C4 Four

"So Leyla." The words mulled in her mouth. "Why do you believe the King has chosen you to be the Lady in waiting to our new Queen?" I heard the Prince's growl when the Queen asked this.

"Well, your majesty. I have lived in the Royal pack my whole life and Nona has taught me well over the years. She has educated me in political matters, Science, English. I have always done well with my studies at school. I believe the King requested my service as I am also well trained in defence and would offer the Queen my protection." I could feel my heart break as I thought of the new Queen. That person being with my mate, loving him, holding him, touching him. I could feel my stomach churn at the thought. I can't imagine that the Monarch would go against the bond of mates. Prince Ryan wouldn't do that. It was sin, it was forbidden and it was unforgivable.

The Queen hummed as her fingers danced across the arm of the chair. She was gracefully strumming her fingers. Her eyes appeared calculating and again. I was surprised Ryan did not explain that I was his mate. I know I should say something, but I feel out of place. I feel as if I was overstepping my boundary. Again, there was uncomfortable silence. My heart was pounding and I was nervous.

"My Prince, have you found your mate yet?" Nona asked.

"Yes I have Nona" he replied. "She is exquisite." My face was a tomato. I can't believe he thinks that about me. A small smile graced my lips. I can't believe I was getting worried for nothing. He is going to tell them now.

"Why yes, that is a wonderful description. She is beautiful and educated to high standard, she will make an amazing Queen." She appears to contemplate her nexts words and she continues to look at me, and she smiles bearing her pearly white teeth. "She understands our ways and she has had excellent mentor ship. Her beauty will be known far and wide. The pups she will bear will be of nobility." She gushes as she rises from her chair to a antique globe which reveals decanters filled with the finest whiskey. She pours herself a glass and swirls it as she made her way to the window. "Her and Nate know each-other very well, they practically grew up together."

My heart pounded against my chest. She must know, he must of told her through their mind link tonight. I was not expecting him to tell his mother, maybe that was why she has been behaving so curtly towards her, maybe she is sad that she won't have her son's sole attention. Although, that would not explain the Prince's rude behaviour. I mean he wouldn't reject me, it has never occurred in the werewolf Kingdom. Nona expressed that there would be dire consequences for those who rejected their true mate, it was Selene's choice and her word was like a gospel to werewolves across the kingdom. It was unheard of for a mate to go against the moon goddess' word.

"That's wonderful. I hope I am not being impolite but may I ask who and when will we meet our Queen to be?" Nona smiled. Ryan was quiet.

The Queen glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "Of course not Nona, the whole kingdom will come to know. Why not spread the good news."

She smirked. "Lady Elisha."

Leyla's Point of View

My stomach sunk, Amira my wolf was howling in my head it started to cause ringing in my ears. Throughout the whole dinner, Amira had been awfully quiet. As she stated Lady Elisha's name, I could feel the pride she felt for her son. Although, I had never met Lady Elisha, I had heard of her. She was meant to be the embodiment of beauty. Many wolfs who would visit who often talk of her looks, many man would speak of her with lustful tones. She was the Kingdom's finest lady. She was the daughter of the Alpha at House of Redbridge. She was the second-born to her Twin, Alpha to be Caesar. Lady Elisha was rumoured to have curves that men would fall for. Many high ranking wolves at the Royal Pact would often disclose their attempts at courting her lady ship, but she would always reiterate that she was waiting for her mate, her true love. I could not understand these rumours as if she was waiting for her mate then why was she the Prince's chosen mate. She could not be his mate because that was what I was.

Words between the Royal Family and Nona were passing by. I could not understand what they were saying as everything felt like it was passing me in a blur. Nothing made sense to me. I could feel Amira's heartbreak, I closed my eyes trying to manage my internal struggle. I could feel my hands become clammy and I could feel the pain in my chest heightening. I did not want the Prince to see my tears.

