Protective Brothers

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CHAPTER 10 

Sloan snapped his head to the side. How could they? No. Not after everything he had been through for this. They had no fucking idea. 

His crown. His love. His—

No.

He narrowed his eyes to Kieran. “Excuse me?”

Together, all three men stood in front of their sister, protectively. “Aurelia is a princess of this kingdom, not a substitute bride for a better’s promise,” Leo defended. 

Sloan scoffed. They had to be kidding. “A deal is a deal,” he refuted. 

“Then take Walter’s daughter, Eritrea,” Ivan voiced, his lips curling up in a sinister smile.

“I don’t want that conniving greedy bitch,” he hissed.

“Too bad,” Leo said with a shrug of his shoulders.

“If you are worried about your betrothal gifts, we will pay twice more. But our sister has gone through so much. I can’t allow a loveless marriage for her,” Kieran dictated.

“You think it is that simple?” Sloan argued.

“Yes. It is. There is no engagement.”

Turning to face Ivan, Sloan questioned him. “Shouldn’t that be left for her to decide?”

“We can decide for her. We are her brothers.”

“And what makes you different from that stupid cunny beta? They took her choice from her. And you are doing the same.”

Aurelia knew he had a point. Her brothers, however, did not care. 

“So is you enforcing an engagement to the wrong lady the same,” Leo argued.

Sloan was taken aback. He had to give it to them. Everyone was right, yet selfish. 

Kieran rubbed his palms over his face, clearly exhausted and confused. Finally, he let his hand fall, coming to a decision. “Fine. We all want what is best for her.”

“And I want my betrothed.” Leo facepalmed. Was this King dull or what? “It’s more than just trinkets, chests of gold and other lavish gifts. It is a promise to my father, the previous Lycan King.”

“And let me guess, a fight for the throne?” Ivan added, earning an icy glare from Sloan.

“Urgh enough everyone. Sloan is right.”

‘You can’t say that, Kieran,” Leo fumed. 

“You wouldn’t dare. She’s our sister. You promised to protect her,” Ivan reasoned. 

Kieran turned on his heels, glaring at them. “And that is what I am doing.”

“Oh please!” Leo fumed, throwing his hands in the air and backing away towards Aurelia, blocking anyone from reaching her. 

“If you shut up for once, you’ll know my decision. Everyone is right and I think we are all selfish but the one with the right to make this decision is Aurelia.” 

Silence fell on the study as all eyes locked on her. 

“She ran once, remember,” Leo recounted in a low voice, making sure Kieran never forgot. 

“I do remember clearly. Now, Relia,” he let his eyes lock with hers. “This is my verdict. You have seven days to decide whether or not you want your marriage to the Lycan King to stand or not.”

Leo scoffed. He knew his sister wouldn’t agree. 

That didn’t stop Kieran from eyeing him to keep his mouth shut and added, “Remember, no one is forcing you into any decision.”

Everything that happened after that was a blur for Aurelia. Once they came out after Kieran's decision, several guests, Lords, Ladies and important people of the kingdom all came to extend their greetings.

It wasn't until she was tired out that she was free to retire for the night. Her brothers, on the other hand, were just getting started on their drinks and making merry.

After that day, Aurelia made it her mission to evade the Lycan King.

She needed to think straight without feeling guilty about anything. Kieran did say she was not under any pressure.

But was what he said true?

Aurelia heaved out a deep sigh, gently placing the book in her hand down on the small dining table in her room.

It's been three days since that meeting. She recalled before they left the study that day, Sloan made mention of a deal that left each brother’s jaw down before Kieran reminded him it wasn't their decision to make but hers.

'I'm offering you half of the West zone of my kingdom, which I am sure is more than you could have bargained for. That and any jewellery, gold and silver you want, Princess.'

She shook her head at the thought. From what she had seen so far her kingdom wasn't as low as he made it seem. They may not be that big in land mass but they were prosperous.

"I know I shouldn't be moved by his offers but a part of me believed Kieran lied. I do not think all is well in the kingdom. Else why would they seek his help on political negotiations before?"

She stood up from her seat, pulled her flowing peach-coloured dress with her and made her way to the door.

"Labina?" Aurelia waited for a few seconds before calling out her name again, louder this time. "Labina."

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall and soon her door pushed open, revealing a slightly dishevelled Labina.

"Your Highness, you called?"

"Yes. Get ready, I plan on taking a stroll outside."

"What?!" Aurelia rolled her eyes. She was always too dramatic. "Have you informed the Alpha Kings?" 

One could tell Aurelia was determined. Labina wouldn't have had any issues but she knew the brothers in question.

"I don't need their permission. I am not a caged rabbit "

"True but…"

"No buts. Either you come with me, or I am leaving without you."

She arched her brow, giving Labina a minute to decide before picking her dress once more, pushed open the door and walked out. "Time up."

Watching her walk briskly down the hall, Labina's heart skipped a beat. Judging from how Aurelia scanned around, she knew she was putting up a brave front when her brothers were mentioned earlier on and was hoping to escape them.

She sighed. "These royals…it's all too tasking keeping up with them."

Dropping the basket of clothes in her hand, on the floor, she pivoted, hurrying after Aurelia.

"You see, Labina. Next time just follow me…oww!" Aurelia screamed as the pain swept across her face to her brain.

When she felt a pair of strong arms grip her, she stiffened.