I've never been more afraid in my entire life. Each time the thunder boomed, I flinched like a monster would emerge from somewhere.
I peeked behind me—Father, as well as his council and other representatives of Beloria, were present.
Cowards. Standing far behind as I'm offered up like some sacrifice.
Then I heard it, amidst the heavy downpour, were the loud clangs of armor. I thought I was ready for this, but that mere noise reminded me how deeply I wasn't.
The sound got louder and louder until my ears were almost drowned by it.
How many were coming?
I've learned the Lycans are only in their battle armor whenever they want to destroy. Magic has been forged into them to adjust as they shift to their beast form.
It was one of the most fascinating things I've read about them. I've seen pictures, but nothing could ever prepare you for the real thing.
And so, they came. I lost count at fifty as they cluttered the hall, carrying a presence that condensed the air.
Dear gods! This wasn't like the pictures I saw. They were in their human forms yet dressed in metal; they appeared more like the beast itself.
They came to a stand in unison, facing forward in two lines, and raised their banners, which featured three bold claw slashes.
I grew more uneasy when my ears picked up loud, resounding footsteps that singled out every other noise—the monarch's.
The thunder boomed that very instant, and everything became straight out of a nightmare.
Just when I thought the other Lycans were terrifying, I was wrong. The moment he walked through the line, my perfect stance faltered, and I was close to dropping to my knees.
The vehemence, the smell of damp and blood—the latter so overwhelming I had the urge to vomit.
They have just come from a battle.
My shaky eyes focused on the monarch, my vision blurred momentarily, and I wished I didn't have sight to gaze upon this sinister scene.
The way he walked screamed a deadly elegance and command, his cloak twirling behind as the heavy breeze swept through. My body felt like it would get hurled away, but I remained rooted, entirely, and stupidly, bedazzled.
No one should have such an ambiance, no one. He wasn't just a Lycan, he seemed like a god.
He stood before me, seven feet tall, sheathed in dark armor, his face hidden by the helmet with a narrow visor where a glimpse of gleaming molten crimson could be seen. His eyes.
I rasped, straining to catch my breath—it was getting difficult staying in this position and maintaining eye contact. I shouldn't, just as I was taught, lower my gaze as a sign of respect.
But stupid me didn't. I was just too overwhelmed by his presence, and he held my gaze unquestionably until it suddenly felt like an insult to look away.
However, the heavy smell of something rotten made me lower my gaze. He clutched a head by the hair, a vampire's head, and I knew this because of the signature silver hair, snow-paled skin, and blue eyes.
This was his end of the alliance, the head of the vampire Lord that'd tried to lay siege on Beloria, I heard the council speaking about it.
He tossed it to whoever was behind to catch the mutilated head, and the next thing that happened caused me to freeze in place.
The monarch gripped my chin, but his hands were too big and covered up my entire mouth, the hard metal pressing into my skin that felt like he would rip me to bits if he gave a simple tug.
Was this it? It's nice to know I didn't make any impression. If he's going to eat me, I hope I taste good at least.
I closed my eyes, tears slipping beneath my lashes as I waited for the brutal taste of death. I've always wondered how it would feel to die. I guess I'd get my answer now.
But there was no pain or discomfort, just the cool air kissing my face.
Was this what death felt like?
Metals clanked, followed by footsteps, along with many others. When I finally found the courage to open my eyes, I found them gone.
"Well? What is their response? Does he like her or not?" Father's voice was distorted along with the many others as murmurs erupted.
My vision blurred, and I fainted.
~•~
I thought I'd doomed us all after the monarch left without a word.
The council threw words at each other, and Father? I've never seen him so troubled; he was always so calm and impassive.
Stepmother, on the other hand, made sure she reminded me how I'd failed the kingdom; the entire estate was like a war front.
However, a raven was sent two days later. The alliance was accepted.
Why? I've been asking myself that question, but I was never able to get an answer.
I don't know what scared me the most right now. Maybe that door I'm glaring hard at, and that any moment it'd open up and lead to my not-so-bright future.
Congratulations, Eloise, you've succeeded in becoming the monarch's new human meat, but fret not, the kingdom shall consider you a hero for making their impossible dream come true.
A snort fled from me before I could stop it. Embarrassed by such an unbecoming sound—I looked over to the knights guarding around me tightly to usher me down the aisle. Luckily, they didn't hear me ridicule my situation.
I exhaled sharply, exhausted and nauseated. I've been sick during the days leading up to the wedding, but it was the usual. I got randomly ill, but I had the feeling this was wedding jitters.
I snorted again, but this time so loud I heard the metal clank and felt eyes on me. Stupid Eloise! There's nothing funny about marrying a Lycan, any woman would cry in this dilemma, but here I was making a mockery of it.
There was nothing else I could do, to be honest, at least with this self-mockery, I didn't dwell on the blight that awaited me.
I clenched my bouquet tightly, the floral scent overpowering my nose, making me more sick. I wish I had more time to care for my health; nothing would stop me from fainting when I walk down that aisle, and then I'd really doom us all.
Get it together, Eloise! Deep breaths.
The doors opened, and the choir's angelic vocals drowned my ears.
The knights stationed in front moved, and I did too, stepping through the doors with a heavy heart.