Chapter 35: The dance

I decided to walk through the lush gardens that day, surrounded by colorful flowers and the sweet scent that filled the air. Although I longed to embrace my inner wolf and give in to my instincts, I knew I had to resist to achieve my goals and face the challenges of the selection to become the queen of Eldric.

Until that moment, I hadn't seen Eldric or the other two candidates, Freya, and Ember. I chose not to think about them for now, but my heart still ached a little. Despite the indications that Eldric had feelings for me, I knew that conquering his heart and accepting our involvement wouldn't be so simple.

I expected nothing less from King Eldric; he had responsibilities greater than his desires alone. My feelings were at war at that moment. I needed more than empty words and frivolous promises.

This journey here has cost me precious moments with important people in my life, and now everything depended on Eldric understanding that I am the right person to stand by his side as queen. The helplessness of not being able to do more was starting to affect my mental health, as the weight of uncertainty was overwhelming.

I continued walking through the gardens, trying to push away the tumultuous thoughts occupying my mind. The gentle breeze touched my face, bringing momentary relief to my anxious heart. However, the anguish returned when I spotted a familiar figure in the distance.

Eldric walked elegantly through the garden, his majestic posture standing out among the others around him. By his side were Freya and Ember, the two remaining candidates who also sought to win the king's heart.

I stopped for a moment, discreetly hiding behind a row of bushes. I observed the interaction between Eldric and the other suitors with a mix of insecurity and hope. The women's laughter filled the air as Eldric appeared kind and courteous, giving attention to both.

Freya, with her seductive gaze and enchanting smile, constantly approached Eldric, casting suggestive glances while lightly touching his arm. Ember, on the other hand, showed fierce determination, engaging the king in lively conversations about politics and kingdom matters.

I felt a tightening in my chest, fighting the urge to join them. But I knew I couldn't simply present myself, as it wasn't the right time yet. I had to wait for the selection to unfold and trust that my genuine actions and feelings would speak for themselves. I needed Eldric to see me beyond this selection process.

As I watched, I noticed Eldric's attentive gaze. For a moment, our eyes met, and I swore I saw a flicker of recognition in them, along with a half-smile. Could it be that he recognized me, even disguised as a candidate? The uncertainty only heightened my anxiety.

I decided to distance myself from that painful spectacle, cautiously retracing my steps and returning to the inner gardens of the palace. There, I hoped to find some peace and perhaps some time to organize my thoughts.

As I wandered through the shaded alleys, a familiar and gentle voice called out to me. It was Chant.

"Rachel, you seem worried. Can I do something to help?" Chant asked, with a concerned expression.

I sighed, knowing I could trust that loyal friend, and decided to share my anxieties. I described the tense and emotional moments I was going through during the selection and my agony in seeing Eldric getting involved with other women in the same way he did with me.

Chant listened attentively, and after a moment of reflection, she gently placed her hand on my shoulder. "I know it's not easy for you but have faith in yourself and what you share. The king is wise, and he will recognize the truth when the right time comes."

Chant's words brought some comfort to my heart. She knew I wasn't alone in this journey, and her friendship and support were invaluable. Now, more than ever, I was determined to show Eldric my true essence and earn my place beside him as the true queen he deserved.

I got ready for dinner and waited in the sitting room with the other suitors. Both were exultant, telling each other what they did after the garden stroll.

"He took me to see a secret place in the castle. Something that only he and the queen would know." I heard Ember say, and pretended not to hear, sitting in the armchair.

"He took me to the wine cellar. It was a bit damp and cold, and he hugged me so that I wouldn't tremble." Both looked at me, but I pretended not to notice. I couldn't engage in their game.

"What are you doing here, little one? By now, you should already be out of this competition." Freya said, disdainfully.

"Lucky for me that the king chooses whom to marry, not you." I replied, trying to hold back the hatred that was rising in my chest.

"Such a shame indeed. If it were up to me, both of you would already be far away from here, and I would be in his bed, doing whatever he asked of me."

"It seems like the castle rumors really define you." I couldn't hold back and spoke my mind at that moment.

Freya stood up and stood in front of me. To not be in a vulnerable position, I stood up and faced her as an equal.

