Chapter 2 - Caelum

My last night as a free and single man. The thought that by this time tomorrow, I will be married makes me feel nauseous. I walk the streets of my country, not quite sure what to do with my last day of freedom. I know that marriage will be the salvation for the kingdom, at least that's what I hope it will be.

My thoughts are scattered as I enter the bar, knowing that the simple clothes I'm wearing will help me blend in with the common folk. After all, my marriage is being announced everywhere, even though I’m a reclusive king who always tries to avoid the spotlight. With my simple clothes and a camouflage spell, I have a peaceful night ahead of me.

That is, until I spot her and catch her scent. My lycan side is euphoric at the scent of the human woman, something that has never happened before. Her smell is overpowering, overwhelming, yet exotic. I approach her as if she were the sun and I had to orbit in her direction.

As soon as I sit beside her, the young woman shows no reaction, not even noticing my presence. I know I’ve used a spell, but not one strong enough to erase my presence entirely.

I clear my throat, and still, she shows no reaction. Then I notice her tired eyes and the empty mugs around her. Has she been stood up by someone? Who would dare do that to her? Her light brown hair is tied up in a messy bun, her tanned skin carries the sun’s scent, which fascinates me. She has a peculiar birthmark on her neck, a crescent-shaped stain.

“Are you alone?” I ask, curious, and that’s when she finally acknowledges me.

Even with her breath heavy with the smell of alcohol, the young woman maintains her grace and humor when responding, making me even more curious.

I realize she wants a distraction, perhaps revenge for being stood up, and I want a farewell to my bachelorhood. I think it was fate that brought us together tonight. I pay for the drinks, and hearing her laughter only makes me want her more.

I hope that my future wife will have the same sense of humor as this human and be as desirable as she is.

“There are still a few hours before dawn, want to come to my place?” she asks with a mischievous smile. I can feel her pheromones rising.

I don’t refuse her request and follow her stumbling steps to her house. A simple place for a human commoner, which doesn’t surprise me. I wish she were royalty, maybe then I could try to marry her.

As soon as we reach her room, I waste no time. The urge to possess her, to indulge in her body overtakes me. She’s curvaceous, with perfect places to squeeze and kiss. Her breasts are full, and her wide hips I grip tightly as I lift her up. I kiss her neck, where the birthmark is, and feel her body shudder. Even with the high level of alcohol in her system, the young woman remains aware of everything we’re doing. I lay her down on the bed and quickly rip off her clothes. I take in every curve she has, even memorizing the set of her lingerie. Navy blue.

Her light brown eyes carry so many emotions and desires that I could lose myself in them. Her full lips are soft, and I bite them with lust, feeling my member grow harder in my pants. I feast on her, making her climax in my mouth and on my member. Finally, I reach my peak inside her, feeling the pleasure surge to its height.

“Greek god, can you make me forget him?” the young woman asks sleepily and drunk after we finish. I laugh and pull her into my arms.

“I only accept possible challenges, princess,” I reply softly in her ear before she falls asleep.

I don't fall asleep immediately. My mind wanders through her room, absorbing the characteristics and story of this mysterious young woman. I don’t know her name, and I’d rather keep it that way—one pleasurable night is enough for me.

I let her sleep, holding onto me, and run my fingers over her bare skin, especially the birthmark that so intrigued me. She sleeps so soundly that she even lets out a soft snore. As the first rays of sunlight begin to appear, I get up and dress.

I don’t want to leave like a thief, so I simply write a note and leave it on the dresser next to the bed. I take one last look at her sleepy body and feel satisfied with how I spent my last night of freedom.

***

“I thought you would’ve run off! Where were you, Caelum?” my mother, Isolde, asks impatiently. “What are those clothes?”

I chuckle and kiss my mother’s forehead. Her concern for making this marriage happen makes me want to laugh uncontrollably.

“I would never waste all the food we’ve arranged for this wedding by running away, Mom,” I answer as I walk through the palace halls.

All the staff is bustling, preparing decorations for the wedding. Isolde walks beside me with her small frame and worried face. For a woman in her fifties, my mother has a lot of energy, always trying to control everything and everyone, including me.

“Stop joking, Caelum! Today is a very important day! You’re already thirty, we need to secure your power and start having heirs as soon as possible,” Isolde replies with a scolding tone. I enter my room and my mother follows right behind.

“Don’t remind me! I know, I’m the groom. Besides, you haven’t let me forget about this in the past few months,” I snap with impatience. “I’m here, aren’t I? Ready! I’ll be at the altar, don’t worry. You’ll see if my bride, Sabrina…”

“Seraphina!” Mom corrects me, and I wink.

“I’ll remember her name for the rest of my life. Anyway, see if she needs anything, okay? I’m going to get ready for my other duties as king!”

Before my mother can argue, I quickly and gently usher her out of my room. I repeat the name Seraphina a few times as I take off my commoner clothes. I’ve never even met Seraphina, a twenty-three-year-old princess and enchantress from the kingdom of Syltirion. A kingdom that holds a great source of magic and precious minerals, something my kingdom, Veridiana, requires.

The ceremony takes place in the late afternoon, in the palace garden, with the sunset behind us. I’m surprised by Seraphina’s beauty when she walks down the aisle to the altar, wearing a light blue gown, layered and fitting her slender body. Her fiery hair is loose, adorned with a beautiful thin silver crown and pearl-encrusted chains. Her pale face contrasts with her golden eyes, which look like gold, the makeup, and her vibrant, striking hair. Her beauty is astonishing, or perhaps I was just thinking the worst.

I sense her hormones—there is anxiety and a racing heart. I don’t blame her; marrying someone you’ve never met wasn’t part of my plans either. But it was my duty, and I would make it work as best as I could.

***

“And now, the first dance of the newlyweds!” the officiant declares, followed by a round of applause.

I stand up and extend my hand to my newest mate. Seraphina’s cheeks flush, and I find it slightly charming. She accepts, and the two of us head toward the dance floor.

“Sorry if I have two left feet,” Seraphina whispers nervously in my direction, and I offer a warm smile.

“Don’t worry, I have two right feet!” I reply, amusement in my voice.

As I dance with my mate, my mind brings back the face of the young woman I slept with the night before. Instinctively, my eyes scan the crowd of guests for her, even though I know she’s probably not on the guest list.

My gaze falls on Seraphina’s neck, as if I need to make sure she’s not the same woman I slept with just hours ago. I shake my head, trying to push away this carnal desire that wants to take over.

“I hope you feel at home here in the kingdom of Veridiana, Seraphina,” I comment modestly, and Seraphina throws me a steely look, her golden eyes that seem like melted gold sparkling at me with expectations.

“And I hope my company pleases you, Majesty. May I carry your beautiful and strong children!” she responds politely, as if she’s rehearsed it countless times.