Tamed by the Lycan Prince

31- THE ARRANGEMENT

CHAPTER FOUR

-ANTONIO-

The table fell quiet as the group collectively absorbed what they had just heard. Antonio found himself both amazed by the tale and filled with new curiosity, his mind brimming with additional inquiries. He contemplated the possibility of someday living happily with his destined mate. He pictured a cozy house where he and his mate could relax on the porch, watching their children play in the yard. The thought brought a gentle smile on his face.

King Rasso's throat-clearing shattered Antonio's joyful moment, and all eyes turned towards him, "Shall we discuss Lady Basia's interest in Prince Antonio?"

Antonio felt a sinking feeling in his gut. Lady Basia's face went red.

Count Gaius smiled as he glanced between Antonio and his daughter, "Ah, yes, my lovely and talented daughter. She has taken quite a fancy to Prince Antonio, hasn't she?" he chuckled softly. Countess Gaius nodded in agreement. Lady Basia blushed more profusely, shifting in her seat.

King Rasso, with his sharp eyes studying Antonio and Lady Basia, gave a thoughtful nod, "Absolutely. The merging of your household and our imperial family could result in numerous achievements."

Antonio blanched at the king's words, the weight of reality crushing his dream reverie. A marriage with Lady Basia could indeed bring great financial and political benefits, but he shivered at the thought of not being with his fated mate. He dared not voice these thoughts aloud. So far only Kinnsion and Rafia had known about Antonio's fated mate being a werewolf, and Antonio wasn't ready to let anyone else know until he found out more information.

The dinner conversation continued, but Antonio found himself unable to concentrate. He imagined what life would be like if he were married to Lady Basia, a noble daughter of a prestigious family, someone he barely knew. The thought filled him with a sense of dread. He longed for his destined mate, a she-wolf whose presence he could feel but had yet to meet. He often wondered about her whereabouts and what she was doing at that moment. But the biggest question on his mind was her name: who was this she-wolf he was meant to be with?

"Antonio seems quite happy about the arrangement."

Antonio snapped out of his internal musings at the sound of his name. He turned to see Count Gaius beaming at him with a satisfied expression. Forcing his features into a polite smile, he said, "My apology, I must have heard wrong. Do you mind repeating yourself?"

Count Gaius continued to beam at him, his smile not wavering the slightest. "I was simply stating that you seem delighted about the possible arrangement of marriage to my daughter, Lady Basia," he reiterated, watching Antonio for a reaction.

Antonio's heart pounded in his chest. He glanced at Lady Basia who was peeking at him from behind her long, dark lashes. He gave her a small, cordial nod. Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, and she quickly looked away, fussing with the lacy edge of her dress. Antonio's heart twinged with guilt. He had nothing against Lady Basia, she was elegant and beautiful, no doubt she would make a decent partner for anyone who could love her as she deserved. But he couldn't, not when his heart already had a place for someone else.

Forcing himself to keep the smile on his face, Antonio turned to Count Gaius, "The idea is certainly intriguing and the benefits undeniable. I am grateful for your consideration, however-,"

"My son is thrilled about this arrangement," King Rasso interrupted. Antonio's heart sank as his father continued, "We see no finer match for our house than Lady Basia. The alliance with your family, Gaius, through this marriage would be most beneficial."

His words carried the weight of a done deal. Antonio felt trapped under the weight of his father's proclamation. Every word hammered into him like a nail closing the lid of his own coffin. He could hear the echo of laughter, the clinking of glasses all around him, but it all seemed far away, drowned by the rush of blood in his ears.

His gaze met Lady Basia's once again. She was beaming, her eyes shining with the anticipation of a promising future. It was infectious, and for a moment, Antonio almost felt as though he could bear it. But then, in the quiet recesses of his mind, he remembered the she-wolf. With the dinner drawing to a close, King Rasso and Count Gaius arranged for Prince Antonio and Lady Basia to go on a romantic outing. The Prince and Lady were invited to attend the upcoming wedding of the Gravemaw Hounds' new Alpha and Luna.