The Lycan's Ghost Bride

"Do you believe in Fairytales?

"Where the prince charming comes to the damsel in distress calling and rescues her?

"Where the sad clouds become happy with just a kiss?

"A story of a prince and a damsel riding off into sunsets?

"Where love conquers all?

But this is not a love story, at least not like any other you've read so far.

~~

It was our kingdom's 31st annual debutante ball thrown in honor of the young single jewels of age as a tradition for males to begin courtships. This courtship came with promises of marriage and of course scandals of heartbreak, something to look forward to. It was also in this debutante ball that my father, the king, wished to marry me off to the most eligible man, the Duke of Wilshire.

"Arabelle, why are you not yet dressed?

Yes, that's right. My name's Arabelle, the second child of the king and also the result of the King's secret affair with a witch. A child born out of wedlock, a bastard.

"The ball has already begun and you are not yet in your dress" Jennifer, the Nanny said. She is one of the few people who likes me in this place.

"I don't see the reason to attend, it's not like I would find a husband" I slurped on the chair staring at my reflection on the vanity mirror. " I'm the King's mistake and everyone knows that. Nobody wants to marry a mistake"

She strutted across the room, towards me. Picks up a comb and runs it through my hair, strokes by strokes .

"Oh little child. You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen" her hands ran through my long hair. "You're not a mistake, the god's were not sleeping when they sent you to your mother"

"Right, the mother that abandoned me" Another flaw. "Who abandones an infant less than a month old and takes off?

Jennifer turned me to face her. "Oh precious child, the reasons are best known to her but this I do know, you're the kingdom's finest jewel and others may not agree but their thoughts do not matter much. You, Arabelle are the sun in this kingdom's miserable sky"

I smiled at her words of encouragement. Her intentions towards me were so pure and it made me look up to her as a mother figure since I have none in my life.

"I feel tears trying to escape their prison"

"Don't cry now" she touched my cheeks. " Come, put on your dress and dazzle everyone"

I smiled and did as she said obediently. She called a few other maids who helped me into the dress the Royal seamstress made specially for this ball. I stared at my reflection on the vanity mirror, the dress so red with black stones compliments my Porcelain skin.

"Wow, I feel different," I breathed.

"Now go out there and shine your light "

I could hear the soft melodies of the violins playing, the chatter and laughter of people in the ballroom. I stood in front of the door, trying to calm my nerves down. The guards stared at me in anticipation of my signal for them to open the door.

Is it too late to run back into my room? The thought ran through my mind like a wildfire. I inhaled and exhaled, people in the room were definitely going to talk about me. If I turn back and leave, I'll be the topic of gossip in everyone's mouth by the sunrise.

Arabelle, you can do this. All you have to do is to walk through that door, smile at a couple of strangers, dance with any of them who request your hand on the dance floor and maybe get a husband.

Who am I kidding! There's no way I want a husband who's from here. And there's no way in this life will I be tied down to this kingdom when there's a whole new world out there to explore.

Arabelle Stop thinking too much and just walk into that room!

"Umm my lady, should we get the door for ya? One of the guards snapped me out of my thoughts, a dark tone with a cute smile.

You got this. " Yes, please "

They signaled the chief butler about my arrival before opening the doors wide enough to get the attention of everyone in the room.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Arabelle! The chief butler announced.

I breathed once, twice, thrice before my legs could move. The instrumentals swiftly changed into something more soft and slow as I walked down the stairs. I could hear the murmuring of everyone, they were all talking about me, looking at me, it felt like I was an antelope in the midst of hungry lions who looked as though given the permission they would devour me right here and right now.

My eyes scanned the room for the King, and when my eyes spotted him, I navigated my legs to where he stood talking with a stranger who I later recognized as the Duke of Wilshire.

