HIS HATED FATED MATE

Lillian gazed at her reflection in the mirror with unwavering focus, feeling tears well up in her eyes. The empire-style gown she was clad in was a light blue hue that perfectly matched her captivating sea -blue eyes, giving her an otherworldly presence. Her long, dark, wavy hair flowed down her back, and the midriff yoke waistline of the dress accentuated her slender waist. Despite her captivating beauty, her heart was burdened with grief. As she observed her reflection, tears streamed down her cheeks one after the other until Lillian was silently weeping. Hilda, her devoted maid, attempted to console her, but Lillian remained unresponsive. Hilda let out a soft sigh, understanding the reason behind Lillian's tears. She had just finished applying the lady's makeup, but couldn't bring herself to ask her to stop crying for fear of ruining her makeup. Moments later, the door swung open and Lillian's mother, Rhoda, entered. Upon witnessing the scene, she immediately implored, "Lillian, please, no crying, not today." Lillian ceased crying and turned to her mother, her eyes imploring for mercy. "Mom, can I not go?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I don't want to go. Mom, please, I'm scared." Rhoda offered no response, nor did she turn to look at Lillian. Instead, she turned to Hilda and spoke, "Redo her makeup and make sure she looks perfect." Rhoda freed her hand from Lillian's grasp and left the room without saying another word. Lillian stared at the door momentarily before redirecting her attention to her reflection in the mirror. Though she wanted to cry once more, she recollected her mother's words and refrained from doing so. Hilda's heart broke more for her lady as she began to redo Lillian's makeup. She knew that Lillian was being sent away to a fate worse than death, and it killed her to see her lady like this. Meanwhile, Rhoda hastened away from Lillian's room before she broke down. When she was far enough from Lillian's room, Rhoda leaned on the wall and broke down, tears pooling in her eyes as Lillian's words replayed in her head. "Mom, please can I not go?" She had begged her, her daughter had begged to be spared from this cup, but there was nothing she could do. She had acted cold and firm in front of Lillian, but the truth was that this was killing her as well. Rhoda hurried to her room, trying to compose herself before she saw her husband, William. When she walked into her room, she immediately met with William, who, on seeing her red eyes, immediately knew she had been crying. "No, Rhoda, no, for the moon goddess sake, we can't do this now, we already discussed this," he chided her. Rhoda immediately started crying again, her body shaking with sobs. "I don't think I can do this, William. I don't think I can send her there. Who knows how she'll be treated there? It will be like hell for her. I can't do it. I just can't." William comforted her, his voice soft and gentle. "Shh, shh, it's ok. I understand." After a few moments of silence, William suddenly asked, "Then who should go?" Rhoda stopped crying and looked at William, completely taken aback. "You don't really think I would send Gilly there, do you?" he asked her. Rhoda couldn't reply, her mind racing with thoughts of her daughters, both of whom she loved dearly. However, she realized that she couldn't save Lillian, not now, not when the alpha king's men awaited her. "Listen carefully, this is your mess, so you will rectify it, understand?" William said with a firm tone. Rhoda nodded feebly, knowing that she had no choice. "Now get up and wipe your tears, we have to send her off," William said before turning around and leaving the room. Rhoda was left standing alone in the room, her heart heavy with sorrow. She understood that she would not see her daughter again, not after today. Upon exiting the mansion, Lillian was met with the familiar visages of the staff and the solemn countenances of her family. Her stepsister, Gilly, stood closest to her, wearing a mix of sorrow and resentment. Lillian observed that Gilly's eyes were red and teary, and she felt a pang of guilt for leaving her behind. Lillian noticed the sinister grin on Gilly's face, which quickly morphed into a mournful expression. Lillian approached her mother, who stood with an expressionless face, her eyes swollen and red. Lillian knew her mother had been crying, and it comforted her to know that she wasn't the only one suffering. "Take care," Rhoda murmured, her voice barely discernible. Lillian nodded, attempting to hold back her tears. She embraced her mother tightly, sensing a profound sense of despair wash over her. Lillian nodded, comprehending the gravity of his words. She understood that she was being sent to the alpha king as a pawn in a political maneuver and had to be cautious not to imperil her family's safety. With the farewells concluded, Lillian turned to Hilda, who stood behind her with a mournful expression. "I'll miss you, Hilda," Lillian murmured, her voice barely audible. "I'll miss you too, my lady," Hilda replied, attempting to force a smile but failing. Lillian reached out and embraced Hilda, feeling a sense of comfort in her warm arms. Upon releasing the hug, she cast one last glance at the palace, her heart heavy with grief. As she turned to depart, she caught her mother's gaze, their eyes locking. Lillian weakly smiled, attempting to reassure her that she would be alright. The carriage door creaked open, and Lillian stepped inside, Hilda following closely behind. As the carriage set into motion, Lillian peered out of the window, observing as the palace faded into the distance. The reality of her predicament struck her like a ton of bricks. She was being sent to the alpha king, a man rumored to be merciless and cruel. She had heard tales of his brutality, of how he ruled with an iron grip. Lillian's heart raced with trepidation as the carriage continued on its journey. She knew she had to muster courage, but it was challenging when faced with the unknown. As the hours passed, the scenery outside the window transformed, becoming more rugged and unforgiving. Lillian comprehended that she was nearing her destination, and her anxiety surged. Finally, the carriage halted in front of a grand castle, its walls towering above her. Lillian's heart sank as she realized that this was her new abode, her confinement. The door swung open, and Lillian stepped out, her legs trembling with fear. She gazed up at the castle, her eyes fixed on the alpha king's banner, soaring high above the walls. She knew she had to be brave, but it was a daunting task when faced with the harsh reality. She was a mere pawn in a political maneuver, a game she couldn't decipher. As she ventured inside the castle, Lillian comprehended that her life would never be the same. She was entering a realm of darkness and fear, a realm where she would have to fight to survive. Nonetheless, she was resolute in making the best of the situation, to endure and flourish in this new world. She drew in a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges that lie ahead. And with that, Lillian stepped into the unknown, her heart heavy with sorrow and her spirit resolved to endure.