CHAPTER SIX
1553 Words
After a long journey back to the Obsidian Moon Pack, Thorian led Asmeria through the grand corridors of his palace, the luxurious surroundings making her eyes widen in awe.
It was way, way, way better than Cedric's palace, she noted, and more elegant as well.
The walls were adorned with various paintings, pictures and ornaments and the floor beneath their feet felt like a soft caress.
Finally, they reached a set of elaborate double doors, and Thorian pushed them open to reveal a beautifully decorated room.
Asmeria stepped inside, taking in the beauty that surrounded her. The room was bathed in warm hues, with large windows that allowed the soft moonlight to filter through.
The bed was draped with rich fabrics, and the furniture seemed to be meticulously chosen for both comfort and style.
Thorian watched her reaction with a subtle smile. "I hope you find the room to your liking. You can always add your personal touch. Tomorrow, we can go shopping, and you can get whatever you need."
Asmeria turned to him, a smile on her face. "It's... it's beautiful. Thank you."
He nodded, gesturing toward a door. "Your private bath is through there." He turned back to Asmeria, "Tomorrow, we can also go shopping for any clothes thay you desire. However, for tonight, we have some sleeping attire prepared for you."
"Thank you," Asmeria replied, a soft smile on her lips.
She looked towards the large and marvelous bed; it seemed cozy and soft but it would definitely be uncomfortable without her mate by her side, without Thorian by her side.
She was now fated with him and all she craved was to be with him always, never–ending and to forever be by his side.
Her gaze lowered, and she hesitated before speaking up, "Um, Thorian, aren't I supposed to... well, sleep in your room?"
Thorian's eyes softened, and he chuckled lightly. "I would love that, but I was considering how you might feel about it. We've barely known each other, and I want to ensure you're comfortable. I wouldn't want to presume anything."
He stepped closer to her, his strong hands gently wrapping around her waist.
His silver eyes locked onto hers and in a low, husky voice, he spoke, "I wouldn't mind having you in my bed, tasting you again, but I don't want to rush things. What happened earlier was because of the mate bond that needed to be consummated. Otherwise, I would have taken things slower."
Asmeria's cheeks flushed as she met Thorian's intense gaze.
Wow. She had never expected that such a man—a man that was known for his ruthlessness, his blood spilling tendencies and disputes, could be this nice and considerate towards her.
Was this what love could do?
"I appreciate your honesty," she replied, her voice slightly breathless.
He leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "We have time, Asmeria. There's no need to rush anything. I want you to feel comfortable with me."
He gently cupped her face, his eyes still locked unto hers. "We could go on a date anytime you're ready. I want to get to know you better, understand your likes and dislikes," he proposed, a soft smile playing on his lips. "And you should get to know me better as well."
Asmeria's heart fluttered at his words, and she nodded in agreement. "I'd like that," she replied, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation.
He smiled and then captured her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the moment, savoring each other's lips. Eventually, they pulled back, both wearing smiles.
"I shall leave you to rest now." Thorian said.
"Goodnight, my Alpha." She smiled, placing a kiss on his cheek.
He took her hand, placing a kiss on it. "Goodnight, my Lady." He replied and with that, he gave her one last glance before he turned and left the room.
-:-
Asmeria stood in her bedroom, surrounded by an array of dresses.
After careful consideration, she chose an elegant gown. The dress was a rich shade of midnight blue, adorned with silver embroidery that accentuated the curves of the fabric. The sweetheart neckline and flowing skirt added a touch of regality to her appearance.
Today was the celebration dinner that Thorian's father had organized.
He had insisted that one must hold, to celebrate the fact that both his Kingdom and Cediric's were now united by marriage.
Asmeria wasn't looking forward to it, and she knew her step siblings weren't either.
As she admired herself in the mirror, reveling in the beauty of the gown, a deep voice resonated through the room. "You look stunning,"
She swung around to see Thorian standing in the doorway with a pleased expression on his face.
