The Fight For The Throne and the substitute bride of the prince

Gwendolyn was brimming with happiness. Her wedding was soon to take place, and she and Galahad would exchange their vows in front of everyone. Before the sun even rose, she got up and helped prepare breakfast. Then, she headed to the training arena, organizing everything for the soldiers and their captains. In the afternoon, she would return to store the weapons and take the opportunity to train away from prying eyes.

When her parents were accused of conspiring to murder the great Alpha Cedric and his family, Gwendolyn was still a little girl, just six years old. This brought disgrace upon her family and the clan they belonged to. The new Alpha, who took over the Kingdom, ordered their death. After the tragic loss of her parents, she wandered the streets of the province aimlessly until a kind and respected man adopted her, preventing her from becoming a beggar.

"Gwendolyn, do you have a moment for your sister?" asked Guinevere, appearing at the bedroom door and making her sister smile.

"Of course, you silly, come in," said Gwendolyn, gesturing for her sister to enter.

"Why clean up that place?" asked Guinevere, approaching her.

"I like helping Father," Gwen replied.

"We have servants for that," said her sister, lying on the bed and looking at her strangely.

"What did your fiancé see in you?" she asked, expressing superiority. Since they had met, her sister had acted like this, but Gwendolyn didn't mind. She had gained a family, and that was all she wanted.

"He is my chosen mate," Gwen said, smiling and sticking her tongue out at her sister, who rolled her eyes.

"Oh, yes! That explains it. A nobleman would never look at you," Guinevere said, always so cruel with her words. And she continued, asking, "Is Galahad coming here today?" Gwendolyn only nodded, wondering why her sister was so mean with her words.

"Well, I have to go," Guinevere said, leaving her sister's room with a plan ready. She had already thought of everything. She would make her sister's fiancé abandon her after all, as she saw him first and was tired of Gwendolyn being treated differently just because she was an orphan. Guinevere was walking towards the gardens when strong arms grabbed her and pulled her into a corner where no one could see them.

"Are you crazy, grabbing me like this?" Guinevere asked, looking at the soldier. His scent intoxicated her; she loved the way he smelled.

"When will we speak to your father?" he asked, kissing her lips. She responded for a moment but soon pulled away. They had agreed that he would enter through the window of her room, not grab her in the gardens where anyone could see them, especially Galahad.

"We agreed to meet in my room. Why did you grab me in the gardens? Someone could see us," she declared, crossing her arms and pretending to be angry.

"You know I love you; I couldn't resist," he said, picking a rose and placing it in her hair.

"I'm not sure if you love me. I need proof," she said charmingly.

"I would do anything for you!" he replied, completely in love. Knowing this, she looked at him and smiled. "Your plan is going very well," she thought.

"Anything?" he nodded. She ran her hand across his chest and said, "I want you to grab Gwendolyn." He looked confused, not understanding what he had just heard.

"How? Why would I do that? Your sister is engaged!" he said, looking at Guinevere, puzzled.

"Gwen doesn't love him anymore, and he won't accept it, neither will our father. She needs him to leave her alone. I promised to help her," she said, biting his neck to convince him and enjoy his scent a little more.

"Alright, when do I need to do this?" She smiled, jumped with joy, and kissed him.

"Today, be on alert. And later, I want you in my room," she said, smiling. The soldier looked at her. This woman is a devil, and he is entirely in love with her. They said their goodbyes, and Guinevere walked away smiling through the gardens. Her heat was approaching. She would sleep with the soldier and get pregnant with his child. She would make Galahad sleep with her after Gwen's supposed betrayal, making it easy to marry him, her true love, not some poor army officer. She would tell her father that the soldier grabbed her and forced her to sleep with him.

"A perfect plan," she thought, smiling and biting her fingertip. Now she just had to wait.

The sun was almost setting when Gwendolyn went to tidy up the training hall, leaving everything organized for the next day. Upon seeing her sister heading towards the training hall, Guinevere rushed towards the gardens. And as soon as Gwen's fiancé, Galahad, arrived, she greeted him as usual and took the opportunity to show off for him.

"Galahad, I'm glad you're here. I need to talk to you," Guinevere said nervously and scared, leaving him tense, thinking that something had happened to Gwen.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"It's about Gwen. I didn't want to say this, but she's cheating on you," she looked at him for a moment.