"She is quite the accomplished Lady, well-educated, beautiful and she comes from an upstanding family who contribute to the Royal pack. She will bear the pups and further aline our packs in mating. The moon goddess blessed our son, our prince with the perfect mate. They are equal to one another in every way possible." The Queen smiled to her son who was still glaring out the window. "Leyla, are you alright my dear?" The Queen asked. I took a deep breath and rubbed my temples briefly. Trying to soothe my inner storm. I looked at the Queen once again. She was now sitting in her chair, closer to the King grazing herself up against him, swirling her drink. I could not help but see the smirk within her eyes. The Queen appeared to have a great facade in front of the King. She appeared to sense I was in pain but I just could not understand why she was enjoying this.

"Yes.." The words were stuck in my throat as I tried to swallow my pain down. It was like a million daggers lodged in my throat. "Your majesty. Nona, would you mind if I was excused, I appear to have come down with a headache and it is just unbearable." I whispered. I knew I had to get out of here as the storm continued to brew.

The Queen made a noise of disproval, the King shook the Queen off his side at this point but the King looked at me with concern and worry and dismissed me saying he wished I would feel better soon. He requested Nona stay with them longer as he had something he wanted to discuss with her.

"My son will escort you home Leyla as it is late and we do not want you to become one of those missing wolves. You are precious to our pack little one." The King said. This soothing words helped aid the storm that was brewing inside me. It was not enough to wash away the darkness. The queen held a look of distain; although she did not voice it, I could see her resistance brew on her face that she did not want me and Prince Ryan alone.

I respectfully bowed my head to them as I made my way outside. I heard Prince Ryan sigh and then all I could hear was the stomping of his shoes and all I could smell was his intoxicating scent of pine and mint. It was suffocating and adding to the pain in my chest and head. I felt faint. I felt a darkness wash over me, I could feel it consume me. I needed to get away from him soon, that was why I asked to leave. I did not want him to follow me, I did not want to see his face. The thought of his voice sharing more words of pain scared me.

I rushed through the Lobby and out onto the courtyard as fast as I could. I could feel myself trip on my feet. Everything seemed to pass me in a blur. Amira was howling with pain, I could feel her sadness slowly seep into me. I did not know what to say to comfort her. Questions were rushing through my head. Does he know I'm his mate? Is the bond there or am I imagining this? Will he reject me? Amira growled at my thoughts, she stated that rejections were unheard of and that his wolf would not allow him to.

I could hear the clacking of my heels against the concentre at the front of the palace. I sped closer towards the gates, hoping and praying that they reached me soon. I could see guards dotted across the walls. None of them said anything, none of them looked phased by the frantic she-wolf that was briskly walking away from the palace. I'm sure many people who were invited to the palace would want to lounge and enjoy the luxuries the palace offered.

As I reached the gate to excited the Royal quarters, I could feel the Prince's eyes on me. I could hear him follow me with the stomping of his feet. He was keeping his pace but made no attempts to walk beside me. He just followed me. I was tempted to peer over my shoulder but I was scared of the next conversation we had. I made my exit and made my way to the footpath that led towards Nona's cottage.

Seconds turned into minutes and there was no conversation between myself and Ryan. I gulped my words down not wanting to anger him or cause Amira pain. I could see the cottage grounds, I knew I was nearly home. I could hear the prince's breath, the howls of an owl in the background. The wind rustling the trees, but still no words.

I was about to enter the cottage grounds when I felt a hand grab my arm. I felt the fire building, I felt the sparks ignite once again in my skin. Amira's whining become quiet and replaced with a soft purr at the sudden contact with her mate. God, it felt god to be touched by him, the slight touch reprieved her of the pain in her head. She felt the hand drag her towards the woods which was located by the side of the cottage.

She knew it was the Prince who was dragging her further into the thick forest. The smell of his scent was enhanced by the surroundings of the forest. God he smelt good. I wanted to bathe myself in his scent it was so enticing, but I still could not bring myself to look at him.

All of a sudden, we were in a clearing. I could hear crickets chirping, the evening owl still howling. The wind lightly blew across my skin. We were alone. All I could hear was his panting after dragging me into the forest. There was no distractions, just us as he released my arm.

"Leyla, look at me please." He whispered with longing. He hadn't begged her for years but I knew what was going to happen. I was going to get rejected for his chosen Queen. "Leyla..." The pain in his voice apparent. I just did not know what to say. I lifted my head and my eyes gazed into his mocha filled iris' and she I see the tears forming in his eyes.