The First King

A/N: I want to first thank you guys for reading my work! It has been amazing, and this chapter is just for you guys! BUT, in saying that, I wanted to warn you that this was a rushed chapter. I wrote this in between chapters of Unraveling Darkness, so it may not be my best work.

This is also officially my longest chapter, at over 7300 words! Sorry for any grammatical errors or weird sentence structuring.

With tears dried and hearts full, Rowan and Lilith walked out of Sella Castle. They could have ridden horses or been in a carriage, but both agreed to walk the short distance to the city. This allowed them more time together alone, with no one else around. For a while, they walked in silence, enjoying the quiet time with one another. But there was something that lingered in the back of Lilith’s mind. She was not a wolf, and yet, here she was, being courted by one. Their culture and customs were vastly different from the humans, especially when compared to her father’s empire.

“Do you think the pack would accept me?” Lilith questioned as she rubbed her hands together nervously. “Knowing to dance and sing isn’t going to protect your people.”

“I think my pack would accept an old woman who could barely walk,” Rowan chuckled as his cheeks turned red. “I’ve been without a mate for so long; they will accept anyone I bring home.”

“Why have you been alone for so long?” She inquired as she curiously looked up at him. He was handsome; surely women had been flocking to him, vying for his attention. And yet, he chose her out of everyone else in the world.

“At first, I was too busy trying to survive those dark times. I slept with some women to quell the itch for intimacy, but there was no one that I was attracted to. But then, once everything was done and the darkness was gone, I didn’t want to look for someone. I… I wanted someone I could not have, and it took me a long time to move past that,” he admitted softly. Rowan could have easily lied to Lilith, but he didn’t want to. Just like the night before, he wanted to tell her everything, even if it meant cutting out his chest and revealing all that lay within his heart.

“I see,” she murmured as she thought to herself. Who was the woman that he loved so much that he spent over a year alone while she was already with another? As an answer came to her, so did a sickening feeling in the depths of her stomach. Rowan sighed as they walked in silence. He knew there was a lot on her mind, but he worried about her drowning in her own self-doubts.

“It was Prew,” he stated, not even allowing her the chance to ask who it was.

Lilith suddenly stopped as she took in a sharp breath. It did not surprise her that he pined for Prew. She was so brave and strong, and yet still beautiful compared to others. Why wouldn’t he want the Queen of Queens? How could she blame him? But then, how could Rowan want a lowly princess from a faraway empire? There was nothing that she could offer him, nothing compared to what he sought in Prew.

“Speak to me, please,” he begged as she remained quiet.

“Why?” It was just one word; that’s all she said. But Rowan knew everything she wanted to say after it. Why her when she was nothing like Prew?

“I want to be with you because I need you,” he explained as his hands gripped hers gently. Lilith looked up, both surprised and confused by his words. “I need the warmth that radiates from your innocent and pure soul. You remind me of a time that I thought was gone; a time when my parents were still alive and no one I loved had died. Yes, Prew is a strong warrior, but it took me finding you to realize I never wanted a warrior as my mate. I can’t be with a woman who adds to my nightmares with her own. I need someone who can help pull me out, someone who can save me from myself. And that is you, Lilith. I had not realized I was drowning until last night.”

“Rowan…”

“And then, when you left, I felt as if I was back underwater again. And the thought of being away from you for an entire month scares me. If I did not have a pack to care for, I would come down and spend the entire month with you and your family. That is how much I need you, and your warmth, and your smile.”

As a single tear rolled down her cheek, Rowan stopped talking. At first, he thought she was still upset, that he had hurt her with his honesty, but then he relaxed as a smile grew across her face. He pulled her close, connecting his lips with hers. It was an odd feeling for Rowan to feel so drawn to a woman after knowing her for a day, but everything with Lilith felt so natural. She was truly everything that he had been missing.

“At this rate, you two will never get to the gathering,” Prew called out, startling the couple. She and Konrad were on Meeka, making their way into the city.

“Your Majesties,” Lilith gasped as she pulled back from Rowan. Her face was a deep shade of red as she gave a curtsy.

“There is no need for such formality,” Prew assured as she chuckled. "From what I hear, you will soon be joining the family, and as such, you are not required to show obeisance.”