"You're lying," Galahad said, incredulous. Guinevere shrugged.

"Go to the arena. When I saw it, I couldn't believe it. Here I am, loving you, and she's doing this," she spoke cynically, but he didn't realize it because his mind was racing. Galahad walked towards the arena.

She was tidying the grand hall when a soldier walked in and smiled at her.

"It's alright!" he said, leaving her confused, but she didn't pay much attention.

"Are you still going to train?" Gwendolyn asked. He approached her and smiled.

"I'll help you," he said. She was confused, not understanding. Before she could ask anything, he kissed her, pushing her against the wall and touching her.

"Whore, that's why you stay in this place," Gwendolyn heard her fiancé's voice and became nervous.

"It wasn't my fault; it's not what you think," she tried to explain, but it was in vain.

"I reject you, you bitch," he turned his back and left her in shock. Her sister appeared and went up to her.

"Gwen, what happened? Did Galahad leave angry?" Guinevere asked with a frightened expression.

"He broke up with me," she said in a weak voice, looking around, but there was no sign of the soldier.

"What do you mean?" Guinevere asked, pretending to be surprised.

"He saw the soldier kissing me," Gwendolyn said, looking at her sister, who widened her eyes and covered her mouth.

"What? How did this happen?" she asked, playing the role of a concerned sister.

"I need to get out of here," Gwendolyn said, walking quickly back home, leaving her sister alone. She entered her room, threw herself on the bed, and started crying. Galahad didn't even listen to her; he rejected her. She ended up falling asleep from crying so much. When she woke up, she freshened up and went downstairs for dinner. She would talk to her father and explain everything to him. As soon as she entered the dining room, her sister strangely looked at her. Gwendolyn asked why she was looking at her like that. Was she thinking badly of her, just like Galahad?

Sir Ulrich, restless, walked through the halls of the imposing residence. His steps echoed, reflecting the turmoil in his heart. The time had come to announce the news to his daughter, Guinevere, news he feared having to deliver.

Upon entering the elegant dining room, where a lavish table was already set for the family, he spotted Guinevere, a young woman of rare beauty, sitting elegantly at the table. She displayed a petulant expression, accustomed to having her wishes fulfilled. Her blue eyes sparkled with impatience when she noticed the seriousness on her father's face.

Seated at the head of the table, Sir Ulrich took a deep breath as all eyes turned to him. His eldest daughter, Gwendolyn, stood by his side, a graceful presence emanating an aura of serenity. However, he could sense that something was wrong.

The patriarch of the Lupus clan looked at his daughters in front of him. "I have an announcement to make," he said, awaiting their reactions. Guinevere raised an eyebrow, showing her disinterest, expecting something grand that would benefit her, as usual.

"Due to a debt, I incurred many years ago, which threatens us with devastating consequences, the time has come to repay it," he continued, trying to speak firmly. Guinevere sighed dramatically, displaying her dissatisfaction. "And what does that have to do with us, Father? Surely you can solve this without affecting my life.

Sir Ulrich felt his daughter's indifference. He understood that he had spoiled her for too long, nurturing her selfish personality. "Unfortunately, the only solution to this debt is a marriage," he replied with a weary voice from the journey. "My only option is to offer you in marriage to Prince Magnus, whose unfortunate fate left him..." But he was interrupted by Guinevere.

"I don't want to!" she said, casting a furious glance at her father, her blue eyes flashing with anger and disdain. "Are you joking with me, father? I refuse! I won't sacrifice my happiness for your debts," she said, looking at him with teary eyes.

"You have no choice, it's already decided, otherwise, we will lose everything, and I can be considered a traitor to the king, I will be killed," he declared firmly. "You will marry to fulfill our duty with honor. The decision has been made," said her father, forcefully slamming the table.

The dining room became tense, filled with Guinevere's stubbornness and Sir Ulrich's determination to do what was suitable for his family.

"Pack your things. I will have you taken," he ordered, serious.

"You can't do this. I refuse to marry," she spoke, sitting at the table, gripping the cutlery tightly. Sir Ulrich stood up; his voice filled with authority.

"Guinevere, enough of your selfish behavior! It's time for you to understand that there are responsibilities that go beyond your whims."

At that moment, Gwendolyn, realizing that her sister would refuse to marry and that her father could be killed, intervened, surprising everyone.

