The Heir is Mateless

~Accalia~ Accalia couldn't believe what she was hearing. After training her entire life as next in line to the throne, it was shocking to learn that she may now lose her title. "Father! You've trusted me to inherit the throne for years! I know you are ill, but for Goddess's sake, please rethink this decision!" The aging man grunted as he sat up in bed and pushed his long silver hair aside. He then turned to fixate his bright green eyes at his daughter's matching set, now glowing faintly with anger. "I may be close to deaths door, daughter, but I won't entrust the future of this kingdom to you if you can not guarantee an heir. I am still King, Accalia, and until I die, my word is law." He took a long wheezing breath before continuing. "Now, go pack your bags for the mating journey tomorrow. This is not up for discussion." After finishing, the king began a coughing fit and fell back onto the bed. Not wanting to lose her temper on a dying man, she huffed and turned on her heels, her long green dress trailing behind her. It was strapless, like most of her clothes were from living in a warm climate her entire life. A guard in the corner cleared his throat, "King Garmr, would you like one of us to follow her?" "No, let her have some space. I know she'll come around and stop this stubborness before it's too late." The King then let out a sigh and soon fell into a deep sleep. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Princess didn't know where she was going. She only wanted to calm down before things got out of control. Rounding a corner, she bumped into someone's shoulder. "Accalia! Woah....looks like Father broke the news to you then if you look this upset." "Frekí?! You knew and didn't tell me?!" "Hey, calm down. You know he does whatever he wants, and it's not like I wanted this to happen. I'm not fit to rule. I know that, you know that, and everyone else in this castle knows that." The Prince was younger than Accalia by less than two years. He was handsome, with silver hair like his father's and the same green eyes. Sometimes, it was shocking how much he looked like the king. "I still can't believe he just decided to give me a year to get married. It's unbelievable! I don't even know any guys my age, let alone other royals!" Frekí started rubbing his neck nervously. "You know, that's kinda why he's making you go on this trip to begin with. Look, Accí, I know it's not an ideal situation, but you only have to listen to him for a little longer, and the throne is yours. You can even divorce the guy if you want. Who's gonna stop you?" She huffed angrily. "I'm going on a run. Don't wait up." Turning her back on the frowning brother, she stormed out onto the castle grounds, venturing into the forest a ways before undressing and shifting to wolf form. The guards often scolded her for leaving the castle's protection alone, but this was the only thing that could calm her anger in this moment. Her wolf is dark as night and shares the same bright green eyes her human form has. As she raced through the dense forest, feeling the warm wind in her fur, Accalia thought about how unfair Father was being. From a young age, she'd been a strong, independent wolf and could never understand the pressure to find a mate. Freki bedded women left and right, free from the responsibility and desire of the throne. Everyone knew she was the perfect choice to take over. Still, he underestimated her and thought she needed a man by her side. She was older, more responsible, and fiercer than her brother. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder if this was due to her being a she-wolf. Pausing to take a breath, the wolf looked up through the trees at the moon. This was the night of her 20th birthday, and everything had gone horribly wrong. At least the Goddess had blessed her with a full moon to keep her company when everyone turned away. Usually, this would be cause for celebration, and there was no doubt an extravagant party waiting for her back at the castle being held in her honor by the other nobles. Despite this, the Princess chose to ignore her responsibilities and, at that moment, howled to the moon her promise to never fall in love. After several more hours of roaming the woods, she re-entered the castle through a secret entrance to her quarters. It had rained the night before, so now she was in desperate need of a bath from her time in the forest. She bathed for longer than usual, even refilling the hot water a couple of times. She sat in the ivory tub, washing away the mud from her soft, pale skin, along with the pain of having this choice taken from her. Walking from the bathroom in nothing but a towl, her long inky hair stuck to her back as she began loading a variety of clothes for different climates into her suitcases. Much as she hated the thought of going on a trip to meet men, she was the Crown Princess and wanted to stay that way. She smirked after crawling into bed. These men had no idea what they were getting themselves into. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning, Accalia wasted no time preparing for her departure. The quicker this trip was over, the sooner she could officially claim her title and begin her rule. She and her brother don't remember having a mother because she died birthing Frekí. Times like this often make Accalia wonder if having a mother would change anything. Would she support her choice not to have a mate? Would she support her rights to the throne? Would Father be less cruel? Lost in her own thoughts, she panicked, realizing it was time to leave. Hurrying for the carriage, she racked her brain to make sure nothing was forgotten. Finally beginning her journey, she pulled out the notes her father provided for her yesterday. Of course, it stated the route being taken, what packs and kingdoms she would be seeing, and where the rival kingdoms they avoided were. As the carriage continued, she began to feel increasingly more unsure. Her brother hadn't seen her off like he usually would before a journey, but he may have been passed out drunk somewhere or in a woman's bed. She replayed that morning over in her mind and tried to put the uneasy feeling to rest. Several hours later, she was jostled from a nap when the carriage came to an abrupt halt. She heard the driver and guards speaking indistinguishably and felt the carriage shake as they got out. "Hello? What's going on?" "Don't worry, Princess, just making a brief rest stop." This quickly put her on edge because they normally would not stop until reaching the safety of a city. Quietly, she opened the door and exited the carriage herself. Looking around, the guards and driver were nowhere to be found. Her heart was beginning to pound as she extended her claws, ready to defend herself. With her alpha blood, her senses were heightened, and she was able to narrowly dodge the arrow that flew by her head. "YOU i***t! We want her alive!" Not giving them the chance to react, Accalia took off at a run, shifting into wolf form and bolting for the forest. She may have been strong, but the Princess knew she was outnumbered and didn't stand a chance. After running far into the woods, she realized her mistake. Accalia had unknowingly reached the border of an enemy kingdom. Panicking, she turned to go back, only to be met with a wall of fierce-looking wolves. The first pounced towards her alone, but she quickly dodged and turned, clamping down on his neck until she heard a crunch. Another approach was behind. Sensing him, Accalia turned and slashed his throat out with her claws. The strangers then realized she was highly trained and began teaming up on her. The alpha-princess put up a good fight, yet soon started losing ground after defeating two more opponents. She tried to run again but was pounced on from behind and pinned to the ground. Suddenly, Accalia felt an agonizing pain in her head and shifted back to human form as she lost consciousness.