*LILAC*

Every second that ticks draws me closer to my doom, in less than twelve hours, my life will take a drastic turn.

I bite back the tears that have been threatening to fall since I was told I would get married to the Prince of the werewolf city. It is the night to my wedding, and I can hear as Nina and Dad make arrangements towards it.

Chairs scrape against each other, low chatters from the maids and the subtle music playing is enough to remind me of my pending disaster.

I am Nineteen, and I am getting married, I didn't even get the chance to go to college. If anyone ever told me this was going to happen, I would only have laughed at the joke, but staring at my wedding dress that hangs against my door, I can tell this is no joke. I, Lilac Hirav, am getting married tomorrow.

Funny how unexpected things take place much to one's dismay.

The knock on my door draws me out of my thoughts and my Father walks in. "Dad," I greet.

Dad sighs and settles down on the bed beside me, the bed dipping as his weight presses down on it. He stays silent for a while and then he speaks. "My little Lili is getting married, how time flies." He grins as he says that, but even I can see through it and detect the fakeness.

I shrug, "Indeed how time flies, who knew I would be getting married to a Lycan Prince? I mean, it's quite hilarious."

"You know it is against my power to do anything about it, His Excellency already signed the agreement.."

"He signed the agreement for Milo, not me. What am I even to do, do I have to bear her name too?"

"The Prime Minister knows that Milo isn't the bride, so you will keep your name... Lili, this is for the best," Dad says.

For the best, not my best. Ever since my mother died, everything I did in this household has always been for the best even if my best is not included.

I blame the prime minister though, for using Dad's loyalty to push him to marry Nina because if Dad had not married Nina, I would probably not be in this mess. Fucking selfish Monarch, only I wish I could say that out loud.

"It is for the best," I agree with Dad, pushing back the tears that threatened to fall. "And on that note, I would like to be alone," I add and lay back down on my small bed, turning swiftly to the other side.

"Lili—"

"Dad, can't I just get a little space? I'm getting married tomorrow which means my life is certainly going to change, I should at least savour my last minutes in this home!" I choke out, my lips trembling as I speak, heavens, I hate this!

"Fine" The bed creaks as he stands to leave. "You know I love you right?"

No, you don't! Your stupid loyalty to the Monarch is messing with your brain Father, and it is only a while before you realize it. I do not say the words I wish to say, instead, I grunt a reply and he sighs before leaving me to myself.

The silence triggers my depressed state and I start to sob into my pillow.

[]

"Wow, you look beautiful Miss Lilac," one of the maids gushes as she accompanies me to the convoy sent by the prime minister to pick me up.

"Indeed she is, just like her Mother," Dad comments as he too steps in beside me, the pain in his voice is evident.

"Mr Hirav." The maid bows and then hurries back into the house. I glance at my home —or at least it once felt like it — for the last time and then ease myself into the Passenger's side of the car.

Milo and Nina soon appear looking even more dressed than I, the bride. What was I to expect though? It has always been their dream to have me thrown out of the house, so they will not miss the chance to send my head off on a silver platter.

The drive to the chapel is painfully slow, although I appreciate it.

Dad tries to make small talk with me but when he sees I do not give any response except for low grunts and unnecessary nods, he gives up, thankfully. I am not ready to talk to him, not now and maybe not ever.

"It is for the best Marlon, Look on the bright side of it, Lilac gets to be a princess, isn't that beautiful?" Nina's annoying words breaks the silence in the car. Can she just keep quiet?

"It is a good thing, and we are happy about it. Right, Lilac?" Milo says in agreement with her mother, but even the intended mocking beneath her tone is clear.

Before I can form a retort, the car pulls up to a stop and I can feel my breath hitch when I notice we have arrived at the chapel. My fists tighten on my white dress, my knuckles turning pale as Father gets down from his side of the car and comes over to mine to pull the door open.

