LYCAN KING'S REVENGEFUL BRIDE

"Straighten up a little. Yes, that's good..."

"My lady, you need to stick out your left feet. Your father had instructed that we use a pink paint. The same hue as that that of your shoe."

I am worn out. It's today. The day is here. And I must look the enticing for the crown prince to notice me.

My father wants so much to be called the king's in-law that he even sought out the witches to cast a love spell on me. Just that they had refused, saying that the prince himself was half wizard.

And I am for once not grateful for that. I am beginning to turn greedy like my father. I need the crown prince attention, so I can endure this set dress contest.

Aware of my own beauty, I stood up to stare at my perfect figure in the large mirror right in front of me. Courtesy of my mother.

"You are so beautiful, My lady," One of the maids said. I am well accustomed with them. They had been the ones dressing me up after my mother and sister died, ever since I was still a little girl. So all this tight corsets and heavy make ups not new to my body.

"I hope I am able to catch the crown prince's attention with this much time that I've spent here, " I responded with a chuckle.

"Oh my lady, you have the most perfect body and no one would dare deny that," Hearing what my handmaid just said, I smiled. If I am going to win this war, then I needed a smile, a very captivating one.

★★★

"You look great." My father confirmed, when he came in minutes later to check up on me.

"Excuse us," he ordered, and the maids took their leave. I am well aware of what he had come to talk about. And it was none other than trying to remind me of my purpose in the royal palace. About me gaining the crown prince attention for him to be called the king's in-law.

So I just ended the conversation without him even starting it.

"I know why you're here father, I am not going to disappoint you. This time, I think you're right too." And it's true, this is the very first time he is taking a good decision.

Because without him agreeing to the witches terms, I wouldn't have tried escaping last night. And I wouldn't have chanced upon a wolf with the forest green eyes. I would never forget his name. Ashter!

"Avalon, do not utilize your powers no matter what happens. And do not make it known that you are the daughter of the witch that saved the crown prince," he warned.

"Of course, father. That would only bring about groundless talks," I replied, And unwanted memories, I added in my mind.

"Your carriage is right outside. The royal guards would accompany you to the palace," he concluded the conversation.

"Alright, Father. Take care of yourself."

He looked shocked. Because this was the very first time in ages that I cared for him. We have always been on bad terms and the only reason he has been keeping me as his daughter is for this day. And here is the day. When his wishes would come true.

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Two men entered the grand hall, they were rumoured as the most beautiful princes. And the rumors were right. This men are beautiful, with the younger one dressed in blue attire, matching with his deep blue eyes just like mine. Long wavy blonde hair. He looked cheerful.

But the older one dressed in blue and white attire had deep brown eyes, with long black hair. He exudes a very dark aura.

None of them was the crown prince, I noted, and continued looking around. Most of the women from prominent families like mine, coming from different villages were all present. We were all dressed in bright pink attire, which was common for concubines of this palace. But we all had different aims.

"The crown prince is here!" one of the guards announced. And the grand hall went quiet.

"Are you ready my lady?" I heard my maid ask, and i nodded in reply. She retreats from my back just like all the other maids that had been standing at the back of their ladies.

Simultaneously, we all bowed our head low to the crown prince as he walked into the grand hall in all of his resplendent glory.

Concubines are not to stare directly into the crown prince eyes. I bowed my head low and my eyes casted down as my maids had warned me, before suddenly lifting my head up to stare at him.

But I dared to. I dared to stare into his eyes and I didn't miss the way his gaze flickered from darkness to tenderness? I guess I was mistaken, a man like him does not feel tenderness.

Never! the only thing he is capable of feeling is evil. That is even if he still has a heart. I quickly lower my head. That was it. The attention I needed.

"We have gathered here the most beautiful women from different villages, you may now choose the one of your liking, Your highness. Ladies, you may now raise you heads," the courtlady ordered. And we obliged.

I watched as the crown prince lazily scrutinized all of us. It feels like he was avoiding me. Why was he avoiding me when I am in need of his attention?

It was taking centuries, and the ladies were all getting tired. But I must not grow weary. I need the prince to choose me. I must not be like them.

"So which of them is to your liking your highness?" Dorian the young prince with deep blue eyes asked.

"The crown prince just huumed In response. But everyone was shocked when he said, "Let every woman display their talents. I am never choosing any woman without a talent as a bride"

Talents? No my only talent is to hunt. And what am I to hunt here? There are no animals here.? What do I do?.

I was astounded by the amount of beauty and talents the other women gathered in this hall were displaying. Songs, beauty, dancing, composing poetry, arranging flowers....were the talents this women were displaying to please the crown prince.

