werewolves know that they are bonded. During the bite- which is usually at the spot between the neck and shoulder for visibility purposes but others like to keep it interesting- the two mates experience an otherwordly euphoria as their souls are united and become one. The werewolves also possess each other's scents which is further proof that they are taken and off limits to all the younger werewolves.

They perceive more about each other, experience each other's emotions and communicate through the mate bond. The mate bond can, of course, be blocked by one or the other but it is an art that has to be mastered. Many werewolves never block each other out. Instead, they embrace each other's pain as well as happiness. Werewolves are known to have one of the most intense unions amongst the supernatural factions, a joining that is admired by some and frowned upon by others.

Kelsey had explained it all to Calliope with a wide, mischievous grin whereas Elisen and Ira had insisted that Lucien did not have the right to force her into anything that she did not want to do. That had begun an argument on the true stipulations of the union between them of which Calliope had been dubbed the best person to make the decision with regards to a bonding.

And yet here we are...I didn't think I would have to make such a decision so soon...

"You keep mentioning the Marking Nexus...I'm guessing you wish to perform it tonight?"

Calli murmured as she passed a silent Lucien who simply watched her and inhaled her intoxicating scent as she went that threatened to buckle his knees. He was in awe, amazed by how powerful the chemistry and pull of the mate bond was between them. He had not expected such intense emotions to overcome him, especially considering that she was not a werewolf like he was.

The Celestials are, yet again, playing a cruel f*****g trick on me, huh? Making me long for a woman I cannot have...making me desire her only to take 'my gift' from me...to take her away from me...

Releasing a small sigh, he followed her and did his best not to lust after her body, not to crave tracing every single one of her Elven markings with his tongue- to listen to her moan as he devoured her most intimate parts...

You're playing a dangerous game, Lucien...You need to stop...

He urged himself silently, watching as she stared up at the ceiling directly above his bed. Their reflections stared back at them, projected from the ceiling of mirrors that had been his own personal addition over time. He raised a brow, watching as his Elven Princess stared at it with as much wonder as she had done everything else but then her expression shifted into a flush that stained her cheeks and matched her hair.

His grin was more predatory than amused as he recognize the burning desire in her eyes. She had clearly understood the double purpose of the mirrors. His legs moved before he could think twice about his actions, prompting her to turn to look at him. He took in her gorgeous eyes, the way her chest rose and fell with every breath she took. He could scent her desire, her longing for him that grew once he brushed he cupped her cheek softly, brushing a few strands of her hair behind her ear. She hadn't yet learned to hide her emotions from him. He could see it all, hear her heartbeat accelerating as she leaned towards her until they were breath's apart.

"You clearly understand more than I thought you would. You're showing me more than I could have ever anticipated... And now, I am curious. Knowing what you do about the Marking ceremony, do you still wish to proceed? Do you want to test out your theories? Explore your darkest desires- all under the fullest of moons and the brightest shining stars? Do you want me to surpass all your expectations of being pleasured while you watch? All you have to do is ask, My Bride, and I will grant your wish."

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