“I would feel rather awkward if I didn’t, Your Majesty,” Lilith murmured as she continued to look to the ground.

“Even if I gave you permission?” Prew inquired, but the princess shook her head, unwilling to break from royal protocol. With a sigh, Prew looked out to the city before looking back to Lilith. “Would you like to ride with me? It will be quicker than you walking.”

“I’d rather stay with Rowan, Your Majesty,” she replied while taking the Alpha’s hand.

“Suit yourself,” Prew smiled as she gently kicked at Meeka’s sides, urging him forward.

“Perhaps on the way back to Sella Castle, you should ride with Prew?” Rowan suggested as he watched the horse disappear down the road. “You might be too tired to walk back.”

“Our time together is limited, and then I won’t see you for a full month,” Lilith stated as she shook her head. “I’d rather spend it with you, no matter what we are doing.”

The Alpha smiled as he reached out, taking the princess’ hand in his. They continued to walk down the road, taking their time as they went toward the town. By dusk, the two of them finally reached the tavern that was owned by members of the pack. As Rowan’s hand reached for the door, he could not help but feel nervous. It was not that he was worried about the pack not liking her, but he was anxious about them crowding around Lilith, overwhelming her.

With a deep breath, he pushed open the heavy door. As they stepped inside, he was surprised by how quiet the room was. Everyone clearly saw him with a woman, but no one seemed to care. With furrowed brows, he led the way across the room towards the table where Konrad and a few others sat. But before they got far, Prew approached them, instantly taking Lilith’s arm in hers.

“Why don’t you come help me and the other women with the food?” Prew inquired with a bright smile. Lilith looked to Rowan, who instantly nodded his head.

“If you feel uncomfortable, I’ll be sitting at that table with Konrad,” he stated as he pointed to the back of the room.

“A-alright,” Lilith stuttered as she turned back to Prew.

Rowan watched as his future mate was whisked away, disappearing behind the kitchen doors. He was still confused as to why no one was talking to him or Lilith. The pack acted as if she wasn’t someone new, as if she had always been his mate.

“What’s wrong?” Konrad questioned as his cousin approached the table.

“Something is off,” Rowan replied as he rubbed the back of his head. “Why didn’t anyone freak out when Lilith entered the room? And why does it sound so quiet in the kitchens?”

“Prew warned the pack when we got here, and she threatened everyone within an inch of their life if they acted out,” Konrad admitted with a chuckle.

“I see,” Rowan smiled as he sat down beside the King of Kings. Of course, Prew would help keep the pack calm. If anyone understood Lilith’s situation, it was her.

After a while, the door to the kitchen finally opened, but it was not food that came out. Instead, it was Lilith, wearing traditional wolf clothes. Gone was her soft, silk gown, replaced by a long-sleeved wool dress with fur around across the chest and shoulders. Her blonde hair was braided and adorned with lavender flowers. Lastly, around her neck was a necklace that had once belonged to his Grandmother, Ava. As she approached him, his mouth went dry, and something tightened within his pants.

“How do I look?” She inquired as her cheeks began to blush.

“You look incredible,” Rowan muttered as he stood from his chair, knocking it over. His hands quickly went to her waist, tugging her to him. "But now all I want to do is undress you.”

“Rowan!” Lilith gasped as she slapped at his chest. “Everyone can hear you!”

“Not if I command them to close their ears,” he growled, leaning in close and burying his face in her shoulder.

“Alright, you two, get a room or move aside. Food is coming out,” Prew stated from behind them.

“You’re going to be hard to let go of,” Rowan whispered as he led Lilith to the table. Seeing his future mate wearing the traditional clothing of his people was making him a desperate man: desperate to make her his. He would have taken Lilith to a room upstairs, marking her right then and there if he could. But he couldn’t; he promised to wait, to have the wedding down in Etiba. Rowan knew these next few weeks were going to be difficult, but now the wait was also going to be emotionally draining.

Rowan sprinted through the corridors, searching frantically for Prew. As he came to the council room, he burst through the door, panting once on the other side. Alarmed by the wolf rushing into the room, Prew stood from her seat, her dagger drawn and ready.

“What’s wrong, Rowan?” She questioned frantically.

