Inside a room adorned with dark-colored designs and plush mattresses, a cozy light emanated from the lamp on the bedside table, creating a warm, inviting glow that made the space feel almost ethereal. There sat a young woman, around 20 years old, dressed elegantly, absent-mindedly tracing the beautiful diamond necklace around her neck. As she looked into the mirror, it was clear that her mind was elsewhere, caught up in the complexities and challenges of her own life. In that moment, one could sense the weight of her thoughts, a silent struggle that resonated deeply within her.
She has always yearned for a serene and peaceful, filled with the gentle rustle of leaves, soothing sounds of a quiet stream, all while being close to nature, however, that is the complete opposite of what she's living. Growing up, her parents were emotionally distant, indifferent and never listened to her thoughts or feelings. Important decisions regarding her education, friendship, and future were made without considering what she wanted. They constantly pressured her to live by their expectation, which felt really suffocating, leaving her with little room to express what she genuinely wants.
"As if they'll ever ask about what you actually want" Selena said with a dismissive scoff while mind-link her.
"And you knew that I would always be here for you, no matter what. So stop thinking about them," Selena, her wolf, said gently, sensing her distress and trying to comfort her.
"Thank you, Selena," said gently, her voice filled with gratitude. She stood up, her heart a little lighter as she made her way to the door, she collided softly with her mother, Elena.
"Are you ready for the party?" Elena inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement and impatient, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the upcoming celebration.
"Yes, mom," Davina replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, she adjusted her outfit and took a deep breath try to shake off her mind off the evening ahead
"They walked into the cozy living room, where her father, Bryson, was waiting and sitting on the edge of the sofa, his expression a mix of impatience and excitement.
"Let's go, or else we'll be late for the party," he said gruffly, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency, nodding in agreement, and made their way out of the door, as they stepped outside, the brisk evening wrapped around them, as they slide into the car and set off to the venue.
As they arrived at the bustling venue, with vibrant decorations, they made their way towards the grand hall. She observed her parents, expertly concealing their emotions, walking closely together, their hands intertwined, they maintained a facade of the devoted and affectionate couple that everyone believed them to be.
"Fuck them, can you believe them? Anyone watching them acting lovely together would think they are deeply in love, but it's all a ruse. They are putting on for Everyone" Selena mindlink her thoughts to Davina, expressing her frustration as she observed the couple
"Don't say that, no matter what they are still our parents," Davina scolded her
"How I wish they weren't," Selena replied, with a hint of bitterness lacing her words, Davina chose to ignore her, knowing that nothing could change the fact they were their biological parents.
Walking gracefully behind them, she held her head high, exuding confidence. As the stunning daughter of one of the most powerful and strongest Alpha, her elegance was evident in every step. With an aura of strength and charm, she stood out as a prime candidate for the royal prince's mate, perfectly embodying what it meant to belong to the royal lineage.
"I honestly don't know how you do it. You put on this impressive facade of a strong and outgoing person for everyone to see," Selena remarked, her eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and concern.
"Please, just stop. You know I feel trapped in this role, like I don't have any choice, so just let me navigate through it in my own way," Davina replied, her voice tinged with fatigue yet firm in its conviction.
As soon as they arrived at the bustling hall, her parents exchanged warm greetings with familiar faces, their laughter ringing out amidst the lively chatter. Not before they remind her to mind her manners before gracefully drifting away into the crowd, leaving her to navigate the vibrant party on her own.
Scanning the room filled with twinkling lights and colorful decorations. That's when she spotted her best friend, Amelia, standing on the other side of the hall. With her radiant smile and enthusiastic wave cutting through the sea of people, Amelia seemed like a beacon of warmth. Energized, she eagerly made her way over.
"Hey, how are you holding up? Are you ready for today?" Amelia asked softly, her sympathetic expression conveying her genuine concern.
"I believe so," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. She fought hard to conceal any trace of vulnerability, unwilling to let her childhood friend, Amelia, witness her insecurities. Their bond was forged from childhood, and Amelia was perhaps the only person who truly understood the depths of her struggles.
As the daughter of the royal Beta, Amelia was the only companion her parents approved of, due to her noble lineage, she is Alpha Prince Jayden's cousin, her father was the king's younger brother. Yet, that connection came with a heavy weight; Amelia was no mere friend but a constant reminder of the expectations that loomed over her. And she was meticulously molded to ensure she would one day wear the crown. Casting long shadows on her dreams. The way they orchestrated every aspect of her life left little room for her individuality. She often felt trapped in a gilded cage, and Amelia understood that all too well. As they stood together, an unspoken understanding lingered in the air—their friendship.
