1 Chapter 1: The Royal Edict

KING ASTAROTH POV

“I am off to my chambers to rest,” Lycan Queen of the East, Marama Ze’ev, announced as she stood from the queen's chair in the King’s royal council chambers. I had married a young Lycan from the Castries clan, the royal family of the west coast of the kingdom near the sea. Queen Marama was the only princess born with white hair and her piercing blue eyes stood out, making her beauty unmatched in the East Kingdom.

“Rest well, my love,” I replied but she never glanced at me or looked back as her two maids followed suit. I watched as she slowly walked out of the council chambers and disappeared through the door. I let out the breath I was holding and whispered, “How could she affect me so much even after all these years?”

I had been the Lycan King for over one hundred years. The Kingdom of Lucia was divided into the East and West kingdoms. I ruled the East and King Frakas Godric ruled the West.

Standing by me was Faolan Kurt, the royal advisor who remained mute as he watched me struggle with my thoughts. Standing tall, close to six feet, Faolan was a muscular build, maintaining a rigid posture and calm look. His hair was long, reaching his shoulders when it was loose, but it was now tied back with a band. He had bushy eyebrows and blue eyes while his sharp chin stood out as the best part of his face.

He had been with me ever since I was declared the Lycan King of the West. He seldom spoke in front of people but would offer wise counsel when it was just the two of us. He was a Lycan primordial breed. The Lycan primordial breed were the protectors of the Royal Family. They dedicated their lives to keeping the kingdom safe and remained the Guardians until they died.

“And where is Princess Rae?” I inquired pushing away anger that rose with Queen Marama’s tantrum.

“She is taking art classes this season, your majesty,” Faolan responded.

“How many classes and courses have there been? How come she cannot decide on which course to do once and for all?” I snapped

“Ten courses, your majesty. Just let her be and she will soon discover herself,” he advised.

“You spoil her, Faolan. You defend her every time I want to scold her,” I retorted.

“She is still young and has a long way to find her way, your majesty.” Faolan defended her.

I snickered at Faolan and leaned back on the seat. His response was a low chuckle that could barely be heard.

“And where is Prince Boris? What has he been up to?”

Boris was my younger brother. After he was born, he was sick for five years. But he recovered well. His appearance had always been the standard in the kingdom. Princes always maintained short, neat hair but Prince Boris curled brown hair stood out. He had brown eyes and a sharp nose.

Prince Boris was always shrewd and disliked our other brother, Ulysses, as much as I did. For the past fifty years he had been plotting against Prince Ulysses, hoping he would fail and not get praised. He failed at each attempt and I suspected that he coveted my position.

“He was out hunting last night. But I suspect it was just an excuse to follow Prince Ulysses and foil his plans. He has been at it for a while now,” Faolan huffed.

“I allowed it because Prince Ulysses is becoming too powerful. We needed to tame him a little bit. Though Boris's plans did not work they kept him out of the royal affairs.”

“Your majesty, I am not sure If I should also report another matter.” Faolan lowered his eyes.

“I know. Prince Boris was not the only one who followed him, right?” I closed my eyes in anguish.

Faolan nodded and I cursed angrily. “When will she stop?” I felt my beast rising to the surface.

My anger was interrupted when the royal messenger came running and yelled, “Report!”

“Go ahead,” Faolan instructed the messenger with a sharp nod.

“Your majesty, an edict from the King of the West.” The messenger bowed and gave the sealed edict to Faolan, before bowing once more and leaving.

“What the f*ck does that blockhead want?” I snapped, directing my anger elsewhere as a growl rumbled in my throat.

“Your majesty, we had sent news out on the proposed merger of the two kingdoms under one rule governed by Aloysius. I am sure this is the response to the proposal.”

I sat up hurriedly and beckoned Faolan to give me the royal edict. I hurriedly opened the seal, my eyes were glued to it. I read it twice before throwing it on the ground while cursing under muttered breath.

Faolan picked it up and read it. I could feel the rise of his temper and he shook his head in disbelief.

“A marriage contract? He is pushing it!” Faolan muttered under his breath.

“I have one daughter, why would I send her to marry that cold-hearted arrogant playboy of a bast*rd?” I yelled.

“Your majesty, King Godric is pushing you into a corner. He has refused all the other terms and wants you to agree to them. But look at the bigger picture. We need to control the West, hence we must find a way to agree,” Faolan urged.

“Why would I send my only child to the dogs?” I said, trying to control the anger boiling within my chest.

“Your majesty, I have a suggestion for you,” Faolan pressed, his words making me intrigued.

“Speak,” I encouraged him with a wave of my hand.

“They never said that the marriage has to be between the prince and the princess. They only termed it as a marriage contract between the two kingdoms,” Faolan clarified, his eyes sparkling with an emotion I can’t quite pick.

His suggestion made the wheels turn in my head and I sat up straight, alert.

“Anyone in the royal family can marry the prince. I heard that he likes both males and females,” Faolan added.

“Great.” My hand punched the pillow next to my royal chair. “Where is Prince Ulysses?”

“He is out on military duty but will be back tonight.” Faolan smiled.

