Bride Of The Beast

EILÍS “Would you have me wed to a human?” I asked my father–the king. I wasn't one to show emotion but I was sure my face conveyed my disbelief. “Not an ordinary human, a noble.” He explained, like that made it different. “Why! For power?fear? For respect? You already have that.” “For you, I intend to curb the rumours flying around about you, and with a human bride some of the rumours might cease.” He twirled the wine cup in his hand, gold eyes flashing in suppressed anger. “And it wouldn't hurt to see if she can cure you.” “I thought you'd given up on finding a cure?” I asked in surprise. He looked at me like I was stupid. “Why would I give up on helping you? You think I'm just going to give my crown to any of your wayward brothers?” “Ah…, of course that's the only reason you keep me sane and locked up, sending every available woman you can find to me.” I spat. “And now I'm giving you a wife, don't be a bore Eilís, Lord Dierna's daughters are a thing of beauty from what I'v

CW: Non consensual content and graphic violence. skip if you're uncomfortable. RAVEN I stumbled back in shock, my eyes widening in fear, how did he figure that out? What gave it away? My gears hit overdrive, the pain in my neck now so far beneath my worries. I optioned for denial. “I'm female, my prince, where is this coming from?” At this rate, with the way my heart beat increased I wasn't far from dying from a heart attack. I was praying he found it convincing. He growled, the sound menacing. I immediately knelt down and bowed my head. “Forgive me my prince and tell me my sin so I may atone for it.” He scoffed, going down on his knees next to me. “Why don't I confirm myself.” Fisting my hair with his left hand, he jerked my head up. I gasped, wincing in pain as strands of my hair pulled out. With his right hand, prince Eilís flipped up my gown, his hand going underneath. I could feel his hand sliding up my thigh as we stared at each other, his gold eyes burning. My b

My gaze took in the suffocating opulence of the hall. Gold leaf clung to every surface, reflecting the harsh glare of a thousand candles until the room felt like a polished fever dream.The air was heavy with the cloying scent of lilies and the rhythmic, predatory pulse of the orchestra. Between the shimmering silks and brittle laughter, I saw the court for what it really was: a sea of masks, each one more dangerous than the last.They were watching me the way I was watching them. With barely disguised contempt and a hunger for the smallest slip-up.I was prey in the midst of hunters.Nobles came to greet me and offer their congratulations, a few lingering long enough to stare at my throat and whisper at each other when they thought I wasn't looking. It was rude, but I couldn't do anything about it.A figure approached me, long after they'd left me alone. Her smile, which looked fake, gave me shivers. Here comes the first test.“Hello my Lady.” Her smile widened. “I'm Lady Solvra of Je

I was navigating the edge of the dance floor, trying to reach a pillar where I could disappear for a moment, when it happened.A servant, darting through the crowd with a heavy silver tray of crystal flutes, misjudged the turn.We collided.It wasn't a hard hit, but my body was a map of raw nerves and bruised muscle. The impact jolted my spine, and a sharp, white-hot flash of pain shot through my lower back, it was a direct reminder of the Wolf’s lack of restraint.I gasped, my knees buckling for a split second."Your Grace! Forgive me!" the boy stammered, his face turning the color of ash as he struggled to steady the rattling tray.I grabbed his forearm to steady myself, my fingers digging into his sleeve. For a heartbeat, the mask slipped. My jaw tightened, my breath hitching in a way that wasn't feminine or soft. It was the reaction of a man bracing for a fight.I saw the boy’s eyes widen. He was close enough to see the tension in my neck, close enough to hear the rough edge of my

The morning did not bring the soft, golden light of a new beginning. As I sat by the window in my chambers, the silk of my morning gown felt like a shroud. My body still ached—a dull, rhythmic thrumming in my lower back and the sharp, stinging memory of the bite on my neck.I had survived the ball, I survived Mila. But as I watched the mist roll off the black cliffs, I didn't feel like a survivor. I felt like a man standing on a narrowing ledge, watching the ground crumble beneath his feet.A sharp, rhythmic rapping at the door made me flinch. "Enter," I said, pitching my voice into a soft, breathless register I had practiced.The door swung open to reveal two guards in the silver-and-black livery of the Royal Council. Behind them stood Denis. His usual playful smirk was entirely absent, replaced by a grim set to his jaw that made my stomach drop. What now?"Lady Raven," one of the guards intoned, his voice as cold as the stone walls. "The High Council requests your immediate presence