The First King

Rowan stared down at the dark ale that he swirled within his cup. He stood on the edge of the Great Hall, doing his best to hide away in the shadows. Today was the one-year anniversary of the battle with the Coven of Stardust, and at Sella Castle, there was a ball to celebrate their victory. The room was crowded, to the point that there was overflow in the corridors and back gardens. He was uncomfortable being there, but as the Alpha of the Wild Haer pack, he was forced to attend.

Looking up from his cup, he saw Alder sitting in a chair with Devora on his lap. The Alpha’s hands were rubbing his mate’s swollen belly, feeling the baby that kicked from within. Rowan sighed as he watched, his thoughts eventually wandering to Prew. He still loved her, but the urges were gone, as was the jealousy he held for Konrad. All he felt now was a love similar to that a brother would feel for his sister.

Rowan finally turned away, looking instead at Prew, who stood at the end of the hall with Konrad. She was wearing a dress, the second one he had ever seen her in. When they were preparing for the ball, she looked so uncomfortable, so out of place. But now she looked the part of a Queen—so elegant and full of grace.

“Do you not like large gatherings?” A soft, feminine voice questioned. Surprised, Rowan glanced to his left, noticing a young woman standing beside him. Her dark blonde hair was pinned up, with a few twists dangling beside her face. His eyes continued down, taking in the lavender dress she wore. Her shoulders were exposed, and the sleeves that flowed down her arms were made of a thin, mesh material. As he looked back at her face, he noticed that her blue eyes were staring at him, waiting for him to answer.

“Large gatherings don’t bother me,” he answered, turning his gaze back to the crowd. “However, I don’t agree with what we are celebrating.”

“Were you in the battle?” She inquired curiously. Rather than verbally answer, Rowan nodded his head, his jaw tightening as he closed his eyes. The woman quickly looked down, feeling regretful for her question. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Had you asked me any other day, it would not have bothered me,” he murmured as he downed the rest of his drink. The ale was bitter on his tongue, and he wondered why he drank it. His wolf would burn off the alcohol before it ever affected him. As he tossed the cup onto the table before him, he could see the woman flinch, but she did not back away. Rowan sighed, relaxing his expression before he looked at her again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to seem so cold in my response.”

“No need to apologize. I probably shouldn’t have bothered you anyway. I’m sure you’d prefer a quiet evening than one listening to me babble.”

“No, please stay,” Rowan insisted. “I’d like the company of someone who will talk to me about anything other than the battle or witches.”

“I can do that,” the woman smiled, her blue eyes sparkling in the candlelight. “Though I must warn you, I’m told I can talk until men’s ears bleed.”

“I can assure you that whatever you’d like to discuss, I would love to hear it, Miss...?"

“Oh! I’m sorry, where are my manners? I am Lilith, second princess from the Empire of Etiba,” Lilith introduced as she held out her hand to Rowan. He took her hand in his, turning it so he could kiss the top of it. She had intended to shake his hand, but his lips against her skin caused her to blush.

“So, your father is Emperor Rayan? Why are you hiding off to the side with me instead of standing with him?”

“He is busy showing off my elder sister to potential suitors,” she replied with a roll of her eyes. “I was brought so he could try to find me a husband, too. But it seems my father has forgotten that I exist, at least for tonight. Although, I cannot bring myself to complain. Isabel is out there, being dragged from man to man, as if she were livestock that was up for sale. Come one, come all, and see my well-bred daughter. Look at her hips and womanly features. She is a treasure worthy of any crown or throne… or rich man’s bed.”

Rowan covered his mouth, holding back the laugh that threatened to escape. Lilith bit her thumb, listening to the snorts that he made. She was used to people ridiculing her, telling her to keep quiet, but hearing him stifle a laugh made her uneasy. Was he laughing at her or at what she said?

“I’m sorry,” Rowan murmured as he tried to compose himself. “But that was a great impersonation of Rayan.”

“Oh,” she smiled, doing her best to hide her face as it heated up. “Thank you. When you’ve been stuck inside the palace your entire life, you tend to create various odd skills to entertain yourself.”

“What other odd skills do you have?” He inquired curiously.

“I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of you, sir. But I know how to sing and dance. My father insisted all of us girls learn some sort of entertaining skill. Usually, for festivals or events, I’ll sing while one of my sisters plays a harp. I tried to learn to play, but my mother always said that I had stiff fingers. I would just pluck the strings rather than glide across them. Oh! One time I-”

Lilith stopped speaking as she looked up at Rowan. He was staring at her, and his face seemed expressionless. She bit her lip as she looked away. Her father had warned her that speaking too much was unbecoming; that no man would want her as a wife if she was never quiet.

