Lienna.
As much as it pains me to say this, the fact remains that it is inevitable all good things must come to an end. Despite the splendor of the days spent with the shifter kings after the marking, our honeymoon retreat was over, and it was time to return to the fortress.
We had spent the last few days after the success of the marking ceremony learning more about each other and further cementing the bond we had created. They finally thought I was ready for the next phase of my life. I didn’t think that was true, but the moment the shifter kings noticed my doubts, they were quick to comfort me.
“I’m sure you would do a stellar job,” Caspian said in our final moments in the cottage, leaning in to kiss the mark on my shoulders. I smiled at him, feeling my eyes mist with tears as I let out a shuddering breath. “I hope so too,” I murmured, returning his kisses. As the days passed, my love and admiration for these men had grown so much it felt like it would burst from my chest.
I managed to control my overflowing emotions, turning my attention back to my reflection in the mirror. Arranging my hair to the best of my abilities, I let out a breath of satisfaction, wearing a small smile. “I’m ready…” I announced, turning back to find all three of them standing and waiting for me. I let out a giggle, twirling the dress I had on.
Dressed in a simple yet exquisite gown that did a stellar job of hiding my marks and bites, I looked so different yet the same. Something had fundamentally changed within me, though I was yet to pinpoint why. I could see it in my eyes a spark, a flame that seemed to burn brighter with every passing moment.
The shifter kings watched me, their eyes filled with a mix of pride and desire. I could sense their hunger, their need to claim me again. But for now, they seemed content to simply look at me, taking in the sight of me.
“You look lovely…” Hermes complimented, his eyes roaming over me with admiration. I smiled shyly at him, lowering my gaze to my fingers, which were clasped together in my lap.
“But it’s time to go, or else we would run late,” Hermes added, his voice gentle but firm. I immediately joined them, and they led me out of the cottage into the parked carriage that stood out, its elegant design and intricate carvings a testament to the shifter kings’ wealth and status.
Helping me in, Adonis and Caspian sat beside me, their bodies warm and comforting, while Hermes occupied the chair across from me. Orders were given, and the carriage began to move, the beautiful cottage where I had made the most splendid memories receding into the distance.
The journey was longer than I expected it to be, but my heart started to pound when I beheld the fortress in the distance. My fingers felt cold, and I stiffened, anxiousness filling my body. A hand reached out to grab mine, and my quickened breathing slowed down. I looked up at Adonis, managing a small smile.
“I’m fine now… Thank you,” I whispered, and he nodded, his eyes filled with understanding.
The closer we got to the castle, the more people trooped out of their homes to welcome us, their joyful shouts filling the air. I looked out the window, waving at them with a smile on my face, trying to appear more confident than I felt.
We arrived at the fortress, and there was an even bigger crowd waiting for us. I continued to wave, my smile plastered on my face, until we arrived at the entrance of the castle. A long line of maids and servants, their heads bowed, stood outside, awaiting our arrival. I was helped out of the carriage by Caspian and Hermes, and we responded to their warm welcome. We immediately walked into the castle, flanked by soldiers who stood at attention.
As I stepped into the newly decorated interior, a soft gasp escaped my lips. The grand hall was transformed, with intricate tapestries hanging from the walls and a magnificent chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The room was filled with the sweet scent of flowers, and the soft glow of candles cast a warm ambiance. This was totally unexpected, and I didn’t know how to react.
“I hope you like it,” Hermes murmured in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine. I snapped my head to look at him, my eyes wide with wonder.
“Y-you did this for me? Really!?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
If I thought I couldn’t be any happier, I was dead wrong. I grinned so hard my chin started to hurt, tears filling my eyes. Caspian turned to the eager and waiting crowd, announcing a banquet that would take place that night. I just stood there, dazed, my heart filling with so much joy and other unexplainable feelings.
At Caspian’s announcement, people began to disband, probably to prepare for the banquet. The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air as they dispersed, leaving us alone in the grand hall.
“We would love to spend more time with you but we have some urgent matters to take care of.” Adonis muttered and I nodded.
“It’s alright, you should probably attend to them. I’ll see you much later then.” I said and they nodded, walking away one after the other. I watched them go, unable to help the flutters in my chest.
I turned around to see Mara standing in between a number of maids, their postures subservient. Happy to see her, I rushed towards her, wanting to hug her, but she took a step back, bowing her head deeply instead.
“Welcome home, your majesty,” she greeted in a low voice, and I stopped, the smile on my face dropping. “Oh…” I trailed off, momentarily lost for words.
Clearing my throat, I straightened my posture and spoke again. “Thank you for the warm welcome.” Mara raised her head, a tiny smile on her face, her eyes glossed over with tears. But her voice was firm when she spoke.
“Would you like me to lead you to your chambers?” she asked. “Yes, please,” I answered, walking forward. She nodded, and with the maids surrounding us, she led me to my new chambers.
I gasped when I walked through the door, dumbfounded. My new chambers were grand in every sense of the word, screaming royalty and class. The room was filled with lavish furnishings, intricate tapestries, and a magnificent four-poster bed. I walked around, admiring everything, pressing my lips together to stop myself from grinning so hard.
“I hope you like it, your majesty,” Mara’s voice came through, and I looked at her. “Of course… It’s beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you to everyone who made this possible,” I said, and she smiled.