Gwendolyn's voice sounded sad but firm. "I will marry! If it saves your life. I will do whatever it takes to preserve our family."

Gwendolyn's words shocked Guinevere. She had not expected her sister to offer herself in her place. This provoked even greater anger in Guinevere now that Gwendolyn would become the family's savior. Every day, Guinevere hated her more.

Their father held Gwendolyn's hand and said, "Daughter, you are betrothed!" This angered Guinevere even more. Gwendolyn shook her head, trying to hide her tears.

"He broke up with me," the tears streamed down Gwendolyn's face. Her father looked at her, not understanding at all. "How? Who does he think he is to do that? I'll talk to him!" he exclaimed indignantly, throwing his napkin on the table.

Gwendolyn wiped away her tears and said, "There's no need, Dad."

"But what has happened in this house in my absence?" her father said thoughtfully, looking at her.

"Gwen was cheating on him with a soldier, and he saw. Shame on you," Guinevere said, looking mockingly at her sister. Gwendolyn preferred to remain silent.

"I'll be ready to leave soon." Gwendolyn stood up, determined, and went to her room to pack her things. The truth was, she couldn't live near him with so much love in her heart. She thought as she walked towards her room, followed by her father.

"Explain this, Gwen," her father said, entering the room and sitting on the small sofa. Gwendolyn interrupted what she was doing.

"A soldier kissed me, and he saw, so he rejected me. But Dad, it's not my fault!" she explained.

"What soldier is that? I will have him arrested. How dare he lay a hand on you?" he growled. He would not accept his daughter's honor being tarnished without consequences.

"Father, I don't want to talk about it anymore. Besides, I'm going to the castle," Gwendolyn said, giving a shy smile. She was willing to do anything to help her father. Now it was her turn to repay him for what he had done for her all her life.

"Are you sure you want to do this, my child?" her father asked.

"Yes, it will be better for me. Maybe I can forget him away from here," she replied, returning to packing her things.

"I'll write to the King's Counselor," her father said, getting up and leaving the room. Gwendolyn finished tidying her room. She went downstairs; her father was waiting for her; he gave her a letter to deliver to the King's Counselor.

A carriage awaited her, and the servants guarded her luggage. She said goodbye to him, entered the carriage, and set off for a new life. Perhaps, who knows, she would find happiness.

Iron Crow Castle rose with grandeur, its dark, gothic architecture standing against the sky. Surrounded by an imposing wall, it looked like an impenetrable fortress. Gwen admired every detail, from the tall, pointed towers to the vine-covered windows that gave the place a mysterious air. As she watched, the vast causeway moved slowly, lowering slowly to allow the carriage to pass. Gwen felt a shiver run down her spine as the carriage crossed the bridge, entering the massive castle gates. She could hardly believe the turn her life had taken.

Gwen followed in the guide's footsteps, marveling at the colorful stained glass windows depicting ancient stories and noble figures. She was led to a waiting room just beyond the entrance gates, a spacious area lit by chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The walls were paneled in dark wood, giving the room an imposing and austere appearance.

"Wait here, miss," the man said as he put her luggage down, leaving her alone. She walked over, observing everything with curiosity. A massive door opened, and a tall man entered the room.

"Guinevere Windsor," the man said with a severe expression.

"Gwendolyn Windsor, here is a letter from my lord explaining everything," she said, handing him the trembling paper. The man's eyes fixed on the report before looking back at her.

"Come, be ready to meet the king and her future husband," he said, leading her down a corridor that stretched in several directions. He opened a massive door and stepped to the side.

"This is your room. Be prepared and only come out when you are called. Do we understand each other?" he asked, looking at her.

"Yes, sir. I will wait here," Gwendolyn replied, watching him close the door. The room enchanted her, a true masterpiece of luxury and elegance. The high ceiling, richly adorned with golden frames and intricate frescoes, gave a sense of nobility. Gwen took a deep breath, confident that it wasn't what she had planned, but she was sure her life would be different. If she were patient, perhaps she could even be happy and, who knows, forget Galahad.

The door opened, and a maid entered.

"Good afternoon, Miss Windsor. I will serve you," the girl said, standing by the door.

"You can call me Gwendolyn," Gwendolyn requested, smiling at the maid, who appeared younger than her sister.

