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"""No... not here, Prince Joseph..."" I tremble and retreat, my back pressing against the cold stone wall. Prince Joseph yanks open my collar, his sharp fangs grazing my throbbing carotid artery. ""You are my fated mate. From the first glance, there was no escape.""​​ I am terrified at his touch, my voice barely a whisper.""Prince Joseph, please don't hurt me...” He inhales slowly before he releases me. It's short-lived, though, as he flips me onto my stomach. “Joseph!” I call out in shock. “On your knees!” He growls. I slowly pull one leg up, but he's impatient and lifts me. Before I even register what's happening, he pushes himself inside me..." I pull the loaves of bread from the oven, placing them in the window to cool. “Wonderful, Cora,” my mother smiles. “They’re fit for a king.” “A prince,” my little sister, Helen, giggles. The movement shakes her long pigtails. Mother smiles. “Go get dressed. I pressed your nicest dress.” “Why?” I ask. “He’s here to get rid of our pack.” Mother gently takes my hands. “It does not matter what pack we are assigned to. He’s the Prince of All Werewolves. We are still his subjects at any pack and must show him respect.” I sigh in frustration. I don’t want to leave this pack. I don’t want to leave my home. Mother has been trying to convince me that it’s good since I’ve not met my mate here. She’s sure he’s at another pack, and the prince will send us there. I’m not so convinced. My father has paraded me before every wolf who has visited our pack since I came of age six months ago, but with the state of our pack, it has not been many. As the daughter of the pack’s Beta, it’s a privilege not many have. I also realize I will not have it at a new pack where he is not of high rank. My father may be a beta, but we’re so poor they’ll make us omegas at any other pack. I go upstairs to the small room I share with Helen and put on the dress. Maybe the Prince will like the bread so much he will send us to a good pack. Maybe he’ll think I’m beautiful and have my new Alpha introduce me to visitors even if we aren’t ranked members. I know how important it is to make a good impression, but I’m still mad. I don’t want to leave my home. Our small, rundown house isn’t much, but it’s ours. It’s where my mother gave birth to all four of us. It’s where we’ve celebrated birthdays and holidays. It’s not just a house. It’s a home. My mother knocks and enters the room, smiling as she sees the tan dress. She must have spent a small fortune that we don’t have to get it for me. I don’t know what the fabric is, but it’s soft. I love how it complements my curves and still has a high neck. I feel like a real adult in it. I don’t deserve this, though. She shouldn’t have wasted the money while our future is so unsure. She smiles as she moves behind me and picks up my brush. Taking my hair down, she brushes it and gently places it in waves of my sandy hair over my shoulder. My mother loves my hair, though I think it looks like dirty sink water. “You’re a beautiful girl, Cora,” she tells me. “He’s a powerful, unmated prince. Smile at him, but not too widely. Demure. There isn’t much hope of convincing him not to dissolve the pack, but we can still try.” Try? I’m taking bread to the Alpha’s house for their dinner. I doubt I’ll even see the prince. He isn’t going to want to even talk to me. My mother hands me her nicest pair of shoes and helps me step into them before going downstairs and packing the bread into a basket. “Smile,” she reminds me, placing the basket into my hands. “Be polite. Don’t forget to bow.” I sigh. “I know, Mother.” “Wait!” Helen calls as I open the front door. “I want to come, too.” Mother shakes her head. “Not today.” “She can walk with me,” I tell her. “She can wait outside the Alpha’s house for me. It will be fine.” Mother looks unsure but finally nods in agreement. “Do not let yourself be seen by the prince,” she tells her sternly. “I did not have enough to get a nice dress for both of you.” “Yes, ma’am,” Helen smiles at her. We walk hand in hand toward the Alpha’s house. Mother told me to get there soon, so I avoid the streets and walk behind them. I don’t have time to stop and talk today, and if I’m being honest, I don’t want to. I feel like I’m playing dress-up in a dress that is this nice. No one here can afford nice things. “Do you think you’ll get to see the prince?” Helen asks. “I bet he’s handsome.” I shrug. “I don’t really care. Nothing I say is going to change his mind.” She’s younger than me. At twelve, she thinks the royal family is wonderful. I’ve never met them, but they can’t be great if they’re getting rid of our pack. They won’t even let us choose where to go live. The Prince will decide that for every member of our pack. I know she doesn’t understand, but being excited at the possibility of meeting him seems strange. I have two older brothers, all three of us are of age. There’s no guarantee the Prince will even keep our family together. He could force me to another pack alone. My father is the Beta here, but there’s no gene with that like the Alpha. The prince could force me to become an omega or even a slave. He could separate all three of us since we’re old enough. I glance down at the basket in my hand. This is why my mother wants me to deliver it. Though I’m unmated, I’m capable. They want to be sure the Prince knows that I have some kind of value in this world. “Why did Mom get a new dress for you?” she asks. “Does she think he’ll pick you as a mate?” I shake my head. “Royals can’t reject the mate bond. I’m sure she just wanted me to look nice.” It’s a lie because I honestly don’t know. We can’t afford something this nice. We’re behind the home of the candlemaker when I begin to smell fresh bread. It’s not like the bread I made, though. It’s amazing. A few more steps, and I smell the slightest hint of juniper, but there are no juniper trees nearby. I look around in confusion. “What’s wrong?” Helen asks. I shake my head. “Nothing,” I smile. “I just smelled something.” “I don’t smell anything,” she tells me. “Because you don’t have your wolf yet, pup.” I smile and pat her head. My heart beats hard in my chest, and my wolf feels excited, but I don’t understand. The smell is so strong that, in all reality, Helen should be able to smell it, too. I look between the candlemaker’s house and the butcher’s and see the biggest man I have ever seen. He’s tall with broad shoulders, towering over my Alpha standing beside him. He’s facing away from me but looks around before turning his body completely toward me. Our eyes meet, and I feel nervous under his dark gaze. His eyes are impossibly dark, even from this distance. His gaze travels down my body and back up to my eyes. “Cora,” my Alpha says. “Why are you behind the houses?” I can’t answer, so transfixed by the man before me. He must be one of the prince’s guards. I’m sure they only take the largest wolves for those jobs. He walks toward me between the two houses. My heart