The Woman He Couldn’t Forget
1020 Words
The morning after the wedding, Selene woke before sunrise.
For a few peaceful seconds, she forgot where she was.
Then she saw the luxurious bedroom around her.
The royal palace.
The east wing.
The room assigned to the unwanted Luna.
She closed her eyes.
It hadn’t been a nightmare.
She truly was married to the most powerful Lycan King in the world…
…a man who had already told her she would never have his heart.
A knock sounded at the door.
Three maids entered, carrying trays of expensive dresses, sparkling jewelry, and breakfast.
The oldest among them bowed politely.
“Good morning, Your Majesty.”
Selene smiled faintly.
“You don’t have to call me that.”
The maids exchanged nervous glances.
“We must. The King gave strict orders that everyone should address you as the Luna.”
Her heart skipped.
He gave that order?
Maybe…
Maybe he didn’t hate her completely.
The hope barely had time to bloom before another maid whispered,
“He only gave the order because the elders insisted.”
The small flame inside her died instantly.
One maid placed a sapphire blue gown on the bed.
“The King requests your presence at breakfast.”
Selene nodded.
“I’ll be there.”
The royal dining hall was enormous.
Golden chandeliers sparkled overhead while nobles sat around a table long enough to seat fifty people.
As Selene entered, every conversation stopped.
Eyes followed her.
Judging.
Mocking.
Curious.
She lowered her gaze and quietly walked toward the empty seat beside Kael.
Before she could sit
A woman slammed her hand onto the chair.
“I’m sitting there.”
Selene looked up.
Lady Vivienne.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, with long platinum blonde hair and emerald eyes that seemed almost hypnotic.
She wore a crimson dress that clung elegantly to her figure.
The room became silent.
Everyone knew.
Vivienne had once been Kael’s lover.
Everyone also knew…
…she had expected to become Queen.
Vivienne smiled sweetly.
“Surely a servant knows her place.”
Laughter echoed around the table.
Selene stepped back.
“I’ll sit somewhere else.”
Before she could move
Kael spoke.
“Sit.”
His voice carried the authority of a king.
Selene froze.
Vivienne blinked.
“My King?”
“I said…”
Kael looked directly at Selene.
“Sit beside me.”
Without another word, Selene obeyed.
Vivienne’s perfect smile cracked for the first time.
She slowly took another seat farther down the table.
But the hatred in her eyes promised revenge.
Breakfast was painfully quiet.
Selene barely touched her food.
Kael worked through official documents without looking at anyone.
Vivienne suddenly laughed.
“I heard something amusing yesterday.”
Several nobles leaned closer.
“A maid became Queen overnight.”
More laughter.
“I wonder how long she’ll last.”
Someone added,
“Perhaps until the King finds a way to reject the bond.”
Another noble nodded.
“There are ancient rituals.”
“They’re dangerous…”
“But possible.”
Selene’s fingers tightened around her spoon.
Reject the bond?
Was that really possible?
She secretly glanced toward Kael.
He remained expressionless.
He didn’t deny it.
Her chest tightened.
Would he really go that far?
After breakfast, Selene wandered into the palace gardens.
The flowers were breathtaking.
White roses.
Blue lilies.
Moon orchids.
For the first time since arriving, she smiled.
“They’re beautiful.”
“They bloom because of Moon energy.”
She turned.
An elderly gardener stood nearby, smiling warmly.
Unlike everyone else, his eyes held kindness.
“My Queen.”
“You don’t have to bow.”
He chuckled.
“I’ve served this palace for seventy years.”
“I recognize kindness when I see it.”
Selene helped him water the flowers.
“You shouldn’t be doing this,” the old man said.
“I’m used to it.”
“I’ve worked since I was twelve.”
He paused.
“Twelve?”
She nodded.
“My parents died.”
“I grew up serving noble families.”
The old man’s expression softened.
“No wonder the Moon Goddess chose you.”
Selene looked confused.
“Why me?”
“The Moon Goddess never chooses pride.”
“She chooses strength.”
Inside the palace
Vivienne stood before Kael’s private office.
She entered without knocking.
“You embarrassed me.”
Kael didn’t lift his head.
“You embarrassed yourself.”
“You made that servant sit beside you.”
“She is my Luna.”
Vivienne’s smile disappeared.
“You don’t love her.”
“No.”
“You love me.”
Silence.
Vivienne stepped closer.
“Then reject the bond.”
Kael finally looked at her.
His silver eyes were unreadable.
“You know that’s impossible.”
“You’ve always done the impossible.”
She reached for his hand.
He stepped away.
The movement felt like a knife through her heart.
“You shouldn’t touch me anymore.”
Vivienne stared in disbelief.
“Because of her?”
“Because she’s my wife.”
The words echoed through the room.
For the first time…
Kael himself seemed surprised he’d said them.
Outside…
Selene unknowingly walked toward the forbidden northern forest.
The palace guards shouted.
“Your Majesty!”
“Stop!”
But it was too late.
The moment she crossed the invisible boundary
The entire forest came alive.
Silver wolves emerged from the shadows.
Dozens of them.
Their glowing eyes fixed on her.
The guards drew their swords.
“Protect the Luna!”
Instead of attacking…
Every wolf lowered its head.
One by one.
They bowed.
The oldest wolf stepped forward.
Its golden eyes shimmered with recognition.
Then, in a deep, ancient voice, it spoke.
“Welcome home…”
“…Your True Queen.”
The guards gasped.
“Wolves don’t speak!”
“They only obey the Lycan King!”
Yet every wolf remained kneeling before Selene.
Miles away, Kael suddenly froze in the middle of a meeting.
His wolf growled inside him.
Mate…
Kael shot to his feet.
Something had happened.
And for the first time since the wedding…
Fear gripped the heart of the Lycan King.
- Writer