"I will unpack your bags and prepare your bath," the maid said, walking over to the luggage and unpacking them. Gwendolyn was amazed by the enormous bed in the center of the room, adorned with velvet curtains. Fine wooden furniture stood out, and an elaborate vanity with an oval mirror and drawers adorned with golden handles housed delicate perfume bottles and sparkling jewelry.

"Allow me to help," Gwendolyn spoke, approaching the young woman, who looked at her with disbelief as if she had offended her.

"Miss, please, this is my job," the maid replied. Gwen cautiously approached the girl, not wanting to cause any inconvenience.

"I don't want to disrupt your work, I just wanted to help, and maybe we could be friends," Gwendolyn said. The young woman looked at her as if she had said something strange and returned to her work. After arranging things in the enormous wardrobe, the maid prepared a bath for Gwendolyn. Then she helped her choose an outfit.

"Be ready at any moment; the king may arrive and want to see you," the maid warned before leaving, leaving Gwendolyn alone again. She walked over to the window and looked out at the vast gardens. She sighed, knowing that her life would be different there, but she was confident everything would work out on her new journey.

Gwendolyn headed to the bed and lay down for a while to relax. The mattress seemed to envelop her in its softness. Her mind wandered to her past relationship, and tears streamed down her face. If only he had listened to her, she could have explained everything, but he rejected her and left. She drifted to sleep with that thought, dreaming of the future's possibilities. Soon she would meet the Prince.

The Clash

The palace corridors echoed with murmurs about their marriage.

Magnus was in the gardens in his special seat designed to allow him to sit or recline. The king had a small triangular stand built with a wheel at the end that could be easily moved. When the back support was placed on the floor, it allowed Principe to choose between lying down or sitting. Whispers of his name reached his ears, provoking a growing anger, which was soon appeased. His heightened senses picked up Fenrir's footsteps next to him.

"My prince, did I get a bride from a good family?" Fenrir said, sitting in front of him with a smile.

"The fairest in the kingdom," he added, finishing the sentence. Magnus watched him momentarily, not understanding why Fenrir treated him so formally. He was the only friend who stayed by his side after the accident that took his parents' lives.

"Perfect. Alistar will be furious when I present my bride," said Magnus, imagining the expression on his uncle's face.

"You know he won't like that," said Fenrir with a smirk. Magnus realized that the friend had something more to say and waited patiently.

"Your bride arrived at the castle today," revealed Fenrir.

"It was the king's decision. Let him marry in my place," Magnus snapped angrily.

" should at least see her," suggested Fenrir. Prince Magnus had no interest in anything that came from the king.

"I'll see you tomorrow during the presentation. If my eyes don't fail," he says, rubbing his eyes.

Alistar had already taken his father's throne, becoming alpha through conquest. He could

rule the kingdom, not your life. Hurried footsteps approached them, and Magnus and Fenrir exchanged glances. He recognized those footsteps; he was the adviser who had once served his father.

"My prince, the king wishes to see you," said the advisor. The man's heartbeat changed considerably as he approached Magnus.

"I'm sunbathing. I'll see you later," replied the prince.

"My prince, the king wants to speak with your majesty about his bride, who is already at the castle," said the advisor cautiously.

"I don't want this marriage, and you know it," Magnus replied, losing his temper.

"My prince, I understand; let me speak..." the councilor began, and Magnus nodded for him to continue.

"The king is trying to do what is best for the prince. He will be offended by your refusal," explained the adviser. That way of speaking infuriated Magnus, and he snarled in response.

"What did the king do for me when I was crippled? It was Fenrir who thought of this chair.

By the king, I would be confined in a dark room.

Where was the king when I needed him? "Don't worry about him. Could you tell him I'll come as soon as I'm done here?

I will marry, said Magnus angrily. The councilor nodded and hurried out, his heart pounding.

Fenrir looked around, searching to see if anyone was nearby. Realizing they were alone, he turned to Magnus with a concerned expression.

"Shall we address that problem?" he asked, his expression filled with worry. I understand your reasons.

"Yes, we need to intervene in this," I replied, reflecting on the situation. He continued speaking, his voice laden with concern.

"I've been on his trail, but he always disappears when I get close. It intrigues me," Fenrir said, referring to the black wolf that attacked Magnus's parents. On that cursed day, moments before my father's heart stopped beating, he revealed to me the existence of another wolf.