It's obvious that they were talking about me and any possibility of marriage to unite our Kingdom with the church. The church had chosen Wilshire as its fortress after the rise of werewolves, vampires, witches and other mythical creatures. Humanity was divided into three realms, Wilshire which was the home of the Church, Etaariyaki the home of the paranormal creatures also referred to as the devil's lair, and Eternia was the part of the earth where mortals resides, where mortals had build kingdoms and corrupted it with politics and for this reason my father, the king had chosen to marry me off to the duke, to gain the church as an ally for his quest to unite all kingdoms under an empire, his empire. It was his life's dream and I was a stepping stone for him to achieve this.

As much as I yearned to be free, I was stuck. Stuck to this shit ass plan the moment I was born.

"Your Majesty, My lord" I courtesy at both of them.

"Arabelle" The king acknowledged me. "I'll leave you two to get to know yourselves. This old man needs his bed more often these days"

He excused himself.

"Princess Arabelle" he took my hand into his and placed a kiss just above my knuckle. "I've heard a lot about you, from your father of course and also other respectable sources"

"Respectable things I hope, my lord"

"Respectable of course, I must say your name is quite interesting in the mouths of others " he smiled at me. "Walk with me"

"Care to entertain me about what amuses you" I followed as he took the lead to the balcony, which was quiet from all noises and also had the best view of the kingdom.

"It is no position of mine to say" he chuckled lightly. "Tell me more about yourself"

"I do not wish to marry" I blunted. "And certainly not one that involves politics"

"I certainly do not wish to marry either but either way the matter is certainly not in our hands and has been decided by our elders"

"I am certain you have the power to call off whatever agreement is made" I turned to face the view of the sky. "You do not understand for you are a man but a woman's life is over when she walks down that aisle"

"I certainly do have that power but it will put my household in jeopardy with the church and certainly I won't risk that not even for a beauty such as you"

A beauty? Did he just call me a beauty!

My heart beats against my chest bone rapidly, he's the first man who has complimented me. Not like I was allowed to see other men but still, oh my gods he called me a beauty.

"A shame indeed" I tried my hardest to keep my nerves in check so I don't sound as desperate.

"You intrigue me Arabelle"

"I certainly hope not. Intrigue is the foundation of affection which certainly I wish not to be entangled in any, my lord "I turned to face him and for the first time I took in his features. Shape jawline, green eyes that matched his fair skin and hair that reminded me of leaves in autumn. He was alluring.

"You intrigue me but certainly not enough to start up any affection. I can not give you my heart but I can give you status and power"

I smiled. Maybe marriage with him would not be such a bad idea at all, I mean he is a fine looking man. I could just postpone my dreams to explore for a year, get married to him and divorce him in front of the church and of course my father. Though this setback will involve a stench in my reputation and I won't be allowed to marry again but who cares? Certainly not

me.

"When shall the wedding be, my lord? " I smiled.

"Whenever you please and please call me Damien"

I saw these flowers and they intrigued me as you did the previous night, Lady Arabelle.

From Damien.

I stared between the Nymphaea and the note that came with them. Wait, does he mean that I'm like these flowers? Is that supposed to be a good thing?

"Oh heavens, he got you flowers" Jennifer squeaked. "He's such a fine young man"

"I guess" I sighed and dropped the flowers on the table.

"Why so down, My child" she turned the chair to her, causing our faces to be aligned in a symmetrical line.

"I don't know"I breathed out. " Maybe it's the fact that I have never gotten flowers from a man or anyone before"

"And now you have one," she smiled. " Not just any one but one from the most eligible man in the earth, Duke of Wilshire"

"I know but I can not help the thoughts running in my head, 'why me?" I stood up and stared at my reflection. "I'm certainly not the most beautiful woman on this earth, I mean there's Florence. She's an epitome of beauty and grace while I'm the opposite and besides she's the heir to this kingdom"

"Stop doubting yourself Arabelle. Just as Florence, you're perfect, you're beautiful if not more than Florence could ever be"

I laughed. "Now that lie was far stretched"

"Is it though? Just saying from my point of view" she headed to my closet to sort out my dresses that needed urgent cleaning.

"He said whenever I want" I sighed and lay on the bed, spreading my hands and legs to reach the ends of the bed.

"Huh, " she looked up.