“I got a letter! I think it is from Lilith!” He exclaimed as he waved the parchment in his hands. Prew scowled as she let out a deep exhale. Though there had been no threat of violence for some time, she was still constantly on edge, ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

“Gods, Rowan! You scared me half to death!”

“I’m sorry, Luna,” he replied sheepishly.

“Well, go on and give me the letter then,” she instructed as she sat back down, her heart finally calming down. “I’ll read it out to you.”

With trembling hands, Rowan handed the letter to Prew. He was so excited, so anxious to see if it was indeed Lilith who wrote to him. It had been twenty days since she left, and her absence left a hole in his chest. He held his breath, watching as Prew broke the seal. Once the letter was opened, she smiled.

My Dearest Rowan,

I have been home in Etiba for several days, but I find myself thinking more and more about Guilford. It feels as if I left something behind, like a chest full of my favorite dresses. But really, it is you that I left behind. Every day that passes, I find myself yearning more and more for your comforting embrace, or the brightness in your blue eyes.

Though I find myself in a constant state of sadness, I am happy to be home. The empress, my mother, and the other concubines are excited about our wedding and are thrilled that we are having it at my father’s palace. They have also been questioning me nonstop about you and your pack. I fear for your sanity and well-being when you visit, for they may interrogate you for hours on end. It may be my father’s face that everyone sees, but it is these four women who truly run things.

I shall be counting down the days until you and I meet again. And even then, once we are reunited, I will continue to count down until I can officially be yours.

With the purest love,

Lilith

Prew glanced up from the letter with a teasing smile. But then she stopped upon seeing the tears brimming Rowan’s eyes. He looked so moved, so emotional over the letter and its contents. Rather than poke fun at him, she stood from her chair, pulling him into an embrace. Prew could feel him shaking in her arms, doing everything he could to hold back his feelings.

“There there,” she whispered as she patted his back. “You shall see her again soon. Why don’t we sit down and write her a response?”

Rowan nodded his head as he pulled away from Prew. He wiped his eyes as he took in a deep, ragged breath. Though the letter helped to fill the void left by Lilith’s absence, it also pained him. To hear of her longing for him, just as much as he did her, it was nearly unbearable. But he had to hold on, to hold out a bit longer. With a heavy sigh, Rowan sat down in a chair by Prew, calming himself before he dictated his response to her.

The sound of his thumping heart filled Rowan’s ears. The last ten days had been long and arduous, but now he stood in the Empire of Etiba, waiting behind the door to Rayan’s throne room. His wolf sniffed the air, but he could not smell Lilith. All he wanted to do was hold her in his arms and listen to her sweet voice, but instead, he had to meet with the Emperor first.

Rowan jumped at the sound of the doors finally opening. After what felt like an eternity, he could now enter the throne room. Walking into the room, he noticed Rayan off to the side, sitting at a low table with a young man.

“Ah! Welcome Alpha Rowan!” Rayan greeted as he motioned to a seat across from him. “Please join us. This is my eldest son, Everett.”

“It is a pleasure meeting you,” Rowan replied as he sat down at the table.

“It is an honor to meet one of the heroes of our realm,” Everett smiled. “I hope your journey south went well?”

“It was smooth and uneventful,” Rowan answered as a floral scent filled his nose. He glanced over to the right, toward the direction of the smell. There was an excitement that fluttered through his chest, but it died down the moment he saw Isabel. He looked away, refusing to make eye contact with her as she served the men tea. When she left, Rowan released the breath that he held.

“I told you, father,” Everett scowled as he sipped his tea. “Wolves do not care for other women.”

“It is not as if they are mated yet,” Rayan argued as he turned to look at Rowan. “Are you sure that you do not want two mates? You can take both of my princesses. Make Lilith your concubine and Isabel as your wife?”

“I have already told you that I only want Lilith,” Rowan growled.

“Alright, alright. There's no need to get upset. You can’t fault a man for trying to get his daughters the best marriage possible.”

Rowan grumbled but chose not to voice his thoughts. He knew Rayan only valued the children he had with the empress. Her son was his heir, and her daughter was the jewel in his eyes. The children he had with the concubines, such as Lilith, were afterthoughts. After listening to the Emperor for several minutes, Everett finally stopped his father.

