Game of Mate

[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."

Alpha Boaz glanced at me. Oh, no. I didn't want to go with him. He came too soon. I wasn't ready to go with them today.

"You and your party must be tired after the long journey. Take some rest. You can leave tomorrow in good spirits," Father suggested as if he could read my mind.

"Your Majesty is too kind," Alpha Boaz refused, unsettling me.

He glared at Father, daring him to refuse his request a second time. However, I sensed a powerful aura slowly creeping toward Alpha Boaz. Father looked at the man, returning his challenge.

"I insist. Moreover, you can meet my daughter at dinner. There is a feast to welcome you in the hall. I also want to entertain my people for helping me with my mother's funeral. So, your arrival is just in perfect time," Father pointed out.

"Your Majesty," he replied obediently, much to my relief.

Father glanced at me before turning around and leaving with Mother through the side door. Their bodyguards accompanied them. I stood stiffly with my body trembling. After taking a deep breath, I approached Alpha Boaz.

"Your Royal Highness," he greeted me politely.

I gave him my hand. "Just call me Crystal. I'll be your wife."

Alpha Boaz was briefly stunned when he held my hand. He must have felt it trembling. "I wouldn't dare," he refused. The Alpha kissed my hand without taking his eyes off me.

He looked taller when I stood close to him. His strong aura made me tremble, even though he was only an Alpha. My position was higher than his as the daughter of the royal Lycan, but I feared him. No wonder he was the strongest Alpha in the Southern Kingdom.

Many women desired him. Seeing him that close, I understood why they liked him. His dark brown hair harmonized with his brown eyes. His square face and strong jaw were perfect with a Roman nose and a heavy lower lip.

"Come, I'll show you your chambers," I invited. Please say no. I beg you to say no.

"No," he refused again. "That's not your job. Just have the servants escort us to our rooms. I'll see you at dinner."

"Do you realize you've defied my orders twice?" I challenged him, though I was relieved that he'd declined my offer.

"I dare not, Princess." He bowed his head. "As your future husband, I am obligated to maintain your honor. People would gossip if they knew you were in my room."

I stared at him for a moment. He seemed sincere. I watched his face intently. Celyn and everyone else was right. He couldn't know it. The curse on his pack was real. How had they survived that long?

I excused myself and had the servants escort him and his entourage to their rooms. I followed my parents to my father's study. Although I didn't see him, I could feel Alpha Boaz's eyes following my movements.

The warrior on guard opened the door for me. After he closed it, I sighed. I sat on the empty chair next to Mother. She propped her forehead with her hand while Father leaned against the chair. They both looked frustrated.

"I thought we were going to die today," Father admitted. "Boaz brought so many of his strong men to talk about Celyn. I only have half the troops in the capital. The rest haven't returned from searching for Celyn."

Father could easily defeat Alpha Boaz. His royal Lycan was the strongest in the realm. However, his grief weakened his Lycan. The same applied to the royal warriors. Alpha Boaz would effortlessly win if he attacked us.

"I'd do the same thing if I were him," Mother shared. "He's been waiting for his wedding day with our daughter for so long. You see it for yourself. He didn't believe Celyn was the destined mate for him at first.

"It took him a long time to believe that fact. Then, when the wedding day approached, his hopes were dashed. It made sense. He thought we were liars and was ready to fight for his rights. A promise is a promise," Mother concluded.

A witch cursed Alpha Boaz and the Violet Storm Pack to ten generations. She kept them from knowing their mates by smell and touch. They only knew their mates right after marking.

Werewolves, destined by the Moon Goddess to be together, would form a unique symbol after marking. The chosen mates' marks were only two dark blue circles. However, the function was similar. The marks strengthened the couple's emotional bond.

As a result of the curse, Alpha Boaz could not be sure Celyn was his mate. It took him months to believe my sister's claim. Poor guy. When their relationship was getting intimate, he lost her forever.