beats faster with each step he takes. His eyes never leave mine as he stands before me. He reaches down, his fingers wrapping around my arm. “Mate.” Mate? Is that what I’ve felt? I’ve been so lost as I stared at him that I haven’t listened to my wolf. My mate? He can’t be. I can’t be mated to someone in the royal guard. His fingers tighten around my arm, and he yanks, dragging me to the street. I drop the basket onto the ground as I try to keep up with his long steps. He’s my mate? He holds my arm so tightly that it hurts as we stand in the middle of the street. He reaches up and slides his fingers under the edge of my collar, easily ripping my dress. “No,” I gasp. My mother paid a fortune for this dress, and he’s ruined it. The man doesn’t seem bothered by my protest as his fangs extend, and he tilts his head before burying them into my neck. Sharp teeth pierce my skin, causing me to cry out in pain. Still, he doesn’t stop. It burns, like fire sinking into my skin. This isn’t how marking is supposed to be. I feel the bond between us snap into place. He’s my mate, and now he’s marked me without ever even asking me. I feel strange and tingly, my head spinning as the pain in my neck eases. The hand that tore my dress now rests gently on my hip. He slides it to the small of my back and pulls me against him. It’s almost comforting, but it’s short-lived. He licks across the fresh mark on my neck and releases me, letting me fall to the ground on my knees. I look up at him, blinking through the shock. I want to ask him his name, but I can’t, as a flood of mind links comes surging through. It’s unlike anything I’ve felt before, and there is so much noise that I can’t make out anything being said. I grab my head in pain and sob. I don’t know how to make it stop. “Just lock them out,” a deep, gravelly voice says. I don’t know what that means, though. I feel my mother’s arms wrap around me tightly. “Close your mind link, Cora. Close it to everyone.” *Cora* I’m on the ground in my now ripped dress with blood stains on it. I’d be furious if my neck didn’t hurt so badly from the mark. “Mom,” I croak out through tears. “It’s all right, Sweetheart,” she says with a sad smile. “Hubert, help your sister home.” My brother comes over to lift me, but I swat his hand away. “I can walk.” He nods but puts his arm around me. I move to pull away, but he squeezes my arm. “Cooperate, Cora. The prince is watching.” “The prince?” I ask. He looks at me like I’m insane, but I didn’t see him. I only saw his brute guard who marked me in the middle of the street. “He ruined my dress.” “You’ll have plenty more dresses,” he tries to reassure me. I feel stronger as we walk down the street and finally pull from his grasp. “I think he broke my mind link,” I say softly. “I don’t know what happened. It was so loud.” Huie looks at me and shakes his head. “You really don’t know?” I furrow my brow. “What am I supposed to know?” I ask. “No one ever told me the link changes when you’re marked. That seems like something important to mention.” He frowns but continues to walk me home silently. I walk inside and go to my room, searching for a nice dress that isn’t ripped and stained. I hear my mother enter the house and speak with my brother before she comes into the room with me. “Your brother said you don’t know,” she says, leaning against the closed door. “Know what?” I ask, tears in my eyes. “He ruined my dress.” She walks to me, taking my hands in hers. “Cora, dear, the dress doesn’t matter. Your mate will buy you more.” I sniffle. I don’t know how much guards make, but I don’t think it’s that much. He was dressed well, though. Maybe I’m wrong. “He wasn’t kind, Mom. He didn’t talk to me. He didn’t introduce himself. I don’t even know his name.” “Oh, dearest,” she says, pulling me into a hug. “Your mate is Prince Joseph. He’s gone to the Alpha’s house to speak with your father.” The prince? The entire room feels like it’s spinning, and I slowly sit on the bed. The prince is my mate? “There must be a mistake. We’re poor. I’m only a beta’s daughter. I can’t be mated to the prince.” “But you are,” she smiles, leaning down to cup my face. “I don’t know why, but the Goddess does not make mistakes. There is a reason.” I shake my head, trying to make sense of it. “My link…” “You were marked by the prince. You are now a royal and can link any wolf,” she tells me. “You’ll have to learn to control the links, but closing them all is best for now. I would suggest finding the one to your mate and opening it, though.” “I… I don’t know how,” I admit. “I’ve never closed any link before. I’ve never had a reason to.” “You’ll have to find it in yourself and figure it out,” she tells me. Mom leaves me alone for a bit and returns with a wet rag. Gently, she wipes the blood from my neck and chest where it dripped. “I didn’t know marking was so bloody,” I say softly. She frowns. “It’s not. But he is the prince and can do as he wishes. You must keep him happy, Cora.” Keep him happy? He ripped my dress! He marked me without asking! He didn’t even ask my name! “He is the prince,” she continues. “His wolf will be stronger than all. I’m sure he was overcome when he saw you. It will all be fine, you’ll see.” I step out of my mother’s shoes and take off the dress. I pull on a dark blue dress that ends just above my knees. It’s not an expensive dress, but it’s the newest one I own so it looks less worn. It will have to do. “Come, help me make dinner,” my mother smiles at me. She’s so calm about all of this. I don’t know what I’d do if she weren’t here. We work together to make dinner, and I make new bread since what I made this morning landed on the ground. “You have an opportunity to save our pack,” Mom says as I peel potatoes. “Maybe you can convince him not to consolidate the Aurgia Pack. If anyone can convince him now, Cora, it’s you. You’ll hold that power.” I shrug. “He didn’t seem very kind.” “I’m sure he was just overwhelmed by finding his mate,” she says, a sympathetic smile on her face. “Just try.” It’s late before Father returns home. Prince Joseph is with him. Dad hugs me, leaning to whisper in my ear. “All will be well. You’ll be well taken care of.” I take a deep breath, realizing this is all real and I’ll be separated from my family. I swallow hard as I sit at the table. My mate doesn’t sit beside me, though, and sits in my father’s seat at the head of the table. “We will leave in three days,” he tells me. This is the first thing he has ever said to me, and it is to tell me I’m leaving. “Where will we go?” I ask. My brother, Dwight, closes his eyes like it was the dumbest question he’s heard. “Cora, he’s the prince.” “Princess Cora,” the prince corrects him. “She’s marked. You will address her by her correct title.” Dwight bows to him in answer. I frown. I don’t want to be Princess Cora. I don’t want to be mated to this cold man. “I will stay with my mate until we leave,” Prince Joseph continues. My mother bows to him and smiles. “We are honored to have you in our home.” He