Chapter 4 Bound

Chapter Three: Bound

"No, I won't do it".

"Yes, you will". His father said, his face showing no sign of remorse. "As the prince of Aldergrove, you must marry and have children so that the royal bloodline may continue".

Ryker eyes became bloodshot red. "I was wed, or don't you remember"

"Only too well".

His mind flashed back, and the image of Laura's lifeless body came back into his head.

Laura was the only woman, he had ever loved, and even after three years, his heart ached for her. He knew that there would never be another Laura, nobody could ever replace

" You cannot force me to marry a woman, I did not choose. I refuse to be forced into a union, I do not approve of" He said through his clenched teeth.

"Not another word!" King Thrain erupted, hitting the table. "My son, you've disgraced our family's name for far too long".

Ryker Sat down there, clenching his fist and stamping his feet on the ground.

But he knew he couldn't do anything.

..................

Ayla was sitting in the chambers the King had assigned to her when she heard a knock on the door.

As she opened it, she saw a woman, she had golden eyes, blonde hair and she wore an apron. She must be the maid the guardian assigned to her.

"Are you the maid the guardian assigned ". She asked curious.

The woman smiled, her eyes bright. "Guardian, is that what you call him?".

"What do you call him".

"Let's just say he's a complicated man with many titles, but guardian suits him well" The woman replied.

"I'm Akira," The woman said, stretching her hand.

Ayla smiled before taking her hand " I'm Ayla, nice to meet you".

Just then a guard came into the chamber.

The guard's voice cut through the air. "The king is hosting a banquet tonight everyone must attend,"

Ayla raised her eyebrows in curiosity. What did this banquet mean?

The guard's announcement hung in the air before he departed.

Akira's eyes sparkled with excitement "Oh my, the king is hosting a banquet, I should get you prepared,".

"What's it about?". She asked.

"I have no idea, but we will find out soon enough!".

Ayla felt her heart racing. Was the banquet a prelude to her wedding? What does the King have planned?

.....................

Ayla stepped into the castle. The hall was ablaze with candlelight, casting a warm glow over the lavish decorations. The air was filled with the scent of roses and the soft hum of conversations.

With a deep breath, she strolled into the hall carefully.

She wore a simple red silk gown with Shoulder strips, that Akira had given her.

Many girls dressed in v-shaped gowns that were just so embarrassing to look at. Just then King Thrain appeared.

As he stood up the hall became quiet, his presence commanded attention.

"Welcome everyone, today I gather us to celebrate my son's wedding to Ayla Nightwalker, this union will bring together the North and the Reach," He said.

The whole crowd became quiet, Ayla jerked her head, and she felt a sudden coldness hit her at the core.

"Marriage, no I'm not supposed to get married today. I thought I was getting married to the King, not his son". She whispered to herself

" Ryker, bring out your Luna" King Thrian's voice echoed through the hallway.

She glanced at the king's son when he entered the hall.

Wait!

This was the man from earlier with emerald eyes. It was the guardian.

He walked gracefully towards her. He stretched his hand, as he stared into my brown eyes. "Mate".

Despite the unexpected circumstances, Ayla's heart hammered. She felt a fluttering stomach.

She took his hand. The guests stared at her surprised as well and began to whisper hysterically into each other ears. Still holding her hands Ryker led her to the top of the hall where King Thrian, was standing.

"Aldergrove, Moonfang pack members, I give you Ayla Nightwalker. My Luna," Cheers and yells come from the many people that the King's son had found his Luna.

She stood there trying to gather her thoughts of what had just happened. At that moment, she realized she had lost control of her life, and the only constant was Ryker beside her.

................

Ayla was standing in Ryker's room, he brought her here after the banquet but he was still talking with the pack. When she heard a knock on the door, it was Akira. She served her tea.

"My lady, I came to prepare you" she inquired.

"Prepare me for what?".

"It's an herb tea that will help decrease the pain" Akira replied

Ayla quickly understood what she was talking about. "Was he going to be rough with me?". She thought to herself.

"I don't need it,"

Akira nodded her head and then left.

Minutes later, Ryker entered the room.

He started walking closer to her, she pressed her palm lightly against her chin.

He glanced at her "Get out".

"What," She whispered, her eyebrows squished together.

"You heard me, I said get. out."

She stood there unable to move, due to the shock.

"I don't know what your stepmother said to my father, but I loathe this marriage! And I'm supposed to fulfill my duty to Aldergrove this way" He spat.

In her defense, Ayla tried to explain "I never wanted this-"

"Did I say that you could speak?"Ryker interrupted, glaring at her. "My father may have asked me to marry you, but there will be no real marriage between us".

Ayla did not understand why but his words stung her so much, that tears welled in her eyes. Why does it hurt so much?

She swallowed hard as she bit her lips "I understand".

"Good, now leave" he instructed. "Your room is next to mine".

Ayla nodded before she slipped out of the room, where she saw an empty room. Sat down on the bed, lost in thought at how Ryker went from a gentleman to a cold person.