“You can keep going,” Rowan insisted gently, but Lilith shook her head.

He frowned at her silence, wishing that she would keep going. Though she spoke of nonsense, he enjoyed the sound of her voice, of the way she would get excited over the littlest of things. She had a sort of naive innocence, one that had not been tainted by battles or hardship. Her demeanor was warm and inviting, and Rowan enjoyed basking in her light.

“How many brothers and sisters do you have?” He questioned.

“I have six sisters and three brothers,” she answered, glancing slightly at him.

“Your poor mother! That is a lot of children!”

“My mother only had two,” Lilith smiled as she shook her head.

“Oh,” Rowan whispered as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Um... sorry. I’m sorry. I forgot humans have mistresses.”

“My father doesn’t have mistresses. He has concubines,” she corrected as she furrowed her brows. The man before her was dressed in fine clothes, with no furs or other accessories that a wolf would wear. Lilith had thought this whole time that the man was human, but now, with his remark, she wasn’t so sure.

“Is something wrong?” Rowan inquired, noticing the confusion on her face.

“I just realized that I don’t even know your name,” she replied. Though technically the truth, it was not the question on her mind.

“You are absolutely right! I was so absorbed by you that I completely forgot,” he stated meekly. “I am Rowan, Alpha of the Wild Haer pack.”

“You’re the King’s cousin!” Lilith gasped as her eyes widened. “That means you know Prew, the Queen of Queens!”

“That I do,” he chuckled.

“My father has told me all about her! How she is not only smart but fearless and strong! He once said that she could make any man bend the knee with either her stern gaze or a few words. It is hard to earn my father’s respect, but she did it in a matter of minutes! With all the stories that I have heard about her, she seems more myth than reality.”

“Would you like to come meet her?” Rowan questioned with a smile.

“Oh, I couldn’t,” she protested.

“Come on,” he insisted, offering his arm to Lilith. “I’ll stay with you and do all of the talking if that makes you feel better.”

Lilith fidgeted with her fingers, looking hesitantly at Rowan. She looked up to Prew, admired her for her strength and resilience. Prew was everything Lilith wasn’t, and the young woman feared doing something to anger the Queen of Queens. But Rowan’s smile wore her down, and she relented, wrapping an arm around his.

Rowan led her through the crowd toward the end of the hall. Prew stood by herself, watching everyone as they danced or talked. In her peripheral vision, she saw Rowan approaching, but what caught her attention was the woman who held his arm. It was the first time that she could recall ever seeing him with a woman.

“Hello, Rowan,” Prew greeted as they neared.

“Good evening, Prew,” he replied, ushering Lilith forward. “I’d like to introduce you to Lilith, the second princess of the Empire of Etiba.”

“Well, welcome to the kingdom of Guilford,” Prew smiled. “Have you enjoyed your time at the ball?”

“Very much so, Your Majesty,” Lilith nodded as she did a deep curtsy. “I’d like to thank you for allowing me to attend.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Prew replied as a hand snaked around her waist. She looked over, noticing Konrad staring at the girl on Rowan’s arm. “Konrad, this is Lilith, a princess from Etiba.”

“A princess? My cousin isn’t forcing you to spend time with him, is he?” Konrad questioned jokingly.

“Not at all,” Lilith giggled as her grip tightened on Rowan’s arm. “I approached him. He looked rather lonely standing in the shadows all by himself.”

“I’m sure he did,” Konrad laughed, causing Rowan’s face to turn a deep red. As much as Konrad wanted to tease his cousin, he couldn’t, not when he looked so comfortable being near her.

“Where did you run off to?” Prew inquired to her mate curiously.

“Oh, I was speaking with the King from the Yogon Kingdom,” Konrad shrugged.

“Why is he here?” Prew questioned.

“H-he is here to join under us,” Konrad stammered, confused by her harsh tone.

“Oh no, he doesn’t!” Prew declared as she lifted the hem of her dress, making it easier to storm off. But then she stopped, turning to Lilith. “I’m sorry that our conversation has to be cut short, but I have a man’s kneecaps to break. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay. Hopefully, I shall see you again soon.”