takes another bite, not bothering to look up. “It is acceptable here. This pack is abysmal.” I look up and meet my mother’s eyes. She gives me a small smile of encouragement, but I don’t feel hopeful. I feel overwhelmed and defeated. I help Mother clean up after dinner as my brothers and Father step outside to speak. “Just try,” she whispers softly. “You have a power that you don’t even understand. You’re his mate. He’ll listen to you.” I feel so much pressure. I don’t think he’ll listen to me at all. He hasn’t even spoken to me. I go into my bedroom before him, searching for something to sleep in. I don’t know what he expects, and that makes me feel more nervous. I quickly tug on my cleanest nightgown just as the prince enters my room. He doesn’t even bother to knock. “Why are there two beds?” he asks gruffly. “That’s where my sister Helen sleeps,” I explain. “She’s sleeping with my parents tonight, though.” He nods and walks to the side of the bed I usually sleep on, not even bothering to ask. He slides his suit jacket off and hangs it over the end of Helen’s bed before unbuttoning his shirt and draping it over top. He turns to me, smirking at my surprised face. I know we’re wolves, and I’ve seen plenty of men’s chests, but he’s my mate, and it’s just… different. He’s a large man, but much of what I saw earlier seems to have been his jacket. Still, his shoulders are broad, and his muscles are defined. My mother was right. He’s probably the strongest wolf in the kingdom. Everything feels awkward, and we haven’t truly even met. I shove my hand out toward him, not looking up. “Hi, I’m Cora.” “I know,” he chuckles in a mocking tone. “And you know who I am.” “Joseph,” I say softly. His hand grasps my chin and yanks my face up to look at him. “PRINCE Joseph,” he growls. “You are only the princess. You will show me respect.” “Pppprince Joseph,” I stutter in fear. Thankfully, my correction is enough, and he releases me roughly. He climbs into bed on my side and looks around. “Your home is disgusting. I’ve never seen a pack with members so happy to be poor.” I sit on the other side of the bed and pull my knees to my chest. “It’s not like that,” I begin, but he cuts me off. “You don’t even have a packhouse,” he says, waving his hand through the air. “I am the Prince of All Werewolves and was expected to stay in the Alpha’s extra room. This is mildly better.” I stare down at my bare toes. “We aren’t happy to be poor,” I say softly. “But we’ve learned to appreciate what we do have. With some help, the Aurgia Pack could be great.” He scoffs. “This pack is a dump,” he says, turning to look at me. “At least the view here is mildly better than at the Alpha’s.” Joseph looks less terrible when he’s sleeping. Prince Joseph, I correct myself. He’s asleep on his stomach, his arm under his pillow as his dark hair hangs over his eyes. He looks so… normal. You might think he’s nice looking at him now. I’m not sure that’s true, though. I sneak out of bed as quietly as possible, terrified to wake him. I need to get dressed, but he’s in here. I know we’re mates and that he’s marked me but letting him see me n8ked like that seems wrong. I quietly open the closet, cursing as the old hinges creak with each movement. I grab a dress quickly, pull undergarments from a drawer, and go to the door to leave. “Where are you going, Mate?” he asks, his voice gruff. I hadn’t even realized he had woken up. His words scare me so badly that I jump. “To get dressed.” He rolls to his back, the sheet falling low. He tucks a hand behind his head, making sure that his entire, muscular chest is exposed. I swallow hard. “It’s… I…” I’m so flustered that my cheeks burn. “We’re mates,” he reminds me with a smirk. “We’re wolves. Tell me, how many males in this pack have seen you body?” “I don’t know,” I admit. “Only when I shifted, though.” “So you prefer to have your pack see you but not your mate?” I understand what he’s saying, and I know it seems absurd, but it doesn’t feel the same. I just met him. He climbs out of bed and approaches me slowly. His eyes never leave mine as he leans forward to whisper in my ear. “You don’t like me.” What? I don’t even know him, but I don’t want to admit that. “You ripped my dress.” He stands to his full height, a look of surprise on his face. Prince Joseph walks to my closet, reaching in to move the dresses so he can see them. “I could rip them all.” “No,” I gasp. “No.” He turns to me, arching an eyebrow. “Where are the rest of your dresses, Mate? You can’t wear that today.” He won’t say my name. He continues to call me mate, and that makes me angry. I look down at the cream-colored dress with little blue flowers on it. “That is all of them. What is wrong with this?” “You’re a princess now,” he says, as if that makes some kind of sense. “You must dress like one.” I feel so angry. “My parents spent all they had on the dress I wore yesterday. The dress you ripped and stained,” I growl at him. I know it’s a mistake as soon as the words leave my mouth, but I’m so mad. How dare he complain about what I have. His eyes flash with anger as he turns to me. His entire body is rigid as I wait for him to yell at me. He doesn’t, though. I can’t stand how he looks at me, so I look away, staring down at the worn floor. “I wasn’t a princess yesterday morning,” I tell him. When I look up, his eyes are a bit softer. He grabs his shirt and puts it on, buttoning it slowly. I look away when he unbuttons his pants to tuck it in, but I don’t miss his smirk as I begin to move. “I’ll make breakfast as soon as I’m dressed,” I offer as I keep my back to him. “There’s no need,” he tells me. “Your family is too poor to have enough food.” He walks past me and out of the door. I’m furious, but he’s not exactly wrong. The whole pack is poor. We used to make money logging, but once other packs got their own equipment, they didn’t need us anymore. The Alpha never found something to replace the lumber, and now we’re all too poor to exist here much longer. I get dressed, still choosing to wear the dress the prince didn’t approve of and pull back part of my hair. When I enter the kitchen, I find my mother waiting for me, frowning. “You didn’t mark him,” she scolds me. “You have one job, Cora.” I sigh. “Two, actually,” I point out. “You wanted me to convince him to save the pack, too.” Her eyes flash with anger, but I ignore it. I walk past her to the stove and stir the porridge. Prince Joseph was right. We don’t have enough food here to feed him. He’s the prince. I’m sure he’s not eating bad porridge for breakfast at the palace. Someday soon, I’ll be there with him. Maybe he’ll be kind enough to get me a few new dresses since he doesn’t like mine. Maybe I’ll finally have enough food. I didn’t eat much last night to make sure there was enough for him, and that’s not something new. I’ve been giving Helen most of my food for months now. “You have to be a good mate, Cora,” she tells me. I sigh. “He doesn’t seem to be in a rush,” I tell her. “I’m surprised he