Crown and Shackles: The Princes Mate (Story Updated)

A Promise Beneath Candlelight

“Oh Moon above...”

“Ally... I know this is a lot. But we’ll get through it. Together,” Logan said, reaching for my hand.

I didn’t take it right away.

“I just... I can’t believe this is happening so fast,” I muttered, pacing as best I could despite the heavy pull of my swollen belly. “Everything’s changing—too fast. One minute I’m trying to figure out where I even fit in your world, and the next, I’m pregnant, bonded, and apparently surrounded by royal guards I didn’t ask for!”

You’re safe. He made us safe. Stop fighting it.
My wolf’s voice growled quietly from within, steadier than I felt.

I bit back a sigh. “And don’t start with the ‘this is destiny’ speech again,” I whispered under my breath.

Logan blinked. “What?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly, waving him off.

He looked hurt, but didn’t push. “I lost control during your heat. I know. I wasn’t supposed to—”

“You weren’t supposed to what, Logan?” I snapped, whirling on him. “Let instinct take over? You didn’t even try to stop it. You knew I wasn’t ready for this. And now I’m just expected to accept everything?”

He looked at the floor, guilt thick in the air. “I didn’t want you to feel trapped.”

“Well, I do feel trapped!” I burst out. “Trapped in a role I didn’t choose, carrying a pup I didn’t plan, in a palace full of expectations I don’t understand!”

He is our mate. Our alpha. He gave us a strong pup. We should be proud.
My wolf huffed, clearly annoyed.

“I am proud,” I whispered, half to myself, half to her. “But I’m also overwhelmed.”

Logan’s voice cracked as he stepped toward me. “If I could take it back—just to give you time to breathe—I would. I swear.”

I looked at him, saw the pain written all over his face, and it broke something in me. But I wasn’t ready to forgive him for something he didn’t do maliciously—just carelessly.

“I don’t hate you, Logan,” I said, softer now. “But I hate how I’ve barely had a say in my own life these past few weeks. I feel like everything is spiraling—and I’m just being dragged behind it.”

His red-rimmed eyes lifted to mine. “So you... you don’t hate the pup?”

I scoffed. “Of course not. It’s a part of me. A part of us. That’s not the problem. I’m angry that no one thought to slow down. Not even you. Especially not you.”

Logan stood silent for a long moment, then quietly turned to face the window, staring out at the gardens beyond.

He regrets it. You can feel it. Don’t shut him out.

“I’m not shutting him out,” I muttered.

“What?” Logan turned toward me, brow furrowed.

“I’m trying, Logan,” I said louder this time. “But I need you to stop deciding what I’m okay with before I’ve even opened my mouth.”

Suddenly, the heavy wooden door burst open.

“ALLY?!” Henry’s frantic voice filled the room, followed by hurried footsteps.

Sam and Troy came barreling in, with Henry close behind, all looking like they’d been pulled straight from battle—except now they were clean-shaven, wearing crisp royal guard uniforms that gleamed under the light. The royal crest shimmered proudly on their chests.