The Lycan King's Doomed Bride

Palace Of Deception

As we approached my chambers, I noticed Mary pacing anxiously outside the door. Her eyes darted towards me, Lord Niel, and the guards, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity.

As we reached the door, Mary stopped pacing and bowed lightly to Lord Niel. "My lord," she said, her voice respectful.

Lord Niel's face remained impassive as he nodded in response. "Goodnight, Mary," he said, his voice firm but polite. "Goodnight, Princess."

With that, he turned and departed with the guards, leaving Mary and me alone.

As soon as they disappeared from sight, Mary grasped my arm and pulled me into the room.

"Please, my lady, don't tell me you tried to leave this place." Her voice was neutral but it had an underlying sharpness in it. Her eyes were boring into mine with a hint of betrayal in them.

"I'm sorry, Mary, but I did what I had to do. I can't sit calm and wait until my death is served to me on a silver platter," I replied, trying to keep my tone even.

My father had given me away, knowing the Lycan king's reputation. He wanted me dead, a pawn sacrificed in his game of power.

Mary's shoulders sagged as she exhaled a weary sigh, her hand rising to rub her temples as if massaging away a growing headache. Her gaze met mine, a mix of affection and exasperation dancing in her eyes. "You've always been stubborn, my lady," she said, her voice tinged with a gentle reprimand, "no offense intended, of course. I've witnessed your determination firsthand, and I know you won't rest until you've achieved your goal." Her brow furrowed, concern etching lines on her forehead.

She stepped closer, her hand extending to envelop mine in a warm, comforting grasp. "But, my lady, attempting to flee this place will only lead to trouble." Mary's voice softened, her eyes pleading. "I'd advise you to abandon this notion, but I know you won't heed my warning. You never have."

A hint of resignation crept into her tone as she released my hand, her palm gently brushing against my cheek. "Come, get some rest. Tomorrow will bring its own challenges." With a gentle tug, she guided me toward the bed, her expression a poignant blend of loyalty and worry.

As Mary gently extinguished the warm glow of the Pompeii lamp, casting the room in a soft darkness, she tenderly tucked me into bed, ensuring the blankets were snugly wrapped around me. The mattress sagged slightly as she settled beside me, her familiar presence a comforting reassurance.

In the past, within the cold, unforgiving walls of my father's palace, Mary had been my rock, my shelter from the storms that raged within. Whenever hunger pangs gnawed at my belly, or the lash's cruel sting still lingered on my skin, or the darkness of the dungeon threatened to consume me, Mary would quietly slip into my bedchamber, lying beside me to calm my racing heart and shattered nerves. Her unwavering loyalty and compassion had helped me survive the aftermath of those traumatic nights.

I knew my father hated me, but giving me away to the Lycan king without batting an eye was the new low. It was obvious he wanted me dead, but I wouldn't let that happen. I didn't survive, years of starving, lashes and beatings only to be the Lycan king's next victim.

My resolve hardened as I gazed around the dark room. The darkness seemed suffocating, reminders of my gilded cage. I'd find a way out, even if it meant using every trick and strategy at my disposal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, I groggily opened my eyes to see Isabel draping the heavy damask curtains open. The sun shone brightly outside, forcing me to squint and shield my eyes with my arms from the blinding sunlight.

Isabel turned to me, a smile quickly spreading across her lips when she saw me staring at her. "Good morning, my princess," she greeted with a small bow, approaching the bed.

"Does the sun always shine this brightly here?" I inquired, squinting as I lowered the arm that had been shielding my eyes from the radiant light.

Isabel smiled graciously. "Most of the time, yes, my princess.

I slowly sat up, stifling a yawn. Turning to look at the side where Mary had slept last night, I found it empty.

"Isabel, where is Mary?" I inquired, tossing aside the plush blankets and slipping out of bed, my bare feet dangling above the chilly stone floor.

Isabel curtsied gracefully. "She's assisting with the morning cleaning at the servants' quarters, Your Highness. After a week's orientation, her specific duties will be assigned."

I nodded thoughtfully, swinging my legs over the side of the bed and settling onto the edge, the soft mattress creaking beneath me.

"I've prepared your bath, Your Highness," Isabel announced, her voice soft and deferential. "Shall I assist you with your ablutions? I can help with the soap, the water temperature, or perhaps even wash your hair for you?"

I swiftly interrupted her, my tone firm but polite. "Thank you, Isabel, but I'll manage on my own."

With that, I tossed aside the velvet bedcovers and slid out of bed, my bare feet sinking into the plush rug. I padded across the chamber, the soft rustle of my nightgown echoing through the room. As I reached the bathroom door, I pushed it open, revealing a warm, steamy sanctuary.

As I stepped into the warm bathwater, the scent of rose petals and lavender enveloped me, soothing my tense muscles. I settled deeper, letting the water cradle my weary body.

"Isabel?" I called out, my voice muffled by the steam.

"Yes, Your Highness?" Isabel replied from just outside the door.

"What are the plans for today?" I asked, my eyes drifting closed as I let the warmth seep into my bones. "I've planned to stay in and sleep the whole day." I heard a small laugh from Isabel outside the door.

"Yeah, sure. You're having breakfast with just the king today, my princess." My eyes snapped open instantly and my heart sank.

Breakfast with the Lycan king?

Alone??