CHAPTER FOUR - Love or Duty

Anna's POV 

“Peter!” My stepdad yelled, “Have you gone mad?! How dare you say that?” his face flaming with raw, intense anger.

As Peter said that, I felt my jaw drop as I gasped in shock, my heart starting to race.

How could he say that just for someone worthless like me?

As my eyes traveled through the dining table, I could see Charlotte glaring at me with a devilish smirk on her lips while Peter’s sister focused on her food without paying any attention to the drama happening. 

"No Dad,” Peter replied, “And I will say it again!”

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he said that, look what I've done!

“You and Mum have known how long I have been searching for my mate, and finally, I’ve found her. Now you're telling me to reject her and go into a loveless relationship with that thing over there?” He pointed at Charlotte.

“Fuck no.” He ended his statement.

Step Dad shook his head in irritation,

“You fool! That thing you're calling your mate is my stepdaughter!” He snapped, the word biting hard.

Peter's eyes widened in shock as he glanced at me and back to his father. 

I could tell his sister's eyes were widened in surprise too, even without staring at her.

“Charlotte is your mate, Peter, not this unworthy creature!” his mother hissed, her voice dripping with contempt. 

“Charlotte’s beauty is unmatched to this thing right here, her position as princess and daughter of the third late Lycan king makes her your perfect match. Your mating her is to bring love and unite the kingdoms together as one.”

At this moment, I think I’ve lost my appetite to eat.

My brows furrowed in confusion, ‘third Lycan king?’ How's that possible? I thought Peter was the only king, or, should I say, ‘rising king' as I figured out my dad was the retiring king.

My eyes began to water as His mother’s words stung more than any insult I’d heard before.

“Are you deaf, Mother?” Peter insulted his mother, his voice cold, making his mum's face stunned. “I said I am not going to mate with Charlotte, I'd rather die than be in a loveless relationship.” 

“I’d rather give up my birthright, my title—everything—than lose my mate for your power games.” He gripped my wrist, his touch warm, grounding me. “So to hell with that fucking title of ‘king.’ The Moon Goddess made us mates, and that’s all I need.” 

I gasped in shock; no, one day in this family, I have brought issues between parents and their children.

“Enou-” 

“I will have your tongue cut! If you don't shut that mouth of yours!!” 

I was cut shut by my stepdad as I tried to stop the argument from escalating even further.

“Listen to your parents, Honey.” Charlotte walked towards us with her face looking gloomy, “You can see I am more beautiful than her, I'm smarter, and I’m a princess; what can't I offer you?” 

“Happiness!” Peter glared at her before ripping his arm away from her clutches, his breath coming in hot.

“It seems this witch has cast a spell over you, my son.” Step Dad said, glaring and walking towards me.

I felt a shiver of fear run down my spine as he took those intimidating steps towards me. 

“You will not hurt her Father.” Peter stood before me, guiding me from his father.

That fucking bastard.

“As your reign comes to an end, mine rises. I have the authority to stop you from hurting or keeping her prisoner.” Peter’s voice sounded firm and full of authority.

His mum gritted her teeth, glaring at me.

“I don't want to see her anymore in this mansion!” She yelled.

Peter took in a breath, pushing forth his chest.

“Then if she goes, I go!” Peter yelled “And I will relinquish my birthright as I leave, mum.” 

Gasps filled the air as I saw everyone giving me a death glare, one word ringing in my mind;

Intruder.

His mother sighed in defeat, she knew Peter didn't bluff when he said that.

My stepdad was still glaring at me before Peter took me from their presence. Taking me up the elegant stairs and into my room before he released me.

“How could you say that Peter?” My voice was low and scared.

“Because I promised you, remember?” He replied, his voice calm but firm.

I furrowed my brows before remembering what he said to me during my journey here.

‘I promise to love and protect you from anyone or anything threatening to destroy our bond.’ something like that.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I sighed and stared out the window, staring at the beautiful sky with stars and watching the Moon cast a sliver of glow upon the kingdom.

“I’m worthless Peter. I can't offer you anything, but Charlotte can.” I told him, twisting my head to the floor.

“Yes, you can!” Peter said, walking towards me, “You can't offer me anything, but you can offer me one thing, my happiness.” 

“Fuck that engagement to Charlotte,” Peter said, “I rather throw everything I have to get my happiness with you.”

Peter places his hand on my cheeks and caresses it.

“I don’t deserve your love, Peter. You’re throwing away everything for me... why?” I spoke, tears rolling down my eyes even more.

“Because I love you,” Peter whispered, clearing the tears from my cheeks and placing his head on my forehead.

Man, Peter… No, I can't let him choose me over his kingdom or his family. I’m an ordinary slave, I can't stand in the way of two kingdoms merging.

I sighed deeply, tears still flowing down my eyes as I spoke.

“Peter,” I whispered, taking his hands gently away from my face. “If you truly love me, I need you to do something for me.” 

“What is it?” He asked, staring at me.

I got my knees on the cold tiles of the room,

“I need you to reject me.”