Arranged Marriage To The Lycan Prince

*LILAC*

"Mother! You cannot expect me to marry a beast! How the hell will I cope? I have a whole lot of life out there to live!" Milo's screeching voice echoes down to the basement where I stay. I strain my ears, trying to catch the whole conversation, but all I hear next is muffled whispers, bed rustling, and then silence.

I huff in defeat. There is not really much I can know when I am down here in this dingy basement, well technically it's not a basement, just a tiny ass room that was supposed to be for supplies but my stepmother deemed it fit for me, the outcast child as she calls me to live in. At least I get a room, Cinderella didn't get one.

The screeching sound of tires announces my Father's arrival and a grin splits on my face as I put down my book, hurriedly running out of my room to meet him. Dad's arrival means less of Nina's and Milo's bullying and I always looked forward to it.. No don't get me wrong, I love my Father just as much as I know he loves me and my late mother so dearly, but his work at the office only gives him little time to spend with his family and every time he was away kept me at the mercy of my stepmother and my half sister.

"Dad!" My excitement is not hidden as I fling my arms around my Father's neck, inhaling his scent that I already have committed to memory. His strong firm hands wrap around me and I can't help but snuggle into his warmth and safety.

"Lili," he grins and releases me.

"Dad, it's Lilac remember," I groan playfully even though I would never trade his pet name for me, for any other.

"Is it now? But I prefer Lili," Dad laughs and I step away from his side, although still hanging closely.

"Welcome back darling," Nina greets, her ever present menacing gaze looking me over as she steps forward to peck my Father on his cheek.

"Welcome Dad," Milo, my stepsister also greets.

Dad breathes and then slumps down on the sofa. "It's good to be back home again."

"Not like you won't be gone in another two days?" I grumble silently.

"I won't be gone until the next three weeks Lili, I'm off duty for a while.. Apparently i have a daughter's marriage to prepare." He looks over at Milo as he says that and I crease my eyebrows in confusion.

"Milo is getting married?"

"No!" My stepmother firmly replies. "You Lilac, are the one getting married!"

Okay, Milo getting married I can deal with, but me? Damn I've never even dated a guy talk more of marriage. "What are you talking about?!" I exclaim, looking from Father to Nina

"Nina, we've talked this over already.. His Excellency already informed the Alpha King that it would be Milo's hand in marriage.. We can't go against his wishes."

"The Lycan King does not know Milo, surely he won't notice if Lilac gets under the veil."

The Lycan King? When did we start a friendship with werewolf city? Enough for him to ask for Milo's hand in marriage. "Dad, what are you talking about?"

"The only thing we are talking about here is your Marriage to-"

"Shut up Nina, can you let me do the talking?" Father snaps at her before she can finish her statement. She huffs in response and settles down beside Milo, who all the while has not said a word in contribution to the issue at hand, instead she is busy tapping away on her phone, probably scrolling through some useless Instagram posts. I mean it is her wedding we are talking about here, or my wedding as Nina insists. The mere thought alone has me blanching mentally.

I train my eyes on Dad closely, wanting to hear what he says and then he does speak. "Lyria and the werewolf city has decided to end their long term enimity." Lyria, home of the non magicals - my city.. We were brought up to hate the shifters, never to cross the borderlands up north, The North City - The Lycan's territory was forbidden to us.. They were monsters, self serving, monstrous beasts and so we never mixed with them so why the sudden talk of treaty? And even so, why is our Family involved in this?

"I do not understand Dad, if there is supposed to be a treaty, how is our family concerned with that? This is the Prime Minister's problem, he should deal with It."

"The Prime minister has no daughters, my family is the next option after his Family is involved, plus His Excellency himself, demanded that Milo be brought over for the price of the treaty because her beauty and wisdom is told all over the Netherlands." He passes a knowing look at Nina who only looks away in response.

Ha! Her beauty and wisdom. It is no news that Milo is the most popular girl in Lyria, being the daughter of the Prime Minister's right hand man and her mother is the prime minister's sister, well she earned her keep. Even while we were at school, all the students worshipped the ground she walked on. As for me? I am the ghost of the family as not many people know of my existence, who cares though? After Mother's death, I simply faded into the background.

Father's statement has Milo swaying her hair, probably pleased with the compliment. I scoff inwardly, proud bitch. Suddenly Nina starts to sniffle and I can only blink as I turn to stare at her. "You do this every time Marlon, because she is not your first wife's daughter? What would I do to make you see my baby as your own?"

What the?! Is she really doing this? Pulling the pity card? Father better not fall this. "Nina-" Dad starts off, but Nina cuts him off with another sniffle.

"Can't you just do this for me, Marlon? I promise I will not ask you for any other thing that is not in your capacity to do. I know you can't love me like you loved her, bur just do this for me, eh?" She swipes at her fake tears and look expectantly at Dad.

I am doing the same, the expectant look. Do not fall for this Father, please don't.. I am not going to get married to some furry beastly thing because my stepmother is so selfish to think that I deserve all the bad things the world can give. Have I not had enough hardships all through my life?

He lost. Father's resigned look is enough to tell me all I need to know.