But I am not better in any of these things. And God forbid that leave without the prince taking an interest in me.

"Oh by the blue moon.....this women are the best...amazing..." Prince Dorian said, clapping his hands as the women displays their talents. He was clearly enjoying himself. Unlike the elder brother.

Who does not seem interested in whatsoever was happening in here. He looked clearly displeased.

The maid that brought me in here already informed about the princes. The eldest, prince Derrick was a Lycan. Who is greedy of the throne. But the father, the former King Asa had appointed the last born prince. And his name is Ares.

Why he had a Greek god name is a misery, he doesn't even posses the qualities of the Greek god. Except that he is perfectly created. Sinfully beautiful, Tall in stature with a fair complexion, he possesses beguiling forest-green eyes that captivate all who gaze upon them.

His well-defined muscles are the result of his Lycan bloodline, which imbues him with extraordinary strength and agility befitting a ruler of his caliber.

"You! You! It's your turn lady. What are you spacing out for.?" And he finally noticed me.

I could sense the domineering aura in the way he uttered my name.

But then what am I going to display? I didn't have a talent like other girls. I only have a talent of hunting.

What do I do?. I am definitely going to embarrass myself right now.

I stare deep into his beguiling forest green eyes, I like the way he stood tall more beautiful in his all black attire. His black ebony hair cascaded down his shoulders. He was an epitome of beauty. Yes he is.

I am spacing out again.

Was I drooling over him? No way!It can't be.

*Two days ago*

This is the longest i had stayed together with him. In the same home.

Glazing at the deep blue eyes, just like mine. The man, he was my blood, my clan, my torture. The fact that I have the same brown eyes as his, was another torment for me. I only posses my mother's long ebony hair. And fair skin like that of my sister.

And all of this is a night mare because he is my father. I regret been a true-blood. He had used that against my mother's sanity. He wanted her gone. They both hated each other's guts. My father's greed had caused my sister Sawyer sold to the most fobidden clan.The Mickelsons.!

They had murdered her. And I am yet to find out why they had to murder her. Because I was young when it happened.

'The clan that held your fate. And do not forget the prophecy' Just has my mother had said on her dying bed. All because of a certain curse my clan are tasked to safe the life the prince. Been that he was born half Lycan_half wizard.

My mother was a very great sorcerer.So she was the one who performed the sorcery.

I have been carrying this hatred for the Mickelsons.

Especially the crown prince, Rumor has it that he is a very cruel Lycan prince without a mate. There is no doubt that the moon goddess had decided to purnish him without a mate. And I thank the moon goddess for this.

Except that my father dropped this bombshell.

"If you keep been this way then I would be forced to consent to the terms of our coven."

"And what are their terms"? I asked interested.

"That you serve as the right one to be chosen as slave for the crown prince before he ascends the throne. You are not unaware of his lack of mate are you?"

That was it! My father, despite been aware about the curse the Mickelsons had befallen our despite been aware that my mother lost her life to this.

Despite been aware of the hatred I bore for the Mickelsons. He even sold my sister all for wealth that resulted to her death. And here he is, shamelessly threatening me to consent to the witches terms.In order to gain more wealth.

All because the witches of the eastern covens had decided to shun my family from utilizing our powers. Because of the prophecy foretold since I was birthed:"if she ever utilizes her powers, you would all fall. One by friend, one by foe and one by family." And since then I have never tested my powers.

"No father! I would never be a concubine for that cursed crown prince."I responded with haughty eyes.

Our kingdom has been under their reign for about a century now. The former King was also a Lycan. Despite the fact that their are other powerful beings in our kingdom too.

The Lycans are the most powerful, the most civilised and fit to rule. Right from the dawn of this kingdom. They were the royals. And the people are content for they have helped conquer in most wars, in order to protect our kingdom.

"You have no choice in this matter Avalon. Whatever I say is what will happen. Besides you know it's because of your mother's deeds we are shuned permanently."

"No father! It was not her fault, she never knew the curse would reverse." I defended her. Everybody knew this, but they would not accept it. They dared not. They dare not talk ill of the royal prince.

"And she left us to deal with it. I am not going to sit by and live my life under the this curse without gaining anything. So you better go pack your things and head out to the palace. And be grateful that witches had chosen you has part of the women for the crown prince slave."

They had chosen me?. And that I should be grateful?. Do not make me laugh. This would be torture.

I hate the horrendous fact that the with the had chosen me has part of the crown prince concubine. It was no surprise that if the witches who resented my existence would choose a woman to serve as a slave to the cruel crown prince. Then it would be me.