didn’t reject me. He doesn’t seem to like me at all.” “Make him,” she says in a rush. She disappears for a moment and returns with her arms filled with my dresses. “We’ll make you more appealing.” Mother and I spend the day altering my dresses. She shortens most of them and lowers the necklines. I don’t think Prince Joseph was concerned with that at all and more about the worn, cheap fabric, but I don’t want to point that out to her. She’s consumed with making me look a way that will make him want me. While she works at the table, I get started on dinner. One of my brothers bought a nice roast earlier that he got for cheap since it was for the prince. I put it into a pot in the oven and set it to cook slowly. I may not be the most attractive shewolf, but I want him to know I can cook. Mother makes me change dresses before he and father come home. The dress feels too short, and I quickly realize I can’t bend over when I open the oven. I hate this, and she’s already made all the dresses this short. My Father looks angry when he comes home, but the prince smirks. It doesn’t make me feel like it wants me at all. I think he just wants to laugh at me. While we eat, I feel his fingers wander along the bare skin of my leg, causing me to swat his hand away. He doesn’t say a word but looks at his plate as he smirks. After dinner, he takes my hand, tugging me to my bedroom. He doesn’t say a word, not even to excuse himself or tell my family goodnight. He closes the bedroom door behind us and stares down at my legs. “Why did you cut your dress?” he asks. “I didn’t,” I tell him. “My mother did. She was worried because you did not have me mark you.” The prince rolls his eyes in a very unroyal way. “Shewolves,” he mutters. “Royals are to have a marking ceremony. The Queen may kill me if I let you complete the marking. She’s already upset I marked you, but I at least did it publicly.” “Oh,” I say nervously, looking down at my feet. Prince Joseph grabs my chin, harshly pulling my face up to look at him. “You are not to wear dresses this short. It’s a mockery.” Tears well in my eyes as I feel foolish. I want him to like me, but I’m not sure that will happen. “She shortened all my dresses,” I whisper. He sighs and releases my chin. “Fine,” he mutters. The Prince’s trunk was delivered earlier today. He crosses the room to it calmly, like he’s forgotten he was just angry. He pulls a pair of plaid pants from it and begins to change. I turn away, too nervous to watch him. I’m sure he’ll be upset about this, too. “You’re my mate,” he says from behind me. I nod and take a deep breath before turning around. Thankfully, he’s already changed, though he didn’t bother to put a shirt on again. “Undress,” he tells me. My eyes widen at his request- his demand. He lies in the bed, folding his hands underneath his head as he smirks. “I’m waiting, mate. I want to see what’s mine.” Nervously and with shaking hands, I undo the three small buttons at the top of my dress and pull it over my head. I hate this. I know my undergarments are not attractive, but they’re what we can afford. I look away, not wanting to see the smirk I’m sure is on his perfect face as I nervously twist my fingers together. “Keep going, mate,” he says. What? Keep going? “Everything?” I ask, finally looking up at him. “Everything.” I look down and slowly untie the ribbon holding my bra closed. The ends are frayed, and I’m sure he’s noticed. I look at him as I let it slide down my arms, my bare chest now completely exposed to him. He almost looks appreciative, and it gives me the courage I need to slide my underwear down my legs. I twist my fingers together again and nervously chew on my lip as he stares at me. He doesn’t look repulsed, and I think, for a moment, he might like me. That all changes when he opens his mouth, though. “You’re too skinny, Mate.” I take a deep breath, bracing myself for his anger. “My name is Cora.” Today is the day I leave my home. Prince Joseph woke early today and even let me sleep in. When I got up, I began packing. I don’t own a trunk, but my mother gave me a quilt. I packed my meager items on it and tied the blanket around them. Honestly, it’s embarrassing, but it will have to do. Dad knocks on the door gently and sticks his head in. “I’d like to take a walk with you before you leave us,” he says with a frown. I nod and follow him out. He offers me his arm and leads me down a path away from town. “I know you’re trying to convince him not to dissolve the pack,” he tells me. “Your mother shouldn’t have asked that of you. I’m sorry.” “I don’t think it matters,” I admit. “Prince Joseph is… he’s not very kind.” “He’s not,” he agrees. “I’ve always hoped for the best for you. He’s not kind, but he’s wealthy. At least you will finally have everything you need. Maybe someday you can learn to love him.” I give him a sad smile. I’m sure I’ll never learn to love him, and the feeling between us is mutual. Still, I don’t want my father to know. “I’m sure we will.” He nods. “I knew this day would come, but it doesn’t make it any easier,” he tells me, hugging me tightly. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pin of a diamond and purple gemstone-encrusted flower. “This was your grandmother’s. I’ve saved it all these years for you.” It’s beautiful and it looks so expensive. I shake my head. “You need to save that. What if you need to sell it?” “We’ll be fine, Princess,” he says, smiling at me. “It feels weird to call you that now. You’ve always been my princess, though.” He pins it onto the collar of my dress and smiles. I choke back tears. “I don’t want to leave.” “You have to,” he tells me. “He’s the one wolf in the kingdom you can’t reject. You’re a smart girl, Cora. You’ll be fine once you find your place. I have no doubt that you’re mated to him because you will do great things.” He looks behind me and frowns. “It’s time to go,” he says softly. “Your mate is waiting.” I nod, but as my father takes a few steps, I don’t follow. