Chapter 1 The Substitute

[Crystal]

My sister's death shocked everyone in the capital. Cries and howls of grief echoed to every corner of the city on the day of her death. Father and Mother were hurt the most because she was the crown princess.

Nevertheless, there were things we were thankful for. Celyn died after Grandma passed away. She didn't have to feel the pain of losing her beloved first grandchild. After sweeping the forest using the available clues, the trackers couldn't find her body.

Father reluctantly decided to have her and Grandma's funerals held simultaneously. Grievances dominated the cremation process, and a rainstorm marked the funeral. That unforgettable day changed my life forever.

The sound of a bugle startled me when I was walking from the library to the dining hall. 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.

It's not a sign of war," I said, calming them down.

'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. I went to my chamber upstairs. My chest grew tight the closer I got to my bedroom door.

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." There was a charismatic and confident voice behind the door.

"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 we couldn't find her body, 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."

I swallowed heavily. I couldn't control my pounding heart. My whole body trembled as Alpha Boaz and his squads stared at me. It was a normal reaction because not many people knew of my existence.

Although people celebrated our birth massively, they didn't remember that Celyn had a twin sister. I purposely kept a low profile wherever I went. My parents were protective because we had many mortal enemies.

Everyone's stares at me weakened my knees. My maid touched my lower back and pushed a little, so I took a step. I gulped as everyone followed me with their gazes.

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

Every step I took felt so heavy, but something caught my attention. It couldn't be. My heart was beating faster and faster, squeezing my chest. I knew people heard it but didn't show it in their expressions.

I walked in front of Alpha Boaz as I approached the throne. My legs wobbled, my body trembled, and my eyes only wanted to stare at that one figure, but I restrained myself from degrading myself before everyone. How could that be possible?

"Princess! Your Royal Highness! Crystal!" People squealed in panic as I stumbled.

Oh, Moon Goddess. Please just take my life. Why did I make a fool of myself at the fateful moment? I tripped over my own feet! However, a strong arm wrapped around my body. His intoxicating scent froze my brain.

"Are you okay?" Alpha Boaz asked, tickling my ear.

My goodness. I tried to control myself and stay away from that man. My maids took my hands and helped me to stand up. "I'm fine," I replied, relieved that I spoke smoothly and didn't stammer.

Once away from him, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I sat on Father's right side, next to his throne. I nodded to him and Mother, who worriedly looked at me.

"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.

When we were eighteen, Celyn claimed Alpha Boaz as her destined mate. I didn't feel anything towards him. That guy wasn't my type. Besides, his aura scared me. So, we didn't fight over him.

"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. 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'm sorry, Princess," Alpha Boaz 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."