Wolf King’s Cursed Mate

Harem…

The busy courtyard was full of glow as the morning sun shone through the palace windows.

Lady Moonbeam, the head of the royal harem, looked critically at the dancers inside. Her normally placid visage was contorted with contempt.

Lady Moonbeam was unimpressed by the dancers' movements and the twirling of their hips.

“Stop!" she yelled, her tone piercing.

The dancers paused, a mixture of uncertainty and fear on their faces. Mary, her lady in waiting, rushed over to join her.

“What is it, My Lady?" Mary whispered as she requested.

"Look at them," Lady Moonbeam squinted her eyes and murmured, "They are old. They are tired. They are…not sexy."

“But, my lady, they have served the king for years," Her lady in waiting protest.

"Years of boredom, you should say,” interrupted Lady Moonbeam.

“It has been long since the king visited the harem. Is he to blame? They are hardly able to move, much less entice him the right way.

“What do you propose, my lady?" With a hint of eagerness in her soft voice, lady in waiting, Mary asked.

“We need fresh blood," said Lady Moonbeam. "New faces, new bodies, new…talent."

“But where will we find such women?" Her lady in waiting enquired hesitant.

Lady Moonbeam's eyes shone brightly as she speaks.

“Aeridor. I've heard stories. The females there... They're considered irresistible. Beauty of the Dragon Kingdom. No man can resist or withstand them.

“Aeridor?" Mary's eyes widened. "But, dear lady, they are so pricey. incredibly costly.”

Lady Moonbeam stated, "I don't care about the cost," in a forceful voice. “Bring them. The king's interest can only be rekindled by them.

Mary paused. "Just Aeridor, my lady?"

Lady Moonbeam hesitated, her lips forming a cunning smile. “No. Not only Aeridor. Solid should be included in the mix.”

“Solis? The kingdom of vampires?" With a tone of surprise, Mary enquired.

“Exactly," answered Lady Moonbeam. “Their ladies are incredibly gorgeous, manipulative, and cunning. An ideal mix.”

“But, my lady, the women of Aeridor and Solis…they are…different," Mary replied in an attempt to be tactful.

“Different is good," said Lady Moonbeam. "A collaboration. The charm of Aeridor and the slyness of Solis. Even the Wolf King is powerless against this combination.”

Mary responded, "A perfect plan, my lady," and bowed her head. “It shall be done as you command."

With a sly gleam in her eyes, Lady Moonbeam grinned. “Great. The king will return to the harem with us. And we will remind him who truly holds the power here."

A big map of Alvanova was laid out in front of Lykaios as he sat in his war chamber later that morning.

Beside him, his trusted right-hand man, Egon, stood with a worried expression on his face.

"The border patrols report increased activity from the northern tribes," Egon added in a hushed voice, “They seem restless."

Lykaios scowled. "Are they restless? or getting ready for war?"

To which Egon answered, "We're not sure, my king, But their movements are…unusual."

“Keep a close watch," insisted Lykaios. “I don't want any surprises."

“Of course, my king." Egon hesitated. “And... I was instructed by Old Lord Valtor to remind you about this afternoon's council meeting.”

Lykaios let out a sigh. “I haven't forgotten." He gave his temples a rub. “These dreams…they're distracting."

“Dreams, my king?" With a furrowed brow, Egon asked. "Are they troubling you again?"

“More than usual," Lykaios acknowledged. “I was called Kai by that woman. It's...unusual."

Egon didn't say anything because he knew better than to ask further. Particularly when it came to his dreams, Lykaios cherished his privacy.

A messenger came in and gave the king a low bow. "My king, there is a message from Lady Moonbeam."

Lykaios's eyebrow went up irritated. “What does she want now?"

“My king, she asks for an audience. According to her, it's urgent.”

Lykaios let out a sigh. "Excellent. Bring her in.

With cautious keen eyes, Egon took a step back. Sensing that Lady Moonbeam had a secret goal behind every smile she gives, he had never trusted the woman.

Lady Moonbeam came in with a dazzling smile and her heavy robe. “My king," she purred as she made a beautiful bow.

Lykaios said, "Lady Moonbeam," in a neutral tone.

“What brings you here?"

"I have a proposition, my king," with shining eyes, She added, “Something that will…rejuvenate the palace."

“Rejuvenate?" Lykaios enquired in a doubtful tone.

“Yes, my king," she replied. “I've observed the harem's...lack of enthusiasm. And I think I've figured out a solution."

“And what solution is that?" Lykaios enquired.

“My king, women. from Solis and Aeridor. The most stunning and gifted women in the kingdom ."

Lykaios scowled. "Solid and Aeridor? That is an odd mix.”

Lady Moonbeam added, "But a powerful one, my king," in a sensual voice. “The palace will be revitalised by them. They'll captivate you.”

Lykaios stated, "I'm not interested in being captivated," in a cold tone.

“I have more important matters to attend to."

“But, my king," she replied, with a fake sense of worry in her voice. “You must unwind. You require… pleasure.”

With his eyes flashing, Lykaios stood. "Stepmother, I don't need you to tell me what I need. I have a council meeting right now, if you don't mind."

“You should be in charge of everything pertaining to that place since you are the one managing the harem." Lykaios said nonchalantly not sparing her a glance, “Therefore, if it has to do with the harem, don't bother coming here again."

Lady Moonbeam made a fist out of her hands. But there was nothing she could do. “Of course, my king.”

"Unless there's an urgent situation, I don't want to see you here again."

Lady Moonbeam's smile faded at that moment but she soon composed herself. “Of course, my king. But keep in mind what I said.”

Egon moved forward as she walked away. "She's up to something, my king."

Lykaios responded, "I know," while keeping his eyes on the map. "But I have more pressing concerns."

Meanwhile, Mary, Lady Moonbeam’s lady in waiting was already organising things deep within the palace. They were counting gold and sending out messengers. The harem was going to change drastically when Lady Moonbeam's plan come to motion.