All Chapters of Fated to the Crowned Wolf: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Elara's POV“A week?!” I stare at the notice that has just been delivered to me. “You said the mating gathering would be for one day!”Mary looks at me as she happily cracks a lobster claw. “What are you worried about? He sent you some more dresses today, didn’t he? You should probably try them on to see if they fit. I’m just happy I’m allowed to attend as your companion.”I ignore her as she eats the food from the restaurant, which Jimmy sent to my apartment after I returned home last night.My eyes scan the itinerary. “There’s a gathering in the ballroom on the first day.”“It’s sort of like a meet and greet,” Mary informs me, gesturing with a piece of seafood. “Here. Try this.”She tosses a prawn to me, and I catch it. My eyes flutter shut at the explosion of flavors in my mouth. Dang it. That’s really good!“The gathering changes every year. When I went with my sister, it only lasted one day. There were a whole lot of different events jammed into twenty-four hours.” Mary scramb

Elara's POVAccording to Mary, for fated mates to be linked, it has to be done at a very specific time under the moon. An hour shy of midnight, we are led to the palace ballroom. The dress Mary bought me is a silver gown with sequins and beautiful beadwork. It pales in comparison to the dresses Lucien sent me, but my friend chose it with great care and love. It leaves my upper arms and collarbones bare, and it flows down the length of my body, thankfully covering my ankle.Plenty of guests have already arrived, and as Mary and I are announced and make our entrance, I don’t understand how this place can be called a ballroom. The ceiling is open to the sky, and there are chandeliers hanging in the air with no support.“Magic,” Mary whispers to me. “The royal palace works with the white witches.”Despite the open sky, the light from the chandeliers is dazzling.“Is it a retractable roof?” I whisper back to her. “Once the event ends, does the ceiling go back into place?”I expect her to m

Lucien's POVThe look of shock on Elara’s face makes me want to chortle.I’m not surprised by the quick flash of anger that follows. I had anticipated that. I’m sure I’m going to get an earful later on.My father leans toward me as I sit down next to him. “Is that the young lady you can’t seem to stop jabbering about?”“Pretty, isn’t she?”My father sighs. “If it were looks you were going for, I’m sure you could have found more beautiful women. But I guess it was more than just that.”“The fates chose her for me, Father. She’s the perfect fit for me.”My father’s health has begun to decline in the past decade. My mother died during childbirth, and while my father has not been the most affectionate of parents, he hasn’t been completely neglectful. I see him watching Elara, a wistful look in his eyes.“What is it?”He’s silent, as if thinking something over, and when he speaks, his voice is tired and filled with a heavy grief. “She reminds me of Freya.”“My mother?” I look at Elara,

Lucien's POVWolf shifters don’t need weapons, but the royal family is a stickler for tradition. I can fight with a sword as well as I can fight with my body.“You can leave now,” I say coldly. “My father has spoken.”“Lower your sword, Lucien.” My father gives me a displeased look. “Thorne, please go. I wish to have a word with my son.”Without another look at us, Thorne walks out. The door closes behind him, and I sheathe my sword. “I’m not mating his daughter. Before you say anything, know that that’s not going to happen. I don’t like her.”“She’s quite beautiful.” My father leans back in his chair, studying me.“You always preach to me about fairness.” I give him a heavy look. “That woman is ambitious, and she has a cruel streak. How can I even consider—”“You could keep her in check. Luna, even if she is the queen, isn’t going to build any power unless you give it to her.”I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You keep forgetting the small matter of me already having a fated mate, Fa

“Sire!” He pushes me aside and rushes toward my father, his voice stricken. “Call the royal healer!” I hear the footsteps of the guards running in the corridor as Lucius glares at me, unable to hide his emotions. “What did you do?!”“Nothing,” I replied coldly, still reeling from my father’s actions. “He overexerted himself. Take him to his chambers. Send the royal healer there.”Lucius tosses me a hateful look, and as he helps my father past me, I murmur, “You seem to be forgetting your place, Lucius. Don’t ever use such an accusatory tone with me again.”My father’s loyal attendant stiffens. “I–I apologize, Your Highness.”I watch him leave, feeling hollow inside. I may be warm and carefree around Elara, but that is a side of me only she is privy to. I am still the crown prince of the Wolf Kingdom. My father has always taught me to be ruthless in my dealings.I stare blankly at the desk. The truth is that my father is merely a figurehead now; he has handed over the affairs of th