“Wait a minute, isn't the Lycan Prince of the West engaged?” I asked with furrowed brows.

“Not officially. But he was to be married to Felicia Relic, the daughter of the Oclan Relic, a member of the royal family of the West. Oclan holds a lot of power in the royal family.”

“Could it be the reason why Godric is opposed to the marriage between his son and Felicia? Just to make sure that Oclan does not increase his power by having his daughter as the Royal Princess.”

“The king of the West is shrewd. I would not put it past him to do this,” Faolan said.

I laughed. “Then we better surprise him. If he wants a marriage contract to unite the two kingdoms we shall comply.”

“You are wise, your majesty,” Faolan stated with a knowing smile.

I grinned like a fool as I thought of Prince Ulysses my brother and the general of the Lycan army of the West. He had always been a thorn in my backside. I knew how much my wife lusted after him. Her eyes would light up when he walked into the room, and he succeeded on all missions that were assigned to him, making him the darling of the kingdom. If only I got rid of him by marrying him off to the kingdom of the West. I would then make him spy on them, killing two birds with one stone.

“He would not refuse a royal duty, right? Find all the ways to ensure that he agrees to the marriage contract. I know that he is not to blame for how my queen behaves. But—” I huffed, shaking my head.

“The marriage contract is the answer, your majesty, '' Faolan advised.

“Agreed. Let us draft an edict together and send back the response.” I beckoned Faolan to come closer.

An hour later, the messenger was summoned and the edit was sent back to the King of the West.

***

Early the next day, I summoned Prince Ulysses to the King’s Royal room. Prince Ulysses' handsome face always took everyone's breath away when he entered the room. His hazel hair was neatly pushed back, piercing brown eyes, and a sharp nose that was elegant and refined. His broad shoulders stood out in the army uniform and when he smiled two dimples appeared on his cheeks.

Even with his elegance as a prince, he had a sturdy stride that made him look ready for any orders. He arrived promptly and bowed. “Greetings, your majesties.” Ulysses was always soft-spoken but firm.

“Rise, brother, and congratulations on a successful mission,” I boomed, knowing well that my happiness was not for his success but the marriage contract that Faolan was about to announce.

“Thank you, your majesty.” He bowed again. His eyes kept straight at me as he avoided looking at Queen Marama.

“Prince Ulysses,” Faolan spoke up, “receive the royal edict from his majesty.”

Ulysses bowed and Faolan read the edit out loud.

“The King of the West has agreed to the terms of Aloysius, the royal court, hence the marriage contract alliance has been proposed. Prince Ulysses is set to marry Prince Kloud Godric in one month’s time.”

“What?” Ulysses raised his head. I heard the intake of breath from Queen Marama.

“Accept the edict of Prince Ulysses,” Faolan calmly asserted.

“Marriage to whom?” Queen Marama finally spoke up, her voice raised in anger.

“Prince Kloud Godric,” Faolan repeated.

Prince Ulysses turned to stare at me in anger. I had never seen him angry at me and I was quietly happy that I managed to do so. “This is an order,” I drawled.

“Your majesty, anything but this,” Prince Ulysses bowed, his voice soft.

“You must assist your brother to unite the two kingdoms of Lucia. Did you forget your promise?” Faolan stated.

“Faolan, are you forcing him?” Queen Marama said in anger.

“My queen, this is about the unity of the two kingdoms. I don't see why Ulysses cannot do it. His duty to the crown and the royal family demands it,” I explained calmly.

“Marriage to a man?” Queen Marama laughed sarcastically.

“Since when are you concerned about Prince Ulysses?” I raised my voice without looking at her.

I watched the way Ulysses' eyes widened and then the resignation in his eyes followed. “I accept the edict,” he said to Faolan and bowed.

“Very well, my prince.” Faolan walked over and handed him the edit. Ulysses accepted it and when Faolan attempted to help him stand up, Ulysses pushed his hand away. Faolan looked shocked at the rejection but obediently took a step back.

When Ulysses stood up the warmth was gone from his face, replaced by a cold demeanor that I only saw when he led the army. Queen Marama stood up seething in anger and marched out of the chambers.

“I beg to leave, your majesty.” Prince Ulysses' cold voice rose.

I stood up and walked over to stand toe to toe with him. “Ulysses, are you angry at me?” I feigned innocence.

“No, your majesty,” he responded. He was too calm. I pushed my Lycan power out trying to gauge if his beast was angry but all I got was nothing.

“I need you to infiltrate the military army of the West and get me the maps,” I proceeded to say.

“No,” Ulysses whispered. “You ask too much of me, brother.”

“Be advised, Prince Ulysses, you can never say no to the King,” Faolan spoke up.

“Know your place, Faolan,” Ulysses responded with the same calmness.

We stood in silence as I watched Ulysses remain stubborn and adamant.

“Fine,” I relented.

“Thank you, your majesty.” He bowed, turned around, and left the room.

Once he was out of sight, Faolan walked over and whispered, “He looks angry.”

I nodded and then angrily retorted, “I made the right choice. I can't have my queen lusting after my brother. As the king, he needs to go as far away as possible for the sake of my marriage and my mate.”