When he does, he holds out his arms and shakily I slip mine into it. The subtle playing of 'Ed Sheeran's Perfect' fills up the chapel as Father begins to walk me inside.

If I am not scared as hell right now, I will scoff at their choice of song, because I sure do not feel perfect at this point. Probably 'Metallica's Trapped Under Ice' would have been the perfect marching-in song, after all, that's how I feel now.

"Relax Lili," Father rubs his fingers over mine and even though I am still vexed at him, I cannot help but relax in his ever-safe arms.

The moment I step into the auditorium, and the half-filled congregation turns to stare at me, it becomes so real that I am getting married. I bite my lip, keeping my head lowered as Father leads me to my soon-to-be husband.

Every girl dreams about it, every woman looks forward to it — the white dress, the beautiful flowers, the perfect walk down the aisle to the man they love.

I am getting it all except I am not walking down the aisle to the man I love, I am walking down the aisle with my Father to be given away to a creature we've been told is ruthless, they will snap off your neck in one second if you cross them, or at least that's what we were told.

"We are here," Father whispers to me, pulling me to an abrupt halt, I still do not look up. I faintly hear the priest ask. "Who gives this lady up as a bride to this man." My father replies and in so doing he lets go of my hands, I almost cry out at the loss of contact, except I do not expect the long slender hands that cover mine in place of Father's, and then I finally look up.

My eyes meet the blue well-tailored suit of my husband before it finally reaches his face, and when it does.. I am transfixed, almost to a stupor, because this man standing before me is in total contrast to what I grew up learning about Lycans, he is not big burly and hairy like they said, see he is gorgeous, no not just gorgeous, I mean drop-dead-hold-your-fucking-heart-before-it-falls gorgeous.

The next thing I see are his eyes, eyes the colour of the freaking ocean, and the swirls in it like the sea waves crashing against each other.

His hair, long jet black with strands of grey standing out, he has it packed to the back. He is tall, like a 6'5 to my 5'5, and his abs! My eyes almost pop out of its socket. This man is a freaking walking candy, square tight muscles almost ripping out of his suit, add his perfectly chiselled well shaved jaw — Fuck!

"Do you, Kael Aspen take Lilac Hirav...." The priest's voice fades off as I am in a trance as he asks us to say our vows and I spit it out like I am being controlled, but then he announces. "You may now kiss the bride." And my husband leans in, hot breath fanning my neck, there is no doubt or hesitation in his eyes as they peer down at me. But even so, I can read his unsaid words, his message is as clear as daylight: Welcome to my world.

PS: he didn't kiss me.

--------

"Oh my gee, Lilac. I will so miss you, the house will not be the same without you in it." Milo's estranged fake voice follows me as my husband leads me into his waiting car. My husband — it still feels weird on my tongue.

"Lilac, make sure you call okay!" Nina calls out, sniffing. Goddamn fakers, anyone hearing them would think they care for me like they are trying to paint. My grip tightens on my husband's — Kael's hands as I whip back and turn to face my stepmother and her daughter.

"I will call, stepmother," I bite out, all the bitterness I have tried so hard to keep drips out of my words. I do not even miss Milo's jealous looks as she checks out Kael, she looks like she wants to swallow him whole. Did she not freaking refuse to marry him, nowt she looks like she wants to kill me with her eyes. Bitch.

"That's great Lilac, we will be expecting your call," Nina replies, God, she should drop the act already. I scan the surroundings for my Dad, but it seems like he disappeared after the service. I felt a pang of hurt in my chest, he could not even wait to see me off.

"I think we should leave now, we have to get back to the North City before nighttime." Kael''s voice which I might probably take a while to get used to, floats into my ears.

I visibly blanch, I take one last look at Nina and Milo, and I slip into the car. Kael places his hand over the roof of the car and then slips in beside me.

Fuck my life.

--------

*LILAC*

The drive is silent and I try my best to scoot away from my husband's side and stay as far as possible. Even if he is a very fine man to look at, he is still a Lycan which also means he has an animalistic side to him and I do not want to see that.