“Then, without further ado, we should start preparing for the banquet that would be hosting tonight,” Mara said, and I took a step forward. “Right after I do this. I would like to be excused. Mara, stay.”
The maids all filed out, leaving me alone with Mara. I bit back my trembling lips, closing the distance between us. “Can I hug you now?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
The words had barely left my lips when she rushed forward, throwing herself into my arms. I encircled my arms around her, breathing her in, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over me.
“Yes, you can hug me now…” She muttered between us, her voice muffled against my shoulder. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you…” I said, my voice filled with emotion, as I pulled away from the hug, reaching up to hold her face. Her eyes shone with tears, and I could see the genuine pride and happiness radiating from her.
“You look so different now,” Mara said, her eyes scanning my face, and I chuckled, blinking back tears.
“Really? I can’t tell,” I said, smiling wryly, and she grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
“How was your honeymoon?” she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
“Hmm… It was one of the most splendid days of my life,” I replied, a dreamy look on my face, and Mara’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Mara said, and we giggled, the sound filling the room with warmth and laughter.
She pulled away, gently cleaning off the tears that had streamed down my cheeks. “We should really start preparing for the banquet though,” she said, her voice practical, and I let out an exasperated breath.
“So soon?” I asked, pouting slightly, and Mara smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Yes… We need all the time we are going to get. Take off your clothes, let’s begin,” Mara said, going out to call the maids I had dismissed earlier. My hands reached for the straps of my gown, but I froze, hesitant.
The maids were already back in, carrying buckets of hot water, fragrant oils, and herbs, their scents filling the room with a soothing aroma. Mara froze when she saw I was yet to take off my clothes.
“What’s the delay?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Ummm…” I started to say, but stopped myself, feeling a flush grow on my face. Slowly, I began to remove my clothes, the dress sliding down my body, revealing the marks and bites that covered my skin.
A gasp escaped Mara’s lips, and the flush deepened. All over my body were the visible signs of the shifter kings’ possession over me – bites, marks, and scratches. Some parts were still sensitive, but I would die before I hated them.
Mara’s eyes scanned my body, taking in the extent of the marks. “Looks like I have my work cut out for me,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. I smiled, lowering my gaze to the floor in embarrassment.
She clapped her hands, directing the maids. “Tonight, we would make you the most beautiful woman that has ever graced the realm,” she declared, her eyes shining with determination. The maids nodded, setting to work with a flurry of activity, as Mara began to examine the marks on my skin, planning the best way to conceal them.
Hours later, after various beauty treatments that left me flustered, I was finally through and completely dolled up for the banquet. My marks of possession had been expertly concealed, my hair meticulously styled and adorned with the most expensive jewelry money could buy. My skin was resplendent, glowing with a soft, ethereal light. And let’s not talk about my dress – a velvety blue gown that flowed effortlessly to the ground, with jewels that glittered in the soft light. Mara’s goal of making me the most beautiful woman in the realm was clearly successful.
“Mara… What do you think this banquet is for?” I asked, turning to look at her while she stood next to me, a proud smile on her face.
“I have no idea, but I’m sure it’s good news,” she said confidently, and I nodded, a soft smile on my lips.
A knock came on the door, interrupting us, and we all turned in time to see a soldier peek his head in. Pushing the door open, he entered, delivering a small bow.
“Your presence has been requested by the shifter kings, your majesty,” he announced.
“You’re just in time. She’s ready,” Mara announced, and I glanced at her, my brow raised in surprise. Stifling a smile, I turned to the soldier.
“Yes, I am. A moment, please,” I said, gathering my gown and walking out of the room.
Just as I expected, there were soldiers waiting for me to act as my escort. I was led through the winding hallways to the ballroom, the sound of music and laughter growing louder with each step. As we approached the entrance, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, anticipation building up inside me.
I took a deep breath, smoothing out my gown, and stepped into the ballroom, my eyes scanning the room for the shifter kings.
There, they stood, right at the edge of the room, looking all regal and powerful. Their piercing gazes seemed to command attention, and the crowd parted naturally, creating a clear path for me. My heart skipped several beats, my mouth going dry as I took in the sight of them. They were resplendent in their formal attire, their broad shoulders and chiseled features making them look like gods among mortals.
As if on cue, their gazes turned to me, and it felt like time stood still. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as our eyes locked, the connection between us crackling like electricity. I didn’t bother pulling my gaze away from theirs as I walked towards them, my heart racing in my chest like a wild animal. My heels clicked on the marble floor, the sound echoing through the silent room.
I was finally close enough, and Caspian came forward to hold my hand, leading me up the podium. The crowd that gathered chorused their greetings, and I flickered my gaze across the ballroom, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum. The room was a sea of faces, all turned towards me with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.
Silence soon fell across the room, and Caspian began to speak. His deep voice boomed through the hall, echoing off the walls as he talked about the success of the mating ceremony. Cheers filled the room once more, and I smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.
“And here, we present to you, the one and only queen of the realm!!” The shifter kings bellowed together, their voices like thunder. A round of applause swept through the ballroom, the sound deafening. Before long, they began chanting, ‘Long live the queen! Long live the queen!! Long live the queen!!!’
For the umpteenth time today, tears filled my eyes as I realized this was my life now. From an insulted daughter to the most powerful woman in the realm. Memories filled me, and I shuddered, exhilaration filling me. So many things led to this point, yet I wouldn’t change it for the world. This is my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
THE END.