The Marred Bond

Year: 1729. [ Eastern Europe. 8:09 AM ] "You scoundrel!" "I'll tell about this to my mother!" "Rascal!" "What's happening here?", The moment Alpha Nicholas' powerful voice reverberated in the empty hallway, the two quarreling children scurried to farther end. Their heads down in submission. "I apologise, My Lord. But this boy was pulling my hair. I had just style them up in a bun.", The little girl spoke, with utmost respect for the Alpha while with utmost detest for the boy to her left. Nicholas's lips threatened to tug up in a gorgeous smile, yet he held the temptation back. "Hmm. I see. That was very wrong of him, right Caroline?", He asked thoughtfully, as he looked down at the little girl with his emerald eyes gleaming playfully. "Of course, My Lord.", She stated crossing her arms across her chest as she glared at the boy who stood shaking in fear. Awaiting his punishment from the Alpha. "Caroline, please refrain from calling me My Lord when I'm not in Royal Court. Alpha Nicholas, will be fine.", He said and Caroline nodded, her lips still pursued and head held high. "Now, you go to the dining hall and I'll look forward to your complaint. Don't worry.", He said and she sighed. "Okay. I hope I get justice.", She spoke, eyeing the boy in distate before she turned and stalked off. Nicholas chuckled shaking his head before he crouched down on his knees. "Hey, Gabrielle. Look at me.", He said gently to the shaking boy, who fearfully tilted his head up. His crystal blue eyes welling up with unshed tears. "I'm sorry. I'll never do this again.", He sniffed, trying to blink back the tears. They signify weakness, his father says. And so, he won't cry. "Hey hey, it's fine. Just remember one thing, never pull a girl's hair. She won't ever let it go easily. I've had a personal experience.", He chuckled and Gabrielle looked at him confused. "Personal experience?" "Hmm. My younger sister, Diana hates it when I mess with her hair. So don't ever anger a girl if you want to live to see the next day.", He said playfully. "Will I be punished?", He asked, his blue eyes narrowing in concern for himself. "No, pup. You can quarrel all you want with other boys. But never trouble a girl. Certainly not Caroline. She's a little short tempered.", Nicholas answered, his eyes crinkling joyously as the boy before him smiled toothless and nodded before hopping down the hallway after seeking permission from Nicholas. Nicholas stood straight and watched as Gabrielle disappeared from his sight. "Alpha Nicholas?", Hearing himself being called, Nicholas turned around. Meeting his beta- Zander's eyes. "Yes, Zander?" "King Augustus is demanding for your presence.", Zander said shortly. "Lead the way.", Nicholas said and Zander nodded, as he turned and marched down the other end of hallway. Alpha Nicholas, is the next King in line for Werewolf Kingdom. He accepted the Alpha title when he turned 25 last year. Now, within coming two weeks he'll be coronated as the next King to handle the empire of 3.5 Billion werewolves and a land covering half of Earth's soil. The rest, is ruled by humans. Unlike werewolf kingdom, where only one King is chosen to see to the wellness of the empire and people. Human territory is divided within itself. Thousands of kingdoms, hundreds of ethnicities, religions, caste competing against each other. Although they come together when the war is between these two clans. Which has never happened in these last five hundred years. And Nicholas will see it never does during his reign. Zander announced his and Nicholas' presence before opening the door to the King's room. King Augustus, who was watching his warriors training from the victorian bay window, turned on his heels as his son and the beta entered. "Good morning, Nicholas." "Good morning, Father.", Nicholas bowed respectfully. "Zander, will you please read that invitation for me?", Augustus asked, pointing towards the gold vintage scroll invitation. Zander nodded and moved towards the mahogany desk, grabbing the invitation and unfolding it. "We request your presence as Queen Althea and King Lewis II marks their seventh marriage anniversary. The Kingdom Of Great Britain awaits your presence. Regards, King Lewis II. 14:15- 16." "It's your duty now, Nicholas. As the future King, I would like you to make good friendship with King Lewis. He is one of the powerful in human regime, and a good bond with him will always work in our favour. I hope I'm clear?", Augustus spoke, his voice in no way defying his authority and power. It was controlling and demanded utmost attention and respect. "Of course, Father." "You leave tonight. Get the troops ready.", He said and Nicholas nodded. "You may leave now.", He added as he turned back to the window. Nicholas sighed and stepped back before spinning on his heels and walking out. His beta, Zander soon joined him. "Are you okay?", Zander asked, studying the troubled expression on Nicholas's face. Nicholas nodded and breathed out. His wolf was suddenly restless, so was his mind. What happened, Alexander? I don't know. But I'm not feeling good. Can we go for a run? I need it. Nicholas agreed with his wolf. He didn't know why, but the beads of perspiration gathering on his forehead and slightly shivering hands were making him restive. "I'm going for a run.", He said as they reached the main hall, Zander nodded, although made no attempt to change his way as he followed Nicholas. "I'll