I sigh as I look out through the tinted windows, watching Lyria fade out before my eyes. I have known the rout walls of this city all my life and now that I am leaving, tears are threatening to fall again and I instantly blink them away. My husband probably would not be pleased at my tears.

Only if I could run. Run away from this life I am being dragged into, maybe if I can flee from entering this world I know nothing about. But can I? Trapped in this million-dollar car with a man I barely know and who is now my husband, can my life ever be perfect? I guess not.

My life has been cursed ever since my mother died. She was my greatest joy. The only person who could bring me peace. But as time went by she began to disappear. People stopped taking me seriously because they knew I couldn't take care of myself. They started blaming me for her death. The people who should have been my closest friends started treating me differently as if I did something wrong. As if I didn't deserve my happiness. As if I was too much trouble to be around and my stepmother and her daughter never helped either.

The humming of the car engine is only what is heard, and as we near the north city, I keep dreading whatever is beyond those gates, what waits for me there. Will I see my father again? Will my new family accept me? Will I find someone new to love and care for? Maybe not, I don't think I will ever find love again.

A few minutes later we are entering North City— Lycania, my eyes stay on the trees passing us by, they seem familiar, almost like they're calling me.

The car moves on, and I see more of the city pass by through the window. This city is so much larger than Lyria, with so many different kinds of shops. It is almost as if all the buildings are built with glass, giving them a beautiful view across the city. There are trees, too, which makes it look even more amazing.

It is just as gorgeous when we drive down the main street where every house has a tree at their front yard. People have planted them everywhere, and some grow to be almost twenty feet tall. They will be beautiful and bright in autumn.

I turn my head and look out the other side of the car as we continue up the road. The trees are smaller here, but they still reach towards the sky as if they could never reach enough ground.

When the car finally stops next to a large gate, I hear the engine turning off. I open the door before Kael even has the chance to unbuckle his seatbelt. A guard is standing by the door of the car, staring down at me.

"Hello, princess," he says. He has brown hair and his eyes are dark brown. His name badge reads 'Caleb'. I stare up at him for a minute, trying to see what he sees in me, but when my eyes meet his eyes I notice something.

He stares right into mine, his expression softens and I suddenly wonder whether Kael would ever look at me that way.

I do not know why that thought crosses my mind, but it does and I don't like it. They are all Lycans, and as history told us, nothing good comes out of trusting them. Still, I am married to one, a prince at that.

"Hi." My voice is small as I reply to him.

"Take the bags, and come with us," Kael says to Caleb as he steps in beside me. I stare down at the ground as we walk past Caleb towards the big building that towers above us. A large marble staircase leads us up, where two guards stand outside.

"Your Highness, let me open the door," Caleb says, holding the door for me.

"Thank you," Kael replies and then walks past me, the sound of his footsteps echoes on the floor as I follow after him. We enter a hallway with tall walls made of marble. It seems like a palace, of course, it is a palace. The palace of the Alpha King. There are other guards stationed at each door that seem to run down the hallway. We have passed a few doors when Caleb speaks up again.

"This way," he says and then opens another set of double doors leading us into what must be our room. A massive room with white pillars in between them. Everything is white. The bed sheets, the pillows, the curtains. All except the carpet beneath my feet. It must be worth millions, and yet my steps cause it to creak beneath me.

If there is one thing I can say about this place, it's luxurious. Kael turns towards me, his face unreadable. "You may leave now, Cal"

"Yes, Your Highness." Caleb leaves, the door closing behind him. Kael is still staring at me, I do not know what to do, so I give him a faint smile. I will need to learn to use this fake smile to hide my fear of this creature.

Kael finally speaks, and he nods towards the door I had seen when we entered. ''The bathroom is that way, you can go wash up." His voice holds no emotion, nothing but a monotone voice.

