Bow or bleed.

The grand hall of the palace was breathtaking, its high ceilings adorned with floral arrangements and shimmering chandeliers. The air was thick with the scent of roses and the low hum of murmured conversations. Every Lycan of importance was in attendance, their elegant attire and sharp eyes a testament to their power and status. But beneath the surface of this lavish celebration, tension simmered like a storm waiting to break.

I stood at the center of the room, my gown a masterpiece of silver and white, its intricate designs catching the light with every movement. The tiara on my head felt heavier than it should, it was a constant reminder of the weight of the crown I was about to wear. Alejandro stood beside me, his presence commanding and his gaze sharp as it swept across the room. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, the fabric hugging his broad shoulders and stature. His red eyes glowed with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

The ceremony was beautiful, filled with ancient Lycan traditions and vows that bound us together not just as mates, but as equals. But as the officiant declared us bonded, I could feel the eyes of the court on me, their gazes filled with envy and disdain. The whispers began almost immediately, their words sharp and cutting.

“An omega as queen? What is the king thinking?”

“She’s weak. She’ll never survive in this world.”

“This is a mistake. She’ll bring ruin to the kingdom.”

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I fought to keep my composure. Alejandro’s hand tightened around mine, his touch grounding me. But I knew this was my moment to prove myself, not just to them, but to myself.

As the officiant stepped back, signaling the end of the ceremony, I turned to face the crowd. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to stand tall, my chin lifted and my gaze steady. “Thank you all for being here today,” I said, my voice clear and strong. “I know there are many who doubt me, who question my place here. But let me make one thing clear: I am not just an omega. I am Yolanda Edwards, mate of your king, and I will not be underestimated.”

The room immediately fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. I could see the surprise in their eyes, the flicker of respect from some, and the anger from others. Clarice stood at the front of the crowd, her crimson glistening all over the place for attention. Her lips curled into a sneer, and she stepped forward, her voice dripping with mockery.

“A pretty speech,” she said, her tone sharp. “But words are easy. Actions are what matter.”

Before I could respond, Alejandro stepped forward, his presence commanding and his voice cold. “Careful, Clarice,” he said, his tone a warning. “You’re speaking to your queen.”

Clarice’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered, her eyes narrowing. “Of course, my king,” she said, her voice sweet but laced with venom. “I meant no disrespect.”

Alejandro’s gaze swept across the room, his red eyes glowing with an intensity that made the air feel heavier. “Let me make one thing clear,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Yolanda is my mate, my queen, and my equal. Anyone who disrespects her disrespects me. And I do not tolerate disrespect.”

The room was silent, the tension became palpable. But then, from the back of the crowd, a low chuckle broke the silence. A Lycan man, tall and broad-shouldered, stepped forward, his expression mocking. “An omega as queen?” he said, his voice loud and filled with disdain. “This is a joke. She’s weak, unworthy of the crown.”

Alejandro’s eyes narrowed, and in an instant, he was across the room, his hand gripping the man’s throat. The crowd gasped, but no one dared to intervene. The man’s eyes widened in shock, his hands clawing at Alejandro’s grip, but it was useless. Alejandro’s strength was unmatched, his power radiating through the room like a storm.

“You dare insult my mate?” Alejandro growled, his voice low and filled with rage. “You dare question my judgment?”

The man struggled to speak, his face turning red as Alejandro’s grip tightened. “I—I meant no offense,” he choked out, his voice barely audible.

Alejandro’s lips turned into a cold smile. “Too late,” he said, his voice icy. “You’ve made your opinion clear. And now, you’ll face the consequences.”

With a swift, brutal motion, Alejandro dipped his hands into the the lycan’s throat and ripped out his insides and blood spilled all over the place, the sound of his screams echoing through the silent room. The man’s body crumpled to the floor, lifeless, and the crowd stared in stunned silence. Alejandro turned to face them, his eyes glowing with a fierce light.

“Let this be a lesson to all of you,” he said, his voice carrying through the room. “Yolanda is your queen. She is my mate, and she is to be respected. Anyone who dares to question her worth will answer to me.”

The room was deathly silent, the weight of Alejandro’s words and actions sinking in. I could see the fear in their eyes, the respect that had been absent before. Even Clarice looked shaken, her usual confidence replaced by fear and made her uneasy.

Alejandro returned to my side, his hand resting possessively on the small part of my back. “You are my queen,” he said, his voice low and filled with pride. “And no one will ever doubt that again.”

I felt a surge of confidence, my heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and determination. This was my moment, my chance to prove myself not just to them, but to myself. I stepped forward, my gaze sweeping across the room. “I am Yolanda Edwards,” I said, my voice steady and strong. “And I will not be underestimated.”

The room erupted into applause, the sound filling the grand hall. But beneath the surface, I knew the battle was far from over. The threats were real, and the road ahead would be difficult. But with Alejandro by my side, I knew I could face anything as the celebration continued, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t known before. The whispers had stopped, the judgment replaced by respect and fear. But I knew this was just the beginning. The threats from Lucian and his allies were still out there, and I would need to be stronger than ever to protect the kingdom and my mate.