"I asked him when our wedding shall be and he said whenever I decide"

"Now what are you waiting for? Make that fine man yours so this desperate damsels could breathe"

I chuckled. " If I say, would that not make me one of them desperate damsels and their vicious Mamas?

"Nope it wouldn't" she carried the dresses in a basket that hovered just below her breast region.

"Let me help you," I said, getting up from the bed.

"Nonsense child" she shunned. " A lady of your status should not be seen doing this, even more during your courtship"

"Trust me, no one would care"

"I care" she opened the door, walked out and closed it.

I sigh again while staring at the Nymphaea that sat prettily on the table. The Duke of Wilshire, what kind of man is he?

Was I willing to shut my dreams even if for a short while for someone like him. Was he even worth gambling on? Yes, this whole marriage scheme was a gamble. One side gets an ally and the other gets authority to spread their gospel to Eternia, and probably chase the witches who had found refuge here. All at the expense of what? Of me saying yes to being caged by a man. Not just a man but a hot attractive man for heaven's sake.

"My Lady, you have a visitor" my hand maid snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Who is it?

"Her highness, Florence"

"Let her in," I said. She was courteous and walked to the door, opening it for my dearest sister to walk in. And she did like the arrogant, promiscuous devil spawn that she is.

"Your highness" I bowed slightly. As much as I don't want to but, I have to since she was my elder in age and also in rank. The first true offspring of the king.

"I came quickly as soon as I heard the news" she sits on the chair without acknowledging my manners.

I signaled the maid. " Get us tea" I muttered softly.

"Come sit down now, we have much to discuss" she gestures at the chair across from her's. " A little sister's bonding time"

"I doubt this is considered as bonding" I sit down. " But since you're in a rush to confirm the gossip, yes I am to be wed to the Duke. Father arranged it"

"I am sure he did. He needs an army and the church do certainly have one, and no, not just soldiers but believers so yes he'll need that to unite all of Eternia"

"I see. But that is not a child's news, and uniting Eternia may take centuries to come"

"Certainly why you must play your part and marry the Duke"

"Pardon me? My part, in what exactly?

" You are the wedlock child of a mortal and a witch, being the half of both words of humanity, you're the only binding that the church needs to unite witches and humans"

I never thought about this from the church perspective. It was only my father's goal I had in mind right from the start but this came as a shock. The church also had something to gain from the marriage, and definitely it was not just access to spread their gospel but rather to unite everyone under their sovereign rule.

"I never thought about that," I said softly.

"Oh Arabelle, naive Arabelle. If this was just to conquer the rest of Eternia, father certainly would have made me the bride of the Duke and not you" She chuckled. Oh heavens, I hate that amused look of hers. "But your wedlock side has proven you useful and that is why father has kept you by his side all these years. Or did you think he felt something for you? A father's love?

"Everything was predestined and planned the moment father slept with your witch of a mother, it was all the church's conspiracy to achieve this today and now both side life plan is coming alive"

"How do you know all this?

"I have eyes and ears everywhere in this kingdom and beyond this kingdom" She smirked. "The whole of Eternia will be mine to rule as long as you don't mess this plan up but even if you do, the church probably won't sit back and father would never allow you to see the daylight again"

I sat down, all quiet, in awe. I felt defeated and she knew that. She came here to destroy any plan of me having a normal life with my soon to be husband. That no matter, the affection that may arise from what this union will bring is all a fallacy.

"Do you think you Arabelle could be loved by anyone? Even by the Duke himself?" She stood up from the chair and walked to the door, the maid came in with the tea and she took a sip at one of the cups before placing it back on the tray which was in the maid's hands.

"You better rethink again. Honey Fairytales are for kids"

"My Lady, you have a visitor," a maid informed me. "The Duke has requested your presence in the garden "

I sighed. My mind has been running through places ever since Florence was here. And all she had spilled were too much for me to take in. My whole existence was all a plan to take over the world.

I chuckled.

Stupid Arabelle, thinking you could have a life for yourself but sadly even before you were born, your purpose on earth was already mapped out for you.

"Umm my Lady...."