A faint blush colored her cheeks at his compliment.
"Thank you," she responded, a soft smile gracing her lips.
Thorian stepped closer, his hand gently wrapping around Asmeria's waist from behind. He pressed a tender kiss to her cheek.
"Is it too early for me to say that I love you so much?" Thorian asked, placing a kiss on her neck.
She giggled, goosebumps on her skin from the neck kiss. "I don't think so—it's been a week already." she smiled, "And I love you too."
His hands slid down her waist, resting on the protrude of her hips. "Hmm…you look sexy in this dress. I almost want to take it off…and f**k you before you head downstairs." He whispered into her ears and her breath hitched at his flirtatiousness.
Whenever he said things like that to her, it aroused her deeply. She shut her eyes, her hands now resting above his.
He nibbled on her ears gently, "But I'm a gentleman," he paused, his breath raspy. "I'll save my dessert for later."
Just as the moment seemed to linger, a knock on the door echoed through the room.
He let out a frustrated groan, "Who's that interrupting now?"
She chuckled, "Come in."
The door opened to reveal a guard who announced, "Lady Asannah and Alpha Cedric have arrived, Your Highness."
Thorian and Asmeria exchanged a look.
They were here. Asmeria felt her heart beginning to thud faster at the prospects of them arriving.
She had half–expected them to honour the invitation and now that they had done so, she couldn't help but fret on what was going to happen.
Were they here to sabotage it or had they come to accept the fact that she and Thorian were now together?
No. Asmeria knew that Asannah could never come to terms with all of these…never. She hated losing, and apparently she had to just to her — Asmeria, the lesser version of her.
"Darling…" Thorian gently tapped on her shoulder and she was knocked out of her thoughts.
She blinked, turning to face him. "I should uhm…I should go see them in." She said,.
Thorian nodded, "I'll meet you at the table then." He said and placed a kiss on her forehead.
-:-
Asannah and Cedric stepped into the grandeur of the palace.
Immediately they did, Asannah leaned toward Cedric, her voice low "Cedric, we can't let Asmeria go through with this. This is your last chance. Reject the marriage. I'm not going to let her have what I want."
Cedric sighed, torn between his loyalty to his sister and the practicality of the situation. "Asannah, you know I despise Asmeria as much as you do. But this alliance is crucial for our pack. I won't let our personal feelings ruin it." He reasoned.
"We have to endure this for the sake of our kingdom. Won't it be nice to brag that we are alliances with his kingdom?" He further asked.
"That's it? You're going to marry Asmeria off to Thorian just for some alliance and bragging rights?" Asannah spat out.
Cedric met her gaze, his expression resolute. "It's not just about bragging rights, Asannah. This alliance would strengthen our pack. Thorian's pack is powerful, and having them as allies would ensure our safety and prosperity."
Asannah's frustration intensified. "Is that more important than my happiness? You're just sacrificing me for some political maneuvering."
Cedric sighed. "Asannah, it's not about sacrificing you. It's about securing the future of our pack. You'll find another husband, and I'll make sure he's a suitable match."
Her eyes narrowed, "So, you're just going to stand by and watch me suffer for the sake of this alliance? I don't want nobody else. Thorian is meant to be mine, not Asmeria's. Ruin this for her."
He placed a hand on her shoulder, "Asannah, he's already mates with Asmeria. There's nothing you can do to change that. We need this alliance for the pack's future. You have to let it go."
Her eyes flashed with anger, and she clenched her fists. "Let it go? You're asking me to give up on the one thing I've ever truly wanted? No, Cedric, I won't. I must stop this wedding, no matter what."
Cedric sighed, recognizing the futility of reasoning with his sister. "Asannah, please—"
Ignoring his plea, Asannah stormed away…
Thorian and Asmeria were never going to get married —not on her watch, and she would make sure of it today.
- Writer