"When I become the queen, I will order the execution of all servants with loose tongues so that they won't have time to talk about their masters' lives."

"If you were a respectable person, you wouldn't need to execute anyone." I saw her canines grow, and a growl came from the depths of her throat.

"Ladies?" Connor called our attention, and Freya made a face of displeasure, moving away from me. "The king has authorized your entrance."

I walked past him as Ember and Freya left ahead. Before entering the room, I heard his voice.

"Don't fall into their game, you have a good chance." I looked at him, and he pretended not to have said anything. "Thank you."

As I entered the room, I felt tension in the air. The other candidates' gazes fell upon me, filled with envy and hostility. However, I maintained a firm and confident posture, ignoring the venomous comments from Freya and Ember.

The dinner continued with polite conversation and forced smiles. Eldric seemed at ease, dividing his attention among the three candidates, while the present courtiers observed in silence, attentive to every move.

Throughout the dinner, the interactions between the candidates and the king continued, and I noticed that despite Freya and Ember using seductive tactics, Eldric maintained a certain distance, as if he sought something more than just superficial charms.

After dinner, everyone retired to the sitting room, where soft music filled the air. Eldric invited each of the candidates to dance. Despite being nervous, I accepted the invitation gracefully.

As I danced with the king, I felt a unique connection between us. Our gazes met frequently, and I realized that there was a mutual understanding forming, something beyond the words spoken in public.

"And how has your experience been in the selection, Miss Bass?" Eldric asked, with a gentle smile on his lips.

"I cannot say it's the best in the world, as the rivalry is getting fiercer, but you, Your Majesty, make it worthwhile." I smiled, seeing him laugh with amusement.

"I like to hear you speak from the heart and not just put on a scene for me and the entire castle to enjoy." He leaned closer and whispered in my ear. "I like your determination and effort to remain true to yourself." His beard lightly brushed against my face as he pulled away, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body.

The music began to end, and he stepped back, bowing and giving a kiss to my hand. I curtsied and returned to my seat.

Freya and Ember glared at me, and I sweetly smiled at them, showing that I still represented a threat to both and that, in the end, I would win the heart of that Alpha King.

The night extended longer than usual, and I went to bid farewell to the king when my eyes started to close.

"I'll accompany you to your room," the king said hastily.

"It's not necessary, Your Majesty." But in truth, I wanted that last contact with him.

"This is not a request, Miss Bass." I nodded and linked my arm with his. "Be right back, ladies." he said to the other two as we walked away.

We arrived at my door, and I stood facing him, waiting for his final words.

"Well, I guess that's it," I said, putting my hands behind my back to hide my nervousness.

"How would you like this night to end?" I bit my lip, and I saw his eyes watching my mouth.

"Would it be too unworthy if I said with a kiss?" I blushed at the words, but I was desperate for his touch.

His smile widened, satisfied, and he held the back of my neck, bringing me closer to him. I put my hand on his chest to support myself and felt his evaluation on my face.

"You are so beautiful." My chest rose and fell with anticipation of another kiss.

His lips touched mine slowly, testing their softness. With his tongue, he asked for permission to let our kiss explode like the last time.

Our tongues danced and explored each other. I heard his moans coming from the depths of his chest, inciting my inner wolf.

His left hand went down to my waist and gripped it firmly, while his lips descended to my neck and returned to my mouth.

"So delightful..." he whispered, and I felt my body temperature rise even more. His right hand went towards my leg and brought it to his hip. Eldric pressed against me without shame, and I felt his hard member, having to control myself not to moan in pleasure.

"Let me in, Rachel. Let me show you how I can give you pleasure..." he whispered in my ear as his fingers caressed my bare thigh.

"Make me your Luna, and I am yours." some reason still inhabited my body.

"Why is this important now? It's just the two of us. I promise that..."

"No," I pushed him away and tried to compose myself, "I won't be just another in your bed, Eldric. Not like the others." I smoothed my dress. "If you can't choose between the three of us, I think it's better for me to leave." he looked at me seriously, as if he could destroy me at any moment. "Goodnight." I entered the room quickly without waiting for any word from him.

I was at my limit and couldn't afford to continue that affair without the assurance of being his queen.