Chapter 2: The Chosen Daughter
883 Words
The morning sun stretched across the training grounds of Silver wood Pack, bathing the packed earth in golden light. The sharp crack of wood echoed through the courtyard.
“Again.”
A young woman pushed herself off the ground, brushing dirt from her trousers before raising her wooden sword once more.
Long brown hair escaped the loose braid tied behind her head, strands sticking to her face with sweat. Hazel eyes burned with determination as she glared at the man standing opposite her.
Alfred. The Beta’s son, tall with short black hair and the build of a seasoned warrior, he rested his practice sword across one shoulder and sighed.
“You’ve had enough.” Isabel frowned.
“I’ll decide when I’ve had enough.” A smile tugged at Alfred’s lips.
“Then come.”
Without another word, Isabel charged. Her strikes were quick, precise. Alfred blocked every one of them with practiced ease.
She spun, aiming for his side. He stepped back, She lunged again. This time he swept her legs from beneath her.
Thud. She landed flat on her back. For several seconds neither of them spoke. Then Isabel groaned.
“I swear...”
“...you’re enjoying this.”
Alfred chuckled. “You leave yourself wide open.”
She rolled onto one elbow and narrowed her eyes.
“No.” She pointed the wooden sword at him.
“You’re definitely hitting harder today.”
The smile disappeared from Alfred’s face. He looked away.
“You need to be stronger.”
She frowned. “I’ve always needed to be stronger.”
He hesitated before answering.
“You’ll need to protect yourself when you go.”
They became Silent. Isabel blinked.
“...Go where?”
Before Alfred could answer, hurried footsteps approached the training grounds. A palace guard bowed respectfully.
“Lady Isabel.”
She sighed dramatically.
“If Father wants another lecture about behaving like a proper lady, tell him I’m busy losing.”
Alfred laughed. The guard didn’t.
“The Alpha requests your presence immediately.”
The smile slowly faded from Isabel’s face.
“Immediately?”
“Yes, my lady.”
She exchanged one last glance with Alfred. He forced a reassuring smile.
“I’ll see you later.” Something in his voice felt... different, but Isabel couldn’t explain why.
The pack house was unusually quiet. As soon as Isabel stepped inside, she knew something was wrong.
Her father stood near the great windows with his hands clasped behind his back. Her mother sat nearby, worry written across her face.
Her older brother stood silently beside one of the carved pillars. Her younger sister remained seated, arms folded across her chest, she pouted like she was angry, she was always angry.
Everyone was waiting. “For me?” Isabel asked. Her father turned.
“Sit.”
“I’d rather stand.”
His expression didn’t change. “As you wish.”
Silence settled over the room. Finally, he spoke.
“I have reached an agreement with the Crown.”
Isabel frowned.
“What kind of agreement?” Her eyes met his.
“You are to marry His Majesty...”
He paused. “...King Lucas of Blackthorne.”
The words seemed to steal the air from the room. For a long moment, Isabel simply stared at him. Then she laughed, a short, disbelieving laugh.
“...You’re joking.”
No one answered. Her smile slowly disappeared.
“You’re serious.”
Her father’s silence was all the confirmation she needed.
“You’ve promised me away?”
“This marriage will strengthen the alliance between Silver wood and the Crown.”
“So that’s all I am?” Her voice rose.
“A political bargain?”
Her father’s jaw tightened. “You are the daughter of an Alpha.”
“Duty has always been part of your future.” He responded
“And what about my choice?” She asked in disbelief.
“Some responsibilities are greater than personal desires.”
Isabel looked around the room. Her mother lowered her gaze, unable to meet her daughter’s eyes. Her brother remained silent. Only her younger sister spoke.
“Do you know how many girls would dream of marrying the King?”
Isabel turned sharply. “You can have him.”
Her sister stood abruptly. “You think I want your pity?”
“No.” Isabel’s voice was calm now.
“I think you want my place.”
The room fell silent. Her father stepped forward.
“The decision has already been made.”
“There is nothing left to discuss.”
Isabel’s hands clenched into fists. She wanted to scream, to argue, to refuse But looking at her father’s face...She knew it wouldn’t matter.
Without another word, she turned and walked out of the hall. The heavy doors closed behind her. As she crossed the palace corridor, two passing servants lowered their voices.
“Have you heard?”
“About the King?”
“They say every woman promised to him ends up dead.”
Isabel’s footsteps faltered. The second servant swallowed nervously.
“Some even whisper...that he doesn’t remember killing them.”
Isabel stood frozen. For the first time since hearing the marriage announcement. Fear settled into her heart. She knew this would happen someday, she thought she was prepared for this. But obviously she wasn’t.
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