be fine Zander. It's all our people here.", Nicholas sighed. "I'll just stay at the end of field with your clothes. You can run alone.", Zander said obediently. "Thanks.", Nicholas forced a smile. As they reached the field, Nicholas discarded his clothes behind a tree and shifted in his wolf form. When he first shifted at the age of eighteen, it was painful. The sound of bones breaking and reconstructing themselves used to make him nauseous. But now he has grown habitual. As he came out from behind the bark of tree, almost everyone lowered their eyes on ground. The golden wolf, huge and dominant. His silver eyes ran across the field, stopping at his beta as he nodded. Zander nodded back and Alexander turned, his body crouching slightly as he jumped in air. His paws hitting the uneven ground, the leaves and twigs crunching beneath the powerful force as he took off in Forest. The air collided with his thick silky fur and he howled in joy. Alexander loves the freedom, he hates to be in the confines of Nicholas' human body. Although he would love to live on the animal instinct, but that would bring down the Kingdom. Why? Because, Alexander often dismisses thinking and jumps into the action. His brain is unused. And he's most likely a kid trapped in Alpha body. Not that he's not powerful, the way he can take Seventy Five wolves down in fifteen minutes says a lot. But he's missing a part called calculative and logical thinking capacity. Why are you silent? Nicholas sighed. I don't know. I just have this feeling. That something bad is going to happen. Why would you say that? Alexander stopped at the edge of river, lowering his mouth into the running water and lapping down the gulps. The emollient liquid soothing his dry throat. I don't know, Alex. What I know is that since hearing that invitation, I've this bad feeling stirring inside me. Nicholas groaned. I felt the same. So I asked for a run. Do you think we'll find our mate there? Alexander's large bushy tail started swinging left and right as happiness and excitement bursted inside him in gallons. Nicholas scoffed. It's a human territory. Of course not. Alexander's spirits went down faster than the speed of spaded arrow and he sat down on the ground, keeping his chin on his front paws. It was when Nicholas hit his eighteenth birthday when the urge to find his mate grew intensely. But to no avail, he celebrated his first shift without his mate by his side. Alexander was the most impatient among both and he demanded to go over seas to find their mate. And so, Nicholas hunt down half of Asia but returned back empty handed. He couldn't abandon his Alpha duties for so long and Alexander had to stay quiet and accept his decision. Although they are equal, Nicholas' word was and will always be the final nail in coffin. "Son, I've made your favorite apple pie! Come back!", His mother spoke through the mind link and Alexander stood up, stretching his body leisurely. He gave one last lingering look to the lake and spun around, running back towards the country house. His mother, Queen and Luna Madison is a 56 year old lady, charming and gorgeous. She holds same amount of care, love and respect for everyone in the pack. Their pack, Golden Corral, was chosen as the ruling pack after Nicholas' Great Grand Father played a major role in saving the werewolf clan from going extinct when a deadly pandemic broke out which almost wiped out every werewolf. It was Moon Goddess herself who graced the earth and marked Alpha Everett as the new King of Werewolf world. Since then, Golden Corral Alphas are ruling the empire and no one has the guts to go against them. "I've already made the serving for you. Taste and tell me how it is.", His mother said as soon as he entered through the back door and directly inside the kitchen. He had already changed back in his clothes after taking them from Zander who, as per his words, was waiting for Nicholas to return. "Did you go to run?", Madison asked noticing the sweat patches on her son's white linen shirt. "Yes, mother.", He said and sat down on the chair, sliding the plate closer to him. He took a bite and hummed in delight. "Delicious. As always.", He smiled up at his mother. Just then Zander entered, glancing around for his Alpha and then walking to him when spotted. "Yes, Zander?", Nicholas spoke, acknowledging his arrival. "Everything is ready. We'll depart after dinner.", Zander fed him. "Depart? To Britain? I heard your father talking that he'll send you to attend the ceremony.", Madison said as she joined the two, forwarding the plate of apple pie to Zander. Zander took it with a respectable bow, and sat down on chair after seeking the permission. "Hmm. How about you join me as my escort?", Nicholas bit playfully and his mother smiled, ruffling his hair and moving back to the kitchen. "Find your own Mate for that.", She said before she disappeared inside. Mate! I heard mate! Alexander yelped happily. Calm down, Alex. Nicholas sighed, tired of his 24*7 overflowing energy. Alex grunted back. As the sun went down, the troops stood ready. Standing stiff and waiting for the order. Nicholas looked at his mother, and smiled as he bent to kissed her cheek. "Take care of yourself.", He said. "Stay safe. Zander, take care of my son.", She reminded the Beta who took the gentle reminder as an order and nodded curtly. "I'll take your leave, Father.", Nicholas said, looking at his father in subdued respect. "Give my greetings to King Lewis and his father.", Augustus said patting on his son's shoulder. The four troops, led with horses by each warrior. Five elephants, carrying the gifts and pleasantries for the human King and ten camels bearing their own belongings for the two day traveling and three day stay and with four flambeaus lighting their way; they set a normal pace towards the northwest Europe. •••••••••• The Night Of Ceremony. Great Britain. 