Lilith furrowed her brows, watching as Prew walked away, followed closely by Konrad. She knew that the Queen of Queens could be brash and violent at times, but this was a ball, not a battlefield.

“Is she really going to break the knees of a King?” She questioned as she looked up to Rowan.

“The King of Yogon was vulgar to Prew when she went to him for aid, and in return, she promised to break his knees should he ever come to them for aid,” Rowan explained as the sounds of a man screaming filled the air. He placed a hand on the small of Lilith’s back, leading her toward the back gardens. “Why don’t we go outside? You shouldn’t have to hear any of that.”

Lilith nodded her head, following Rowan’s lead as he led her outside. She was visibly shaking, and he could not help but pull her closer as they walked. This woman was not used to violence or suffering. Rowan could not help but feel protective over her. Even his wolf stirred within him, enjoying the company of this pure, innocent woman.

Hours passed quickly as the two of them hid away from the party, choosing instead to talk with one another. Rowan shared stories of his childhood, of more pleasant times of his life. Meanwhile, Lilith would talk about anything, the excitement flowing through her voice with each word. They were so engrossed in conversation that neither noticed it getting late—not until a human guard approached.

“Your Highness?” The man said as he bowed. “Emperor Rayan insists that it is time for you to retire for the night.”

“Oh?” Lilith questioned as she looked around. Not many people were left in the Great Hall, and outside, it had grown dark. She blushed as she looked at the guard. “Thank you. I shall make my way there posthaste.”

As the guard walked away, Lilith stood to her feet, followed by Rowan. He had a hand on her arm, not wanting her to leave, but he could not find an excuse that he could use. She needed to go, regardless of his wants. As his hand released her, she leaned forward, rising on the tips of her toes until she pressed her lips against his. It was a brief, fleeting kiss, leaving Rowan hungry for more. Without saying anything, Lilith walked away, leaving Rowan alone in the Great Hall.

He stood there, the air around him suddenly feeling cold. What was his heart doing to him? This was a girl that he just met, and yet he didn’t know if he could live without her. She was so optimistic and carefree, radiating warmth and happiness wherever she went. But, at the same time, she was only here so Rayan could find her a husband. The thought of another man touching her was enough to make his blood boil.

“What an interesting young woman!” Prew remarked as she walked over, pulling him from his thoughts. She had been watching Rowan and Lilith for some time and was surprised to see that she had made the first move.

“Indeed she is,” he nodded, gazing at the door where Lilith had left.

“Do you want her as a mate?”

“I don’t know,” he answered honestly as he scrunched up his face. “Being around her was an utterly different experience for me. For a while, I forgot all about the horrors that happened last year. I was in her world of peace and comfort and I didn’t want to leave it. But I can’t tell if I am simply using her to escape my own demons or if I am infatuated with her. Making her my mate is something I couldn’t go back from. And what if she doesn’t want it? What if she doesn’t want to be with a wolf?”

“Rowan,” Prew sighed as she placed a hand on his shoulder. “If she wasn’t interested in you, she would not have spent the last three hours with you, let alone kiss you.”

“But what if my feelings for her are temporary? What if hers are, too?”

“Then you court her,” Prew smiled assuringly. "Talk to Rayan after tomorrow’s council meeting and ask for his permission. I’m sure he will be more than delighted to approve. Then, you two spend time together over a few months. If you truly cannot see yourself with her as your wife and mate, then you end your courtship.”

“But what if-”

“Enough, Rowan,” she commanded in a firm voice. “The decision is ultimately yours to make, but don’t let your self-doubt stand in the way of your happiness.”

“Yes, my Luna.”

Though Prew was no longer a Luna of a pack, many of the wolves still used the title. It was a term of endearment and, in this case, a term used to show obedience. Rowan may be an Alpha of his own pack, but he still felt small compared to Konrad and Prew.

The next day, Rowan sat anxiously in the council room. During the meeting, he was distant and seemingly oblivious to all that was discussed. The only thing on his mind was Lilith, her angelic voice, and the floral, salty scent that she had. Periodically, he would glance up from the table, looking toward Rayan. It is not as if Rowan had never spoken with the emperor before, but now, all of a sudden, the thought of talking to him caused Rowan’s mouth to become dry.

He barely registered when the meeting had ended, and everyone started to stand. Rowan stood from his chair, hurrying into the corridor to chase after Rayan.

“Emperor Rayan! May I have a word with you?” He called out as he panted.

“Of course, Rowan! What can I do for you?” Rayan inquired with a smile.