No doubt that I can't be able to go against the witches command. I am to save our covens from been invaded. Because every village with supernatural powers must drop the name of a virgin woman,as a slave to the crown prince. And our coven is not exempted.

And I am the chosen one. And because I have no say in this, I am to accept the witches decree to serve as slave to the crown prince.

What was the use of existing?. I don't find it. I am to be glad that witches has decided to help my family. My sister had died in the hands of the Mickelsons. Those enigmatic green eyes! I would never forget it.

I lost my mother in the same hands.

And I am about to fall in their hands.

No way I am going to accept this. I better run away before the bride choosing day.

And that is what I would do. Tonight would be the perfect night. I am going for hunting tonight, but as a disguise for my escape.

"Alright father, whatever you say. As long as we are not shuned anymore"

"Yes! That is what you are ought to have said. Now would you go pack your things and head to the palace. Make sure to dress to please and entice him. You don't know who the crown prince would take a liking on."

There was no way in hell I am going to dress to please that man. He was a devil's reincarnation.

Cruelty, doom, evil...they were all his attributes.

I was young, those green eyes was all I had managed to see when he brutally mudered Sawyer my sister on the day our village was invaded.

All for his safety,the prophecy has it that I can't utilize my powers. So my sister has to die.

And that has rendered me to live in a tumultuous state since childhood.

I doubt that he is aware of this. Because wherever I find the owner of those green green eyes, I am ready to utilize my powers. Not caring of the consequences whatsoever.

But my father does not have to about it.

"Yes father I would do my best to. I would arrive in the palace tomorrow morning. I am going for hunting tonight"

"Huumn"

A satisfactory smirk laced on his face. He thought his wealth would soon increase.

I was not interested in wealth whatsoever, afterall the wealth from the bad deeds of his.

And he was trying to plant them on my mother. Because she was the witch who performed the sorcery.

He went back to his room. And I pretend to be ready for hunting tonight.

"Goodbye father" I bid him. This would be our last night together. The goodbye was the right word. He hadn't even noticed that my bag was filled with little necessites I would be needing on my journey. Rather than the bow and arrow for tonight hunt.

"Huumn. You watch out for terror that walks at night."

He was only caring for my safety because my safety would yield wealth for him.

"Yes. Have you forgotten this is not my first time hunting at night?"

"You better just ensure your safety. I need to gather my wealth. And be called the king's in-law too. You know?"

He didn't even bother to hide his intentions again.

This journey out of the kingdom. I do not know what the night holds. I am in no way safe. Because I have nowhere exactly I am heading to.

I just want to leave this forsake kingdom. I just want to runaway because I don't want to his bride.

And do I throw my vengeful heart towards him because I have to away from him?.

Or do I just accept my fate become one of his concubines?.

I hesitated a little before stepping out into the cold grounds within my father's large chamber he had managed to secure due to his subtle manner he gained wealth.

Midnight hunting was what I loved to do with my sister Sawyer. When I was much younger.

I thought, as the sound of the thunder diminished.

My father's large chamber seemed to have turned eerily quiet except for the crashing of droplets against the window panes.

The sounds of cracking of chains got my attention admist the quietness. It could be the guards, they were closing for the night.

Grabbing a fur coat from the arm chair, I wrapped myself in ti and walked out of the room making oth a lamp in my hand. Usually, their would be my father's guards standing near the door, but today, they were none. Because I had told them my father said to retire for the night.

If I was going to escape tonight, the guards must not know about it. Because in a blink of an eye, I would be found.

"Wheeeezsh"

The whistling sound of the cold wind echoed past the massive hallway.

Except for the light lamp in my hand, the whole place was drowned in darkness as the fire fights to be extinguished by the storm.

I had managed to make past half the forest. There was no turning back right now.

I stepped on a black rock. It scratches my left toe. As I whimpered.

I knew the crook and cranny of the forest. I have been hunting in this same forest in the midnight since childhood.

So there was no fear to walk it in the midnight.

Except that a deep loud growl ecoed through the forest and I stopped in my tracks.

Confused!. I lift my long blue gown. So as to run in case there was danger.

There was no way a dear would growl in that manner.

What could it be_?

"Growl" another sounds echoed through the forest. But filled by whimpers.

It was an animal. And it was close. It sounded like it was in pain.

And it needed help.

Despite that I have to escape tonight or never.

I rushed to it's rescue. I am a devoted hunter. And I am ready to save the life of this animal in pain.

I found it!. Except that it was not a dear. But a wolf. A wolf? It was larger than a wolf. It posses this dark aura but in pain.

It was not news that our kingdom is filled with different supernatural beings. Warewolves, Witches, vampire's, and the highest of the food chain are the Lycans.