18: 23 "Queen, the future King of Werewolf have arrived.", Althea heard someone say before she hissed as the maid tied the corset around her waist. She felt her bones crushing, the pain was that bad. She hates corsets, doesn't matter if they bring a shape to her body but wearing them feels like as if she's a butterfly trapped in spiders web. "Good for him.", She said, moving away from the wooden screen folding. She was wearing a sack-back gown that had a tight bodice with a low-cut square neckline, with large ribbon bows down the front, wide panniers, and was lavishly trimmed with all manner of lace, ribbon, and flowers. It was in delicate pink color, a color that her husband admires on her body. The body that he enjoys raising hands on, often at nights. Her hip was deeply bruised and she had trouble walking in the tight bodice. "King was asking your presence.", The same woman said politely. Althea looked at her through mirror in filth, she's the same woman who often warms her husband's bed when he gets bored of her body. "I hope you told him that I was getting ready for the ceremony?", She asked, ignoring her distate for the woman. "Yes, I did. But he didn't look so happy.", She replied. Althea snorted. "When is he happy? But I'm sure you must know of a way to make him?", She asked, while the woman looked at her in innocent confusion. Althea shook her head and sat straight as her personal maid fixed the white wig atop her natural dark raven hair. The color that she founds beautiful but is hated by her husband. "Mother! Tell Sofia to stop chasing me!", Her four year son came barreling inside, followed by his two year old sister in a giggling mess. She dismissed every other thought and picked up her son, her daughter came and stood between her knees. Looking at her with a toothless grin. Althea smiled. How she wished her daughter would receive the same love from her husband the way her son is showered with. As she was ready for the night, she decided to prepare her two adorable kids. ••••••••••••• "Please rest for now. I'll send someone to get you once the ceremony starts.", King Lewis said as he opened the door to a large chamber. "Sure. Thank you for the warm welcome.", Nicholas smiled. Lewis nodded as he took his leave. While Nicholas was assigned a single luxurious chamber in this huge fortress, his beta and Delta were given rooms to either of his side for security measures. The troops were told to rest in soldiers rooms, while tents were to be prepared for them in the training field. Nicholas sat down on the victorian king size bed, rubbing his chest to calm his wildly beating heart. His wolf was restless again. Same way he was two days ago. He felt sweat covering him and moved towards the bay window, the air sizzled past him and he sighed. What is wrong with you? I don't know! I need to go on a run! No! We're in human territory! Nicholas, please. I can't breath! Try to take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale. Alexander calmed down slowly, but he acted detached and emotionally recoiled. Nicholas didn't mind him much because he had to get ready for the evening. Although the restlessness was still nagging him at the back of his mind, he avoided it. Or at least pretended to. The time of ceremony arrived and Nicholas, along with his Beta, Delta and Lead Warrior were escorted inside the widely litted huge hall. The glass chandelier hung high, small flames in it brightened the center of hall. Infinite flambeaus lighting the corners. Men dressed in suits, waistcoats and coats while women flaunting their bodies in petticoats, gowns and dresses. At the end of the hall was a high stage, King and Queen throne chairs in the center while lengthy luxurious couches were placed down the stage, taking up the space on both the sides. "Please come. The King and Queen will arrive soon.", An old man said, Nicholas recognized him as a minister, very dear to King Lewis. He appeared cruel and trickster in the very first sight to Nicholas. Alpha nodded and followed him through the masses of other people. Nicholas was offered seat close to the stage while his beta and delta were told to take the end couches. His lead Warrior stood behind him. The chaos subsided as the announcement of King and Queen's arrival boomed. Everyone stood up in respect. Nicholas' breath hitched at the sight of beautiful Queen. She glided down alongside her King in a pink gown and Nicholas felt he couldn't breath again. His werewolf was going crazy, the sweet scent of sandalwood sending him haywire. He wanted to be out and mark his mate. Mate. The word collided with the walls of his mind and Nicholas' eyes widened, his body tripping back as the heavy realisation came crashing down on him. "Alpha, are you okay?", His lead Warrior asked worriedly. Before he could fathom and stop, Alexander had won the control over his every senses and growled. "Mate." Entire hall was washed with defeaning deadly silence. The couple who was about to step up the stage