WELCOME TO WINTERHILL.

CHAPTER 6: WELCOME TO WINTERHILL.

RAYA'S POV.

The King's host were up and about as they got ready to leave. Having had everything set, they journeyed from where we were camped to a location miles away. 

I rode in the royal carriage along with the King. Sitting quietly, it all seemed unreal to me. I tried my best to quiet down my thoughts, but I couldn't help it. 

'Just last night I was rejected, and now, I have been claimed by the most powerful person in the kingdoms.' 

A mild smile crept on my face. Looking at the King, I saw he looked out the window. He was seductively calm. My heart fluttered. As he turned, I quickly looked away. The King had no expression on his face as he looked at me.

"Halt!" a soldier shouted, and the host stopped. Footsteps approached the carriage and the door swung open.

"Your Majesty. We're here," Ravna said. 

'What does he mean? Have we arrived Winterhill?' I asked myself as I looked out the window. We obviously weren't anywhere near Winterhill, so I wondered why they stopped in the middle of nowhere.

The King alighted from the carriage and walked forward. Pulling out a green crystal stone from his pocket, he slammed it to the ground, shattering it. I peeped out the carriage and looked in perplexity at what was going on.

Suddenly, I saw a cloudy portal appear in front of us. Behind the portal was a snowy mountainous region. 

The King then returned to the carriage, then the host continued their commute, passing through the portal. As we emerged on the other side, I was gripped by a depth of cold I had never felt before. 

With wide eyes, I looked in amazement through the window.

"Welcome to Winterhill," King Barakar said. I smiled as I kept on looking out the window. 

The ice walled city was a fortress, high up the hill. I was astonished at its beauty. The folks I saw outside the city gate were dressed like we were. They bowed as they saw the King's retinue heading to the city. 

As we arrived at the gates, a horn blew, heralding the King's arrival. The large streets were cleared and a procession of soldiers took their position as the King headed up. 

Not yet having an aerial view of the city, I could tell the city had a well-planned outlay. Shortly after, we arrived at a fortress, where there was a bronze image of the first founding lycan - Kiran. 

I unconsciously gasped in amazement. 

'So this is the Iron Den,' she said within herself.

The carriage stopped right in front of the palace, then the King alighted. Offering me a hand, he helped me down.

Members of the King's court who stood in front of the Iron Den bowed as we walked toward them. 

"Your Majesty," a scarlet-haired woman greeted. 

"Talia," he responded. "Quick response on your end with opening the portal as usual."

"I'm always at your service, Your Majesty," she replied, smiling.

"It's good to have you back home, Your Majesty," a chubby and mature man said to the King. 

"Thank you, Enock," he replied. 

"And if I may, Your Majesty. Who is this?" Enock inquired. He voiced out the burning question in everyone's mind as they saw me. 

I could barely look up at this point. They didn't look hatefully at me, but the members of the King's court sure did look unwelcoming.

"She is my mate," King Barakar responded casually. They were stunned hearing what the King said. But Talia furrowed her brow, smiling as she looked examiningly at me.

"Have Raya settled in at the Luna's quarters," King Barakar instructed Ravna. 

"Right away, Your Majesty," he nodded. Then the King began walking away. The people quickly bowed as he left. Lifting their heads, they looked at one another, totally perplexed. 

"This way, my Lady," Ravna said to me with a gesture of hand pointing into the Iron Den. I nodded and quickly followed him in.

"What just happened?" a member of the King's court, Jabin, asked. 

"I'm still trying to wrap my head around it," another, Corin responded. 

"Well, the den needs to be filled with pups, doesn't it?" Talia said, smiling as she walked away. The others left, leaving just Enock who stood there, fuming. He turned and walked in, heading to the Alpha's quarters.

Two of the King's guards stopped him as they crossed their spears.

"Out of the way!" Enock snarled.

"We can't let you in, my lord," one of them said. 

"Get out of my way right now, or I swear by the old gods, you'll regret it," he threatened, but the guards were unfazed. They had their orders. Unless the King invited you to his quarters, no one was allowed in. 

"Are you both deaf? I said get o-" 

"Stop yelling, Enock!" 

King Barakar's voice thundered, startling Enock.

The King walked slowly, his boots sounding throughout the hallway with his heavy steps. He was already shirtless. 

"Let him through," King Barakar instructed his guards. They immediately gave way, and Enock passed, following the King into his study. 

"Your Majesty, don't you think that this is a bit too spontaneous? I am sure you barely even know her. We barely know her."

The King said nothing for a while as he leaned against the table, folding his arms across his chest. 

"The only reason I'll entertain this question is because you were her father. It has been too long to keep holding on to the past. There is a whole life ahead of us. It's best we embrace it."

Enock sighed tiredly. 

"Pardon me if I seemed unreasonable, Your Majesty. We all have your best interest at heart. I'll take my leave now." 

Bowing, he walked out of the King's study. King Barakar sighed, going deep into his thoughts. 

Meanwhile, I was brought to the Luna's quarters. I met a train of servants standing there. They bowed when I arrived with Ravna. 

"These are your personal maids, my Lady. They shall attend to your every need," Ravna said. I nodded mildly in acknowledgment.

As I walked in, I was stunned at how beautiful the place was. It was a hundred times better than where she grew up. 

"Please, go ahead and freshen up. You should be having lunch with His Majesty," Ravna said.

"Thank you very much, my lord," I bowed slightly. 

"Please, Ravna is just fine," he said with a smile, then he walked out of the Luna's quarters. 

I sighed as I looked around. The three girls stood, awaiting my instructions. This was going to be the norm, and I needed to start getting used to it.