Royal Engagements

LIANA

Charlotte and I have a great lunch. She tells me more about what to expect at a royal lycan wedding ceremony, and even jots down some details in a notebook, although I tell her she doesn’t have to take notes. Lucian and I haven’t even figured out the timing yet, but I’m starting to agree with him that maybe the next moon is not too soon. The less fuss the better, in my opinion; I’d love it if just Kia and Char were in attendance. But if we do it that quickly, I have to break the news to Father soon, maybe even ~today~. My stomach twists at the thought.

Char shows me around the local town, which looks as if it’s stuck in the nineteenth century, with tiny shops and cobblestone streets. Strolling around there feels like traveling back through time, but it’s the sweetest little place.

On our way back, we chat like old friends—but Char goes a little stiff as we pull up in front of the palace. I frown but before I can ask what’s wrong, Lucian comes out of the front door to greet me.

“Hey, beautiful. Have fun?” he says with a smile, and I smile right back.

“I did. The town is lovely, beautifully Victorian.”

He wraps an arm over my shoulder and I lean into him.

“Thank you, Charlotte,” I call to her.

“It was a pleasure, Princess,” she says politely, and bows her head before walking away quickly. I frown and wonder what just happened. We were fine while we were out. Why has she gone all cold and formal?

“It wasn’t you,” Lucian says as if reading my mind, and now I frown at ~him~ as he sighs. “I’m sure you’re aware of the council, Liana?”

I nod. Everybody knows about the council, the organization of chosen alphas who make sure that everyone, even the king, abides by the old laws. “Of course but—”

“They’re here.”

I tense a little, feeling the blood drain from my face. “W-why?”

He sighs again, running a hand down his face. “I have tried, believe me, but…I have not been entirely honest with you, Liana.”

My heart stutters, then starts to beat very fast. “What do you mean?” I ask anxiously.

“That meeting I had yesterday was with them.”

I look up at him wordlessly, waiting for him to continue.

“You understand that the possibility of me meeting my mate was getting slimmer and slimmer, right? I never thought I’d actually find you, my love… But when I did, I knew exactly what they would want from me, what they’ve wanted for the last hundred years…”

“An heir…” I answer for him in a whisper, and he nods with a sigh.

“I didn’t tell them about you because I didn’t want them to try and pressure you before you are ready,” he says. “We—~I~ hoped that news of me meeting my mate would be enough to subdue them for a little longer. I’m still hoping.”

My heart is pounding now, and I’m sweating.

He looks down at me and rests a hand on my cheek. “You’re so young, Liana, so full of life. I want you to~ live~ it first—and one day, when you ~are~ ready, then decide whether to have pups. I can admit I’ve had more than enough time to consider what I want in my own life, but right now all I want is you.”

His honesty relieves me, and I let out my held breath and relax a little. I have my suspicions about who would go running to the council to gossip about me…

Ariel has a grudge against me, after the way Lucian rejected her. But does she know I’m Lucian’s mate? And if she knows, does my father know too?

“Thank you,” I say. “I feel the same right now. I’m not ready just yet.”

“And I understand that, Liana. I really do. I will give you all the time you desire.”

“So…why are they here?” I ask, reverting back to my anxiousness.

“They wish to meet you. But my love, I swear it to you—I will not let them pressure you. I vow it.”

I nod, taking a deep breath and looking to the front door as I smooth down my plain jeans and T-shirt as best I can.

“You always look perfect,” Lucian whispers into my ear, making me smile, as he takes my hand. “Ready?”

“Ready.”

***

I tense as Lucian leads me into the proper living space where guests convene. The sight I’m met with is rather intimidating…

Five council members get to their feet, gawking at me as I walk into the room with my hand in Lucian’s. One gaze in particular is very scrutinizing as I shrink into Lucian’s side a little, and he growls protectively.

“Keep staring like that, Councilman, and I may have to reconsider your invitation into my home. You are making my queen-to-be uncomfortable.”

“Lucian. Always good to see you.” The councilman looks at Lucian with obvious irritation in his eyes. Lucian cuts his eyes at him but chooses to hold his tongue for now.

“Liana. This is Councilman Alexandre. Also, Olivia, Titan, Tina, and Lorenzo.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” I respond respectfully, and they nod while looking me over.

“Now you have met my lovely fiancée, I request that you excuse her to prepare for the evening,” Lucian says. His tone is civil enough, but doesn’t leave much room for argument.

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Olivia says calmly. She has a pinched-up face that ruins what would be beautiful features. If she relaxed even a little, I’m sure she’d be a beautiful woman.

Turning his back to them to block me from sight, Lucian puts his hands on my waist gently and brings his lips down to mine in a delicate kiss.

“Get yourself pampered, Princess. We’ve got dinner, remember?” He gives me a small wink and I smile.

“I love you,” I whisper back, making him smile too.

“I love you, my beautiful little wolf.”