"I think the Alpha is anxious to see the second princess, Father," the prince interjected.

"Oh? Very well. Take him to the inner gardens," Rayan instructed as he waved his hand.

Everett gave Rowan a wink as he stood from his cushioned seat. The prince led the Alpha through several sets of curtains until they reached a large set of double doors. Lilith could barely hold back her excitement when she saw Rowan walk outside behind Everett. She held herself together long enough to show her brother etiquette, but as the wolf held his arms out, she ran into them. Rowan held her close, deeply inhaling her hair's salty, floral scent. It did not matter that others were watching them; he only cared about Lilith.

“I have missed you,” she murmured into his chest.

“And I have missed you,” he replied as he kissed the top of her head. When he rested his cheek against her, he saw Everett smiling at them. “Is there anything else I can do for you, Prince Everett?”

“Not at all. I just enjoy watching two people in love. It’s a rare thing to see, especially in this palace,” the prince replied before he turned and walked away.

Once Everett was gone, Rowan leaned back to see Lilith’s face. His lips moved to hers, but at the last second, she turned her head, making it so he kissed her cheek.

“Others are watching,” she whispered as her face grew hot.

“What of it? You and I are to marry in a couple of weeks!”

“It is still frowned upon,” Lilith sighed as she stepped back from his embrace. "No one would dare scold you, which means I shall get in trouble.”

“But I can-”

“No, please,” she begged as she placed a hand on his arm. “You are in my world now, so you have to follow protocol. Just for a little while, please?”

“Only for you shall I tolerate it,” Rowan sighed as he reached down, taking her hand from his chest. He brought it up to his lips, gently kissing her soft fingers. “But if anyone crosses a line, then I shall, too.”

“Alright,” she smiled with a roll of her eyes.

With his hand in hers, Lilith led the Alpha through the inner gardens. This outdoor space was large, and at times, Rowan forgot they were behind the walls of a palace. There was a small forest, a babbling creek, and even a meadow filled with wildflowers. It was as if this was a miniature world, secluded and tucked away from everyone else. But then, Rowan remembered Lilith once telling him that she and many others were trapped within the palace and never allowed to leave. Rayan was so possessive over his women and children that these gardens were probably the closest some of them could get to the outside world.

But before Rowan could get upset with Rayan, Lilith suddenly stopped. Before them was a large pavilion with curtains blocking the view of the inside. She led him up the stairs, where several servants rushed over to greet them. As they stepped behind the veil, Rowan noticed four women sitting on one side of the room. One of the four sat in a higher chair than the rest, and he could assume this was this empress. She wore more jewels, and the crown on her head was quite large.

“Everyone, this is Rowan, Alpha to the Wild Haer pack,” Lilith introduced as she placed him in the middle of the room. “Rowan, this is Empress Karis, and to her left is my mother, concubine Mya. Then, on the right are concubines Abrielle and Naomi.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, ladies,” he replied with a low bow. The women smiled at him as they studied his features.

“You are indeed a handsome man,” Naomi remarked as she looked at Karis. “Wouldn’t you agree, elder sister?”

“I do,” Karis nodded as she pursed her lips. “Please, Alpha Rowan, take a seat. The ladies and I have some questions for you.”

“Lilith warned me that you might interrogate me upon my arrival,” Rowan joked as he sat down across from the women. Lilith sat in the chair beside him, folding her hands in her lap. Without thinking about it, Rowan reached over and placed a hand on hers.

“You seem rather comfortable with our second princess,” Karis commented as she observed their closeness. “Such public displays of affection are not seen within these walls.”

“I hope you don’t view my ignorance as a total disregard for your customs,” he replied, still keeping his hand on Lilith.

“Of course not. You are a wolf, after all,” Karis smiled as she leaned back in her chair. "But we are intrigued to know why a wolf would be interested in a human. Would this relationship have occurred if your cousin had not been arranged to marry the Queen of Queens?”

“Prew and Konrad’s marriage did pave the way to a more harmonious human and wolf relationship. Had it not happened, I do not believe I would have gotten the chance to meet Lilith.”

