Game of Mate

[Crystal]

The sound of a bugle startled me when I was with my masters in the library. It was a sign that an important guest had arrived with unknown intentions. I tried to remain calm as the people around me looked at me anxiously. They must have feared it was a sign of war.

'My Princess,' Father addressed me through the mind link. 'Be ready. The time has come.'

My heart was beating rapidly at his instructions. I looked at my servants and urged them to come with me. After saying goodbye to my teachers, I went to my chamber upstairs.

Mother must have told the makeup artists to prepare because they were already in my bedroom. They moved quickly to undress me. One team put me in a white dress and blue coat, another did my makeup, and the last squad arranged my hair.

I marched to the throne room. Father chose that hall because we had numerous guests, and the palace dignitaries were also present to welcome the visitors. I knew who was coming but didn't expect him to bring so many people.

"You're lying! Celyn cannot be gone! I was with her just before the Queen Mother died. You held a funeral but didn't show me her body. Breaking an agreement is a grave crime," Alpha Boaz stated.

"We are getting married in three days. You must have faked her death to keep me from becoming king of this land. Admit it, King Connor. You threw a big engagement party but didn't agree to an anonymous Alpha like me being your successor, did you?"

"You won't be king of this land, Boaz," Father corrected, "but King Consort. My successor will be my daughter, Celyn. She will be the first queen of this land. Unfortunately ...." His voice trembled.

I felt a pain in my chest, hearing my father grieve. He was mourning the passing of the mother who had given birth to him. At the same time, his eldest daughter died at the hands of Rogue, our sworn enemy. Although her body wasn't found, we all knew she was dead.

"Celyn is gone. You may believe it or not, but we all felt it. You know what happens when a member of our pack leaves forever. We felt two unbearable sorrows when my mother and daughter died," Father explained.

Alpha Boaz chuckled. "So, what's the next plan? Are we breaking our agreement?"

"I will keep my promise. You will still marry my daughter on Saturday." That was a sign from Father. Therefore, the door in front of me opened. "Crystal, Celyn's twin sister, will be the future queen in my place."

"May the Moon Goddess always protect you, Your Royal Highness." People lowered their bodies as I passed in front of them.

My heart was beating rapidly without me being able to control it. I knew they heard it but didn't show it through their expressions. I strolled before Alpha Boaz as I approached the throne and sat on my father's left side.

My body trembled, and my eyes wanted to stare at only one figure in this place, but I restrained myself from degrading myself before everyone. It was impossible. How could this be possible? How could he be my destined mate?

"Is this a trick? You've never told me Celyn has a twin sister," Alpha Boaz accused. "Wait. Are you afraid I'll ask both of them to be my wives?"

There was a myth in our kingdom that had yet to be proven true. Twins desired the same thing. Thankfully, Celyn and I had very different tastes in everything.

Celyn liked red, cold food, physical activity, and meeting many people. I loved blue, warm food, brain-engaging activities, and being alone. Therefore, she had many friends, while I had only a few.

When we met Alpha Boaz at a party, she recognized him as her destined mate. I didn't feel anything towards him. That guy wasn't my type. Besides, his aura scared me. So, we wouldn't fight over being his wife.

"Watch your language," I reminded him. "You're talking to the King of the Southern Kingdom, not some ordinary person in your pack. Even though you're the most powerful Alpha in the land, we have enough warriors to finish you off for your disrespect."

My heart was pounding, and my breathing was labored, but I ventured to state my opinion. Celyn would easily reprimand anyone rude because she had been raised to be a queen since childhood. It was new to me.

However, everyone was silent, including Father and Mother. The people in the hall held their breath, either stunned by my boldness or worried about Alpha Boaz's reaction. I guessed it was the latter that kept them silent.

"I apologize, Princess," he said politely, much to my relief. He turned back to Father. "If you're serious about this, you must keep your promise. I will bring my future wife home with me. It is part of the tradition."

"You and your party must be tired after the long journey. Take some rest. You can leave tomorrow in good spirits," Father suggested.

"Your Majesty is too kind," Alpha Boaz reluctantly responded.

"I insist. Moreover, you can meet my daughter at dinner. There is a feast to welcome you in the hall. I also want to entertain my people for helping me with my mother's funeral. So, your arrival is just in perfect time," Father pointed out.

"Your Majesty," he replied obediently.

Father glanced at me before turning around and leaving with Mother through the side door. Their bodyguards accompanied them. I stood up and walked over to Alpha Boaz. He bowed his head to me.

"Your Royal Highness," he greeted politely.

I gave him my hand. "Just call me Crystal. I'll be your wife."

He kissed my hand. "I wouldn't dare," he refused.

Alpha Boaz released my hand. He looked taller when I stood close to him. His strong aura made me tremble, even though he was only an Alpha. My position was higher than his as the daughter of the Royal Lycan. No wonder he was the strongest Alpha in the Southern Kingdom.

"Come, I'll show you your chambers," I invited.

"No," he refused again. "That's not your job. Just have the servants escort us to our rooms. I'll see you at dinner."

"Do you realize you've defied my orders twice?" I challenged him.

"I dare not, Princess." He bowed his head. "As your future husband, I am obligated to maintain your honor. People would gossip if they knew you were in my room."

I stared at him for a moment. He seemed sincere. I watched his face intently. Celyn and everyone else was right. He couldn't know it. The curse on his pack was real. How should I tell him I was his destined mate?