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to be with Prince Joseph. “Cora,” Father says softly as he turns to me. “I know this is hard, but you must. He will care for you and keep you safe.” “But he won’t love me,” I say, my lip quivering. “Then make him,” he tells me. “Make him learn to love you. You’re tough. You can handle him.” Just because I can handle him doesn’t mean that I want to. I watch as my mate looks at us in the distance and then down at his watch. I sigh and step forward, not wanting him to be in a worse mood than he usually is for our drive to the palace. When we arrive back at the house, my mate looks at me. “Have you not packed your trunk?” “I don’t have one,” I admit, my voice soft. “My things are in the quilt on top of your trunk.” He blinks a few times. “Where is the rest?” “That’s all I have,” I whisper as my cheeks flame with embarrassment. He nods as his jaw tightens, but he thankfully doesn’t say anything else. My mother hugs me tightly and cries before reminding me that I can change his mind. I can’t, though, and I know that now. Even my father knows that. My brothers both hug me and wish me well before Helen cries on my shoulder. “I don’t want you to leave,” she says. “I don’t want to live in a place without you.” I offer her a weak smile. “Maybe someday we’ll live together again.” It’s an empty promise, but it’s the best I can do. My father is the last to say goodbye as he’s been speaking with my mate. “You’ve got this, Princess. You were born for it.” I nod and smile through my tears as my dad opens the car door for me. Joseph approaches behind me, so I slide across the back seat. He shakes my father’s hand one last time before taking a seat beside me. The car lurches forward as I look at my hands in my lap. If I look out the window, I know I’ll cry. I don’t want to give the prince that satisfaction. “How long have you been eating less so your sister can have more?” Prince Joseph asks. I stare at my hands, unwilling to acknowledge his question. “Answer me, mate.” “About a year,” I say softly. “She is growing. She needs it so her wolf will be strong.” “And what of your wolf?” he asks. I shrug. “She’s my sister.” I reach up and wipe tears from my face. Silently, Prince Joseph slides a handkerchief into my hand, not saying a word. It’s probably the nicest thing he’s done so far. “Thank you,” I whisper as I swipe the cloth under my eyes. Prince Joseph breaks the silence once we leave my territory. “I’m dissolving the pack,” he tells me, his voice firm. “The Alpha is terrible. No one should live in poverty the way he lets his pack. No one should have to go hungry so their sister has enough.” I sniffle and nod. I was sure I couldn’t change his mind, but I still worry for my family. “Will you please keep my family together? For me.” “Your brothers could be great warriors, given the chance,” he says. “Everyone at your pack is weak because of the lack of what they need.” “Can’t they be great warriors in the same pack as my parents?” He nods. “I’ll take your request under advisement.” “Please,” I whisper. “I know we don’t exactly get along. It’s just… please.” “Fine,” he says softly. “I will home them at the same pack. Your father was not the worst beta I have ever seen. He should find a decent place for himself at their new home.” It’s almost a compliment. Honestly, I think that may be one from him. It takes a few hours, but I'm instantly nervous when we arrive at the palace. It’s huge. You could house my entire pack inside the building and then some. Not only is it big, though, it’s nice. “Come,” Prince Joseph says. He doesn’t open the door for me, so I slide across the seat again and exit the door he opened. He leads me upstairs and into a bedroom. It’s enormous, with a cream canopy bed and pink bedding. The furniture in the room matches, with a vanity and a couch. There’s even a fireplace and a mirror. There’s a real mirror! “This is your room,” he tells me. “Mine?” I ask. “I have my own room?” He nods. “I recognize that everything happened quickly. I’m willing to allow you time to adjust.” Adjust? To being mated to such a stern, grumpy man? To having, well, anything? “Do you have nothing to say?” he snaps. I’m confused and unsure of what to say. “You do not appreciate the wealth I am sharing with you.” Prince Joseph storms to a door and throws it open, revealing a room with dresses hanging in it. “These are the dresses your father negotiated,” he spits. Dresses my father what? “They’re made to the measurements your mother provided. Hopefully, you’ll gain some weight soon, and we will have new ones made.” “Thank you,” I say softly. I can’t believe my father told him I needed dresses. He already knew, especially after my mother had shortened them all. Still, that must have been terrible for him to admit. A woman enters the room and bows. “This is Hazel, your maid. Link her should you need anything.” And with that, he turns and leaves. No Goodbye. No explanation on how to link anyone. I sigh and sit on the couch. “Is there anything I can get for you, Princess?” Hazel asks. I shake my head. “No, thank you.” This could have been me. Was this why my mother was sending me to meet him? Was she hopeful he’d think I was pretty and bring me to work at the palace? “Where are you from?” I ask. She shakes her head. “That’s not important. Someone is bringing your trunk up now. I can help you unpack.” “It’s not a trunk,” I tell her, not wanting them to mistake Prince Joseph’s things for mine. “It’s a blanket.” She smiles and nods. “That’s quite alright, ma’am. Not everyone is from here.” A young man shows up with my quilt and hands it to Hazel with a nod. Neither seem bothered by my blanket bag, or they're really good at hiding what they feel. Hazel places it on the bed and unties it. She hangs the dresses in the closet like I’ll ever wear them again. When she returns to the bed, she frowns. “Did you not bring a photo of your family? I can find a frame.” I shake my head. “I don’t have one. I’m from the Aurgia Pack.” This time, she doesn’t hide her face. As she frowns, I wonder if the pack being dissolved isn’t for the best. Even the servants know how poor we are. “That’s quite alright, ma’am,” she says with a small smile. “Would you like to see the new dresses?” I nod and follow her into the closet. There’s got to be two dozen dresses here, but my eyes immediately land on a brown one- an exact copy of the one he ripped when he marked me. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a little bit of kindness hidden in him, and that thought gives me the smallest sliver of hope. Prince Joseph had dinner sent to my room tonight. I don’t know if I should be thankful I didn’t have to see him again or upset that he didn’t want to eat with his mate. Hazel left while I ate dinner alone. It would have been weird to ask her to stay since he did not send food for her. She returned, though, and drew a bath for me. She didn’t even have to boil the water to warm it. That’s the strangest thing here- the palace has electricity. I’ve never been somewhere with it before, much less lived with it. The lamps light up with a switch. There’s no need for a candle. The water must heat somewhere else as well. I sink into the tub, letting the warm water wrap around me in comfort. I’m shocked, however, when Hazel stays with me. “You can leave,” I tell her. “I should wash your hair, Princess,” she says hesitantly. “I’ve washed my own hair for years,” I tell her. “Is… is that what’s expected of a princess?” “Yes, ma’am,” she says. “The Queen’s maid does the same.” I’m so shocked. Why would a grown shewolf need someone to wash their hair? “The queen has her own maid?” Hazel giggles slightly. “Of course,” she says. “Just as I am your maid.” “What?” I ask, turning to meet her. My eyes are wide with shock. “What does that mean?” “I thought you knew,” she tells me. “I’m here to serve you, and only you, ma’am. Just tell me what you need, and I’ll take care of it.” I turn back, leaning against the tub. I have my own