Love & Orgasms

The Werewolf King - One Shot

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆☽Ⓛ❈Ⓒ☾⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

Edith's POV.

"Edie, breathe in some more."

I roll my eyes at Annika's encouragement. "If I breathe in any more, I'll faint," I hiss back at her.

"Fine." There's a sharp tug as she ties the bow. "There, you're ready."

"Is the carriage waiting?" I ask her as I check my reflection in the mirror.

I'm wearing my favourite scarlet dress. It makes my skin look a little pale, but I love the way my black hair contrasts with it.

"Yes, it's downstairs with Jonathon," she replies.

"Let's go, then."

Lord Jonathon Abenforth is my best friend Annika's mate. They've been invited to the King's ball tonight and have generously invited me along. They know that I've had a tough year dealing with the loss of my mother and hoped that me coming to this ball will be my chance to re-enter society and find a husband after sheltering myself for so long.

My father was a marquis, he died when I was a babe. My mother raised me along with my grandparents. They're all gone now, I'm alone aside from a few cousins. It's been a very hard year, but I'm starting to feel more like myself again. I'm actually even looking forward to tonight. If you'd invited me to a ball six months ago, I would have dragged my heels the whole way there.

"What is King Devereuoux like?" I ask them as the carriage takes us away from their house.

"He's a good and fair leader," Jonathon replies with conviction.

"He was Alpha for five years before he assumed the throne at twenty-five," Annika tells me.

"I'm glad he wasn't born into the role, it's made him more grounded I think," Jon notes.

"He still hasn't found his mate though, that's why he has so many balls each year. He invites different people each time and regularly visits packs to try and scent her out."

"He's thirty and hasn't met his mate? Poor thing," I murmur, feeling sorry for him.

I'm twenty-three and I already feel an ache in my chest as the thought of meeting my mate. It feels like I've waited a lifetime already, I can't imagine waiting another seven years on top of this.

"I know, everyone feels for him, it's like the entire country is rooting for him to find his mate," Annika says with empathy.

"It's not affected his ability to rule, though. Some were concerned that it would, but he has remained very level-headed," Jon adds.

I can hear the approval in his voice, he clearly has a deep respect for our King.

The ride to the castle is a smooth one. When the carriage pulls up outside the main entrance, we're helped down by a footman. The music can be heard as we walk down the corridor to the ballroom. There must be an orchestra playing an instrumental piece because I can hear the beautiful violins and cellos.

The ballroom is an incredibly grand space. I stare up at the decorated ceilings and admire the panelled walls. Couples are dancing in the centre, sending big skirts swirling out like fans, it's beautiful.

"I knew you'd like it," Annika comments next to me.

She links her arm with mine and turns to her mate. "Darling, we're going to get drinks, do you want one?"

"Thank you, love. Champagne would be brilliant."

Annika weaves through the crowds with ease, directing us over to a bar where she orders three glasses of champagne. I sip my drink and look around the room some more, taking it all in. I can't remember the last time I went to a party, let alone a ball. This is a first for me, even as the daughter of a marquis.