Father took my hand. "My Princess, are you sure you want to do this?" he asked sadly. The king then looked at me in surprise. "Dear, your body is shaking."

I put my hand over his. "I have to do it, Father. The future of our kingdom lies in that marriage. The danger is on the horizon, and we don't know when a major war will erupt. Other kingdoms are already feeling the strain, ours, too."

"Celyn's death is beyond me. I cannot believe my daughter is gone," Mother sobbed. "I should have said no when she requested permission to find medicine for the Queen Mother. As a result, Rogues kidnapped her and took her life." Mother covered her face with her hands and cried.

"Mother. Darling," Father and I said simultaneously.

"It wasn't your fault, darling," Father consoled. "Celyn wasn't a weak woman. She could have protected herself and left with her guards. Besides, it wasn't far from the gates. That means they'd been after her for a while."

My parents prepared Celyn to be queen from birth. She learned martial arts, politics, economics, and even war strategies from competent people in the Southern Kingdom. Her intelligence and physical abilities were not inferior to Father.

Therefore, her death came as a shock to us. She was hard to beat whenever she went one-on-one with our best warriors. Rogue wasn't her opponent. She crossed paths with them several times and could defeat them effortlessly.

We couldn't investigate her death because there was no trace or evidence left behind. Celyn seemed to have died and vanished from this world. Our best trackers couldn't find her whereabouts. So, we gave up and performed the funeral ceremony without her body.

"Have you forgotten? We sensed Celyn's death shortly after the Queen Mother died," Mother explained. "The rogue killed her because she and her guards were in pain from the Queen Mother's death. Even though Celyn was powerful, the enemies could defeat her in a moment of weakness."

I was stunned by Mother's words. Why didn't I think of that? Oh, Goddess. Celyn was gone. I had hoped she was alive because we didn't find her body. Oh no. Did that mean I lost my twin sister forever?

"And I must surrender to losing my second daughter. You're not even ready to be a queen or a wife." Mother touched my chin. "Oh, Moon Goddess. What did we do wrong in the past? I cannot bear to lose again."

"Oh, Mother." I hugged Mother and cried with her.

After lunch with my parents, I walked to my room. I had to prepare for dinner with Alpha Boaz. My maids left me on the second floor. So, I went to my chamber on the fourth floor alone.

"I can't do this, Chris," someone said when I was only steps away from my room. "We should have announced our relationship on Princess Celyn's wedding day."

I sighed before lifting my face. Drake and I stared at each other. He was standing by my chamber door. I knew this wouldn't be easy, but we couldn't be selfish. Celyn was the only person who knew about our relationship, and I wanted to keep it that way.

Fortunately, my parents were in my father's study. They wouldn't have heard our conversation. The maids and bodyguards left me on the second floor. There was only us in the hallway. So, no one witnessed our encounter.

"Please, don't do this," I said.

"There must be another way for that man to remain king without marrying you." Drake approached me.

"We've talked about this, and there is no other way. He can't be king without me. After all, It's my responsibility to replace Celyn as queen when she's gone. We need Alpha Boaz and his pack to win the war," I reminded him.

Drake wrapped his arms around my waist. "I missed you. I missed us. Don't you know I must hold myself together to see him touch you?" He rested his forehead against mine.

Oh, Goddess. My sense of smell wasn't wrong. I was terrified of being near Alpha Boaz because of his frightening aura. But I wanted to stay beside him and found it hard to part with him, even if only for a moment.

In contrast, I felt uncomfortable with Drake's touch even though he did that to me daily. This time was different. I felt like pushing him away from me because my Lycan wanted me to retreat immediately.

"Our relationship is over, Drake. Start looking for your mate. She must be out there or in another kingdom. Accompany my parents when they pay a visit. You'll meet her and forget about me," I suggested.

Drake was one of our Gammas. He was my bodyguard and responsible for my safety. He confessed his feelings when I was twenty, old enough to understand I felt the same. I was the one who suggested we keep our relationship a secret.