“I won’t lie; we thought it rather strange when the Second Princess informed us that she would marry a wolf,” the empress added as her smile faded away.

“It’s just that you two are vastly different,” one of the other concubines commented softly. The women seemed to wiggle in their seats, each of them avoiding the words they truly wanted to say.

“Are you afraid of me hurting Lilith?” Rowan inquired.

“I’m sorry, but you must understand our lack of knowledge of your kind,” Mya murmured as her face became flushed.

“No need to apologize,” the Alpha sighed as he removed his hand from Lilith’s. "I can assure you, ladies, that, for the most part, a wolf’s relationship is the same as a human's. Except... except for the marking. I heard what it did to Prew, and I won’t lie. The thought of doing the same thing to Lilith terrifies me.”

“Do you plan on marking her?” Karis inquired.

“We haven’t discussed it yet,” Rowan answered as he glanced at the princess. Though there was a smile on her face, he could see a hint of concern in her eyes. It was as if she wasn’t afraid of what was to come, but instead, she was worried about him.

“There is still plenty of time before the wedding,” Lilith assured him as she reached out, taking back his hand and placing it in her lap.

“That is absolutely right!” The empress exclaimed as she clapped her hands, summoning servants from behind the curtains. “In the meantime, why don’t we have some lunch? I am sure you are rather hungry from your travels.”

The following days passed by agonizingly slow for Rowan. He was not used to such a quiet life, being stuck within the inner gardens of a palace. This fake world was becoming stuffy and, to some extent, overwhelming. But he held out, bearing with the discomfort because of Lilith. At the very least, she made these dreary days brighter and warmer.

As the wedding drew nearer, more guests began arriving in Etiba. From neighboring kings to several Alphas and Lunas, the guest halls of Rayan’s palace were soon filled to the brim. And with one day before the wedding, Prew and Konrad finally arrived at the little empire. After unpacking their things in their temporary room, they finally ventured down to the inner gardens. It took some time to traverse the growing crowd that was surrounding them, but eventually, they were able to find the bride and groom. Prew instantly went to Lilith, taking one of the Princess' arms in hers.

“May I speak to you alone for a moment?” Prew inquired as she leaned in close to Lilith. She held up the box in her hands, motioning to it with her head. “I have something I want to discuss with you.”

“Of course, Your Majesty,” the princess nodded with a smile. Once the two women put distance between them and their men, Prew finally glanced over at Lilith.

“Where is Rowan’s room?” She inquired.

“Oh! This way,” Lilith stated as she led the way across the gardens. Tucked away in one of the corners was a small palace that the Alpha had been staying in. But once they were at the entrance, the princess stopped. She would not enter this space, not until her wedding night.

“Are you coming?” Prew questioned as she stepped through the threshold.

“No, Your Majesty,” Lilith answered with a shake of her head.

“Why?”

“It would look improper if I went into a man’s chambers when we aren’t married!”

“Oh? Is Rowan in there?” Prew questioned as she looked around the front room. She knew the answer because the Alpha and Konrad were out in the gardens, conversing with one another. “No, he’s not. So come on in.”

“I can’t,” Lilith insisted.

“As the Queen of Queens, I command you follow me,” Prew stated firmly, using her rank over the princess to force her to go inside.

Lilith gripped onto her dress, twisting it in her hands as she fought the urge to argue with Prew. But try as she might, she would not go against the command of the Queen of Queens. So, with a heavy sigh, Lilith stepped inside, following Prew into the bedroom.

“I know being in here is uncomfortable, but I needed to discuss with you what will happen on your wedding night,” Prew explained as she set the box on the bed.

“Oh,” Lilith whispered as her face grew hot with embarrassment. "My mother has already told me about what Rowan will do and how I should be receptive and quiet.”

“First off, I wasn’t going to have the talk with you,” Prew frowned. “Secondly, no. You talk with Rowan and tell him what you like and don’t like about what you do in bed together. And if he forces you to do anything that you don’t want to do, I’ll handle him. Receptive and quiet? That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!”

“Oh… um…”

“I’m sure that is what Rayan wants his women to do, but that isn’t the case for the rest of the world.”

