The Offering

KingAzazel

King Azazel was a great King. Always looking out for his people. The council has called for a meeting with the King. He knew what they wanted and also knew that he could not continue to push them off.

“The meeting has begun. Please address your concerns,” Azazel announced to the council.

They all began with the same concern that they all share.

“Your Highness, the kingdom needs a queen.”

“It has been over a century since the passing of the fallen Queen.”

“You need to provide an heir to the throne, King Azazel.”

Azazel had already thought this through and had already made up his mind. He knew this was the matter that they would want to discuss. He spent the evening prior mulling over this decision.

His first chosen mate Bryer Lockwood, was the winner of the last offering. They became great friends, and both understood the duty of their relationship.

Bryer unfortunately was lost during an attack unforeseen by rogues nearly a century ago. Mere weeks after her coronation. They found out after her death she was with child.

Azazel blamed himself and his status for their death. He spent years through the guilt and not wanting another innocent dying at the cost of who he is. He knew he wouldn’t be able to avoid it forever though.

“I understand your reasons and your concerns. Send forth the letters. Inform the packs that in one week they will need to present their offering.” Azazel spoke with dominance.

The elder council went to work writing each letter and hand delivering it to their packs Alpha. They knew after centuries of The Offering rumors began. Stories changed over the years of what The Offering truly was and scared some packs. They knew this was what was needed for their species. Stories were just that, stories.

‘All packs are receiving this letter to signify that in seven days an offering is to be presented to the King. In one week, the royal guard will come to each pack to retrieve The Offering. To deny an offering is an act of war amongst the Royal Kingdom. This has been the way of life for centuries before us and will be for centuries to pass. This is the peace treaty, and it is to be held. May the Goddess be with you.’

Each letter was signed by the elder and sealed with the royal seal.

They made sure each letter would be received by the end of day. Enough time for each pack to select their chosen and present their offering.

Azazel then linked his maids and omegas, ‘All must prepare the guest floor for company. In one week, The Offering will be held, and the trials will begin.’

Azazel retreated to his study for the evening. His eyes fell on the maroon wall covered in pictures of each King of the past. His eyes stared down at the ancestor they all knew too well. The one who started it all, Lewis Kane.

Refusing a mate to only take another as his queen later. Azazel was raised on the stories of his great grandfather Lewis Kane and how he enraged the Goddess of the moon.

The only time the Goddess ever graced the earth with her presence was to put a curse on them. Azazel never blamed her for the curse. Only his great-grandfather was to blame.

Azazel always found himself wondering about the mate bond. Bryer was killed before their marking ritual. He never felt the pull to another as what was described before him. Azazel was one hundred and thirty-four years old and only could hope for a bond. Even if it was a chosen soulmate.

He wondered about the thought of love. To be in love and to be loved in return. He knew he would never get the chance because of the ignorance and selfishness of his great grandfather.

Azazel pushed the thoughts from his mind to focus on the true matter at hand. The Offering.

Over the course of the next few days Azazel’s pack worked hard, preparing for the upcoming Offering. Getting the rooms ready for the guests. The Royal planners were preparing for each upcoming meeting, event, and dinner that would be held.

Azazel knew an unexpected guest would be making their arrival. He opened the door to his study before they could even knock.

“Hello mother.”

“Azazel, darling, you could have informed me personally of the upcoming events. Instead of me overhearing it from the dining hall.” His mother said as she made her way into the study.

“I didn’t think it was a big deal mother. This isn’t my first Offering.” Azazel said as he pulled out a chair for his mother.

“Not a big deal son. Azazel Kane. This is more than some random event. You will be given a chosen mate. A queen to stand beside you. Mother of your children. I know what happened to Bryer hangs over you. That was not your fault. That fault lies with those who took her life.” She tells him.

“Mother.” Azazel groans.

“Over time, I grew love for your father. This is more than some business deals. Find the love in your heart for the one you will spend the rest of your life with son. His mother tells him.

She gives him a hug and leaves him to his thoughts.

Azazel’s mother had gone through the trials herself. Growing up his mother and father were happy and shared love with one another.

Azazel took his mother’s words to heart and decided he would try to open a little. Try to get to know them. He thought of a few changes he could make since he was King after all.

He sat at his large mahogany desk and began tapping the pen in his hand against his jaw. He was hesitant but knew it was now or never. He began changing some of the trial papers.

He didn’t want what had happened before to happen again, but he also wanted to believe in his mother’s advice. He read the papers in his hand over and over. He wanted to make sure the documents were to his likes and standards.

With a deep breath, a long sigh, and a stone look of determination, he signed the papers making them official. There was no turning back.

He finalized them with his family’s royal seal and set them out to be given to the elders and filed. He looked to the moon silently and prayed that this was the right call and that maybe one-day things could change for the better.