The Gold Queen (Prequel)

October 1994

***Sofia’s POV***

The next two weeks come and go, filling me with dread as my wedding day was quickly approaching. In exactly 2 months I would give away my life to Julian and became his Queen.

Mom was going mad with wedding details, selecting the food, venue and music. I was more than happy to let her take control of the planning, though; I had no interest in the event, let alone deciding what flowers to have in the table center pieces. I even let her select my wedding dress as I could not bring myself to do it. She picked a ballgown with a train and lacy long sleeves, the tulle veil extending down past my waist. But not matter how beautiful the dress, I found myself on the verge of tears at every fitting, wishing with all my might that it would be Mateo I would be walking down the aisle towards instead Julian.

Mateo. He was still a mystery to me, but I found myself completely drawn to him. He was like the wind, sometimes a force to be reckon with, other times, as gentle as a breeze. He could be cool and collected, his mind clear and articulate, he could also be quiet, keeping to himself as he mulled over his ideas. He could be funny in a stupid kind of way, driving Guadalupe mad with his silly comments and jokes during class. He made me laugh like no one else did. But what I loved most about him was his caring heart.

I admit I was wrong to believe he was irresponsible and careless. It could not be further from the truth. He cared for his siblings, he cared for his little soldiers…. And he cared for me.

After my outings with Julian, Mateo would always inspected me from head to toe, ensuring I was not hurt. And while I always screamed at him to stop, I secretly enjoyed having him worry about me.

I heave a sigh as I push my food around with my fork.

“Thinking about that mutt?” Julian snarls at me from across the table.

We were having lunch together at a local restaurant, each of us eating in silence. His visits were becoming more frequent, much to my displeasure.

“What is your deal with Mateo?” I snap, narrowing my eyes at him. “He’s done nothing wrong to you!”

Julian scoffs, leaning back in his chair. “He breathes near you. That’s enough for me to want him dead.”

I roll my eyes at and he reaches across the table to grab my wrist.

“Don’t you ever roll your eyes at me again,” he hisses through gritted teeth before throwing my arms back at me.

“You’re lucky we’re in public,” I growl at him, messaging my arm. “Or I’ll-“

“Or you’ll what Sofia?” He smirks. “You going to hit me? Do you need a reminder of what happened the last time you tried to threaten me?”

A chill runs down my spine but I refuse to let him know just how much he truly scares me.

“This meeting is over,” I snap, throwing my napkin on the table and pushing back my chair.

“Sofia, come back,” he demands as I walk towards the exit, but I keep marching forward, determined to put some distance between us.

I round the corner onto the main road and walk briskly as I hear footsteps approach me.

“Hey!” Julian snaps when he catches up to me, grabbing my hand. “Don’t walk away from me.”

I yank myself from his grip and glare at him. “In two months time, I will be your Queen and if you want my respect, you have to earn it!” I huff.

“I don’t have to do anything,” he hisses back. “I will be King!”

“You will have a title…” I say, stepping into his space and leaning into his ear. “But you are no King.”

I step back to observe his angry features. “A king doesn’t rule with threats and with fear. A king leads by example, by listening, not imposing his will onto others. That’s a tyrant. And if you want to be my king, you will start by treating me with respect, not some damn w***e you can manipulate.”

“And if I don’t?” He challenges. “What you going to do? Break off this wedding?” He sneers. “Let me put things into perspective for you.” He walks over to me, leaning down to my face and grabbing my chin with his fingers.

“Your grandfather really f****d things up for you didn’t he? All those wars he started, the people he slaughtered… I imagine many of your own people still harbor resentment towards you, even if your father is nothing like him. You still bear his name. And I’m willing to bet your wolves would gladly bow before me as their new king than have another Reyes on the throne, because like it or not, you are that monster’s granddaughter. And monsters breed monsters,” he smirks, leaning down to my ear so that his breath k****s my skin.

“Face it, Sofia. Sol de Oro was mine from the start. I’ve been your King even before you ever agreed to this arrangement. Our troops have been preparing to take over for years and that little border dispute was all we would need to start a war to take what is left of your kingdom,” he chuckles. “You should be thanking me, your Highness. I’m giving you a chance at a title. To be Queen. Isn’t that all you’ve ever wanted? All you’ve ever trained to be?”

My stomach churns with dread and disgust. We never had a chance did we?

“You’ve enjoyed peace during your father’s reign but Sol de Oro pales in comparison to its former glory. Don’t be the reason it falls, Sofia,” he whispers. “Behave,” he adds, his lips hovering over mine. “And I will make you my Queen.”

He presses his lips over mine, wanting to devour me with every k**s. I feel hot tears well up in my eyes but I blink them all away and reciprocate his k**s.

I was going to be Queen, even if it meant losing myself to this man. My people did not deserve another war, and at least with me at his side, I could ensure their safety.

“Good choice,” he smiles cruelly as he pulls away and grabs my hand to drag me back in the direction of the restaurant. “Dessert?”

***Mateo***

Sofia returns from her lunch and locks herself in her room before I even get a chance to speak her. She always came back so deflated whenever she went out with Julian, but today seemed especially worse. I’m about to go ask her what happened when Cassandra comes into the living room with the biggest smile on her face.