“Then what do I do?” Lilith questioned as she looked at the bed. “What should I do during… you know…”

“Do what feels natural,” Prew shrugged as she thought to herself. “Knowing Rowan, he will do everything he can to make it enjoyable for you. And when he does something that feels exceptionally good, let him know. But if he does something that hurts or doesn’t feel good, bring it up.”

“Alright,” Lilith murmured, feeling overwhelmed and embarrassed by Prew’s words. In an attempt to change the subject, she looked at the box that the Queen had brought in. “So, what did you need to discuss with me?”

“Oh, right!” Prew exclaimed as she hastily opened the box, revealing over a dozen vials. Two of them contained a blue liquid, while the rest were brownish. “I’ve brought you medicine!”

“Why?”

“For when you get marked,” Prew answered with a smile. "So, when you come in here right after the ceremony, take a brown vial. They help reduce pain and inflammation. It’s very bitter, and you’ll need to drink some every few hours after you are marked. The blue liquid is to put you to sleep. Right before he marks you, drink it, and by the time the venom is in your body, you should be out.”

“Wait, I’ll be asleep?”

“Trust me when I tell you that you will want to be out cold. When the venom got into my system, my entire body felt as if it were on fire. It was the worst pain that I have ever felt.”

"I see," Lilith murmured as she reached out and took one of the vials in her hands. She watched the liquid move around, creating waves within the little glass bottle. "I really appreciate this, but..."

"Oh!" Prew gasped as she slapped her hand against her face. "I should have asked if you ever wanted to be marked. I'm sorry!"

"It's not me," Lilith replied as she looked at the Queen. "Rowan doesn't want to do it. He refuses to see me suffering."

"And that's why I brought you this medicine," Prew insisted. "It might take some persuasion, but not much. Rowan's wolf will be screaming at him to mark you, and he shall not relent until it is done. For wolves, marking your mates completes that connection and seals them together for life."

"And that's why I want to do it! But after discussing it once, he refuses to let me talk about it."

After thinking to herself momentarily, Prew leaned forward, whispering something into Lilith's ear. The princess' face slowly turned red as her eyes went wide. But eventually, she nodded her head, understanding the advice that Prew had given her.

Rowan stood at the end of the throne room, nervously fidgeting with the tiny ring in his hands. It was a golden band with several rubies inlaid on top. After spending several days with Lilith, it became apparent to the Alpha that red was her favorite color. It did not matter whether the shade was light or dark; if it was red, Lilith was attracted to it. As Rowan looked down at the ring, he could not help but wonder why she chose this color. To him, red was harsh—a reminder of terrible, violent things. But Lilith did not see things as he did; to her, everything was soft and gentle.

“I don’t know if I have ever seen you this nervous,” Konrad remarked softly, placing a hand on the Alpha’s shoulder.

“Every second that passes is another second closer to claiming Lilith as my own,” Rowan murmured as he glanced over to his right. His cousin stood next to him, elevated on a small platform. But Rowan could see Konrad’s hands trembling, and he could not help but smirk. “You’re one to talk. You look as if you are seconds from collapsing."

“I’ve never officiated a wedding, so of course I’m anxious,” Konrad scoffed with an exaggerated roll of his eyes. It's not like I know much about human ceremonies, after all.”

“Not like you haven’t been married yourself,” Rowan mocked with a frown.

“That’s not fair.”

“I don’t need to tell you that you messed up by keeping Prew at arm's length.”

“And yet you still say it,” Konrad growled lowly.

“Someone needs to remind you how foolish you are,” Rowan shrugged with a sly smile. “Otherwise, that ego of yours would go unchecked.”

“Have you met Prew? That woman humbles me at least three times a day,” Konrad chuckled.

“Only three?” Rowan laughed as he used an elbow to nudge his cousin. But before he could continue teasing Konrad, the doors at the end of the hall finally opened.

There Lilith was, radiant and breathtaking. She stood there, wearing a fitted pale blue dress that accentuated not only her frame but also her bright smile. The red and white bouquet that she held was bright compared to the soft hue of her dress.

