The Thorned Crown

At the Crimson River Pack, Home to the Royal Palace Wind whipped the chilly air through my night dress. “I could not believe he escaped, how could he? I had the palace locked down. No one in or out without being checked. Now as I stand here upon my balcony, my decisions haunt me, slowly becoming regret. How will I change this now, I have destroyed my chance at the Caudwell fortune?” Castian thought deeply. At the White Winter Forest Pack A miracle from the Heavens above. Having escaped through a market carriage. Now entering the White Winter Forest Pack compound, I should be able to lie low til they find another groom for that wench. A bell chimes as I enter the local Inn. “Welcome to Vulcan’s Homely Inn. I’m Jaspar and will be your guiding hand today. How can I help?” a husky-like voice sounded. “Hello, I need a room for the night. How much will it be?” I responded. “One night is $50 plus tax, coming to $62.51,” the gentleman said. He was quite larger than I, ginger hair, a full beard, green eyes with yellowish centers, and wearing loose robes. “That is fine” I said as I pulled my wallet from my purse. “Tabor? TABOR!” a guard hollers. I spun, looking behind me. Oh shoot. This soon? “Thank you for your help, sir.” I tossed the words behind me as I run for the side door. Bashing the door open to the night sky, the chill, cooling my bones. Guards begin to surround the building. Noticing a gap in between two guards on the far right side. I darted past them. Straight lining for the woods to break line of sight. Lying low is not an option at the moment! I wish my wolf was with me at this moment. But I haven't heard from him since my father signed the marriage contract 3 months ago. A marriage contract? Really father. You're better than that. A low growl beside me, brings me back to the present. I've made it to the woods, almost, about 10 more yards. "Stop running Tabor! This is your best fate. Accept it now before it's too late!" one of the guards shouts. Best fate? As if. My best fate is being with my fated mate. Not contracted to the Werewolf Queen! Bursting through the treeline, I zigzag until I reach the river. Slowly, I step into the river, following it down to the waterfall. Listening to the sound of the waterfall slapping the river calms me. I cover my eyes and step through. Now my clothes are soaked. Glancing down, I grab the hem of my torn cotton shirt, the red color looks more crimson now wet. I pull it over my head, revealing the scars my family have generously bestowed upon me. I run my hand down the scar that runs almost fully down my tummy. I hated my tummy. Most women don't like men like me. They want these chiseled, tattooed, pierced men. Surprises and puzzles me that the Queen would want me of all people. Shaking my head, " Get it together Tabor." I said. I roll my shirt up to use as a pillow. This little cove reverbs the little droplets that tap on the natural shelf towards the back of the cove. I place the rolled shirt down and lay down. I am freezing but until I get away somewhere safe. I cannot enjoy the luxuries of my life before this contract. I fall asleep lightly, listening to the guards shouts fading in the distance. At the Forbidden Forest Boundary  The morning light pierces through the waterfall, warming me, awaking me from my slumber. I listen closely for the sounds of guards patrolling the area. I heard nothing, so grabbing my shirt I stepped through the waterfall. The light blinded me, I blink profusely. Once I can see the area is clear of people, I also can smell smoke. Perhaps they are close by, meaning I should be cautious. I walked through the forest heading towards the mountains. I'm already in forbidden territory. Werewovles aren't allowed in the woods or on the other side of the mountains. The Royal family has never said why though. Guess it's time to find out. About 20 minutes into the walk, something felt off. I looked behind me. In doing so, I'm grabbed by a wolf? "Quiet now little one. Don't scream. That takes the fun away." The wolf sneered. This wolf is a woman but she is almost twice the size of most female wolves. Noticing my puzzled looks, she quips "You're acting as if you've never seen a Lycan before." A lycan? Those are myths, right? Like seriously, I know I'm a werewolf but lycans are werewolves but on steroids. Twice the size, rougher, harder s*x, and strong enough to throw a bus. She pulls me from my thoughts, by biting my arm. "The f**k dude!" I shout. "Aw, just wanting to play with my new toy, so don't fight me okay?" She practically purrs. Ew, why is she like this? "Marleen, Drop him." Oh, great another woman to pester me. "But, I found-" The new lycan cuts off Marleen. "He is trespassing, you know the rules. We take him to the Luna Queen." All this work to be taken to Castian. Really?