The Alpha's Prize

26

Word Count: 2208

~Hunter

My hair is pulled back over my shoulders by gentle hands as it is fashioned into an intricate updo.

"This is the best day of my life!" Tay dances about next to me, already dressed. In fact, she was ready hours ago, and burst into my room at sunrise to wake me.

I sip from the drink she brought me, shaking my head. "Isn't it my wedding?"

The wedding day came by too fast to avoid. My back hasn't improved, and my immune system is worse than ever. I'm stuck here, and there is no getting out of marrying Kaan.

I know I should be more horrified at the thought, or that I should have done more to avoid this outcome, but I'm strangely okay with this.

I've accepted that marrying him ties him to me, but this doesn't have to be forever. There's a chance for me to get the freedom I've always wanted one day, but for now, I need protection from Vinn, the monster who is chasing me down.

"Sure, but you're marrying my brother which will make you my sister," Tay exclaims excitedly.

Every aspect of this ceremony and reception has been planned by Kaan's parents and various advisors. I woke up to a gauzy white dress hanging on my door that fits disturbingly well.

Outside my bedroom window, a large tent has been erected, shielding lines of tables adorned with silverware and pale linens. The flower arrangements are light pink and the bridesmaids dresses match. Aside from Tay, I know nothing about the women who are masquerading as my friends.

"If I can even stand. My legs have been especially wary today." I pull the ridiculous fabric up, massaging them thoroughly.

Tay's brows knit together with concern as she leans against the vanity, mindlessly sorting through the makeup "I can't believe you're not better yet."

I sigh, staring at myself in the mirror. Despite eating well here, I'm evidently sick. My eyes look haunting, and my skin is sallow and lifeless. It's like the poison from Kaan's arrow never left my system.

"You're telling me...I'll never escape this place." I tap my foot against the ground impatiently, feeling the biting need to escape this room, this place. I want to see Kaan.

Tay brushes the hair-stylist away, coming to stand behind me. "Well, Kaan will treat you well and you'll have me to keep you company. Life is good."

She wraps her arms around my neck from the back, grinning at me in the mirror.

I'm glad she's happy about this. Someone deserves to enjoy this day more than her parents are going to.

"Will Azura be attending?" I ask.

"She ah...well, she gets overwhelmed by that many people." Tay pulls back, fiddling with her earring uncomfortably. "I'm sure she will watch from the window."

"I would really like it if she could be involved," I say, more to myself than her.

I've already asked her parents, who gave the same excuse as Azura. It makes sense, I just wish there was some way she could attend without having to be involved with everyone else.

At the end of the day, she's also going to be my sister...

"Come on, let's have Jessie finish your hair so we can start the ceremony." Tay paints that hopeful smile back on, giving me a wink in the mirror before she disappears through the door.

Time passes in a violent blur. I'm hustled down the stairs, so many people touching my face and hair, asking me all sorts of questions about Kaan and I's love that I briskly dismiss.