The Kings Mate

Chapter 5

Elly, you have 5 minutes before we're leaving for the ball," Mom said, knocking on my door.

"Yes, Mom," I replied, spraying perfume on my wrist.

I stood before the mirror, taking in my appearance. My gown was a masterpiece of elegance and grace. The classic boat neck framed my shoulders perfectly, accentuating my collarbone. The bodice was adorned with an intricate floral design, delicate embroidery weaving its way across the fabric like a garden in bloom. Tiny crystals were sewn into the pattern, catching the light with every movement.

The dress hugged my curves before flowing out into a full skirt that whispered against the floor. My long, chestnut hair was styled in soft waves, cascading down my back with a few strands framing my face. A pair of diamond drop earrings glinted from my ears, complementing the sparkle in my amber eyes.

My wolf was agitated, restless since the afternoon. Partly because I was about to meet some of the strongest and most ruthless people for the first time, but deep in my gut, she knew that wasn't the only reason.

I headed downstairs to find my parents waiting in the hall. Dad stared at me for a moment, then gave a curt nod. "I'll get the car ready," he said, moving out.

I sighed in relief; it was his way of saying I looked presentable.

Mom, seeing my nervousness and struggle to meet Dad's expectations, gave me a kind smile and a hug. She whispered in my ear, "You look beautiful, my girl."
"Thank you, Mom. You do as well," I said, managing a smile of my own. Mom always had a way of comforting me, restoring my confidence. I felt lucky to have her in my life.

After nearly 30 minutes of driving in silence and passing two checkpoints, we finally arrived.

Dad turned back and said, "I have to go and take care of security, but I'll be back once the king arrives." To me, he added, "Elly, stick close to Mom and don't go wandering around."
Once he saw my nod of understanding, Mom and I got out and entered the hall while Dad went off to handle his duties.

As we entered, a guard welcomed us with a bow, which we returned. The moment I stepped inside, all air left my lungs.

It was one of the most luxurious sights I had ever seen.

The grand ballroom was a masterpiece of classical architecture. Soaring marble columns lined the walls, their capitals intricately carved with acanthus leaves. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floor.

Ornate gold-leafed moldings framed the walls, which were adorned with Renaissance-style frescoes depicting scenes from wolf mythology. Tall arched windows draped with heavy velvet curtains offered glimpses of the starlit gardens beyond.

"Look, I'll be down there," Mom said, pulling me to the side. "You go meet up with your friends and just be around. You know how your dad gets when he doesn't find us where he wants us."
"A little protective beast he is," I teased, winking at Mom.

She scoffed and gave a small laugh before heading off in the other direction.

Now on my own, I muttered, "I need to find that knucklehead friend of mine. God, where is he?"

I spotted him with a couple of his warrior friends and made my way over. As I approached, Millo, one of the guys from the group, came up to me. "My, my, my, who knew you'd look this good in that dress of yours, Elly," he said, getting a bit too close for comfort.

Before I could react, Jo pulled me back and warned, "Millo, watch it."
"Whoa, bro, I didn't know she was yours," Millo said, surrendering with his hands up in the air.

Noticing my discomfort, Jo pulled me towards the dessert section. As we sat on the stools, I tried to calm him down. "He was drunk. Forget it."
Jo took a bite of pastry and huffed. "That doesn't give him the right to make you or any girl uncomfortable." He dug into the dessert again, stress-eating as he usually did when angry.

I watched him in amusement as he savored each bite. "Oh god, this food orgasm," he groaned, shoving a bite towards me with wide eyes. "Try it!"
"Mhmm," I agreed, doing a little happy food dance of my own. "This is heavenly! Who knew the royal chefs could work such magic?"

Jo grinned, his mood lightening. "Right? I swear, if I could marry this pastry, I would."

We laughed, enjoying the rest of our time until it was time for the king's entry.

As soon as the guard announced the king's arrival, everyone stopped what they were doing and stood at attention. The doors opened, and a man of imposing stature entered.

The king stood at least 6'5", his broad shoulders accentuated by a tailored midnight blue jacket adorned with gold epaulettes and intricate wolf emblems.

A crimson sash crossed his chest, and a gleaming sword hung at his side. His presence was both regal and enigmatic, embodying a natural authority.

But as soon as I caught his scent and looked into his unusual silver eyes, my world did a 360.

I whispered that one word I never thought I'd utter upon seeing the King himself: "Mate."

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I hope your enjoying this so far.
Plzzz bare with me if you find the starting  chapters boring , I promise good stuff ahead ☺️.

Yours Amore🤍