As the radiant moon cast its luminous glow upon the cobblestone pathway leading to the grand palace, Princess Arabella arrived in a carriage adorned with cascading roses and gilded accents. The carriage, drawn by majestic steeds, moved gracefully, the gentle clip-clop of their hooves resonating in the crisp night air.
“Bella! Stop fidgeting with your fingers,” Gina chastised her friend gently, a playful edge to her voice. “You’re making me nervous too.”
“I can’t help it, Gina. I don’t know why my heart is so restless,” Arabella confessed in a hushed tone, her hand instinctively finding its place over her fluttering heart.
“Don’t worry! King Zephyr is going to choose you as his mate at first glance. You’ll see,” Gina reassured her.
“And you’re going to find a handsome mate too,” Arabella teased, a playful grin touching her lips. The air between them was filled with a shared sense of excitement and anticipation as they indulged in whimsical chatter, weaving dreams of their future.
Their carriage had traversed through verdant landscapes, winding paths bordered by flourishing gardens adorned with exotic blooms. As the splendor of the palace came into view, its grandeur enough to steal one’s breath away.
“The palace is magnificent,” Arabella gasped softly, her gaze enraptured by the meticulously manicured lawns and vibrant flora that lined the pathway leading to the grand foyer.
“King Zephyr is certainly quite affluent,” Gina commented, peering out the window of the carriage, taking in the lavishness that surrounded them.
With a graceful halt, the carriage came to a stop, and the royal guard swiftly moved to assist the princess and her friend. As they stepped onto the cobblestone path, the air carried the heady scent of night-blooming flowers, and the palace gates swung open, revealing a panorama of opulence and enchantment that surpassed their wildest imaginings.
Awestruck, Arabella and Gina were led by the royal guard toward the illuminated ballroom.
The resplendent ballroom shimmered with a thousand candlelit chandeliers, their golden glow dancing upon the marble floors like stars captured beneath the celestial firmament.
In the midst of the opulent ballroom, a gathering of male and female shifters adorned in their most splendid attire mingled, their gazes filled with anticipation and yearning as they sought their destined mates. The air crackled with excitement, each shifter hoping to find that elusive connection amidst the revelry.
As Princess Arabella made her entrance, a hushed wave swept through the crowd, every eye turning towards her like petals seeking the sun’s embrace. Suitors approached with eager intent, yet she remained aloof, her attention distant and unyielding. With a subtle gesture, Gina was whisked away by a persistent male, leaving Arabella secluded in a quiet corner.
Taking a glass of juice, Arabella feigned engagement, her thoughts veering away until the mention of a name caught her ear like a whisper in the wind. The mention of the infamous Alpha Alexander stirred a ripple of intrigue within her, drawing her focus sharply to the conversation unfolding nearby.
“I heard Alpha Alexander was also going to attend the mating ball tonight,” murmured one of the females, the words hanging in the air like a tantalizing secret.
Arabella’s curiosity surged, her attention now wholly ensnared by the conversation. She leaned in, eager for more information.
“Yes, I thought so too, but now he’s not coming,” another voice sighed with palpable disappointment, a hint of longing coloring her tone.
The mention of the Alpha’s absence puzzled Arabella, the threads of gossip pulling her deeper into the intrigue.
“But why?” she heard herself inquire, her voice barely above a whisper.
“He is King Zephyr’s stepbrother, and they had a feud that led to him not attending the ball tonight,” explained another female.
“That’s so sad,” every other female sighed with a sad expression.
Arabella had heard whispers about Alpha Alexander’s allure-resembling a Greek god, a favorite among females. She dismissed the notion, shaking her head at the image of him as a notorious womanizer. Unbeknownst to her, there was someone else in the room, a silent observer who had been watching her every move for quite some time.
As the room filled with pairs heading towards designated mating rooms, Arabella found herself alone, a tinge of boredom lingering in the air. Unnoticed, a figure approached, moving slowly through the crowd until he reached Arabella’s side. His presence was commanding, and when he stopped near her seat, the very air seemed to change.
A resonant voice broke the silence, echoing through the still air. “Princess Arabella!” The sound drew her gaze upward, and she met the eyes of a man who exuded an aura of majesty and grandeur. Handsome and possessing a stature akin to royalty, he halted near her seat.
Startled, Arabella rose from her place, gently setting aside her glass of juice upon the table.
“Yes,” she replied, her voice soft and melodic, tinged with surprise.
“I am Zephyr Blackthorn,” he introduced himself, his name falling upon her ears like a whispered enchantment.
Recognition dawned upon Arabella as her eyes widened in realization-an epiphany that the imposing figure before her was none other than the enigmatic Warlock King himself.
“His Highness!” she bowed slightly, paying respect in her nervousness.
“Princess, you don’t have to offer formal greetings,” Zephyr smirked, his hungry gaze trailing over Arabella. “I have chosen you as my mate. You can call me Zephyr.”
Arabella felt as though her heart had stopped beating. The Warlock King had chosen her. But why didn’t she feel excitement? All she felt was fear.
Lowering her eyes, she whispered, “Thank you, King Zephyr.”
“So, you accepted my proposal?” He asked, seeking confirmation.
She nodded shyly. After all, it was her father’s wish. She trusted her father’s judgment to choose the best groom for her. Thus, she went along with her father’s decision and agreed to be the Warlock King’s mate.
Zephyr took Arabella’s hand and announced loudly, “I have found my mate and Queen.” Everyone erupted into cheerful gasps and voices, congratulating the future Queen. Gina smiled and winked at her friend, prompting a shy smile from Arabella.
Before she could comprehend what was happening, Zephyr had already escorted her to the mating room. According to the rules, upon agreeing to be mates, they were required to consummate their relationship immediately after the declaration.
Now that Arabella had agreed and Zephyr had declared her as his mate, there was no turning back.