"Your wedding with the second Prince of the Lycan Royal house is in three weeks." He says, his voice low, but firm. "Get ready, Lilac."

My stomach bottoms out.

I am getting married to a Royal werewolf.

I might have been acting unconcerned about the whole marriage things but the fact that I am now thrown into it, something I didn't know about until today, isn't fair to me at all. Plus, the smile on Nina and Milo's face, simply pisses me off, and I find my mouth opening before I can think better of it.

"This whole thing still doesn't make sense to me, dad."

"Lili..." Father starts to speak. My panicky voice cut him off.

"Seriously, I mean Milo has had how many weeks or months to think this over before she decides not to go with it, and now for me.. I only get two seconds?" I scoff.. "I do not even have a freaking say in this."

"Lili, we have to do this.. For the sake of Lyria.. I already told you, putting an end to the enmity between Lyria and the North City has been on motion for years, now the chance has come.. The Alpha King himself requested this of us.. You have to do this for me, Lili."

"So basically I have to put my life on the line for a Kingdom that doesn't even know I exist? Father-"

"That's enough Lilac, you'll listen to your Father and do as he says," Nina butts in. My head is spinning I think. Did she just say listen to my Father? Like Milo did? It is at the tip of my tongue to say it but I don't. I cast an helpless look at my Father for the last tme, and the soft look on his face is now morphed into a stern frown.

"Your Mother is right Lilac, you will do as I say, and I say you are getting married to the prince of North City."

"My mother is dead!" I cannot help but snap back.

I do not have a say in this, I have never had a say though, this is no different. I wish to always please my Dad and so in silence, I agree. It doesn't matter though, no matter where I went the full happiness I had always while mother was alive was long gone. Being here, or being in the North City, it is probably still the same.

Great, my story just took a typical turn from Cinderella, to beauty and the beast, well only that the beauty that is me is certainly not beautiful. I glance again at my stepmum as she rubs her palm cheerfully. Witch!

***

*LILAC*

Every second that ticks draws me closer to my to my doom, in less than twelve hours, my life will take a drastic turn. I bite back the tears that has been threatening to fall since I was told I will get married to the Prince of the North city - the werewolf city. It is a night to my wedding, and I can hear as Nina and Father 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 is 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 the 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 press 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 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, using Father's loyalty to push him to marry Nina. 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 has been threatening 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 savor my last minutes in this home!" I choke out, my lips trembling as I speak, God, 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 those words I so much 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. Fuck them all.

-------

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

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

"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 the Passenger's side of the car. Milo and Nina soon appear looking even more dressed than I, the bride. What 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 church is painfully slow, although I appreciate it. Father tries to make small talks with me but when he sees I do not give any response except for low grunts and absolutely unnecessary nods, he gives up, thankfully. I am certainly 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 floats around the silence in the car. Can she not just keep quiet?

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

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 church. My fists tighten on my white dress, my knuckles turning a pale white 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 church compound as Father begins to walk me into the church. 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 soothes his fingers over mine and even though I am still vexed at him, I cannot help but relax into his ever safe arms.

The moment I step into the auditorium, and the half filled church turn to stare at me, it becomes so real, 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 are ruthless, they will snap off your neck in one bite 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 let 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 first thing I see are his eyes, eyes the color 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 chiseled well shaved jaw - Fuck!

"Do you, Kael Aspen take Lilac Hirav...." The priest 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 the 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 really 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 definitely 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, now she looks like she definitely 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 feel a pang of hurt in my chest, he coukd not even wait to see me off.

"I think it is best we 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 as far as possible. Even if he is certainly delicious to look at, he is still a Lycan which also means he has an animalistic side to him and I definitely 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 leaving now? Tears are rushing back to my eyes again and I instantly blink them away. My husband probably would not 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 as 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 and more people started talking about me behind my back, she began to disappear. People stopped taking her 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 matters.

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, or a new family, 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 into North City- Lycania, my eyes stays on the trees passing us by, they seem familiar, almost like they're calling me. I squint my eyes to look closer, but all I see is blackness.

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 that you can find anywhere. It is almost as if all the buildings are all 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 you 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.

Unfamiliar grounds...to me.

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. I don't stop moving until I reach the other side of the car. There is a guard 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 him.

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

"Your Highness, let me open the door," Caleb says, holding the door open 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 doors that seems 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. I pick up my skirt and step onto it, it is thick and luxurious. It must be worth millions, and yet my steps cause it to creak under 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 in order to hide my fear of this creatures.

Kael finally speaks, 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, 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. What the hell?!

-----

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 drag 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 in colour, with gold trim. Perfect for bedtime. After drying my hair, I put my headband on with my hair still damp. With my hair up, my fringe would cover all of my face except for my eyes.

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 Lycan husband.

Just because he is beautiful doesn't mean he wants this kind of life with me. 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 arbour towards Nina and her daughter can change this. This is my fate, and there is nothing anyone can or 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 can smell his delicious scent. I could feel his eyes burn holes into my back.

"I know you were crying," he says softly. 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 anymore 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. All these hormones and 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?

-----