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Chapter Three: The Wedding Dress Of Shame
Astrid’s POV
The Crown Prince had been unable to bear a child with his mistress so the King had assumed that a royal seed would only come from a daughter of royal birth.
That’s why he needed either Sabrina or me who had a royal status. To be honest I was probably the only worthy candidate since Sabrina didn’t have the Alpha's blood and was an adopted daughter.
But I never believed that the Crown Prince was deserving of an heir either. And Sabrina had agreed to marry him for his wealth first.
My heart was pounding uncontrollably as I entered the waiting hall and still found it almost empty.
Maybe I should look for a silver lining in this situation. I had to repay my stepmother, Sabrina, and Kennen. Being the Crown Prince’s wife could be a way.
I couldn’t avoid this anyway.
The door at the end of the waiting hall opened. My beating chest quickened as I stepped towards it. A lady wearing a white hooded robe rode a wheelchair, gold coated with sophisticated mechanisms, and on it sat the Crown Prince. It wasn’t a very grand entrance.
I had never seen him before, but I understood what the young girls of my pack meant by they wouldn’t mind spending a night with him.
His hair was blond and styled in a long elegant cut. He was clean-shaven, highlighting a strong jaw and I felt conscious when his green eyes roamed my body.
It was strange to think he’d have a muscular body despite being crippled. It was suspicious even. His legs didn't seem defective.
His green eyes swept through me, probably contemplating if I was worth him. I had also heard of his pride and how he hated intelligent werewolfesses who could talk back to him.
I stopped staring and bowed. “Good day, your highness.”
His wheelchair stopped in front of me and the lady in the white robe stepped back, giving us space. I was sure that was the mistress.
Another rumor of the palace was that the crown prince never allowed her to show her face to anyone but him and the King. I hoped I’d not suffer such a fate.
“Are you already in a wedding dress?” his deep voice mocked. Those were the first words he said to me. His voice sounded like it was crafted and not naturally how he sounded.
I bit my lower lips in embarrassment and looked down at myself. My beautiful wedding dress had become a symbol of shame for me. I didn’t know if I should respond to the Crown Prince’s question, and opened my mouth to speak but closed it back.
My hand tightened at my side. All these shame I had to swallow today, I'd surely repay Sabrina.
In. A. Million. Folds!
“So whose daughter are you?” the Crown Prince asked further, relieving me from the duty of answering his last questions.
“I am from the Writhed Rose Pack, sir.” I replied quickly.
There was no response, and I looked up.
The Prince's expression was a scowl and disgust plastered on his face. My breathing quickened as that look mirrored the one Kennen gave me when he rejected me.
I held my dress as my body quivered. Would this Crown Prince be rejecting me as well?
I didn’t want this marriage but as it stood, I needed it to work so I could get back at everybody when I become the Queen.
The Crown Prince sighed, and rolled his wheelchair towards me.
I guessed I was being rated and stood more erect hoping to show the 'attractive body' his perverted self would be looking for.
I really needed this marriage to work.
Yet, he sighed again, having actual disappointment in his tone. “You are not my type of woman.”
My world froze. Another rejection. My heavy breathing was now visible as my body shook. I hated my reaction but even my wolf had retired to the back of my head in tears.
“No need to cry. I’m sure some other power hungry wolf will be interested in the daughter of an Alpha.” The Crown Prince said nonchalantly. “Actually, if you wait longer, I might send you to someone who might be interested.”
His green eyes shifted to his mistress and she came forward and drove him back to the door, and out of the waiting hall, using the backdoor.
I stood there like a fool, sobbing silently.
My chance to be the Crown Prince’s wife was gone. I wasn't even wanted by a Prince who thought with his d**k. Would I just go back to my stepmother in shame? What have I been reduced to?
I raised my head, watching the Crown Prince leave. I tried to remember what he had said last, something about waiting for something else. But he had clearly rejected me so I doubt there was anything to wait for.
My steps were heavy as I walked to the door, trying my best not to make eye contact with the guards watching me.
The light from outside the waiting hall felt too bright against my swollen eyes. I lowered my head quickly and walked out, gripping the side of my dress tightly. My heels clicked softly against the polished floor as I tried to ignore the humiliation burning through me.
Maybe the Moon Goddess truly hated me. Maybe the prophecy of my Moonborn gift was all a hoax.
My steps slowed suddenly as a suffocating pressure filled the hallway.
My wolf whimpered instantly and retreated deeper into my mind, trembling in fear. That made me more alert than anything, because my wolf rarely reacted to a presence. The air itself felt heavier, darker, almost dangerous enough to choke on.
Someone was approaching but it felt their vast presence dominated the air around me.
I lowered my head immediately before I even saw him properly and moved to the side of the hallway to let him pass.
Black boots stopped inches away from me and my breath caught.
- Writer
