Her Unwanted Kings

One

Ember Starfall

"Em!" Isabelle called out from downstairs. "We are going to be late. You don't want to miss meeting the King."

I'd rather smash myself against the barriers that divide the Seven Kingdoms, I wanted to say. "Just a few more minutes, Mom!" I said instead, sighing.

"Do you want Lira to help you? Your sisters are waiting!"

Frustrated, I sank onto my bed, hiding my face with a pillow. Despite being twenty-one and the oldest of three daughters, I still lacked the independence I craved.

Mom took charge of our lives after Dad's death, imposing her rules until we found our mates, chosen or fated. Control seemed to be part of Mom's nature, making her a formidable force. That's why the Lycan Court recruited her as a member, and this luxurious new manor was one of the perks of the job.

A sharp knock on my door resounded. Without waiting, Lira burst in and lifted the pillow from my face.

"Why aren't you dressed yet, Ember?" She looked disappointed, to say the least. "I don't want to keep my dear King Cassian waiting. If he gets bored, he'll probably choose someone else to date."

I chuckled. "Did he tell you he was looking for one?"

"No," she said, pouting. "But I can feel it. I can feel that tonight, he will confess his undying love for me. That's why he invited us to the Grand Ball. Maybe he is my fated mate."

"Keep dreaming, Li," I said. "You've got more chances of finding a mate in the bowels of Nymeria."

"I don't want anyone from outside Astraea's borders. Especially not a stinky werewolf from Nymeria. I just want my King."

I stared at her as though she has lost her mind.

"Cassian will kill you after he's done with your body. And then, he will put your dead ass in a glass case for display."

"Those are just rumors, Em," Lira retorted. "Only insane people believe in rumors."

I shrugged at her. Unlike my sister, I wasn't thrilled about meeting the king of the Lycanthropes. If anything, I was afraid.

Cassian was married several times over his immortal life, but why those marriages failed was never revealed. People said his past wives were killed, while others thought they chose to stay out of the public eye after being ditched. Castle Astraea didn't share much about why they vanished.

Yeah. So that means they are dead.

"You're just jealous, Em." Lira's laughter interrupted my thoughts about Cassian possibly killing more women, "Come on now! Get up and get dressed. Who knows, maybe you'll find the fated mate you've always been dreaming of in the Castle."

"Do you think my mate will be a young noble from the city?"

Li shook her head. "No. Maybe one of the guards. Or perhaps, the cook."

I burst out laughing.

My fated mate. The other half of my soul. The one the Goddess has reserved for me.

The idea warmed my cheeks. Ever since I turned eighteen, I have always wanted to meet my mate. But alas, until now, I was yet to meet him.

I got off the bed. "Fine, fine. I'm getting up. Just give me a moment."

Heading to the wardrobe, I brushed my fingers over the various gowns hanging inside.

"You should wear the sapphire blue one! It'll match your eyes perfectly!"

I did as she suggested. Once dressed, I went to the vanity. "Can you do this? You know I'm not very good at it."

"Uh-huh. Sit down," Lira said as she brushed foundation on my skin.

After finishing my makeup, she opened a box on top of my drawer, revealing a tiara. It was a gift from the Castle. Each of us had one, even Faith, our youngest sister at nineteen. Lira placed the mini-crown on top of my head, careful not to ruin my hair.

Li stepped back and smiled. "There you go, Em. You're ready to dazzle."

I touched the tiara, not quite believing what my eyes were seeing in the mirror. "Wow..."

"Wow indeed, Ember," she said, cackling. "You should pay me for making you not so ugly anymore. Perhaps the King will spare you a glance now."

I elbowed her. "Thanks, Lira, but you can keep him."

"Of course, I'll keep him. He's mine." She chuckled. "Anyway, let's go before Mom shifts and goes crazy."

Despite everything, I laughed with her, and hand in hand, we went downstairs.

~o0o~

The Great Hall of Castle Astraea made my stomach knot with nerves. The place was grand, with high ceilings and chandeliers shining like stars. Lycans from different parts of the kingdom mingled, and the air hummed with chatter.

Mom's voice broke through the noise, "Duty calls, my dears. I have to handle Court matters for a bit. Behave and represent our family well."

"Mom, do you really have to go?" I asked.

"Yes. Mind your manners while I’m away," she said. "Look after your sisters, Ember."

I nodded.

As Mom left, Lira turned to me. "I wonder where the King is. Come on, Ember. He must be around here somewhere."

"You go ahead, Lira, Faith. I'll stay here and wait for Mom."

"Buzzkill."

I shrugged. "Don't wander too far!"

As I stood alone amidst a crowd of strangers, a courtier with a tray of champagne passed by. I took a glass, thanked him, and nervously sipped the drink.

Out of nowhere, applause filled the hall, prompting me to look to the front.

On the stage, the King took the lead with the Lycan Court, including my mother. Even from a distance, it was clear the rumors were true.

He's handsome. I'll give him that, I thought. And Goddess, all those muscles.

Cassian's dark gold hair and warm smile matched Astraea's sigil of a blazing sun. His sudden appearance created a stillness in the crowd. The air thickened, and his sharp eyes briefly locked onto mine.

Why does he look like he wants to eat me? Dread coiled in my stomach, and I averted my gaze, heart racing.

After a few moments, I found King Cassian was no longer gawking at me. Relief mixed with unease as I exhaled, only for my heart to drop again – my mother was signaling for me to join her onstage.

The impulse to escape overwhelmed me but Isabelle's stern look meant that I had no choice but to obey.

Every member of the Lycan Court focused on me, their collective attention like a spotlight stripping away my composure. My heart thundered as I swallowed hard. With great hesitation, I gathered my gown's edges and took a step forward.

Alright, Ember, you got this.

Upon reaching the stage, my mother guided me to the King.

Cassian's hungry eyes were now fixed upon me again. He extended his hand, and I reluctantly took it. His fingers were thick, and their touch made my hackles rise. He brought my hand to his lips, placing a delicate kiss on its back.

"I am thrilled to finally make your acquaintance, Ember," he spoke, his rich baritone resonating through the hall. "I have been eagerly awaiting this day."

"T-the... the pleasure is mine, Your Majesty," I replied with a curtsy. My response seemed to satisfy him.

King Cassian's smile widened, shifting his focus back to the crowd

"Citizens of Astraea, tonight's Grand Ball celebrates our realm's grandeur. Your presence warms my heart, and I extend my gratitude for your camaraderie."

Applause followed, and then silence.

"Tonight, we celebrate not only the realm's success but also the joy of my upcoming union." His grip on my wrist tightened. "Astraeans, meet your new Queen. My wife-to-be. Lady Ember of House Starfall."

What in the actual fvck?

"Ember Starfall," he said when I didn't answer. "I, Cassian of Astraea, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms of Erestes, choose you as my mate."