stopped. Lewis' hand on his wife's back turned proprietary and Nicholas' body shook with rage. She is his mate! She is his other halve. She is the essence of his entire being. Then how come she's already claimed by someone else? Althea's heart raced, her hands shook as calming musky and soothing petrichor scent lingered in the air around her. She was familiar with werewolves mate concept, but never knew she'll be chosen as one. And the feeling will be so painfully beautiful. Her eyes demanded to steal one look of him but she closed her eyes shut and clenched her hands in tight fist. Lewis turned to face Nicholas along with his wife, although Althea kept her head down. "Let's make this easy. Reject her and leave at this instance.", He spoke with authority. Nicholas' beta and delta were by his side in a flash. "Please reject her, Alpha Nicholas.", His beta begged. No! She's mine! I won't let you reject her! Nicholas was blank although Alexander continued pacing. He wanted to look at her once, to gaze at her beautiful face one more time. "Reject her!", Lewis commanded loudly. Nicholas was frozen. He wanted to. He really did. He knew his end will be certain if she rejects him, but he couldn't. Words seemed so out of reach, all his heart yearned for was her closeness. All his ears craved for were to hear her sweet voice. His eyes were desperate for one more glance. "This is a good chance for us to get rid of the future werewolf King. Ask her to reject him.", His minister whispered discreetly and Lewis smirked. Why didn't he think of this before? Nicholas had his eyes fixed on her frozen form. "Reject him.", Lewis whispered in his wife's ear. Althea gasped and looked up. Immediately regretting as her eyes met with piercing emerald ones. Nicholas' breath got caught in his throat. She is an Angel. Her bright blue eyes were warm and her gaze gentle, if it had a touch it would have been a soft lovable caress. Althea shuddered. No. She can't let him die. Within a minute, he became the reason of her entire existence. She looked at her husband, her eyes welling up as she shook her head. Desperately begging him. "Will you be okay decorating your own daughter's deathbed?", Lewis gritted out and her heart dropped. "Reject him!", He repeated. Althea looked back at Nicholas and her soul screamed at her to not say anything that may become the reason of his cease. "Alpha, reject her!", Zander yelled. No! No no no! Alexander screamed and for once Nicholas agreed. Lewis' hold on her waist tightened and it stung her skin. She flinched and her eyes widened in horror as she watched her daughter being picked up by one of the warriors. She looked at her mother in law for help but all the previous queen do was look away. "Do. It. Now!" "I-I-" "No! Don't! Don't! Alpha, please please reject her!", Zander screamed. Nicholas gritted his teeth. He is trying. But his soul is ready to give up if he did so. Every fiber of his being denied the idea with passion. "Do it!" Althea gasped as she saw the dagger being placed near her daughter's neck. Taking in a deep breath, she closed her eyes and opened them again to look straight in Nicholas' shining emerald irises. "I-" "No no!" "Queen Althea, Wife of King Lewis II rejects to be your mate.", She said, the tears streaming down her face defying her ruthless words. Nicholas felt the invisible bond churning and damaging as her words made home in his heart. Alexander was whimpering, suffering the blow of his stubborn love. Nicholas felt every energy leaving his body as he collapsed down on his knees. Zander and his delta, Mason crouched down immediately beside him. "The ceremony is cancelled. Escort our special guests out please.", Lewis announced, his lips forming a cruel smirk as he nodded at the minister and stirred his wife away. Her eyes craved to hold his sight, and she stole countless glances at him. His collapsed body was covered with other people around him. She choked back a sob. She will be the reason of his death. She will be the reason why werewolves will lose their future King. Zander cradled his Alpha's unconscious body out, barking orders at everyone to get ready for the depart. He needs to take their future King back home, may be pack doctors can do something. He is not unaware of the fact that rejection ultimately leads to death, but they can do something to stop the inevitable. Nicholas coughed out blood as his beta tied him to himself after climbing up on the horse. His entire body was withering away, he could feel it. Alexander, his wolf, the other part of his soul had already given up. He had stopped breathing and he knew, his end is closer. Where did love bring him? To the cease of his existence. Was it worth it? Yes...... Her voice was sweet like honey, he remembers. And her eyes..... Oh moon goddess, they spoke millions of love tales to him. She was worth it. He smiled ruefully. He felt his other part of soul dying. Slowly fading away from his grasp. He took one shuddering breath and his long eyelashes, fell close gently. Whisking him away from the cruel world. What reached home, was Alpha Nicholas' body. Their was blood bath, as King Augustus satiated his hunger of revenge by slashing millions of lives. His only son was taken away from him, cruelly, intentionally and that in no way meant silence. It was only storm that engulfed lives like huge wave of restless ocean swallowing a ship. Everything was damaged. Destroyed. MARRED. ______