Her Unwanted Kings

Lizzie Starfall "Ember Starfall," said the Werewolf King to the whole court as he turned his gaze to me. "I, Cassian of Astraea, ruler of the Kingdom of Erestes, choose you as my mate." I stood there, frozen in disbelief. Happiness surged through me, mingling with astonishment. Was this real? I placed my hand over my throat as if to ensure I wasn't dreaming. Me? Chosen by the King of the Werewolves to be his new wife? As the realization sank in, a smile spread across my face. The court's whispers surrounded me, a melodic backdrop to the momentous announcement. I turned my gaze towards my mother, Isabella, and my sisters, Lira and Faith, among the crowd. They beamed with pride, their eyes reflecting their delight. My mom, almost on the verge of tears, mouthed words of encouragement, and I felt their love and support enveloping me. King Cassian's voice resonated again, breaking through the buzz of the court. "Ember Starfall, come forward. Join me on stage." I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, gathering the edges of my gown. I ascended the stage, still grappling with the idea that I was n chosen by the powerful King. As I reached the top, I curtsied before King Cassian. "Your Majesty." "No need for formalities, my dear mate," he said, his voice a rich baritone that resonated through the hall. King Cassian stood before me, the embodiment of every woman's fantasy in the Kingdom of Astraea. His golden hair cascaded like a regal mane, complementing his piercing golden eyes. High cheekbones and a jawline that could cut through steel highlighted his unparalleled allure. When he took my hand, a tingle surged through my body, and I looked up at him. The crowd awaited my response, and the King's gaze held an intensity that left me breathless. "So, what will it be, my dear Ember?" he asked, a playful smile dancing on his lips. I smiled back, my heart hammering in my chest. "I, Ember Starfall, accept you, King Cassian of Astraea, as my chosen mate." Cheers erupted, applause cascaded through the hall, and the court celebrated the union of the Werewolf King and the girl from a simple family. The once ordinary Ember Starfall now stood at the center of a new chapter, embraced by the cheers of the realm, and hand in hand with the powerful King Cassian. The night flowed like a river, swift and giddy, after King Cassian declared me his chosen mate. I found myself swept away in the whirlwind of festivities, barely remembering the names of the countless people the King introduced to me. Laughter echoed through the Great Hall, and the air buzzed with joy. After all the revelry, my family joined us onstage. Mom, Lira, and Faith enveloped me in warm hugs, their eyes shining with pride and joy. "Congratulations, Ember! We're so happy for you," Mom whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I can't believe you're going to be the Queen," Lira teased, wiping away a mock tear. "And don't forget us when you're in the castle of the Werewolf King," Faith added, giggling. Tears welled up in my eyes as I held them close. "Thank you, thank you all for being here with me." King Cassian, gracious and regal, joined our little family huddle. "A heartfelt congratulations to Lady Ember and her wonderful family. Your presence has added immense joy to this celebration." As the family moment lingered, the King spoke to me directly, "Ember, you don't need to worry about your things anymore. Anything you desire, I shall provide. This castle and everything within it are now yours." A surge of happiness filled my heart, but I hesitated. "Your Majesty, I appreciate your generosity, but I would like to keep some of my old things too." The King smiled indulgently. "Of course, my dear. We will arrange to have your belongings delivered here in Castle Astraea." Relieved, I nodded, grateful for the understanding in his eyes. As the night waned, my family bid their goodbyes. Mom held my face in her hands, her eyes searching mine. "Take care of yourself, Ember. We'll see you soon." Lira and Faith enveloped me in one final group hug before reluctantly stepping back. "Don't forget us when you're living the high life," Lira joked, giving me a playful nudge. "I won't, I promise," I replied, a mix of excitement and sadness in my heart. King Cassian offered a courteous farewell to my family, expressing his anticipation for the upcoming union. After they departed, I stood alone with the Werewolf King. Cassian's gaze softened as he extended his hand. "Shall we, Lady Ember? Allow me to show you to our Royal Chambers, our new bedroom." I gladly took King Cassian's hand in mine, my heart brimming with joy as we strolled through the grand halls of Castle Astraea. The opulence surrounding us paled in comparison to the happiness that I finally had my mate. Though he wasn't the fated one, I felt incredibly fortunate—after all, he was the King. As we walked, guards and courtiers smiled and bowed in acknowledgment. I couldn't help but return their friendly gestures, my steps light with the newfound excitement coursing through me. The anticipation built as we passed by many rooms, each one holding its own secrets within the vast castle. Eventually, we reached a set of massive double doors. They loomed before us, adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of a rich history. King Cassian, with a gentle yet firm push, opened the doors, revealing the room beyond. The air inside was filled with a fragrance of mystery and luxury. We stepped into the spacious chamber, and the King closed the doors behind us with a resounding thud. As I turned to the King, a subtle change overcame him. His eyes, once a warm shade, transformed into a vivid yellow—a clear sign that the feral nature of his wolf was rising to the surface. I tried to dismiss it as mere excitement, but before I could comprehend what was happening, King Cassian yanked me by the wrist with a surprising force that sent me sprawling onto the bed. The impact stung, and I winced as the pain registered. Confusion and a hint of fear flickered in my eyes as I looked up at him, trying to understand the abrupt shift in his demeanor. "What.... what are you doing, Your Majesty?" His eyes were cold. "Shut up, w***e. Now. Take your clothes off." "But... Your Majesty..." I began. "We... we just--" I wasn't able to finish my sentence as he grabbed me by the neck, his fingers digging into my flesh. "I don't care what you think, you lowlife woman. I am your King and you will do as I say." Tears burst from my eyes as I struggled against Cassian's chokehold. What was happening? Why was he doing this to me? He chose me as his mate, didn't he? As if he heard my thoughts, he spat, "Did you really think I would love someone like you, you pathetic wolf? I just want your body. I will use you as I please, and when I have had my fun, I will sever the bond and ditch you like I did all the others before you." Without warning, he yanked at the fabric of my gown, ripping it away to reveal my breasts. His eyes widened in manic glee. "Such beautiful t**s," he hissed. " And they are mine to toy with." "P-please! Y-Your Majesty. Stop!" I managed to say in between gasps. "H-help! Someone... help!" "No one is coming to save you, Ember," glared Cassian as he drew his face closer to mine. "This is your fate now." He licked my cheek, his tongue warm, wet, and disgusting.