CHAPTER 3: Defiance In The Throne Room Sierra Valium

The Lycan Princes' palace was exactly as terrifying as the stories were told while we were growing up. Black stones lined everywhere with iron gates, terrifying looking guards, and their height...? I gulped. They were not like the regular wolves. They were all taller, stronger and faster than usual, and here I was, the weakest thing in the werewolf world finding myself in a place that I could be crushed by a Lycan child.

I was escorted through corridors that seemed like they were designed to intimidate people, or maybe it was just the fact that I was the smallest but fattest thing here. We went past nobles who raised their brows when I passed, and I knew they were judging. Looking at me, my weight, wondering how I would fit into their world and stand beside their prince as the coming queen. But I wasn't here to take the spotlight. Even if the Lycan Prince treated me like a slave, I was willing to take it all if it meant that I could save Aurora and have Darius punished for his betrayal.

Prince Kairo was waiting for me. He was massive and cold and his eyes were the exact same silver-grey as my daughter’s.

“This is what they sent me? A wolfless omega?” His voice was low and dismissive and it cut through me like a blade. 

I felt the eyes of the entire court on my back. “I am Sierra of the Valium family. I have come to honor the betrothal contract and arrangement between our houses.”

“Have you?" He leaned closer from his throne, looking so menacing, and... extremely attractive. "And what makes you think I still want you? The arrangement was made years ago. I’ve had plenty of time to find a more suitable match.”

“Then why haven’t you?” The question slipped out before I could stop it and I heard the court gasp. Prince Kairo’s eyes narrowed, and I could swear I saw smoke leave his nose as if he was some kind of fire-breathing dragon.

“Excuse me?” his voice dropped a tad lower.

I was rooted to the spot, my body shaking like a leaf, but I wasn't going to stand down now. Not when I had so much to lose if I didn't do something about it. “If you had found someone more suitable, you would have withdrawn the betrothal years ago. You didn’t, which means the contract is still valid. Which means you still need a bride, and I am here to fill that role.”

He stared at me quietly for a few seconds as if trying to assess my mental state. When he was done, he leaned back carelessly, his well-toned body filling his throne as he chuckled sarcastically. “You have nerves, little omega. But nerves aren’t enough to survive in my world. You would be dead within a week." Then, he turned away from my figure and motioned to the guards with a flick of his hands. "Send her back.”

I dropped to my knees when the guards began moving towards me. “Please. Please don’t send me away. I have nowhere else to go. I don't have a pack anymore. I don't have anything tied to my name. I don't care if you don't want to be seen with me because of how I look or what I am." I was pathetic, but I knew I would do anything especially every time I remembered Aurora's tiny hands wrapping around my finger. "Please. I’m begging you.”

Kairo’s expression hardened. “Get up and get off your knees.”

“Not until you agree to let me stay.” I was adamant. I wasn't going anywhere until he agreed, I had sworn that on my life when I was on my way to the palace.

“I said get up.” His voice was dangerous now, low and sharp. “You come into my court and you beg like a dog. Do you have no pride? No dignity?”

“I had dignity once. It didn’t save my father. It didn’t save my sister. It didn’t keep my dau—" There was no point in giving him the details of my life, I only had to stress to him how much I wanted to be known and recognized as his mate. “I have nothing left. Nothing. If I have to beg on my knees for the chance to survive, then that’s what I’ll do. Reject me if you want. Throw me out. But I won’t leave willingly. I won’t walk away. Your warriors can cut me down where I kneel and spill my blood across this floor and I still won’t leave. I am here to be your wife and your mate whether you like it or not.”

The silence that followed was absolute. I could hear my own heartbeat thundering in my ears. Then Kairo stood up from his throne and crossed the distance between us and gripped my chin and tilted my face up. 

The heat that flared all over my chin and face sent shivers running down my spine as my eyes met his cold silver ones.

“You,” he said quietly, “are either very bold or very stupid.”

“I’ve been called both names all my life. It wouldn't come as a surprise that you think that way, your highness."

Something flickered in his eyes; surprise, maybe, or the beginning of reluctant interest. He gave me one long look before he withdrew from me and finally said. "Fine. You'll stay for now until I get tired or have no use for you. For now? Your body will do, and I hope you know how well to use it in satisfying a man."

I gulped at that, swallowing the saliva that was so thick it went down hard. I nodded, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.

"Yes, I know how to use my body." I kept my gaze steady on him, and his fingers thumbed the base of my lips.

"Good." He said calmly and turned to his guards. "Lead her to my quarters, and make sure she's well taken care of. Rejoice, for you all have the Princess you've been waiting for.”