A voice that sends shivers down my spine. I grab the hem of my wedding dress and push open the door, leading me into the most elegant bathroom I have ever seen. The walls are painted in a deep purple which contrasts nicely with the soft lighting.

There’s an old-fashioned bathtub in the middle, surrounded by various bottles of shampoo and conditioner. The whole room smells like fresh flowers and citrus. It's almost relaxing, but still, there's a feeling lingering underneath it all that feels more threatening than comforting.

I slowly walk over to the tub, taking note of the many mirrors. I notice something out of place as I am looking at myself in the mirror above the sink, I take a step closer and squint, my face looks pale, certainly not like a bride.

Now that I am alone, the realization hit me, and the tears I have been fighting to keep away start flowing like a river. Just some weeks ago, I was just the ghost daughter of the prime minister's second-in-command.

Now, here I am standing in a strange and unfamiliar bathroom in an unknown house in a strange land, crying uncontrollably while staring at my reflection. Because I'm married... And to a Lycan Prince at that.

-----

Having cried my eyes out, thankful that Kael had not interrupted my pity party even though I am sure he heard if he was still in the room. I lazily dragged my body out of the bathtub after bathing and shrugged on one of the robes I had seen hung up beside the mirror.

It's white, with gold trim. Perfect for bedtime. After drying my hair, I put my headband on with my still damp hair and then I tie it up in a ponytail.

I look at myself in the mirror, frowning when it makes my freckles stand out more. It's almost like they are a tattoo of their own. My reflection just looks tired.

I sigh as I walk over to the bathroom door, dreading walking back into the room, dreading meeting my very gorgeous but still a Lycan husband.

Just because he is beautiful doesn't mean he wants this kind of life with me. That doesn't mean I want to spend the rest of my life with him, still, I do not have a choice. No amount of hatred I now harbour towards Nina and her daughter can change this. This is my fate, and there is nothing anyone can do or nothing that will stop me from going through with it.

And so I take a deep breath before opening the door.

The sight of Kael standing there, his bare chest, strong arms and muscular figure makes me blush madly. He has changed from his suit and he is now wearing a tank top and sweatpants. I should have known he was here, Of course, he is here.

"I know you were crying," he says. His voice is not soft, but for a moment it seems calm and comforting. I should not revel in it, but I do.

I try to find my voice, not sure if I can keep looking straight at him without blushing any more than I already am. I take another breath before speaking, "I'm sorry, please excuse my behaviour earlier," I say with an awkward chuckle. Why am I begging? right, because he makes me so damn nervous and afraid, might I add. What will he do now? I do not know.

"Are you hungry?" He asks, not giving any hint of anger or anything else towards me.

He seems concerned about me, but I will not be fooled by it. That's the last thing I would expect from a man such as himself. "Uhm...yeah. I'm hungry," I stutter.

"You need to eat something first. Then we'll talk".

He walks over to me slowly, stopping in front of me.

He is too close, way too close. His large hands gently cup my face, while his fingers caress my cheek. A shiver goes down my spine and goosebumps appear all over my skin, making my whole body tense.

His thumb moves down from my face to gently wipe away a stray tear falling down my face, causing goosebumps to rise again,

I feel lightheaded. What the fuck is he doing to me? Why does it affect me like this? I do not like this, I don't understand how I am supposed to survive this. My stupid hormones are causing my heart to beat faster than usual. It is getting hard to breathe, my mouth starts feeling dry. I suddenly feel like I need water.

This feels too much. Too intimate. Too dangerous.

I open my eyes, hoping to get rid of the feeling. I need space. But no matter how far, he keeps getting closer until our bodies are pressed together. Our faces are inches apart and his gaze is piercing mine, holding my gaze captive.

Is he...going to kiss me?

-----

*LILAC*

My eyes flicker from his eyes to his lips and then back to his eyes.

Fuck this. I can't take any more of this.

I push his chest firmly with both my hands, which causes him to release me instantly.