maid. I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that I’m the princess, but it seems more realistic than having someone to help take care of me. “Should I wash your hair?” she asks nervously. “Will it hurt your feelings if I say no?” “It’s my job,” she says softly. “The Queen will move me somewhere else if you don’t need me.” From the tone of her voice, that doesn't seem good. I’d hate for that to happen. “Then sure. You’ll have to tell me how a princess is supposed to act. I… I don’t know how to do this.” “I’m happy to,” she says before dumping water onto my hair. I have to admit that being bathed was nice. Not only did she wash my hair, but she also scrubbed my scalp and skin. The water smelled so good, and then she put oils on my skin with the same scent. I feel amazing. Hazel pulls out a white nightgown and pulls it over my head. I push my arms through, finding the humor that I’m now a mated adult and have someone to dress me. “Thanks,” I tell her with a smile. “Would you prefer that we keep the furnace going tonight, or would you rather have a fire?” I blink. “I… I don’t know what a furnace is.” This feels so embarrassing. “We add coal in the dungeon, under the palace, and it will heat your room,” she tells me. “It’s fairly new, but it works well.” Heating from another room? I’m not used to having any heat in my room at all. At home, if it got too cold during the winter, we all had to sleep in the main room where the fireplace was. My father would usually add more wood, letting the rest of us sleep. The thought of someone having to stay awake to keep my room warm makes me feel bad. Would Hazel be the one to do it? I don’t want that. Winter has been slowly shying away. The sun was out today, and it felt warm when we arrived. “It’s not that cold,” I tell her awkwardly. “I don’t think I need any. The bed looks warm.” She bows her head before leaving me for the evening. “If you’re sure, ma’am.” It’s strange to be in such a large room. It’s windy outside, and the large windows creak with each gust as it slices through the cracks. I climb into the bed, hoping it will feel smaller than the enormous room. It doesn’t. I sniffle, pulling the blanket over my head. I want to go home. We were poor, but our home was cozy. I didn’t understand how much I loved that until now. The temperature of the room becomes colder with each minute. The room is so large and dark. I miss my mom, and I miss Helen. I wish I knew how to link properly. I don’t know how to find someone who isn’t in my pack. Prince Joseph hasn’t explained it to me, but I can’t fault him. I haven’t asked him. I haven’t felt the need to link anyone until now. If I knew how, I’d ask Hazel for help. I get out of bed with chattering teeth and grab the blankets and pillow before going to the closet and lying on the floor. This is small. This feels safe, and for some reason, I don’t feel so alone in the smaller area. The small space is also warmer, and it doesn’t take long for me to fall asleep. *Stomp* *Stomp* *Crash* Something loud wakes me. Someone is stomping, and things are being thrown. “CORA!” a deep, angry voice yells. I wipe my eyes, trying to figure out where I am. It’s completely dark. I sit up, and something soft brushes against my head. Reaching up, I grab what feels like a dress. “Huh?” I mumble. A door is ripped open, and a man stands before me. He’s wearing plaid pants and no shirt. His hair is messy as if he just woke up, and he looks furious. “What’s your problem, Mate?” he growls. I pull the blanket up to try to block myself from his view, but he reaches down and grabs my arm, ripping me up forcefully. “Why are you in the closet like a peasant?” I blink at him. I just woke up, and I’m barely able to understand what he’s saying. “CORA!” he bellows, his dark eyes pinning me with something more than anger. “Answer me.” His face is red. “I was scared,” I whisper as tears prick my eyes. I don’t want to admit this to him. I don’t want to look weak. “The room was too big, and the wind was loud.” He continues to stare at me with his impossibly dark eyes. His breathing has slowed, but he’s still angry. Thankfully, he releases my arm. “You are a princess,” he grumbles. “You cannot sleep on the floor like some commoner.” His words make me angry. “I am a commoner,” I say, raising my voice. “I’ve never lived somewhere like this. I’ve never had light without a candle or warm water from the tap. I’m trying!” My voice gets louder with each word until I realize it’s probably too much. I’m embarrassed that I admitted that I was too poor to sleep here. I look down at the ground, noticing both of our bare feet. It seems so normal and simple, not like a prince and princess at all. We’re two wolves- two mates- and neither of us is comfortable with the other. “You said you’d give me time to adjust,” I say, my voice soft. “I’m trying. I swear I am. You can ask Hazel. I let her wash my hair.” “Who washed your hair before you came here?” he asks. I sigh. I guess most others in the kingdom have maids that wash their hair. “I did.” “You were the daughter of a Beta,” he says, not finishing his thought. He said enough, though. “I still am,” I tell him proudly. “Our pack was poor, but my father is a good man.” How dare he act like I’m less than. His fingers are on my chin. He’s grabbed me like this before, but this time, he’s not rough. Gently, he tilts my head up to look at him. “You are the Princess. You will sleep in your bed, or you can sleep in mine, but you will never, ever sleep on the ground again.” I swallow hard at what he’s said. It’s an order. He releases my chin, and I nod slowly. “Well, where do you plan to sleep tonight?” he asks. I look down again. Staring at his feet is more comfortable than looking into his piercing eyes. “With you.” “Very well,” he says. “I’ll make the arrangements. You should keep this room so you have somewhere to go when you are mad at me.” After instructing me to get ready and eat breakfast, Prince Joseph informs me I will meet the Queen for tea. I instantly grow nervous. The Queen. He didn’t call her his mother, which makes me think his entire family is as formal as he is, and my heart sinks at that thought. He walks to the door to leave but stops. “Why is your link to me closed?” “I closed them all when you marked me,” I admit. “I don’t know how to open just some of them.” He turns and stares at me. It makes me feel nervous. “What did you do at your pack?” “I just left them open,” I shrug. “I didn’t need to close them.” “You didn’t need to, or you were too weak to?” he challenges me. My stomach knots. “I wasn’t always so weak.” “It started once you began giving your sister your food, correct?” he asks. I nod and look away. “Were you able to link at all before I marked you?” “I CAN link,” I tell him, needing to defend myself. “It makes me tired, though.” He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “You need to eat more.” And with that, he turns and leaves. I sigh in frustration as Hazel enters the room. “He doesn’t understand what it’s like to