“I...” Rowan started, but he was having trouble forming the words. His chest was beating erratically, and his hands had started shaking. He took a deep breath, willing his nerves to settle down. “I wanted to ask for your permission to court your daughter.”

“Oh?” Rayan questioned, his smile widening. “I didn’t even know you had any interest in my daughter. Of course! Being mate to the King of King’s cousin would be a fitting position for Isabel.”

“Not Isabel,” Rowan murmured as he scratched at his jaw. “I want to court Lilith.”

“Lilith? Are you sure? She is my daughter by a concubine. Isabel is the better choice since she is the empress’ child, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I do not want to court Isabel,” Rowan stated firmly, his nervousness quickly turning into bitterness. “Lilith is whom I want.”

“Fine!” Rayan scowled as he waved his hands in the air. “And no need to court her. I’ll just leave her here. Take her now if you’d like.”

“I will court her,” Rowan replied with a growl, causing Rayan to step back. Rowan sighed as he ran his hand over his face. He did not mean to get angry, but Rayan was frustrating him with his lack of care for his daughter. “I know you are staying another night. May I take Lilith to a gathering with my pack tonight?”

“Sure.”

“Have her meet me in two hours,” Rowan instructed as he started to walk away. “And have her wear something simple. This won’t be a ball.”

Two hours later, Rowan walked down to the front hall, pausing when he saw Lilith. She wore a dark green dress that flowed down to the floor. Her sleeves stopped barely past her shoulders, leaving her arms exposed. Around her waist was a golden chain studded with a few rubies. While he observed her, she was unaware of his presence. She was walking along the far wall, admiring the paintings and portraits that adorned it. But not only that, she was humming. The soft, melodic sounds danced through the hall, filling Rowan’s ears.

“Hello, Lilith.”

His smooth voice startled her, causing her to turn around quickly. As he approached, Rowan could hear her heart beating erratically. He reached a hand out, gently cupping her cheek.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

"It’s alright,” Lilith whispered as she kept her eyes lowered. Rowan frowned as he moved his hand to her chin, gently lifting it until her gaze met his.

“Is something wrong? If you don’t want to be courted by me, you can say so. I won’t be angry at you, I just thought-”

“It isn’t you!” She interrupted as she bit her lip. “My father was furious with me when he informed me of our courtship. He has always been stern with me, disappointed even, but never this angry. He… He blamed me for Isabel not getting the best marriage possible.”

“Oh, Lilith,” Rowan murmured as he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. He could feel her trembling as she held back her tears.

“You should take Isabel as your wife. She is the better princess, not me.”

“I don’t want Isabel,” Rowan growled as he forced Lilith to look at him again. Tears glistened the edges of her eyes, threatening to fall at a moment’s notice. “I want you. I want to make you my wife, my mate, the Luna to my pack. I could not sleep last night, not without knowing if you felt the same. I could barely think, barely breathe, because all I wanted was you. Gods, I must have gone mad, I-”

Lilith reached up, placing her hands on his cheeks, her fingers gripping onto his beard. She leaned forward, and with a kiss, she silenced him. This time, as she went to pull away from the kiss, Rowan gripped her, holding her in place. His lips stayed on hers, claiming her with each breath.

“I want you to stay,” Rowan mumbled between the tender, passionate kisses.

“No, let me go home,” Lilith begged as she pulled back. “Please, just for a month. I want to spend as much time as I can with my mother. I would also love for you to meet her and get her blessing before we marry. Please.”

“Alright,” he nodded as he wiped the stray tears that slipped down her cheeks. “One month. You’ll leave tomorrow, and I shall come down there in one month. But I won’t instantly whisk you away. I’ll stay for two weeks to get to know your mother, your brother, and everyone else. I’ve gone twenty-four years without you; what’s one more month?”

Author’s note: SOOOO, originally this was going to be a LONGER chapter. But I am currently sitting at 3600 words and I’m thinking I’ll end it here. I’m worried about over doing it with this side chapter, since it doesn’t show any important information.

BUT, what that means is there are scenes that are missing. I had plans to show Lilith interacting with the pack and then Rowan’s time down in Etiba.

If you as a reader might be interested in a second chapter for Rowan and Lilith, please let me know! I can easily go back and write it! ❤️ - Update! I currently have an extra chapter mostly typed up and ready to go as a continuation to Rowan’s side story. So even if you didn't want it, I'm posting it Saturday at 12pm cst 🥰