Chapter 2.

Kael's POV

“You have to get married.” Seer Maylin echoed the one thing I never wanted to hear from anyone. I was infuriated by her words, but I couldn't explode because my father laid on the floor, barely breathing properly.

“Are you sure there is no other way out?” I asked, swallowing hard as the thought of taking a wife overwhelmed me.

“It's… it's…” King Kane managed to mutter before coughing his lungs out. His omega helped him turn on his back while he coughed out blood. I remained in my place, used to the terrible sight.

“It's not that… terrible.” He mumbled, taking a deep breath. “You should at least get married to someone before I die.”

Ever since my mother died, my father, the king, had shown signs of losing his mind, and it deteriorated into a terrible illness that has no name. He had been bedridden for the better part of ten years, and I had been the regent ever since I was 19. The court was tough, preventing war was tougher, but I had scaled through these things, only for a witch to lay a curse that would lead to my death.

“Seer, are you sure this is the only route out of this madness?” I asked, and she took a deep breath, shaking her head gently.

“What's the other way out?” I asked with a gentle growl that made her shiver.

“I didn't want to suggest it because I know that you wouldn't like to hear it.” She cowered.

“And when did you start making decisions for me?” I asked with a calm tone.

“I apologize, your highness.” She mumbled. “If you wouldn't get married to a wolf for your lifetime, you have to get married to a human…”

I growled, and she paused, trying to choose whether to keep speaking or not.

“...and make her bear a child for you,... and the curse would be broken.”

There was silence all over the room.

“I'm sorry, your highness.” She mumbled.

“Kael,” The King called softly, and I turned my head to look at him, “I was already even going to suggest getting married to a human, because you…” he took a pause, coughing loudly.

“... you… have… to strengthen the bond between the North and the South by marriage.” He said.

I clenched my fists, remaining calm as I was going to reject it either way.

“Father, I think it'd be better for me to just stick to bonding with a wolf. I can always find new ways to avoid war as I've been doing for several years.” I argued.

“Nonsense!” He snapped, coughing gently. The Seer had her gaze pinned to the floor as no one enjoys watching two royals arguing.

“We are lucky to have evaded a war several years ago after what happened, and now, I already made a promise.” He said, taking a long pause while silence ruled the room. “I'd have gladly broken my promise if you faced the curse of death only to be avoided by marrying a wolf, but that's not the case now.”

I kept silent, waiting for him to use his usual words on me.

“You will marry the human princess that's turned over to the North by the Southern King, this is your duty, and it is my decree!” He said without coughing.

Duty and decree. I had been bound by duty all my life.

“OK father.” I said with clenched fists.

I left the room with a calm demeanor, knowing that there was nothing I could do.

I was with Dacian, the only person I could describe as close to me, when the Southern human princess arrived. The thought of her excited my wolf but annoyed my spirit. My wolf probably gets very bored, and is forced into submission just like everyone else.

“You might end up liking her.” Dacian smirked.

“Rage-bait?” I scoffed, “because it's working.”

“Oh well, save it for the court, and the sycophants we're to meet.” Dacian said as we took a few more turns, and watched the Carriage arrive.

There was an excitement in my wolf, but it didn’t take much to suppress it.

“Why not check this out?” I smirked, walking over.

***

“So, are you going to show me around, maybe welcome me properly? Or are you just going to keep staring?” She hissed gently, and I scoffed. She was defiant, and that was a behaviour I detested. I'd have to break her now until she's fully submissive like everyone else.

Her brown skin tone had a shine to it as the sun radiated on it gently. Her eyes were brown. She had very long hair, and there was something like a painting on her body, I couldn't see it properly. She's definitely not someone I'd notice on a normal day.

“I'll do what I decide whenever it suits me.” I responded.

“That must be a very interesting way to live life.” She shrugged, folding her arms. Her obvious sarcastic tone annoyed me. “Might I ask how that's working out for you?”

“You don't ask the questions, I do! You don't talk unless I allow you to.” I growled, walking towards her, maintaining eye contact with her. Any other person would already be cowering and shivering, begging for mercy all over the floor, but she just maintained eye contact with me, shaking her head.

“If this scares others, maybe you all aren't as scary as I thought.” She swallowed hard, shaking her head again. “You need to work on the tone, and maybe snap a little louder.”

I was… awed by her confidence. She took a deep breath, taking a step away from me.

“If I'm going to be married to you… totally against my will by the way… you'll need to learn how to speak to me with warmth.” She said with a lingering hatred, and then shrugged.

“Someone take her to her room.” I responded, short of words for the first time in the history of my existence.

“Yes , your Highness.” Guards hit their heads and maids clashed into each other, trying to figure out their next steps.

“I'll see you at the wedding.” I said to her, preparing to leave.

“I don't want to.” She said as I walked past.

I walked really fast, refusing to engage her in another conversation.

I heard a silent chuckle from Dacian.

“Speak, and I'll have your tongue.” I threatened.

I allowed human scum to speak to me in such manner. I definitely hate her more than I thought I would.