The Beast King's Bride

Chapter Eleven

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Calliope's heart beat wildly in her chest as she stared into her future husband's eyes. His gaze was intense, swirling with so much emotion it threatened to drown her. Desire broke free from the rest, consuming his entire energy as he held her close, waiting with bated breath for her response. Their lips were inches apart, their bodies seemingly pulled together by an almost invisible force. Everything seemed to fade away, leaving the two of them in a haze of intense passion and lust.

Get it together, Calli...Breathe and pull back...If you do this, you can't ever go back...

"If that is your wish, then so be it. I will do anything necessary to ensure that the agreement between our two realms comes to pass."

She took a deep breath, thanking her lucky stars for the steadiness in her voice despite feeling anything other than calm. On barely steady legs, she walked over to the open balcony doors, allowing the fresh air to calm her down and clear her thoughts as she stood on the threshold. She could feel his approach, sense the heat of his body beside her and the intoxicating scent that always came with him.

Pine wood, smoke and mint...Earthy and perfect....

She held her emotions at bay, begging her body not to take a deep inhale of his scent, lest she be caught. She already had too much on her mind, including the implications of the days ahead- days in which he was meant to mark her in the most intoxicating ceremonies across the realms. She tried to prepare herself, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves and prepare for what was to come.

Acutely aware of his body near her own, she waited with bated breath for his next move. Her energy was fraught with tension, an emotion that sipped through her walls and was openly on display for the King beside her who saw right through her in that moment. He understood her hesitation and yet he couldn't help the way his body was pulled to hers.

He had every reason to rebel against her, knowing that the Celestials were yet again pulling the strings on his life. She should be the object of his ire and yet the sight of her awe at the new world she had been thrust into made him pause. He did not owe her anything. Her fate, though complicated, was in no way by his design. Her family should have told her the truth before thrusting her into the deep end in this manner.

But she will survive...She has learnt more than I anticipated in the few days I gave her. She is clearly a fighter, more than capable of handling herself...The Seer Witches may have been right after all...

He looked down at the young woman before him, his tall, muscular frame hulking over her petite form. Many would underestimate her because of this. They would believe she is weak, unable to protect herself from the Politics of the Main Court but he knew better. He knew that she was a formidable woman, one he intended to make an ally whilst still keeping her at arm's length.

Zaros was right...She may prove useful down the line. I can't afford to make an enemy out of her...

As enticing as her scent was- cherry blossoms and almonds- she was off limits to him. Participating in the Marking Nexus ceremony would be a mistake but leaving her unguarded would be an even greater error. In a Kingdom of Werewolves, many of whom were unmarked, the urge to possess her would be almost overwhelming despite her true origins. She was a breathtakingly beautiful woman and a Queen at that.

They will have their reservations but will respect her all the same...Its the least I can do for her in a Kingdom she barely knows and a new life altogether...

"I admire your drive and loyalty to your Kingdom, Calliope. And as much as I am tempted to make you my own, truly and completely, I'm afraid that I am not in the business of possessing women who do not desire me in the same way. A day will come when you will long for me to possess you in that way but until then, this will have to do."

His lips hovered over her neck, imprinting her scent into his mind and the way her body shivered under the touch of his breath and the way his fingers lightly skimmed her shoulder as he tucked her hair over her shoulder to explore her neck. Calliope could barely breath as she got lost in the emotions he evoked within her. She was stuck in a trance, enchanted by him and the way he made her feel. Her body was no longer her own and neither were her thoughts, all of which were stuck on the man whose lips lightly brushed her neck, leaving goosebumps in his wake.

"So beautiful..."

He murmured in reverence, lost in how perfectly she fit against him as the energy within his body came to life, scorching through his veins before flowing out through his parted lips that still hovered over her shoulder. Blue energy transferred into Calliope's body, electricity coursing through her veins at the touch of it as it disappeared into her body. Their energy melded perfectly, eliciting a gasp from Calliope and a slight groan from Lucien as they felt their power become one. Goosebumps spread across her neck and arms as she lightly shivered at the intensity of the moment and how aroused she was.

Judging from his words and what she knew, Calliope knew that whatever he had done was not the Marking Nexus and yet the reaction to his actions was almost maddening- like a visceral need to have him possess her body and soul. If this was her body's reaction then the thought of the Marking Nexus made her body grow hot and her soul sing.

"What...what did you just do?"

Calliope finally found her tongue, watching through hooded eyes as Lucien stepped away from her back before coming to stand before her, his gaze fixated on the crux of her neck where it met her shoulder, a small pleased smile on his lips that was the only inkling into his true emotions.

"I gave you a small fraction of my energy and took a little of your own. This way, to many untrained eyes, it will seem like I have marked you. Those in the Royal Court won't be able to see through our little charade for as long as that mark stays visible. We will, however, have to perform this same spell every so often to ensure that the enchantment is not broken..."

Lucien explained, his gaze finally meeting hers as she tried and failed to hold back her blush. His actions were unexpected but appreciated all the same. He had given her a little more armor to protect her from his people and gratefulness swelled within her heart, bringing forth a host of emotions that bordered on dangerous.

Careful, Calli...Your emotions are hanging precariously on the edge...

"Why would you do that for me? You didn't have to..."

She latched onto the question nagging at her the most, choosing to stuff away the warmth and longing in her soul to the very dark crevices of her mind. She watched his emotions closely, his features guarded as always as he turned to approach the balcony that offered an incredible view of the city below. His Kingdom was truly beautiful, enough to take Calli's breath away every single time she took it in. She could not wait to see it in the daytime.

"I wanted to. In as much as you have a responsibility to your Kingdom and your people, I have the same hanging over my shoulders. I have failed to carry out this particular duty for several years. Granting my Kingdom a Queen is something they have always wanted and I intend to make their wishes come true."

He turned to face her once she took a few tentative steps forward, standing beside him to gaze over the city that seemed to hold a special place in the Beast King's heart. This was his home and it was clear he would do anything for it- even though it seemed to the young elven princess as she stared into her betrothed's eyes that there was certainly more to the story than she knew.

"We all have a reason for this union. You wish to reclaim Ikraseon and I will perform my duty to you so as to obtain what I want the most. I look forward to working together to achieve our individual dreams. Afterwards, you never have to see me again. Are we in agreement, My Queen?"

The term of endearment took her aback but she knew she would have to get used to it. Soon, that would be her official title and the beginning of the plan to liberate her people. She was glad to be on the same board with him despite the curiosity that burned the back of her mind at the prospect of what he would receive in return for his assistance. She filed the question away, choosing instead to nod in agreement as she turned to face the city once more. A city that she would equally rule in a few days to come.

"Yes, My King. May the spirits intervene and grant us both what we truly desire at the end of our partnership."

Calliope stated, taking in her husband's hum of agreement- both of them oblivious to the energy of the spirits that surrounded them and the acquiescence of their wish and deepest desires...

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