Chapter 7: The King's Bride

Samantha POV

Beta Ranulf stood before the throne, his hands bound with heavy chains, guards on either side of him as he was judged for his crimes.

"This is nonsense," he snapped, glaring at Maddox. "How dare you accuse me of a crime when I've maintained this kingdom all these years since your parents' death?

You've always been cursed, incapable of leading all seven packs that make up the kingdom. You languished under your curse for years while I took care of everything for you, and now you want to imprison me just because of her?"

He pointed at me carelessly, not even bothering to look at me. I was sitting in the corner of the throne, watching everything.

"You say you ruled for me, but you ignore the fact that the kingdom is in tatters because of you. Starvation everywhere, tensions between packs, the needy suffering more and more while the lords get richer, and you call that ruling?" Maddox didn't hold back in exposing Ranulf's bad governance.

And he wasn't even exaggerating. In my old pack, Blackthorn, things were simply terrible. There wasn't enough food for anyone, and since my father's death, things had only gotten worse. I clutched the sleeve of my dress just thinking about it.

Was Finnick at least leading the pack well? I bet Carmen was still throwing expensive parties, wasting the Pack House's resources just for her pleasure, and Finnick was letting it all happen without doing anything.

At that moment, Maddox looked at me, as if he sensed my apprehension. And he really did sense it; because of the matebond between us, he could feel all my emotions.

He showed compassion for me. Then he turned his gaze to Ranulf. "Besides ruling poorly in my place, you wanted to kill Samantha, the only soother who truly managed to calm me down after years. One thing I can say, uncle, if my father were alive, he would be ashamed of you."

I could see how personal this matter was for them; after all, we were talking about family ties, about a man who promised to take care of his nephew after his brother's death, but then was capable of even doing evil for power.

Ranulf's face hardened even more. "What I see in you is only ingratitude, Maddox. You're willing to send your only living relative to the dungeons just because of that whore you barely know." The contempt in his words was so intense it was almost palpable.

Maddox clenched his fists. "I'll show you what an Alpha is made of, Ranulf. I sentence you to maximum prison until death. Guards, take him away!"

The guards promptly obeyed, grabbing Ranulf's arms on either side and dragging him away as he struggled and tried to break free. The crowd, the Emberclaw pack members themselves, were there watching it all, silently agreeing with Maddox.

The king's face softened as Ranulf's shouts and insults faded into the distance. "I have something to announce to everyone," he said, walking over to me and taking my hand, leading me to the front of the group. "I want you all to meet Samantha, from the Blackthorn pack, daughter of Titus, an Alpha who always had a good relationship with my father."

He smiled exclusively at me, noticing my nervousness with so many eyes on me. His thumb slowly caressed the back of my hand, bringing me tranquility. I knew I could trust him.

"If there's one thing my curse has brought me, it's her, because she's not only the soother who managed to calm the beast within me, but also a gift from the Moon Goddess herself. Samantha is my mate, I am claiming her. And together, we will reign over all these seven packs as one!"

I had no words to describe how impactful his words had been. The throne room erupted in howls and roars, for all the people of Emberclaw had watched closely as the king was tormented by his illness, and now that he had returned, everyone was relieved and in their hearts there was gratitude for me.

I looked at Maddox, his face full of tears. Had he really just done that? Had he just made me his bride? Me, the rejected and wolfless one, the bride of the king himself? What a turn.

….

Later that afternoon I was literally receiving gifts and congratulations in my room. Wives and mothers of Betas and Gammas from the highest ranks of the pack were coming to meet me personally and wish me happiness on my engagement.

"Is it really true that you were raised in nobility at Blackthorn?" asked an older woman with a curious smile. "That must be why your skin is so beautiful. Congratulations on your engagement to our beloved king."

"Your hair is so beautiful. Tell me later how you take such good care of it? I like the haircut!" another woman smiled.

"You and King Maddox are a perfect match, you know. I bet you'll fill this castle with pups running everywhere!" the other predicted.

"Thank you so much for coming, thank you for the gifts." My face was flushed, but I was excited with a smile on my face. It had been a long time since I'd been treated so well, a long time since I'd felt so light.

When they were all gone, Tori, who was always clinging to me, jumped up and down. "By the Goddess, they all love you! How incredible!"

"Are you sure about it? In Blackthorn I was despised for not having awakened the wolf..." I commented weakly.

Tori held my hand. "Here in Emberclaw things are different. Everyone is grateful to you because you proved capable of calming the king's evil, that's what matters. Everything will be alright."

I smiled at the girl with a relieved sigh and hugged her. "Thank you, Tori. You're an angel." She hugged me back, smiling too.

"Excuse me, lady..." I heard a girl say in a sweet voice.

"Oh, yes. This is Ysabella. She was brought by Ranulf to be the king's new soother when you were imprisoned, Lady Samantha," Tori explained.

My smile faded as I remembered Ranulf; it was incredible how awful he was.

"I'm so sorry, I never meant to take your place..." Ysabella said, her voice small and defenseless.

"It's alright, it's not your fault. I've been in your place too," I said. After all, I had been brought here against my will, brought to die trying to appease the king. "I'll ask the king to release you so you can go home," I smiled at her.

But Ysabella looked away, concerned. "I don't have a home, lady. If I went back to Wildheart I would be dead..." she confessed.

I didn't ask her any questions; I knew how ruthless Alphas could be. I had felt it myself. "Then you can stay," I said. "I'll be a queen, right? So I need ladies-in-waiting."

Her face lit up at that. "Thank you so much, lady. You are truly kind."

I smiled at her. And at that moment, a guard of the king entered my chambers. "The king requests a dinner with you."

"A dinner...?" I stammered, my chest pounding.

Tori covered her mouth in excitement. "By the goddess, he's courting you!"