We stare at each other. "We are married, you are going to have to learn to live with that," he says coldly. As cold as possible, contrasting his earlier concerned expression.

I nod, trying hard to control my breathing and avoid eye contact. How the hell can I look him in the eyes after what happened?

"Do you want some food or not?" he asks. His expression remains neutral.

I bite my lower lip, unsure if he wants an answer. I think he's waiting for me to reply. But I don't know what I wanna say. Is there anything I should respond with? Do I owe him an apology? Will I end up in trouble? Am I being unreasonable?

I look away. "No," is the only word I manage to force past my tightly clenched teeth. Maybe there is nothing I want more than for him to leave right now.

"What?" he asks.

I shake my head. "I do not want anything from you," I repeat my negation in a longer statement.

"You are contradicting yourself, you clearly said you were hungry a while ago," he says, raising an eyebrow at me. His voice is steady and collected, betraying none of his emotions.

I shake my head. I will not give him the satisfaction of knowing that I am scared shitless right now. Or maybe he can read my mind. "I said that I do not want anything from you," I correct.

I know it's petty, and I should be more mature and rational about this situation, but I have no idea what to do now. I do not know how to handle this, how to deal with this. I am the one married to a man I barely know, I am the one going to spend the night with a very beautiful monster if there is anything like that. Was he also forced into this marriage?

"Why did you agree to marry me, you barely even know me," I ask quietly, not wanting to raise my voice. His cold gaze scans my face. I do not know how he can switch from concerned to domineering in just seconds.

"Because it was either this or death," is all he says before leaving me alone in the bedroom.

"Because it was either this, or death."

Maybe I had heard wrong, maybe that was not what he meant to say, but he had and I could not decipher what he meant. I sigh, overthinking will not give me answers, and now my stomach seems to be rebelling against my actions earlier and I'm so damn hungry at the moment.

I didn't have breakfast this morning, Nina had insisted I take only coffee so the corset of the wedding dress would fit. The wedding dress, my wedding dress. I remember what Nina had said while I dressed up. "It has to be perfect when your husband takes it off, the highlight of your wedding. It should slip down easily."

I feel bile rise to my throat at the memory. What if he wants me to? After all it is his wedding right as my husband. Panic rises in my chest and I want nothing more than to run away.

Sex... I had never done that before. Sex with a man. I had never even kissed one before, and there are no books on how to do it or maybe there are, and I just don't read them.

My stomach feels churns and I suddenly find myself running to the bathroom.

Once inside, I try desperately to calm my breathing before vomiting into the toilet bowl but it' only making it worse, I gasp for air, feeling lightheaded. When I finally stop dry heaving I lean forward and rest my forehead on the cool porcelain.

I feel dizzy and confused. Milo should be the one here, not me. But I am the one who has married him, who is standing here in this room and is going to live probably the rest of my life with a man I have never known.

Who wants a loveless marriage with a Lycan Prince? Certainly not me, who gets it though? Well unlucky me.

Fuck my life.

I splash water on my face and make my way back to the room, the sun has gone down now, and the moonlight is starting to creep in through the window.

A part of me thinks that the darkness is comforting in an odd way, almost comforting but not quite. I sit down on the bed and slowly lay back. Maybe if I sleep before he comes, nothing will happen. Definitely.

He possibly can't rape me, or can he? I know zilch about Kael, except that he is a Lycan Prince, and even though he had shown an innate concern for me earlier, it still does not very much tell me anything about him. I sigh and close my eyes, trying to force my racing thoughts into silence but they won't leave.

He will not rape me. He is not like that. My thoughts continue, repeating this mantra as if it will somehow bring comfort and peace.

Eventually, I fall asleep.

--------

When I wake up, I'm disoriented, and in a strange place. This is unfamiliar territory. My mind is cloudy, and I struggle to remember where I am and why I came to these parts. Then everything floods back, I am married, to Kael Aspen, prince of the wolves, and he didn't rape me while I slept, thankfully.