Father and Mother would forbid our relationship because I could only marry a fellow Royal Lycan or an Alpha. Therefore, I patiently waited for the right time to tell them about Drake.

However, fate had other plans. Celyn died, and I had to take over her duties and responsibilities. It broke my heart to lose my loved ones, but I didn't have time to mourn. I had to prepare myself to marry another man.

Drake framed my face with his hands and looked at me pleadingly. "I can't forget you, Chris, not after going through so much with you. I don't care about your position as the future queen. I don't want to be the king. I only want to be your mate."

A pleasant scent entered my nostrils, and his powerful aura gave me goosebumps before he growled, "Keep your hands off her. Now!" The palace walls trembled from his loud voice.

"Alpha Boaz, don't misunderstand," I explained, trying to break free from Drake's embrace.

Instead of obeying the man's orders, Drake released me and stood as a shield before me. "Step over my dead body. Chris is my chosen mate. We've loved each other for years, and I won't let her marry you."

"I said, keep your hands off her!" Alpha Boaz moved so fast, grabbed Drake, and threw his body effortlessly to the end of the corridor behind him.

I squealed in surprise. "What are you doing? He's my bodyguard and won't hurt me," I protested. I was about to see how Drake was doing, but Alpha Boaz held my hand back.

"Your bodyguard? Did you think I wasn't listening to your conversation? He was your lover, but not anymore, Chris," he scoffed.

"Don't call me by-" I turned to him.

Alpha Boaz had one arm around my waist, and the other was on my nape. He sealed my lips with his. His kiss was so intense, punishing me but also satisfying me.

My Lycan betrayed me by savoring his every touch and kiss. My heart pounded happily, and all my senses became sensitive, resisting my will to resist. I only had my hands trying to push him away, but to no avail.

"Let him go, bastard!" Drake shouted.

I couldn't turn because Alpha Boaz was holding my head. But I inhaled another familiar scent in the corridor. Some people came and fought with Drake. I tried to break free, but he wouldn't let me go.

Alpha Boaz lifted my body, opened my bedroom door, and closed it again without ending his kiss. He laid our bodies on the bed, making me even more terrified. What was he going to do?

The servants in the room squealed in surprise. They might pack my clothes and stuff to take to a new place. Instead of helping me, they walked out of the room, leaving me at the mercy of a stranger. Oh, Goddess. I had never been so scared.

"Relax, Crystal, my princess. I won't hurt you," he whispered between kisses.

"Don't," I pleaded.

He massaged my neck, and his kisses softened. His other hand caressed my waist and worked up to my fingers. He intertwined our fingers while coaxing me to open my mouth with his tongue. I resisted with all my might.

"I changed my mind." He freed my lips and kissed my neck. "I want you to take me to my room."

Without waiting for my response, he carried me on his shoulders. The door opened, and I smelled the scent of his people and my maids. However, I didn't smell Drake. Alpha Boaz took me to his chamber on the third floor.

He laid me down on the bed. Before I could escape, he pinned me down and kissed my lips again. Fighting him and the mate bond was exhausting. Therefore, I finally gave in and kissed him back. It was the best kiss, or kisses, I've ever felt.

Mate bond made the intensity higher and more intoxicating. The pleasure convinced me I could get pregnant just by kissing him. Oh, Moon Goddess. Would he think I was cheap for giving myself to him so easily?

"Strange," Alpha Boaz whispered. "Why would the experience with you be any different?"

"What?" I asked in confusion while trying to catch my ragged breath.

"You're my second chance. Why does it feel stronger than my first mate? I didn't feel this with Celyn, even though she was intimate with many men. I'm not... possessive." He furrowed his brow.

"Who says I'm your second chance?" I mocked.

Alpha Boaz gazed deeply at me. His eyes glanced at my lips, and his hands caressed my chest. "I accept your challenge, my princess," he whispered seductively, arousing me. Oh, no.