"Tell the Duke I will be down shortly. And please tell Jennifer to come help me into my dress" my fingers click against the fine round surface of the tea cup.

"Yes my lady"

She left, leaving me alone in my thoughts. The door opened and closed with Jennifer cursing under her breath as she walked to me.

"I heard the Duke is here" her tone changed into something more dreamy but that halted when she saw my emotionless face. "Arabelle, what's wrong?"

"Nothing" I said then let out a small smile. "I've made up my mind to marry the Duke"

"That's good news, is it not? Then why so sad, child"

"I just realized sometimes in life you don't Always get what you wanted"

"Oh sweet child" she cupped my cheeks in her hands and tilted my head to look up at her face.

"You're going to marry a fine looking young man...."

"A loveless marriage" I cut her short.

"Hush now. Let me finish, most marriages are loveless at first but with time spent together, your hearts will be opened to each other. Especially when you have kids, even if your husband doesn't love you at the end of the day, your kids will and that is something you gained out of the union"

"That sounds sad" I breathed out.

"Sad at first but with time joy comes. Even if I had refuse all suitors and sold by my family, I still got something that gave me joy and that's you little child"

I didn't realize I was at the brink of tears until I felt one tear escape, running down my cheeks.

"Have you ever thought about finding your family? I asked.

"They made their decision when they gave me up" I could swore that I heard her heartache

"Now, no more sad memories. The Duke is waiting, let's get you all dolled up"

I smiled. " You know you're the best part this life have me"

"You and me both, child"

After what took forever to fit me into my dress, I head to the garden. Of course, the castle had the best garden in all of Eternia. One could live here and forget that a world existed outside here, the flowers that compliment each other, the mermaid sculptured fountain and the smells of aloveras.

And then I saw him, standing over the flower bed. Looking all fitted and handsome in his outfit.

I don't know why I can't help but feel attracted to him. And when his eyes landed on me, it felt like an earthquake was happening.

Breathe Arabelle,

Breathe

'Don't let him notice you're trembling right now' I kept muttering under my breath as I strutted to where he was. When I got there, he bowed slightly, took my hand into his and planted a kiss.

His lips brushed above my knuckle region gave me cold trills and I felt tingling feelings in my stomach.

Am I falling for him?

Oh Snap out of it Arabelle, you're definitely not falling for him. Take a breath, he's just a guy like the guards you see every day when taking a stroll.

"Nice to meet you again my Lady" he smiled at me.

"likewise my Lord" I managed to let out a brief smile before I went all smiley on him like an idiot.

"Are you perhaps unwell? Your face is getting red and there are little droplets of sweats"

"Ummm I..."

I lost my words when he moved close and touched my cheeks with his hands. Oh my Heavens i feel like I'm about to pass out right now

'ARABELLE CONTROL YOURSELF '

Those words ran through my head but here I was, standing still while he touched my face. I was to push him away to create some distance between us but here I was, letting him touch my face like a child who's craving for her parents attention.

I was getting attracted to him and I just realized that.

One day I would want this man to love me, to hold me, to comfort me and it's scary. He had made his intentions clear about him being unable to open his heart. The heartbreaking ending is inevitable once I accept what I feel for him, stupid Arabelle. You should not be falling for strangers you just met. But there's something about him that pulls me closer and I just can't run away from it.

"You are intruding" I said, stepping back.

"Pardon me? my lady" his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"A gentleman and a damsel should not be that near to each other or it may spark rumors" I said staring down.

"Ohh but we're to Wed" he smiled at me, tucking the strand of my hair that left the knot it was and fell on my face behind my ear.

"I have an answer to your supposed proposal" I said, staring down for a brief moment before looking back at him. His green eyes reminded me of the Forest, so alluring I could get lost in them and never be found.

"And that answer is..."

Since this marriage is made to benefit everyone, I too may also benefit from this if I played my cards right. And yes, my dreams will be achieved in about a year's time. All I have to do is to be his perfect trophy wife for a year until both parties have gotten what they want and would not mind whatever

I do after. And that's how I found myself saying the unbelievable,

"I will marry you tomorrow"