"I feel like he's close," I spoke

thoughtful.

"You mentioned that the king warned you to be careful in the castle. Something is happening here!" Fenrir said, with a worried look, letting out a long sigh.

"That's why we need to proceed with caution," I added, aware that with each passing day, I felt the need to remain vigilant.

"Let's not keep the king waiting any longer," Fenrir said, rising and grabbing my exceptional support. He pushed me through the gardens and corridors toward the throne room. As we arrived, I sensed the tension in the air. The king's heart was racing, and his voice sounded concerned as he spoke to his trusted advisor, who seemed imbued with fear.

"I don't want that to leak out. Find out who it is and eliminate him," I heard the king say during the conversation, which was interrupted when they saw me enter the room led by Fenrir. I don't like his pitying expression when he sees me.

"Ah, my dear uncle, if you only knew what I have in store for you," I thought

"Magnus and his faithful squire. I thought you would make me wait longer," the king spoke with irony.

"My king, if I had known it was something serious, I would have come immediately," I replied with a smile.

"Always so witty. Come closer," he said, mocking my handicapped condition.

"Of course," I replied, and Fenrir pushed me further, bringing me closer to him.

"I look at you, and I see your father," the king said with a grim expression,

"I can imagine how difficult this must be," I replied. EmotionI wouldn't say I like my voice.

"I'll be frank. Your future wife is already in the castle," the king said, waiting for his nephew's reaction. Ever since the king, his brother was killed, he had been concerned about your son, always seeking to know about his steps. A slight smile appeared on his lips, but the boy had grown up to be a problem for him and the kingdom, as he was cruel to his servants. He challenged him every chance he got, and it was about time that came to an end.

"I suppose I should take your orders," he said, controlling his anger. The king looked at the prince and sighed deeply, aware that this would be a difficult conversation for both of them.

"Of course, considering your condition, blind and crippled," the king said sternly, trying to remind his nephew of his condition and make him accept his fate.

"I regret to inform you that I do not want you to choose anything about my life," I growled, baring my teeth at him. said Prince

"Unfortunately, you are in my castle and will do as I say. You will marry, and that is already decided," said the king sternly,

"Or what?" the prince challenged and continued, "This castle was never yours, it belonged to my father, and I am his heir. You better not forget that," added the prince firmly, letting all anger show. He could feel the king's pulse quicken and his breathing quicken.

"I haven't forgotten that you are his son! So, my noble prince, blind and crippled, will you accept your future wife?" asked the king scornfully, "Your younger sister has rejected you as worthless," said the king with a mocking smile.

"I don't remember asking anyone to marry me, so it was you who were rejected and not me," said the prince, but deep down, those words reached him, and he would reject her too.

"Do you think I am incapable of finding a wife?" I asked, gritting my teeth in hatred. The king took a deep breath.

"Magnus, I made this decision only because of your condition. Understand, I chose someone from an excellent noble family," the king explained, trying to make me understand.

"I reject her! I already have someone in mind," the prince said in a tone that made the king look at him with surprise, raising an eyebrow full of doubt.

"Well, Magnus, don't make me laugh," the king said mockingly.

"Fenrir, get me out of here. Tomorrow I will present my bride during the feast. I will show that I can decide my life", he said, hoping Fenrir would remove him from his uncle's presence.

'Permission to leave,' I heard Fenrir ask, irritating me further.

"You're dismissed, but I want you to bring your chosen one and her family tomorrow," the king ordered, returning to the throne once occupied by his brother, Cedric.

That afternoon, Fenrir entered the prince's room and locked the door, as usual. Magnus rose from his exceptional support and paced around the room.

"Why did you ask for permission at that moment?" he asked angrily, his breath heavy.

"He is my king; I owe him respect," Fenrir replied. Upon hearing this, Magnus quickly turned and grabbed his friend by the neck, but he remained still.

"He is not your king," Magnus said, releasing him as he adjusted his clothes.

"And I am not your enemy. I am just the son of a humble family," Fenrir affirmed.

"I know, I lost control," the prince said, heading towards a secret passage leading them to a dense forest far from the castle. Magnus looked at his friend and said, "Let's go," assuming his form in the passage. Together with his friend, they ran towards the exit.