be poor,” I tell her, my arms waving wildly in the air. Hazel smiles at me as she bows. “In his defense, you don’t know how to be wealthy, either.” I know she didn’t mean to, but I feel bad. I haven’t really considered that this is probably frustrating for him, too. “I am sorry, Princess Cora,” Hazel tells me. “I should not have gotten him, but I panicked when I couldn’t find you.” “It’s alright,” I sigh. “I was just scared. I’ve never been somewhere so big.” She smiles. “Come, ma’am. We should get you ready to meet the Queen.” Hazel has my breakfast brought up and I eat while she does my hair. My mother used to brush my hair, but never anything like this. My hair has been curled and teased until it’s in a pile on my head. It looks nice, but it’s not me. “Queen Judith will like that,” she tells me. “I picked out two dresses I think she will like. Which do you prefer?” She holds them up to show me- one is light blue, and the other is a deep burgundy. “Those are too nice,” I tell her. “Aren’t they for balls?” “Oh, no,” she tells me, shaking her head. “You do not have any ballgowns in yet.” I sigh, picking the light blue dress. I think it’s silk, but that can’t be. Silk is expensive, but as I run my hand across the fabric, I’m reminded I’m a princess. It probably is silk. I look at myself in the mirror. I look nice. I look too nice. “I could sell this dress and feed my family for weeks.” Hazel nods. “You will get used to it,” she says, placing her hand on my shoulder. “You said you have a sister, yeah? Perhaps you can send them to her when you are done with them.” Done with them? I can’t even wrap my head around the thought of just being done with the items. I need to, though. This is my life now. There’s a knock at the door, and Hazel answers it. She bows as my mate enters the room. “You look acceptable,” he tells me. Acceptable? ACCEPTABLE?? I tried so hard, and all he has to say is that I look acceptable. My anger begins to rise, but he doesn’t seem to notice as he offers me his arm. I slide my hand into the crook of his elbow and allow him to lead me out, though I’d still like to punch him. Acceptable, ugh. “You should be warned that my mother is not as kind as I am,” he tells me. My eyes widen because kind isn’t a word I would ever use to describe him. “I’ll be fine,” I tell him with a fake smile plastered on my face. I’ve handled him so far. I’m sure I can handle her. Prince Joseph leads me into what appears to be a library. I can barely walk from looking around and taking it all in. There are more books in this single room than I even thought existed. “Don’t gape, girl,” a woman’s voice calls. “Act like you have some sense.” Prince Joseph places his hand over mine at his elbow and bows. I follow his lead and bow to the woman as well. “Queen Judith, I’d like you to meet my mate,” he tells her, motioning to me. “This is Princess Cora.” The Queen stands and approaches me, circling me as she inspects. “You shouldn’t have marked her, Joseph.” “I struggled to control my wolf,” he tells her. Queen Judith turns her attention to her son. She pats his cheek and smiles at him. “Because you are the future king. You are strong, and that has its own challenges,” she tells him proudly before turning back to me. “You marked her, though. Now we are stuck with her. We will have to make it work. She will not mark you until she is trained and can behave properly, though. Am I understood?” “Of course, Your Highness,” he says with another bow. She frowns. “She just looks so… poor. She’s far too skinny.” My mate nods. “She is from the Aurgia Pack. I have the kitchen sending extra food for her at each meal.” “High fat,” she says, looking down her long nose at me. She’d be beautiful if she weren’t such a thin girl. “Does the girl even have a wolf?” “I do,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. I hate how they’ve been talking about me like I’m not standing here. It’s like they’re trying to erase me. Both of their heads snap toward me when they hear my voice. “I do have a wolf.” The Queen smirks. “I’m sure she’s weak.” “She will grow stronger,” Prince Joseph says, his eyes locked with mine. “I will ensure she eats enough to strengthen her.” That’s it. That’s my entire introduction to the Queen. I’d be offended if he gave me time to be, but he tells Queen Judith goodbye and quickly ushers me out. “We will have our meals together from now on,” he says as we walk down the hall. “I need to ensure you’re eating.” I roll my eyes. “You weren’t concerned until your mother said something.” He pauses, squeezing his hand over mine. “I never said that. If I remember, I’m the only one who even noticed you weren’t eating. Your parents certainly didn’t.” I don’t want to argue. I am sure my parents noticed, but they knew Helen needed it more. My father was the Beta. He couldn’t afford to eat less when the safety of the entire pack fell to him. My brothers couldn’t either, so that left me. He takes me back to my room and leaves me until dinner. He sends lunch for me, so he must not have been too serious about always eating with me. Part of me is happy he did, but the other part is irritated he made such a big deal out of it and then didn’t show up. ---------------- “We will have all meals together beginning tomorrow,” he tells me from the other end of a long, wooden table. “I had arrangements to make today, but it’s all taken care of now.” I nod slowly as I push food around my plate. Prince Joseph made my plate himself before having a man make his. It would have been nice if he hadn’t put enough food on it for three wolves. I take small and slow bites as I grew used to when I was trying to make sure Helen had enough. “We will sit here all evening if we must,” my mate drawls. “You will eat it all.” I look up through tear-filled eyes. “It’s too much.” “It is not,” he says sternly. “You’d know that if you weren’t starving yourself before.” “Your Majesty,” Hazel steps forward from her place against the wall and bows. “The Princess is not accustomed to such good and flavorful food. I fear that if she eats much more than her body is used to, she will become ill. I believe she is to stay with you tonight…” He looks away from her and eyes me carefully. “Fine,” he concedes with a huff. “But you will eat more than you were at each meal.” I nod. “I will. I’m trying.” Honestly, I am. I’ve not left any meal still feeling hungry. “I can see that,” he says, his voice kinder than I think I’ve heard it. After we finish eating, Hazel escorts me from the dining room and toward my bedroom. Unfortunately, we don’t get far. “Maid,” my mate calls after us. “I’d like you to prepare the princess for bed in my chambers. I’d like to watch.” Watch? Hazel nods slowly as she looks at me with sympathy. She turns toward my room as my mate’s hand wraps around my arm. “Come now,” he says calmly. “I just like to see what’s mine.” Prince Joseph and I step into his bedroom. It’s similar to mine, though a bit larger. It’s decorated darkly in a way that can only be seen as