Rowan struggled to breathe once Lilith began to walk down the center of the hall. His eyes were locked on hers, and everything else around him faded away. He could no longer hear the music that was being played, nor could he see the people around the room. All there was, all that mattered, was Lilith. Once she was finally close enough, Rowan reached out, taking her hands in his as he guided her to stand by his side. At that moment, as they stood together, Rowan knew that this was who he was meant to be with. He could feel it, down from the tips of his toes to the deepest parts of his soul. And his wolf seemed to agree because all he did was whine as he called out for Lilith.

“Welcome, everyone!” Konrad called out in his deep, smooth voice. “We are here today because fate has brought these two together. It is a remarkable thing when you find your forever person and instantly feel that sense of knowing in your heart. It is both a rare and beautiful phenomenon, one that should be cherished and celebrated. Today, these two stand before us all, ready to take on this journey of marriage and mates. They came here as two souls, both separate and different, but by the end of this, they shall be joined as one.”

“Rowan, do you take Lilith, Princess of Etiba, as your lawful wife? Even with all of her strengths and faults? Do you vow to cherish and protect her, to honor and love her?”

“I do,” Rowan replied as he took the ring, slipping it onto Lilith’s finger.

“Lilith, do you take Rowan, Alpha of the Wild Haer pack, as your lawful husband? Even with all of his strengths and faults? Do you vow to cherish and respect him, to honor and love him?”

“I do,” she stated with a confident, bright smile. The princess reached into a little pouch that was tied around the stems of her bouquet. After a moment, she withdrew a golden ring, slipping it onto Rowan’s finger. He took a moment to glance at the jewelry, instantly smiling at the wolf and hare that were etched across the gold.

“Love endures all things, and so shall this marriage. I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride!”

Without any hesitation or care for the others in the room, Rowan wrapped an arm around Lilith, placing his hand on the small of her back. Once he pulled her close, he pressed his lips roughly against hers. Lilith gasped, but she did not fight against his kiss nor his tongue when it slipped into her mouth. As the sound of clapping filled her ears, Rowan finally released her lips.

“My wife,” he whispered as he panted.

“My husband,” Lilith chuckled as she leaned in closer.

Hours after the ceremony, Rowan and Lilith were finally allowed to escape the crowds and retire to the Alpha's guest residence. At first, both were giddy, smiling and laughing as they walked across the inner gardens, but once in his rooms, both were quiet. The excitement had begun to wear off as anxiety took over. For Lilith, the room felt unfamiliar despite having been in there once before. She walked slowly to the bed, her mother's words coursing through her mind.

"You looked so beautiful today," Rowan murmured as he attempted to break the tension. "I could barely contain myself once I saw you."

"I look the same as I did yesterday," she retorted with a small smile.

"Yes, but today you are mine," he whispered as he walked up behind her.

Lilith wanted to argue with him, to tell him that she was always his, but she couldn't. It was hard to find the words to speak when all she could think about what was to come. First, she would lay with Rowan, letting him take her. No... Not take... Prew told her that was not what would happen. They would lie together, becoming a couple together. Prew! Remembering the Queen of Queens made Lilith look over to the table where the wooden box was placed. She walked past Rowan, opened the box, and took a vial with brown liquid in her hands. She quickly drank it, not allowing herself the time to second guess herself.

Rowan frowned as he watched her. He knew what the vials were; she had told him yesterday afternoon. But he still refused to mark her. Lilith was too pure, too innocent for something that severe. He was afraid it would change her, and take away the warmth that he had fallen in love with. And yet, she still drank the medicine, regardless of what he told her.

Once the vial was empty, Lilith did not turn to look at Rowan. Instead, her hands went to her hair, removing the jewels and ties that held it up. When her hair was down, she could hear a grunting sound behind her. While still ignoring her husband, Lilith reached up to her dress, tugging it down with a slow, trembling hand. Before it was halfway down her back, two hands wrapped around hers, helping to ease the fabric down.

With her body now bare, Lilith turned around and faced Rowan. He kept his eyes on hers, not daring to look down at the tempting treasure below. Though he did this to keep her from feeling uncomfortable, she did not mind. Confidence surged through her veins, and with it, she allowed herself to reach out to Rowan. Her hands went to his clothes, undoing the strings and buttons one by one. It was only when he was fully nude, and she looked down at the staff between his legs that the nervousness returned. It was bigger than she had anticipated, making her wonder how it would fit... how they would do it...