"It's okay, everything is going to be fine, try to talk to Jayden about not wanting to be his mate" Amelia said to her
" I will try to talk to him, But you Know he has feelings for me and am not sure if he is going to agree" Davina replied feeling unsure
"Okay, I pray he will listen just try and reasons with him" Amelia said with an encouraging tone
"Okay I will try" Davina replied
Amelia radiated an infectious joy that always lifted Davina spirits. With her carefree nature and her parents loved her immensely, And held her close to their hearts, they cherished their daughter, for their only wish was for her to embrace happiness, Her wolf name was leila, alongside selena, they formed an unbreakable bond of friendship.
Overwhelmed by the swirling emotions of the evening, Davina yearns for a breath of fresh air. She wandered aimlessly through the corridor of the royal estate, her heart heavy with unspoken worries. The sound of distant laughter faded, she stumbled upon a secluded balcony. With a clear view of an expansive garden, a velvet sky dotted with shimmering stars. As an ardent lover of nature, Davina felt an immediate sense of peace wash over her.As she drank in the luminous crescent moon. In that bewitching moment, all her worries dissolved into the night, leaving her wrapped in a cocoon of tranquility. The moon had always been her silent companion, a beacon of comfort with its otherworldly presence. The enchanting allure of nature—the rustle of leaves, the whisper of the breeze—had a mysterious magic she adored, and it was no secret that whenever she lost herself in its embrace, Selena respected her space, understanding that this was where her joy thrived.
Lost in the enchanting scene, Davina was interrupted by a deep, warm voice that resonated gently through the air, pulling her back to reality.
"Hi, Davina. I hope you're enjoying the view," the voice said, smooth and inviting.
Startled, she spun around, her heart racing, only to find herself face-to-face with Alpha Prince Jayden.
"Good evening, Prince Jayden" she said, instinctively bowing with respect.
He stood there, dressed in a perfectly fitted black Armani suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and sculpted physique.
"There's no need for such formality. Why are you not at the party? Don't you find it enjoyable?" he inquired, his tone engaging yet laced with curiosity.
"I am; I just wanted a breath of fresh air," Davina responded, a flicker of doubt creeping in as she pondered whether to share her inner turmoil with him.
"Tell him, Davina; he will understand," urged Selena, her encouraging words ringing in Davina's mind.
"I was on my way to the party, but I saw someone here and decided to investigate," Jayden said with a playful grin.
"Oh! I would like to discuss something important with you," Davina ventured, her voice faltering slightly as she cast her gaze downward.
"Go ahead; I'm all ears," Jayden replied, his expression shifting to one of genuine interest
With a moment's hesitation, she began, "It's about the matter of choosing your…" but before she could complete her word, a maid's voice broke through the tense atmosphere
"Your Highness, your presence is required at the party," the maid called out, her tone crisp and formal.
"Let's go; we can continue our conversation later," Jayden suggested, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he led the way back into the bustling hall.
As they walked inside, whispers rippled through the crowd, commenting on how perfectly they seemed together while others spoke enviously of Jayden handsomeness, wishing to be the one he chose. Yet, Jayden and Davina remained unfazed. He settled into a chair beside the throne, elegantly commanding attention, while Davina made her way toward her friend Amelia.
" Where you able to speak with him" asked Amelia
"No, I was not able to" Davina said feeling dejected
Soon, the royal Alpha king and Luna queen made a grand entrance, accompanied by council elders who strode into the hall with an air of regal majesty. They took their elevated seats on the throne, while the elders positioned themselves next to Prince Jayden. The prince exchanged greetings with the elders, maintaining an aura of calmness, as if the festivities did not affect him.
One elder rose, commanding the room's attention. "As you all know, we gather here today for an important occasion. In just one month, the prince will celebrate his 21st birthday- the day of his coronation. He must select a mate who will be crowned queen alongside him on this significant day" he spoke, his voice steady.
"It is a cherished tradition that the prince must select his mate today, and the mating ritual will commence on the day of his coronation," the elder continued, sitting back down with an air of resolute finality.
With that declaration, Jayden stood, drawing every gaze in the room. "I have already made my decision," he declared, his words steady and clear, sending ripples of anticipation through the crowd.
Davina's heart raced as anxiety gripped her, the surface as the reality of the moment she had fear and dread was upon her like a tidal wave. As soon as the words left Jayden's mouth, she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, as a knot formed in her stomach.
"I hope he doesn't choose us," Selena whispered anxiously.
"My chosen mate is none other than Davina Bryson, the daughter of Alpha Bryson. Will you accept to be my mate?" Prince Jayden asked, his eyes glowing with the presence of his wolf, expecting her answer.
Davina scanned the room, noting expressions of shock and discontent among some while others seemed indifferent, having anticipated this moment. Her gaze landed on her parents, who wore glares that could pierce steel, their eyes demanding her immediate acceptance. The Alpha king, Luna queen, and elders appeared pleased, their satisfaction palpable in the air. Struggling to hold back tears, Davina felt trapped, knowing she didn't desire this fate, yet acknowledging that it was what she had been prepared for since childhood.
"Yes, I accept to be your mate, Prince Jayden." With those words, her destiny was irrevocably intertwined with his, setting her on a path she could neither foresee nor escape.