I slowly walk towards it. The paws was slashed, a mark of sword.

Could there have been other hunters that are after this wolf?.

But he had managed to escape.

I studied the wolf, it's color was like that of my hair. Pitch black.

With green eyes. No doubt this was a warewolf. I stare into the sky. There was no full moon.

So why then was it out here alone?.

I hurriedly drop my bag, searching through it, I always carry my safety aids with me, wherever I go to. In case of necessity.

I have never seen a warewolf this beautiful. Whoever this was. I am ready to safe h_, then I met it's eyes.

Deep forest green eyes. They are the second set of most beautiful eyes I have ever met.

They looked exactly like the first set of green eyes that I have harbour Revenge for. Except that this one eyes screams for help.

It was vivid in it's eyes. And I am ready to help it. There was no way the this wolf was the crown prince.

Still confused what gender it was.

"Are you a female or a male?" I asked as I tore the hem of gown to reduce the amount of blood gushing out.

It whimpers, shaking it's head in response. A male?.

I placed it head gently on my lap. Sitting on the cold snowy leaves.

I adjusted to the way the wolf's large head on my lap. Massaging the paws with my ointment, another painful whimper escapes it's mouth.

I didn't know when I begin to brush it's oh! so beautiful dark fur.

I noticed the way the wolf stare deep into my eyes and it's body relaxes, rather than been all defensive.

Was this how Warewolves succumbs to anybody's touch?. Then it begins to sniff me. His gaze directed at my neck. Like it was ready to bite them. Bite? I knew wolves bite. But this one would not bite me because I saved it right?.

Well, I hope so. "You are surely a male. I can sense it. But what kind of fate had befallen you? Or why are you out on your own when it's not even the full moon.?"

The wolf only keep staring at me. Like I was the only thing it could stare at.

Like there was no sky to stare at. Because I don't want it to slow my escape plan.

But then, it wouldn't hurt to let out my pain to this wolf. Afterall, warewolf or not. He was a stranger. A stranger that I would be disclosing my deepest fear to.

And we would never meet again.

"You know, the reason I am out here this late at night is not to hunt. As I had told my father. But because I had to escape. I had to runaway from this cursed prince. You see, he would be choosing his braid tomorrow and my coven had decided to drop my name as slave to him.

Aware that the crown prince was cruel. Yet they had to discard me. And my father wants to increase his wealth. So I am the perfect one. Because both our coven, my village and my father would benefit from this. "

"Wheeewz" The wolf made that sound, like he was deeply sorry for hearing that.

"You don't have to be sorry. It's not your fault. It's that cursed prince fault. My clan was cursed with the task of saving him you know? And my mother happened to be the most powerful witch at that time.

Even my sister lost her life in their hands.

The Mickelsons!. They are my greatest enemy. I want to avenge her death. On that night, all I could see was his green eyes as he brutally mudered Sawyer."

"Funny how you both carry the same eyes." And that was when it struck me.

"Don't you think? I could avenge my sister's death if I manage to catch the crown prince eyes. I would come into life with another intentions to the world. But deep inside, I harbour Revenge for him?"

The wolf shifted uncomfortably on my laps.

"Oooh. You don't seem satisfied. But then, you do not know how much hatred I have for him.

I am going to enter that palace as his bride. I would do my best to have his attention. And I will kill him with my own hands. Lycan or not. I would utilize my powers, I do not care for the prophecy. All I want is to destroy him."

The wolf looks displeased again. "What! Just because I am telling my deepest secret, doesn't mean you get to control my feelings, you do not know anything. I am not going to wait here until my father's guards notice that I have escape. Tomorrow would be the beginning of my mission. I am heading back home."

"Why do you keep whimpering?. I am sorry, but I have to go now. I am happy that I am able to meet you. If I hadn't met you. I would have been lost in my escape, bearing the guilt of not avenging my sister's death. And that of my mother"

The wolf replies with a single nod. And shifts gently from my lap.

"You see, don't you think it is fair that I atleast know you name. Since I have disclosed my deepest secret with you?".

Then to my surprise, the wolf lowers his body and starts to write with his claws on the wet floor. "ASHTER"

"Ahhh,Ashter. Wow, you have a very beautiful name. I am amazed. I am Avalon. I hope we meet in the future, by that time it could be you to save me." I said, then I retrace my steps back into the forest feeling the wolf's forest green eyes on me.

He was a stranger. A stranger with beautiful set of green eyes. And did I just save a warewolf with green eyes?

His name was Ashter. I would never forget.

Would I be able to encounter this stranger again in life?. It can't be.