Rowan could see the concern in her eyes, and he could not help but chuckle at how red she suddenly became. His hands went up to her face, cupping it gently as he leaned in for a kiss. As she melted into his touch, his hands slipped down, feeling the goosebumps that formed against her skin. Without warning, he pushed her onto the bed, leaving only her legs dangling off the side. Lilith tensed up, expecting him to crawl on top of her, but nothing happened. She glanced up, noticing him knelt down on the floor, with his head close to her knees.

"What are you doing?" She questioned hesitantly.

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course," she answered quickly. "But this... it's just not..."

"This won't hurt," he assured her as he gently pushed her legs apart. "But if you don't like it, just tell me to stop."

Lilith nodded her head and leaned back against the bed. While staring up at the ceiling, she could feel Rowan move between her legs. She laid completely still, barely letting out a gasp when his tongue brushed against her bundle of nerves. But as he continued, as his tongue slipped into her, Lilith could barely contain herself. Her legs were trembling, and her breath came out in heavy pants. How could any woman remain quiet when so much pleasure coursed through her? Lilith finally reached out when it became too much, gripping Rowan's hair as she moaned his name. Her vision became blurry with stars as an orgasm ripped through her body.

Rowan could not help but smile at Lilith when she went limp. At first, when she was silent, he was concerned that she did not enjoy it, but then the noises came, and they didn't stop. With a growl rumbling through his chest, he crawled on top of her, kissing every part of her body; from her stomach to her breasts, jaw, and then lips. Rowan kissed everything, tasting the sweetness of her sweat. And when her breathing finally evened out, he pressed the tip of his member against her folds.

"Are you ready?" He questioned softly.

"Yes!" She gasped in a pleading voice. It was as if she was drunk off the pleasure, and she wanted more. "Please, Rowan."

The sound of her saying his name sent shivers down his spine. Without wasting any more time, he pushed into her, groaning at the tightness that surrounded him. Once past her barrier, Lilith let out a small whimper, but it was quickly replaced with a moan. With each thrust, Rowan was slowly unraveling, his inhibitions fading away. Though he was careful not to go too hard or too fast, he could feel his wolf beginning to surface. With his own heightened pleasure, Rowan leaned forward, grazing his extended canines against her shoulder.

Without warning, Rowan pulled away, putting distance between him and Lilith. His instincts had almost taken over, nearly causing him to mark her against his own wishes. Once he was across the room, he sat in a chair, burying his face in his hands. Everything within him begged to make Lilith his, but he couldn't... he couldn't hurt her. As he fought against the internal turmoil, Rowan did not notice that Lilith had left the bed; only when she touched him did he glance up at her.

"I want this," she stated firmly. Lilith knew why he suddenly left her; she had felt his teeth against her skin.

"No!" He replied harshly as he shrugged her off.

"I am not fragile, so stop treating me as such!"

Rowan flinched at her yelling, surprised by her outburst. In the two weeks they had spent together, she had never once raised her voice. Before he could continue to protest, she stormed across the room, grabbing one of the vials with blue liquid. Rowan stood to his feet, rushing over to stop her, but the medicine was gone by the time he reached her.

"I want to be more than your wife; I want to be your mate," Lilith sighed as she felt her body begin to relax. "I know you are afraid of hurting me, and I won't lie, I am scared. But I trust you. Not only that, but I love you, Rowan. I... love..."

The medicine was taking effect quickly, and before she could finish her confession, Lilith passed out. Rowan quickly grabbed her, preventing her from falling to the floor. He could not help but feel overwhelmed by what she was doing. It was as if she was backing him into a corner, giving him no choice but to mark her. And yet, with her asleep in his arms, he could not help but want to do it. And his wolf was whining, begging him to mark her. With a heavy sigh, Rowan finally gave in, allowing for his canines to extend. He dropped to his knees, holding Lilith firmly in his lap. After taking a moment to settle his nerves, Rowan finally bit down into her left shoulder. He began to relax as he watched her intently. She was out, and Lilith barely stirred even when the venom went in. Once it was done and his teeth retracted, Rowan buried his face into the crook of her neck.

"I love you, too."