Chapter 5 SHAME

The Viking wolf court was gathered in the king's majestic hall, at the enormous stone table, a spacious space adorned with tapestries, pagan tribal symbols, and trophies from past battles. The atmosphere was tense. King Alistar awaited his nephew, with his chosen one and their family. Ever since the confrontation in the throne room, the prince had been behaving worse than before with the servants. His reputation was spreading beyond the castle walls. Something needed to be done about it. That's why he summoned Ulric and negotiated his daughter in exchange for the debt.

But it wasn't just that which bothered him; it was the rumors circulating in the kingdom. Much of the nephew's behavior was attributed to them, but he was the least of his problems. The orator brought him back from his thoughts.

"King Alistar, noble lords, Lady Gwendolyn of Windsor of Lupus," he announced her arrival. She entered with genuine elegance, her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. Her dark blue velvet dress contrasted with her fair skin adorned with small jewels he had delivered to her this morning.

"Gwendolyn, welcome to the court of the Iron Ravens," declared the king, toasting with a glass of wine, followed by the others. His nephew would not find a better bride. Ulric's adopted daughter is truly stunning. She greets the court.

"My king, thank you. Good evening to all present," she speaks, taking a seat. Some nobles and their wives begin to converse with her.

"Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen, Prince Magnus," the orator declares once again. Gwen takes the opportunity to meet the prince. He is much older than her, with a slightly tanned skin tone, long black hair, and lifeless blue eyes. He is seated in a kind of chair. Her heart pities him, her eyes fill with tears for him, but she quickly composes herself.

"Good evening, everyone," the prince's voice echoes through the enormous hall as he is led by Fenrir, positioning him next to the king.

"Your Majesty, please excuse the delay. I was dressing the prince appropriately for this occasion," Fenrir justifies the delay. The king looks at the door, seeing no one else entering.

"Can we begin? Is anyone else coming?" the king asks with a mocking twinkle in his eyes.

"My king, everyone is here," says the prince's friend standing by his side.

At the center of the enormous table, the king, a powerful wolf with graying beard and penetrating eyes, rises from his throne. Beside him, Prince Magnus remains seated in his special chair, eagerly awaiting the moment to reveal his chosen one before everyone, bringing shame to the king. When he had entered through those doors with only Fenrir, he could see a gleam of triumph and mockery on his uncle's face.

"Gathered here at this banquet to bring good news, after much search among the finest families of the Kingdom, I have found a suitable companion for my dear nephew," declares the king, turning to Magnus and the present nobles and guests. His eyes fixate on Gwen.

"Miss, please, rise," the king orders, returning to his seat. She quickly stands up. The orator raises his voice.

"Lady Gwendolyn of Windsor, daughter of Ulric Windsor, Governor of the County of Lupus." Magnus observes the woman standing in front of him, wearing a blue dress that once belonged to her mother, accentuating the green color of her eyes. Her cascading hair falls over her shoulder, her plump and rosy lips, and a snub nose revealing the hidden impudence of its owner behind her fragile appearance. She truly is the embodiment of beauty.

Her scent enters his nostrils, sending shivers down his spine, intoxicating his senses. His uncle at least had excellent taste, but he had already rejected her and would not back down. He wanted nothing that came from his dear uncle. The orator, receiving a signal from the king confirming that he may continue, declares.

"On this night, we gather the court and others to witness a decision that will shape the fate of the Iron Ravens lineage. Our beloved prince has chosen his future companion," declares the orator, taking a breath to continue. "Miss Gwendolyn..." He is interrupted by the prince.

"Wait," Magnus orders, his strong voice echoing through the hall. Gwendolyn feels her heart race in her chest. She takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm, as anxious murmurs fill the hall. All eyes turn to the prince, whose countenance shows satisfaction in opposing the king.

"As I had discussed with my uncle, I reject your chosen one," the prince continues. The king shifts in his throne with a stern expression. The prince continues, "I have chosen my future companion. I want you all to meet Lady Mary of the Ice Wolf clan." The prince declares, and a young female wolf with braided red hair and delicate features enters the hall in ceremonial attire, accompanied by her parents. Mary displays a shy smile, knowing that she is occupying a place that doesn't belong to her. Gwendolyn, on the other hand, watches the couple in front of her, feeling humiliated-a mixture of sadness and anger at the scene. But what she didn't know was that the prince was also observing her emotions with interest.

Applause and murmurs of approval echoed through the hall, but she remained immobile, her gaze fixed on the prince and Mary, who stood by his side. The feeling of rejection and humiliation overwhelmed her, her heart breaking into a thousand pieces for the third time, as she had truly thought she might, perhaps, find happiness. She wanted to feel that she belonged somewhere.

King Alistar rose once again, endorsing the prince's decision. "Mary, welcome to the family and the court. May this union of our families bring prosperity and strength to our Kingdom," declared the king, raising his glass in a toast. While everyone ate, drank, and celebrated the announcement of the prince, Gwen waited for the right moment and quietly moved away, a single tear rolling down her face. She knew she needed to find strength to move forward, even though her heart was in ruins from the second rejection and in front of the entire royal court. She had experienced such pain before when she lost her parents and when Galahad, her companion given by the goddess Luna, rejected her. She looked at the majestic moon in the sky, and a sad and lonely howl emerged from her throat.

"Oh great mother goddess creator, rid me of this sadness and pain," she spoke aloud, walking through the gardens and sitting on the enormous stone bench in front of the lake.

"Miss Windsor." She startled, quickly getting up upon hearing a voice behind her.

"May I help you? Your name is Fenrir, correct?" She asked, looking at him suspiciously with a serious expression, her voice calm despite her emotions.

"What can I assist you with? It's not appropriate for us to meet here alone," she asked, maintaining her serious gaze.

"I noticed that you left the hall. I wanted to know if you're alright," he explained finally.

"As you can see, I'm fine!" she replied, passing by him to return to the castle.

"The prince didn't mean to humiliate you," he said, trying to justify. She stopped and turned back to him, smiling mockingly, allowing some of her emotions to show.

"Oh, really? Then what was his intention, besides ridiculing my family?" she said, quickening her pace until she reached her room. She entered and locked the door, throwing herself on the bed, letting all her frustration and anger pour out. She stood up, wiping away her tears, and went to the vanity, sitting down and letting her hair loose. She looked at her reflection in the large steel mirror, taking a deep breath.

"Gwendolyn, you won't give up! You will forge your own path. From today onward, you control your own destiny," she said aloud to herself. She started undressing, returning to bed. Tomorrow morning, she would seek an audience with the king. She would do whatever it takes to become the master of her own fate.