“The younger Altamiranos have arrived,” she says.

I guess Sofia will have to wait. I sigh. I’ve been dying to see my brother and sister.

I rush off to the front door to see my father’s truck pull up at the main gates. As it comes to a halt, two crazy twins come racing towards me, outstretched arms ready to embrace me.

My heart sinks a little when I see Emiliano’s bruised face smile with joy and admiration at me. His gift made him a highly powerful and respected wolf but it came at a price. Healers could heal others but could not heal themselves. Unlike normal werewolves who could heal within a matter of hours, healers healed at the rate of human, slowly and painfully. As such, the beating he took protecting Valentina would take a few more weeks to heal completely.

They both jump in to my arms and tackle me to the ground.

“Teo!” He cries with joy. “I’ve missed you, hermano.”

I give him another squeeze and ruffle up his curls. “I missed you too, Chamaco.”

“What about me?” Valentina pouts.

I open an arm out for her and pull her into my hug, gently placing a k**s on her forehead.

“I’ve missed you both,” I whisper to them.

Mom and Dad step out of the car, stern looks on their faces and I get up to greet them.

“Hola Mami,” I say, kissing her cheeks and she whispers a hello. I turn to my father, his eyes ice cold. He was still angry with me. I bow my head politely at him. “Father.”

“Mateo,” he replies in acknowledgment. “How has your training been going?”

“Good,” I reply dryly. “The Princess and I get along just fine.”

Sometimes, I want to add, but hold off knowing my father would be displeased that I purposefully annoy the Princess.

“The Princess!” Valentina squeals excitedly. “Is she here? Can I see her?” She pleads.

I shake my head. Sofia was probably in no mood to entertain guests after her lunch with Julian. “She a little busy with her studies.”

Big mistake to mention studies.

“And why aren’t you studying?” My father snaps.

“I-“

Before I can finish, his Majesty comes out to great his guests.

“Alpha Miguel, Luna Valeria. Welcome. Come, come,” he waves. “Let the boy and his siblings enjoy some free time. We have much to discuss.”

We all bow to the king and he leads my parents over to the house. Emi and Vale stare at me expectantly.

“So what are we doing today?” Emi asks, barely able to contain his excitement. “Can we go on a run?”

“You guys down for an adventure?” I ask, taking off my shirt. “There’s a river near by and I’ve been dying to explore it.”

“Mind if I join?” I hear a voice call out from behind me.

We turn to see the Princess emerge in a pair of shorts and white top, a towel hanging on her shoulder.

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly very dry.

“I know a good swim spot,” Sofia offers.

“Your Highness!” Valentina chirps, all of us bowing politely. “We would be most honored to have you join us. Wouldn’t we guys?”

Emiliano nods and looks at me for approval. I eye the Princess, trying to decipher why she’s suddenly so cheerful but after a few seconds of staring, I shrug at her.

“I don’t see why not,” I say much to Valentina’s joy.

She giggles as she rushes to the Princess and drags her over to us.

“You’ll need towels,” the Princess says, tucking some hair behind her ear. “I can go bring some.”

“I’ll help,” Valentina volunteers, the both of them running back to the house for some towels and snacks.

I turn to Emiliano and stare at his bruised face.

“You should have seen the other guy’s face,” he says proudly, puffing out his chest. “I made sure to leave him a mark he’ll never forget.”

I know he was trying to make me feel better, but I still hadn’t forgiven myself for not coming when he called.

“It’s okay, Teo. I mean it,” he adds when I remain silent. “I’ll heal.”

I pull him into my arms, resting my chin on top of his head. “You’re a brave kid, Emi. I’m proud of you.”

“No one messes with Vale but me,” he huffs, making me laugh.

We walk over to the trees and fold our clothes neatly before shifting and picking them up again in our snouts

A few moments later, the girls come out with overstuffed backpacks, giggling and laughing amongst themselves. Sofia’s breath hitches when she sees my silver fur and I can hear her heart start to race.

“Your wolf,” she whispers, mesmerized by Luis’s form. “He’s beautiful.”

She sticks her hand out but quickly pulls it back, shifting nervously on her feet.

I don’t know why but I really want her to touch me, so I trot over to her, nudging her arm with my snout. She blushes a little before reaching out to stroke my fur. Luis leans into her and and she scratches my ears.

Luis turns his body and lowers himself, looking up at her and nodding.

“We’ll come on your highness,” Valentina laughs as she climbs onto Emi’s back. “He won’t bite, I promise.”

Sofia smiles sheepishly, throwing her leg over Luis’s back. I hear her take a deep breath as she settles in and grabs tufts of my fur in her trembling hands.

“Umm… g-go slowly, please,” she says. “I-I’m not used to this.”

I decide this is the perfect way to mess with her and lean on my hind legs.

“No, Mateo, I mean it. Please-“

Sofia let’s out a small scream when I take off at full speed, sprinting towards the jungle. Her screams, however, turn to laughter as I maneuver through the trees.

“Faster!” She cries, leaning a bit forward.

As you wish, Princess.