Chapter 66 Familial Ruins

Chapter 66 Familial Ruins
Jacob

I gave myself one more look in front of the mirror. The official royal attire never looked better. Father wanted me to put on the age-old coronation attire that has apparently been passed down from generation to generation, but I was not in the mood for all that crap. It was the beginning of my reign and I wasn’t going to start it with clothes from the past.

My personal guard, Leo, entered my room and bowed in respect. He was also dressed in the ceremonial Beta attire. The perk of being my personal guard was that he also climbed the leadership ladder with me.

“The soon-to-be Luna is yet to dress. Do we wait for her or head to the venue?” He asked and I shook my head. This day was hers as much as it was mine.

“No,” I said, straightening my coat, “Let her take her time. I’m sure Vera will do just fine escorting her.”

He nodded his head. Together we headed out of the room. I passed by Lara’s room and poked my head inside the open door. A couple of maids were there. Some were styling her hair while others were applying makeup on her face. I couldn’t help the smile that crept up my face. It was finally happening. She was going to be fully mine. I headed out not wanting to draw attention to myself. 

“Have two of our men be on standby in her room,” I instructed. Leo bowed before barking off instructions to the guards by the front door. I gave one last look at Lara’s room before heading out.

There was nothing like being too careful when it came to Elijah. Ever since we were little, he had always been unpredictable. Who knew that a week after he had a fallout with our father, he would pack his things and vanish from the pack? Or appear on my wedding day to kidnap my betrothed? As much as I tried to keep him from showing up today, I couldn’t afford for him to ruin today. The majority of our soldiers were already placed at the routes leading to his make-believe pack. Before he can fight his way through it, the entire ceremony would be over and even if he tried reaching here before the ceremony had ended, he would be stopped by the borders. I was ready this time.

The Royal carriage was decorated a bit excessively. It made me physically cringe at the amount of ribbons tied to it. I wondered who was in charge of the decorations. Leo opened the doors and I entered the carriage. It felt empty to be seated alone and it made me question my decision. Maybe I should have waited for Lara but I didn’t want my presence to make her rush.

We got to the venue and everywhere was rowdy. Villagers were taking their seats while the priest was up front with his big book. I took out the ring box in my pocket and opened it. The ring was brand new and made by the finest jeweler. The ancestral ring was already used by Elijah. Speaking of which, I never really checked if Lara still wore them. I doubt she did. The ring in the box was golden and it gleamed under the sunlight. It was perfect for Lara.

The whole place became calm when everyone noticed I had arrived. The doors opened and I stepped out confidently. The air felt different and I knew today was my day. I spotted the three wizards from afar and smirked. They were already in place. Ready to break the stupid bond between Elijah and my wife.

My wife.

I couldn’t stop the smile on my face anymore. Lara was finally going to be mine. After years of standing on the sidelines, trying to act indifferent when I couldn’t wait till we were official. 

“The Seer is not around.” Leo suddenly whispered close to me. My jaw locked in anger. 

“What?” I seethed.

Leo shifted uncomfortably when he noticed the change in my tone. “Apparently some of the guards we placed on the way created a huge roadblock for travelers so he can’t return to the village on time.”

“Where the fuck did he go in the first place?”

“Our spy said he purchased a few gifts from another town. The seller said he called them wedding gifts.” 

My anger dissipated a little bit. That old man has a way of getting under my skin. If only he weren’t Lara’s father. Something about the way he looked at me in disapproval irked me. Like I wasn’t worthy of his daughter or the throne. If he thought that his absence would make me pause the wedding then he has another thing coming.

“Fine.” I took a deep breath. “And Lara?”

“She would be here any second.”

Just then, the Royal carriage stopped by the entrance and I momentarily forgot my anger. Only Lara mattered in that moment. The doors opened and she gently stepped out. I stumbled backwards a little like I was hit by her beauty. The custom-made wedding dress hugged her delicate curves. I had suggested a flowing dress but she quickly rejected the idea through her seamstress. I now realized she knew exactly what she wanted and she looked absolutely stunning in it. The soft music began and I stood straight. This was it.

As she gingerly walked towards me, I began to picture our life after this day. It would be just me and her against anybody and everyone. My eyebrows furrowed as her steps became slower. She looked nervous and the initial anger I had towards her father came rushing in. He should have been here to hold her hand and walk her down the aisle. I was sure the eyes on her were intimidating. I considered walking her up myself because why not? Who made the rules?

“Lara,” I called, stretching my hands out to her. I gave her a comforting smile so she knew I was on her side. Instead, she stepped back. She took another step back again and before I knew it she was running away from me. What’s going on?

At the entrance was Elijah on a horse with his hands outstretched to her. It wasn’t possible. Lara couldn’t have… before my thought process was complete, I watched as my betrothed took his hand and sat with Elijah. Guards from both sides immediately faced each other waiting for further movements but my gaze was fixed on Lara who looked relieved to be with my brother. What did I miss? 

“Give me the word,” Leo said from behind me. 

I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. Elijah and Lara rode away and my gaze was still on the spot they once occupied.

“Gather our soldiers! We must go after..”

No.

“Begin the coronation.” I simply stated, cutting off my father. He looked surprised and sat back down in his chair. Leo was equally surprised while the priest immediately turned the pages of his book. One of his attendants brought forward the crown and I knelt before the priest.

One thing I knew about how this world worked was that you only needed power. Absolute power. I couldn’t afford to delay the one ceremony that would give me every ounce of power I needed to ruin my brother and get Lara back. So first things first, I would become the Alpha. Secondly, I would destroy Elijah.