Chapter Two: A wedding like no other

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've heard, so they'll be pleasing to the eye.”

“Would you have me ruin an innocent human's life to find out if she can cure me?”

“Stop nitpicking and just accept the decree, you will be wed by eve, we must delay the wedding no further for I fear what your actions might lead to.”

I bowed my head, knowing I had no say. “As you wish my king.”

RAVEN

As Calani tightened the corset, I could feel my soul leaving my body. My hands tightened on the dressing table as I tried to breath through the aches in my ribs.

“Perhaps you seem to be forgetting I'm a man, I assure you my waist won't cinch past this.”

Calani shushed me. “You look beautiful, like a goddess.”

I should hope so, considering the fact that underneath the dress, Calani had put in silk clothes to show the impression of breasts.

We arrived two hours ago and were escorted to a room. Calani was told to get me ready because the wedding date had been moved, I was to be wed on the eve. I wasn't even given a chance to rest or look around.

I turned to look at the mirror, my breath catching in my throat at the beauty that stood before me.

Lady Raven Dierna. A delicate beauty that bore my name, the gown I wore belonged to my mother, which my father was kind enough to grant me.

It was a gorgeous creation, a fitted kirtle of sapphire silk embraced my torso, flowing into a full skirt adorned with intricate geometric embroidery in silver thread. While the overdress, crafted from materials I couldn't name, draped around my shoulders with wide, bell shaped sleeves. Its low square neckline highlighted the porcelain pallor of my skin.

My hair was left unbound, cascading down my neck like a waterfall.

The artfully applied cosmetics only enhanced my feminine allure, dark red lips, blushed cheeks, and thick dark lashes framed my bright blue eyes.

The overall look gave me an angelic appearance that was both beautiful and unsettling. I was a doll, the very picture of noble grace, I couldn't help but imagine if this was what I'd still look like dying, I couldn't stop the sobs that escaped me at the thought.

EILÍS

The hall reeked of fresh paint and wilted flowers, the hastily arranged bouquets casting a sweet, clover-like scent that clashed with the musky tang of the stone walls.

The nobles, who had been given last minute invitations, chatted nervously, eyes lowered and head bowed, too scared to make eye contact.

Not that my towering height and huge build did anything to make them less scared.

I shifted my foot and watched with grim satisfaction as they collectively flinched.

They saw me as a ticking time bomb, one that could explode at any moment, believing I could go on a killing rampage if mistakenly triggered.

They weren't wrong, it was part of the perks of being feral.

The priest who was to officiate the wedding maintained a distance, but not so far that he could not be heard. I scoffed, like that would give him time to run.

The doors of the hall swung open, it was time.

My bride was brought into the hall with her attendants. Three veiled figures made their way up the aisle in quiet procession. I knew she was in the middle, the gown she wore was blinding in its brightness, it dragged across the grounds with each step, the fabric catching the light as it swayed in perfect harmony with her delicate movements.

She was led up the steps and placed before me. She hesitated a moment, her hands trembling beside her. My heart ached as I heard the soft, stifled sound coming from behind the veil. She was crying.

A flush of anger overtook me, she was afraid of me.

The priest cleared his throat pointedly, sending me a meaningful glance. It was time.

With anger in my heart I reached for the veil and lifted it slowly.

The shock was palpable, like a wave crashing down over the entire congregation, rippling from the front of the hall to the back where some civilians stood.

There was a sudden intake of breath, a collective gasp as the veil was lifted completely.

The king was the first to break the silence, his voice harsh and undignified as he let out a squeak of disbelief.

He had said she was pretty, but now that the moment had arrived, even he couldn't hide the shock that laced his voice.

She was absolutely, impossibly beautiful.

The priest however didn't seem to notice or care. As soon as I had lifted the veil and revealed the swollen tear streaked face, he resumed his recitation.

“We gather here today.” He intoned. “Under the watchful eyes of the celestial deities, the moon goddess, Luna, and the shadow god, Nyx…” I couldn't help the anger that continued to fill me at the sight of her still trembling body.

“And may the eternal flow of the moon river bless this union…” the priest droned on.

His voice suddenly sharpened.

“Prince Eilis Caravia, Feral wolf of levia. Do you take Lady Raven Dearna to be your lawfully wedded wife? To cherish and to protect, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” My voice was firm and clear.

“And do you, Lady Raven Dearna, take prince Eilís of Caravia, feral wolf of levia, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To honour and support, to love and to cherish in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?”

The silence was loud as she hesitated, mouth moving but no sound coming out, she gripped her dress, seeming to summon courage and then she squeaked out "I do", her voice barely audible.

“By the power vested in me, by the celestial deities, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

I watched as Raven stiffened, eyes slamming shut, hands tightening on her dress and body trembling as she waited for a kiss.

My chest stung, I had to fist my hand to keep from rubbing them. I hated the look of fear on her face. I bent slightly and placed a kiss on her cheek, completely avoiding her lips, I retracted and turned to the audience.

I was married to someone who didn't want me, and was petrified of me. My skin felt tight, my hands started to tremble, I knew it was a sign my wolf wanted out.

I took the steps in two, gliding past the congregation as they attempted to flee out of fear.

I could feel my clothes ripping, the shift already upon me.

I snarled at the people in my way as they hurried past me, trying to run in the opposite direction, but I was faster, my wolf bursting forth.

The evening shadows seemed to swirl around me, fueling my transformation. I threw my head back and let out a fierce howl, the sound sending shivers through the fleeing crowd.

I knew what I looked like in that moment– a beast unleashed, eyes glowing like embers, fur bristling with power. The crowd's fear was palpable, a heady scent that only fueled my wolf's ferocity.

I bared my teeth, a snarl twisting my muzzle, and took a step forward. The people pressed against each other, trapped between panic and fascination.

My nose twitched, I could smell something intriguing, earthy yet sweet. I sniffed the air, my wolf's instincts on high alert, and my gaze locked onto a figure standing frozen at the alter.

She was terrified yet she didn't move, her fear-scent mingling with the sweet notes of cedarwood and honeysuckle, creating a captivating aroma.

Her eyes met mine, and I could see the realization dawning on her. She was trapped with a monster.