"You are awake."

I turn slightly towards the sound of the deep, rumbling voice that greets me. It makes me shudder slightly. He stands just a few feet in front of me looking extremely handsome, his long jet black hair looks soft, unruly but pleasingly so, and he is wearing a plain white shirt, button down sleeves rolled up to his elbows. My husband. Kael.

"Yes." My voice sounds croaky in my own ears, as if the sound had been muffled by cotton padding. I wonder if he hears it too because his face gives away nothing. His eyes are ocean blue and glitters in the low light that streams from the windows. They're intense, almost piercing as he takes a step closer.

"You were asleep before I came back, and I had brought your food. Perhaps you will like coffee before you get a good meal?"

Coffee? He brought me coffee? I nod wordlessly and wait silently as he walks over to the bedside table and pulls the large metal tray out from underneath. He sets it down beside me and then turns around, facing me as he places himself on the edge of the mattress next to me.

"What time is it?" I ask before taking a sip of the coffee.

"It's seven in the morning," he replies.

"My eyes grow wide in shock, "You mean I slept the whole day, yesterday?!"

His lips twitch lightly in response, although he does not smile fully and he shakes his head.

"Well, yes I suppose you did. It wouldn't do for you to oversleep after your ceremony, especially after we are wed, would it?"

The thought of being wed makes my breath catch in my throat, and I have to blink rapidly to keep tears from flowing.

"You even missed your wedding reception," he continues quietly after a moment. He must see the way I flinch because he adds nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, it was just a customary formality. You will be introduced properly to the city soon enough. Although you might have to meet my Family in a moment."

His Family, the King and Queen is a given.

"Do you have any siblings?" I manage to choke out past the lump in my throat, He pauses briefly as if deciding whether or not he should trust me enough to tell me anything. I almost scoff. Like i won't know soon enough.

In the end, he nods, "A brother and sister"

He doesn't elaborate further and instead reaches over to grab my hand.

"Come on, let's get you some breakfast."

"Where are we going?" I ask as he leads me out of the room and down the stairs.

"To the dining hall, we eat there on special occasions as a family, and the special occasion, is our marriage." I look down at my robe in shock.

"I can't wear this to meet your family."

"You will." He says sternly, all traces of his once calm demeanor gone, and now replaced with a stoic look. A protest is at the tip of my tongue, but I bite it in. If he says so.

As we approach the room, I hear the faint murmur of voices talking. My mouth goes dry at the prospect of sitting across from Lycans at a table. Lycans?!

I shake my head to clear the thought, trying to ignore the nervous tingle that runs down my spine, and instead focus on following behind Kael.

There are two guards at the door of the room and they push it open for us to enter. I stare in awe at the large room which is painted white , a round glass table stands in the middle of the room which is adorned with a beautiful bouquet of flower.

A white beautifully designed chandelier hangs over the glass table , to the right is a white tiled stairs which leads to wherever. There are different portrait photo and frames hung on the wall.

Seven gold painted chairs stands around the table and five of them are occupied by Kael's family of course, the royal family.

I do not need anyone to tell me who the King and Queen are as I take in the occupants of the chairs. Their very presence depicts royalty.

The King sits at the very top side of the table, he is dressed just like Kael and so is the other man sitting on his left side, a plain white shirt, button down sleeves rolled up to their elbows.

On the right hand side of the King sits the Queen, obviously and next to her are two young ladies. One is a blond, and one has her hair color just like Kael's, Dark and pretty. Did Kael not say he has two siblings?

Kael and I finally walk up to the table, filling in the two empty chairs beside his brother. All eyes are on us. No, on me and I am suddenly feeling so self conscious especially since I am dressed in nothing but a flimsy robe, not particularly flimsy though.

"Lilac Hirav." My heart jumps at the deep voice that calls my name — The Lycan King. He continues, "May I officially welcome you to the Royal family of Lycania, and congratulate you on your Marriage to my second Prince."

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