Ivory
But why would I laugh?
The looks of fear on their faces was clearly because of one thing; they believed that after the marriage, I'll become their king's luna, and could therefore come back to teach all of them a lesson.
But if only they all knew that we'd still be the same powerless people even after my sham marriage today.
I was led into a large dressing room, and for once, all the maids were quiet as they all dressed me, their eyes downcast in respect.
I was grateful for the silence for once instead of them mocking and judging me every step of the way, but all that clouded my mind was now dejectedness as I got helped into my flowing white dress.
Tears welled in my eyes as I stared at my reflections, threatening to fall and I blinked it away fast. Crying was pointless and ridiculous, and I knew that, but it just hurt, knowing that I've envisioned my wedding day countless times.
And it was always with Jaden.
I never ever imagined that I'd ever be marrying a stranger, who I just got given away to like I was a useless object.
"I'll lead you to alpha Auden right now." Madame Anabel called out from behind me and I blinked the last of my years away before facing her.
I cleared my throat before speaking. "Can I ask you a question?"
She regarded me skeptically before stiffly nodding. She emitted so much coldness and a part of me was urging me to stay far away from her for my own good.
"What happened to all alpha Auden's past wives?"
There are rumors. He's taken multiple women in the past, but no one knows what's become of all of them.
Her eyes flashed coldly, a stutter coming over it.
"That's no business of yours, child. And for your own good? I'd advise you to refrain from asking questions that has nothing to do with you, except you want a fate that has nothing to do with you to also befall you."
As those icy words left her mouth, she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the dressing room so roughly, I stumbled a few times.
How's she even having such a strong grip at this age? I wondered to myself as I trailed after her.
When she finally stopped, my heart almost exploded in my chest cause right in front of us, sat Alpha Auden.
He was seated in his throne, looking almost bored as his eyes briefly swept over me, his face expressionless as usual.
"Here she is, alpha." Madame Anabel spoke, bowing respectfully.
"Thank you, Ana." Auden murmured, his low voice making shivers roll down my spine.
"She asked a question about your past wives." Madame Anabel added, shocking me to the core and making a gasp tear past my throat.
This fucking snitch!
Alpha Auden scoffed, his head tilted and then his gaze landed on my face, making me gulp as fear washed over me.
"Did she now?"
My stomach tightened with even more fear as Madame Anabel nodded fast.
"You May go, Ana. And thank you." Auden instructed, sounding almost affectionate and I felt my heart loudly pound against my ribs, fear making me grow dizzy as he got up and leisurely walked towards me.
I tried holding my ground but I ended up backing away the closer he got, till my back was pressed against a cold wall.
"So, you were curious?" He drawled, staring down at me with something burning in eyes that resembled controlled rage.
I shook my head fast, stumbling over my words. "I- I… I don't… d…"
His lips twitched, then his fingers came underneath my jaw, light as a feather as he tilted my jaw up. Now, his see gaze bored into mine, making my knees wobble.
"Aren't you aware of what happened to the cat that was curious?"
My stomach tightened even more, fear making my head feel like exploding.
"It fucking died."
Those words made my spine grow as rigid as a stick.
"Do you want that to happen to you?"
I shook my head fast, unable to breathe. "N- no…"
"Then ensure to not be curious about things that don't concern you. Got it?"
A small sound of fright left my mouth as I nodded fast, unable to get a word out.
"In an hour, we'd be getting married in front of the entire pack. You'll be introduced to all of them by then as well." He paused for a moment, leaning even closer.
"One funny move, and daring act of defiance in public and I'll snap this slim looking throat. Understood?"
A whimper of fright left my mouth as I nodded vigorously.
I wouldn't dare to.
~~~~
Auden's pov
"Why do any of you dare to question me?" I demanded sharply, my eyes taking over everyone of my council members. They had all arrived here this morning after I sent them all home last night, and I purposely refused to see them until this moment.
They all grew visibly uneasy, exchanging wary looks.
"W- we just wonder why you'd take a bride that's not your fated mate, considering…"
"I love her, so I've decided to mate her."
They all sucked in sharp breaths, gaping at me.
They all knew I was bullshiting, but couldn't dare call me out on it.
"What about your curse? Without your fated mate—" a different person began just as hesitantly
"I have that under control as well." I barked and they all flinched.
But I didn't care. They were all getting on my nerves.
"And I don't appreciate all of you feeling like you can give me unsolicited advices, or try to force me into doing what you want. Do you believe you're wiser than I am because you're all some old geazers? Cause I'm yet to change any of you since my father's death?" I questioned and they all fell on their knees at once, bowing in respect.
"My king, we'd never disrespect you like that," they soo chorused at the same time.
I didn't respond, cause action spoke louder than words. And these days, it wasn't just disrespect, I've noticed them acting more weirdly towards me and I knew it was cause they viewed me as this monster who'd soon loose control due to my curse.
I regarded them for a moment longer before turning around and leaving the throne room.
It was pointless escalating this right now. I'll have all the time to do that later.
For now, I have a fucking wedding to attend.
My fucking wedding, that is.