The Queen

Melina's POV

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The elegant, dark blue off-shoulder dress hugged my waist before pooling at my feet.

My red hair was styled in a beautiful bun, with two soft strands framing my cheek. With trembling fingers, I fastened my matching green teardrop necklace and slipped on the earrings.

Today was the day Alpha Azrik would introduce me to the entire kingdom. And the thought made my stomach twist into knots.

I was so nervous I feared a panic attack would crash over me, the kind I hadn't suffered for a long time.

My chest was already tight. A heavy groan escaped my mouth. I snatched my handbag off the vanity and forced myself back toward the bedroom.

I hate this. I hate all of it. And most of all I hate him, that arrogant, insufferable ass king. I couldn't stand the sight of him, let alone the idea of standing beside him in front of the entire kingdom.

With wobbly legs, I collapsed onto my bed and buried my face between my hands. It was getting worse. How am I supposed to survive the mating process? The marking? I couldn't even let a man touch my hands without feeling like it burned my skin. The thought of Alpha Azrik's hands on me, his teeth at my neck, left me suffocating.

I remembered back then when I would scream and thrash hysterically every time a male doctor or male nurse tried to touch me when I woke up at that hospital.

A soft knock on my door snapped me out of the spiral.

“Honey? Are you ready? We're getting late,” Dad called as he stepped inside.

I forced a bright smile. “Yes, Dad, I'm ready to go.”

I stood up and grabbed my handbag.

“You look so beautiful,” he said, his voice warm with pride.

“Thank you, Dad,” I said.

Dad studied me for a moment, his brows furrowing with concern. “Melina… are you okay?”

“Yeah. I'm okay,” I lied.

Dad moved toward me and gently held my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.

“Melina, darling….. You know you can say no at any time. You're not forced to do anything you don't want. Your mom and I always have your back.”

For a second, I want to scream the truth. That I was terrified, that I would rather run away than let that arrogant king touch me. But I couldn’t.

“No, Dad. I'm really fine. Don't worry. Come on, let's go,” I said, forcing another smile as I took his hand.

I can't bring harm to them. They have done so much for me. No one can go against the king.

..not even an Alpha.

Dad stared at me for a long moment, clearly

not convinced. His jaw tightened, as if he wanted to argue, but he finally sighed and slipped his arms through mine, and we left my room together.

Mom was waiting for us downstairs in the living room, scrolling through her phone. The moment she looked up, a bright, loving smile lit up her face.

“You look breathtakingly gorgeous, sweetheart. Heads are going to turn tonight,” Mom said warmly.

“Thank you, Mom. You look beautiful yourself.

Dad is going to have to fight off a few eyes tonight. ” I replied.

Mom laughed softly.

Dad moved to her side and wrapped a positive arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “I almost certainly will,” he said, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“Come on, let's go,” Mom said, still smiling.

**************************

“I introduce to you your future Luna Queen, Miss Melina Kingsley,” Azrik announced.

The whole crowd cheered. He lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss on the back of it. A daring smile curved his lips, bold and mocking, as if he were silently challenging me to pull away in front of everyone.

My skin crawled under his touch. My stomach churned violently. But I refused to give him the satisfaction he clearly craved.

I forced a bright graceful smile onto my face, keeping my posture straight.

“Our mating ceremony will be held officially next week,” Azrik added, while his hand was still wrapped around the line.

That bastard.

Rage boiled inside me. I wanted to strangle him. Right here, in front of the entire kingdom. I wanted to rip my hand away and watch that smug smile fade away from his arrogant face.

But I didn't move, I kept my fake sweet smile plastered on my lips, my body perfect still even though I was shaking inside.

The entire evening Asrik kept me glued to his side. He introduced me to countless people, Alphas, nobles, and high-ranking officials, whose names and faces I mostly forgot.

I know exactly what he was doing. This was deliberate. He wanted to irritate me, to push me to my limit. All the fake tenderness, his gentle touches, the way he kept his hand on my lower back…it was nothing but an act.

I couldn't take it anymore.

“Excuse me,” I said gently, offering a polite smile. “I need to use the powder room.

The moment I stepped inside the bathroom and locked the door behind me. I rushed to the toilet and emptied my stomach. The stress of the entire evening crushed me at once.

With trembling legs, I dragged myself to the sink. I washed my mouth, then scrubbed my hands harshly, trying desperately to erase his prints on my skin.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I just wanted to go home. To the safety of my room. To anywhere but here.

I let out a heavy sigh and tried to pull myself together. I fixed my makeup in the mirror and sprayed my mouth to get rid of the sour smell of vomit.

On my way out of the bathroom, I collided straight into a hard chest.

“Forgive me. Your Highness. I wasn't paying attention.” the man said smoothly.

“It's okay..” I replied, but my heart raced the moment I looked up at his face. Something uncomfortable twisted deep in my gut.

“I'm Blaze, Alpha King Azrik's Beta,” he said, bowing his head respectfully.

I gave Him a small nod.

“Congratulations on your upcoming mating with the king,” he added, a polite smile curving his lips.

“Thank you,” I managed.

He bowed once more and stepped past me.

I stood there, watching his back as he walked away. A cold shiver ran down my spine

I didn't like him. Not at all. A dark aura seemed to warp around him.