Taming the Mad Lycan King

Aria POV "My lady, you look so beautiful," my maid Ellana said as she placed the pearl necklace Bram got for me before he departed to join the king's guards seven years ago. "Thank you, Ellana." We had only talked through phone calls and texts; I hadn't set eyes on him in seven years. Ellana finished fastening the necklace as I looked at my reflection in the mirror, putting on my pearl earrings to match my blonde hair, pulled into a bun, shiny and wavy, just like Bram liked it. Seeing myself smiling back at me, I couldn't believe a day like this had finally come. After seven years, I would finally get to meet him. When he'd departed from the Thornfield pack, our small town had felt wide and hollow. But I knew he'd had to do it; it was a must for the Alpha heir to serve under the Lycan king's guards before coming back to run the pack. It was more of a rite of passage, so I couldn't question it. "My lady, what color would you prefer?" Ellana asked, holding up two gowns, the same style, different colors. "Let's go with red." I smiled with excitement. I heard my wolf, Astra, call out to Romon. She was more excited to see Bram's wolf than I was. After a series of self-checks in the mirror, I knew I was ready. It was only a matter of time before Bram arrived. I walked out of my room to make sure everything was perfect. Ellana accompanied me as I walked down the stairs, eyes turning from the maids to the guards. Today I was definitely going to flaunt myself. Years back, after Bram left, we were only sixteen, and everyone thought I was crazy to wait for him and keep my mate bond with him. Finally, I arrived at the dining hall, where my sister Kaia was already picking at the fruit tray on the table. I squeezed my arms, trying to hold back my anger. "Kaia, why are you messing up the place? The guests haven't even arrived, and you know Bram likes his things perfect." Kaia looked at me and gave an annoying smile. "Sorry, big sis. I understand how anxious you feel today. So sorry, I'm so happy for you." Kaia had always been gentle with everyone. If anyone deserved a mate, it was her. Kaia then turned to our mother, who had just walked in. "Mum, the table is set for the guests." Before I could make another complaint, a guard came into the dining room. "Alpha Bram has arrived." Immediately, I forgot all my worries and rushed to the entrance. At the door, my father was already there, waiting. My mother joined him and stood at his side, while my sister stood behind me. A guard came down from the front seat and opened the car door, and there I saw him, the man I had loved and chosen to love without reason or doubt. I held both my hands tightly in front of me, trying to calm my excitement. Bram had grown into a six-foot frame, broad-shouldered, with dark hair, so different from the boy who had left years ago. Bram came down and looked directly at me. I could feel the happiness in his smile. He rushed over immediately and picked me up, spinning me around. He put me down and went for a kiss before heading to greet my father. "Good day, Beta Soren," Bram said, with a respectful bow to my father. He turned next to kiss my mother's hand before he walked up to my sister. He gave her a long glance, then kissed her hand. Later, we arrived at the dining room, and Bram was still discussing political matters with my father. Finally, everyone was seated. Bram sat beside me, and we had a conversation. My father made a small cough. "So, Bram, how was the King's Royal Guards training?" Bram smiled. "Well, it was intense, training your senses and skills. They sent us out to the field sometimes to guard against the eastern kingdom." The eastern Lycan kingdom had been raiding our borders for years, and every battle report made me fear I'd never see him again. My father nodded and took a sip from his wine glass. "Yes, I remember when your father came back from his own training years ago. By then, the east Lycan king and the south Lycan king were still good allies." Bram and my father both laughed. I was happy they were getting along. Even though my father was the Beta to Bram's father, my family had always pushed for our relationship so our lineage would have an Alpha bloodline. But even if he weren't an Alpha, I would love him regardless. Then Bram held my hand under the table, and the reassurance spoke for itself. The day grew darker as night fell. Conversations were still being held inside the house, mostly political, but Bram and I were standing on the balcony of the dining area. Bram still held his wine, but I'd had enough for that evening. "Aria, I'm so happy I could finally see you again. I missed you so much. I thought about you every day." Bram moved closer. My cheeks burned as I blushed. "Well, we promised each other, remember? It's just for us to start preparing the marriage plans and for you to talk to my parents." I held Bram's arm and rested my head on his shoulder. Bram stared at me, dropping the wine glass onto the edge of the balcony. "I just got back. Let me settle into the role of Alpha first." My head moved as I nodded, agreeing to what he was saying, even though those weren't the plans we'd made over the years, nor the words I wanted to hear. I forced myself to smile. Seven years of waiting deserved a little more patience. At least, that's what I kept telling myself.