Chapter 1.

Hyacinth’s POV

“Hell no! I'm not getting married to a werewolf!” I yelled, unable to breathe properly.

“Hyacinth, calm down.” My father who had been sitting opposite me on the dining table said, trying to reach for my hand.

I yanked my hands backwards, trying to breathe properly as I was completely overwhelmed. I could only hope that it was a dream, and that he was just testing me.

“So, you called me in here to whine about my duty to the realm just because you want to sell me off?!” I scoffed, trying to keep in the hot tears that pricked against my eyes.

“I mean, why else would you want to see me? It's not like you care!!” I yelled, losing terribly against the tears as I couldn't hold it any longer.

“C'mon Hyacinth, you very well know that I care about you and your sister.” He said with a calm voice, reaching for my hands again. I slapped his hands off, shifting off the chair and standing up, maintaining a long distance from him.

“Then why am I marrying into a Northern family instead of her?” I asked, foaming . “It was always supposed to be her and not me! What changed?!”

“Well, she's nowhere to be found, and the contract I signed says a daughter has to be provided within two days.” He argued. “The details of this contract are too good to be passed. It has to happen now, and I can't risk you also running away.”

“All she has to do is to get married to him and bear him a child. She can leave after then…” I read out from the contract on the table. “You know that I'm not interested in having children.”

“Sadly, your duty dictates otherwise. There's so much time for you to develop interest.” He clapped back at me.

“And what if I can't?!”

“Well, you'd have to be married and give it a trial before we can decide that, yeah?”

“Please…” I begged, raising my head from his face. I couldn't hold back my tears any longer as my eyes met Callum's. He held his sword diligently by his side, and although I couldn't see his expression through his helmet, I could already imagine what he was looking like. The tears flowed freely.

“Please, let me find Sophia. I'll bring her back, I promise.” I wept profusely, but my tone deaf father seemed to have already made his decision.

“I'm sorry, Hyacinth.” He apologized, almost looking genuinely sad. “I have no hand in the matter any longer. I'm bound by duty, as you are. It kills me more than it kills you.”

“Callum, do something.” I begged tearfully, knowing it was hopeless, yet almost exposing what had been going on between us for months. How could I leave my sweet Callum for a wicked werewolf? How could I live amongst people that want me dead and would spend the rest of their lives planning how to take my head off?

“To avoid any more of your drama, you leave right now.” My father ordered, and he signaled for two guards to come and whisk me out.

“Father please, don't do this to me.” I begged, dropping on my knees immediately.

He turned his head, closing his eyes gently.

“The first time you're begging me, and it's for me not to sell you off. I hate this life.” He hissed, not looking at me.

“I'm going to die there, and you know it.” I added, hoping that his mind would change all of a sudden. “Don't do this.”

I turned to look at Callum, but he wasn't in the room any longer. Who knows? He was probably out , trying not to cry.

I stayed in the room, pleading with my father, now that there was no other way out for me.

“The decision has been made, Hyacinth.” He asserted.

Two guards moved closer to grab me, but I found an opening in the west corner of the room. I was pretty sure no one else knew about it. I stormed out through the corner. I could hear the guards chasing me.

I was intent on following the footsteps of Sophie who also already ran away. I took a few corners to evade them. I eased up, trying to act less suspicious so others wouldn't raise an alarm. I took a right turn and was about to take a left turn when I heard Callum's voice.

“I had to help her sister run away.” He whimpered, and my heart immediately dropped to my stomach. “I had to, and now… now…” He sniffled.

“You had to do it for her safety.” Another maid said, hugging him. “Princess Sophie would definitely reward you right.”

My breath hitched, and I immediately felt weak in my knees. I could not bring myself to comprehend why he'd do such to me.

I fell to my knees, and they gasped, immediately turning to my direction.

Callum's eyes reddened as he moved towards me, stuttering, trying to explain.

“It's not what you think… I can explain.” Callum said, moving close to me slowly.

The guards caught up to me, rudely grabbing me by my arm.

“Goodbye, Callum.” I whispered as my heart broke at the sound of my broken voice.

I had always hated being royalty. There were rules binding everything there was to do.

I had been sold for just cheap trades, a promise of peace, and several gallons of wolf essence that'd probably save half of the sick in the South.

I immediately composed myself just as we were about to get to the werewolves. If I was to survive being in such dangerous lands, I'd have to be feared and respected. Bawling my eyes out in front of them would be a terrible way to start. Although the tears were still rolling out, I refused to throw a tantrum.

“Please, don't hurt her.” My father begged as I was handed over to the werewolves.

The werewolves only nodded, and the door into a carriage was opened for me.

I covered my mouth, promising myself not to make a sound as I almost wailed again.

I looked back and I saw Callum run out without his helmet. His gorgeous eyes were red from tears. He had betrayed me, and I was only in the mess because of him.

I let out a whimper as I felt several stabs in my heart, caused by my father's decision to sell me off.

“Please ma'am, have your seat so we can get the journey started.” One of the guards said.

I forcefully steadied my breathing, continuously trying to be calm as I bent over into the carriage.

I looked out at my father, who had the calmest demeanour. You could tell that he couldn't wait to jump around for joy the moment I'd be whisked away. He had struck the best bargain without even having to lift a finger. He'd have given us up at their request, but getting something off it was unexpected.

***

A day and half later, we arrived at the Northern palace. I had cried for half the journey, and spent the other half planning my new life whilst suppressing tears. I had come to terms with the conditions of my new reality, and it didn't take so much time either.

I was too deep in my head to enjoy the views of the structures in the North, but what's the rush? I'm literally living here for a very long time.

“We've arrived at the palace, your highness.” One of the wolves said, opening the window. Although we were still moving, I could tell that we had slowed down. From inside the carriage, I could already feel the stares of people around us, and it was sickening.

The carriage eventually came to a halt, and the door was opened, the guards were standing at the end , to help me alight safely. I hissed as I jumped out without courtesy. Sophia was the one brought up with all the nonsense that only wasted everyone's time in the name of courtesy.

“I see you're an impatient one.” A very thick, authoritative voice thundered, and everyone bowed as I turned to look in his direction. I could tell that he was the king regent I was supposed to marry, and if he was just a noble, I might be in for worse. There was another man standing behind him that looked almost as powerful as he was.

He was insanely tall, had a pretty nice nose, and he had blue eyeballs although I expected to see golden ones. The only thing attractive about him was his hair.

My father signed me up for torture.