masculine. Dark wood. Dark green velvet. Even the lights are dim. I quickly realize it’s warm, but there is no fire. My room was like this yesterday, but I didn’t realize what it meant. I thought it was warmer outside than it was. “How does it heat from downstairs?” I ask. Prince Joseph turns to me and arches an eyebrow. “Hazel did not explain it?” “She asked what I preferred,” I tell him, my cheeks flaming from embarrassment. “I didn’t understand, though. I didn’t want her to stay up all night to keep my room warm.” He snorts in laughter. SNORTS! “We have a team of omegas that handles that. Hazel will not be the one. If you prefer the fire, someone else will be the one to feed it through the night.” I give him a small smile as I turn to look away. I feel so silly now. “Is that why you were in the closet?” he asks. “Because you were cold?” “No,” I tell him. “It was warmer, but no. I told you the truth this morning.” He nods, accepting my answer. “Never be afraid to tell them if you’re cold. They can make it warmer. It’s their job.” “Why do you want to watch me bathe?” I ask him nervously. “You’re disgusted by me.” “I never said that,” he says, his dark eyes staring into mine. If you look deep enough, the darkness sparkles. “I never said that once.” “You continue to tell me I am too skinny,” I point out. His words have hurt. Prince Joseph shrugs. “You are. There wasn’t enough food for your family to begin with, and then you starved yourself to give your sister more.” I want to roll my eyes, but I stop myself. “We’ve already discussed this.” “We have,” he nods. “But you heard what you wanted to. I never said that I found you disgusting. It’s the opposite, really. But you are the Princess. Someday, you will be the queen. You must grow stronger so your wolf can grow.” It’s the opposite? Does this mean that he finds me attractive? Why can’t this man just say what he means? I think he attempted to compliment me, but he’s always so formal, and I don’t know. Hazel enters the room with the man she was standing beside while we ate dinner. They both bow to us. Prince Joseph seems unphased by their bowing, but I’m still uncomfortable. Hazel and the man go into the bathroom, and I hear water running. A moment later, Hazel appears, bowing to me again. “Ma’am, your bath is ready.” I nod and follow her in with my mate just behind me. He leans against the doorway, but I barely notice, too shocked by the sight before me. “Is that a shower?” Prince Joseph smirks. “Yes.” I wander to it, mesmerized. I’ve heard of them, and it’s my understanding that they are not uncommon. I don’t think anyone at my pack had one, though. “They are for men,” he continues behind me. “The bath is for shewolves. You are far too delicate.” I want to argue with him, but Hazel grabs my arm and shakes her head slightly, indicating for me to remain quiet. She tugs me to the bath and begins to help me undress. Joseph pushes between us, his fingers carefully undoing the buttons on the front of my dress. “I’ll try not to rip your dress,” he drawls as a smirk tugs at his lips. I quickly look away from him as he pushes the dress down my body. He was careful not to touch me when he did the buttons, but his fingers skim across my skin now. His movements make the bond between us surge like it’s pulling me toward him. He’s reluctant as he steps away but eyes me critically before turning to my maid. “The princess needs more lace.” “Yes, sir,” Hazel says, quickly bowing to him. He steps away and allows her to help remove my undergarments, which apparently need more lace. I step into the water and sink into it, hopeful that he doesn’t watch me. When I turn to him, I find him stepping into the shower, letting the spray hit his face. It looks amazing. I don’t know why he thinks I’m too delicate for the shower because it doesn’t appear to be strong. Still, watching the water spray out of the wall is mesmerizing. Hazel washes my hair as I hear the water in the shower stop. I crack my eyes and watch my mate dry off with the towel his butler hands him. Truly, he is handsome. His chest is strong, with broad shoulders and well-defined muscles. He catches me sneaking a look and smirks, but he doesn’t say anything. Thankfully, he goes to the bedroom so I can get out of the bath without him watching me. Hazel helps me dry and braid my hair before grabbing the oil for my body. “You may leave,” Prince Joseph says as he leans against the door frame. “We will not need you until the morning. Keep the furnace going tonight so the princess does not get cold.” Hazel gives me an apologetic look before nodding and scurrying from the room, leaving me alone with my mate. He crosses the room slowly, his eyes roaming over my body. Only a towel covers me, and it’s very little. He takes the bottle of oil from the counter and pours some into his hand. He rubs his hands together to warm it, his eyes never leaving mine, as his hands find my arms. It feels like a warm jolt shooting through me as he touches me. I gasp at the feeling, but he seems unphased. I’m shocked at how he takes his time rubbing the oil into my skin. I’m even more shocked when he kneels and rubs oil into my legs, not moving his hands under the towel. “You are rather attractive to look at,” he says as he stands. He turns me away from him to face the mirror. He begins to rub the oil into my exposed back before he tugs the towel from my body, leaving me completely bare before him. I swallow nervously as his hands go to my ribs. “But you are far too skinny. I fear I may break you. Anyone could hurt you in an attack. You are important now.” “I was important before,” I tell him, trying to keep my nervous voice even. His hand rubs oil across my stomach. “You are one of the most important wolves in the kingdom now, mate,” he whispers into my ear. His warm breath makes me nervous and the smirk on his face tells me he did not miss that. “You have to take care of yourself. You will carry the heir to the throne soon enough.” Part of me wants to ask how soon, but I’m too afraid of the answer. My mother told me of my duties as a mate, and I’m nervous about them. I barely know the man, and he won’t even call me by my name. I don’t think I can be that close to him. Not now. “Relax,” he tells me as he lifts my nightgown from the counter. He tugs it over my head. “Not tonight. Soon, though. Soon.” He takes my hand and leads me back to the bedroom. He helps me into bed, still not asking which side I prefer. He tucks me in, and when he steps away, I see it. “A candle?” I ask. He nods as he climbs into bed beside me. “Yes. I thought it might make you feel more comfortable.” I watch as the cream wax drips down and the flame flickers in the night. It does. I still miss my family, but it seems less overwhelming right now. “Thank you,” I tell him softly. Prince Joseph doesn’t respond. He just reaches over and pulls me against him as he lays on his side. He lets his chin rest on the top of my head as his arm drapes across my body, and he falls fast asleep.