“Yep. Just a heavy ballgown and heels makes it hard to keep up.” I answer, glaring down at my gown. He chuckles, striding back towards me and scooping me into his arms.

“What are you doing!” I squeal, quickly wrapping my arms around his neck so that I do not fall.

“Taking you to the ball room. If we are late, your father will kill me and punish you.” He chuckles. The way to the ball becomes much quicker as Matrix comfortably caries me through the corridors in peaceful silence. There are no words to say between us as the hope we both felt wanting to be each other’s mates is diminished without mercy. His pine and fresh water scent wraps around me, comforting me while also fueling my disappointment.

Why couldn’t the Moon Goddess pair us together? Matrix is Alpha blooded, so he would have made a great Alpha King.

Keeping my thoughts to myself, I close my eyes to settle my emotions. I can’t let my father or anyone else see my turmoil and deem me hysterical and weak in front of the guests. As we grow closer to the double doors closed with thebarest sounds of music coming forward, I open my eyes and find myself being gently placed on my feet moments before King Alexander comes into view, his own entourage including his Beta, Mikael, and the future Beta, Narin.

Curtsying to my father, I catch a whiff of something delectable, peppermint and chocolate, and know at once my mate is near. If it’s not Matrix, then they are in attendance tonight.

“Silver as always, I see.” King Alexander states with dissatisfaction, his hatred towards me evident in his eyes. He hates that only I inherited the immunity of silver, while he cannot touch it without burning his skin. I keep my face a mask of calm, not wanting to cause a commotion today with what awaits me later.

Silver is the kryptonite of wolves, a metal used to kill us during the witch hunts for many years and is still used to this day by Hunters. After my mother watched in horror the night I found the moonstone necklace in the middle of a moonflower meadow and placed the silver chain around my neck, she realized that the metal did not harm me like it did other wolves.

Right away everything from my jewelry to the metal embellishments on my doors were changed to pure silver, as a way to keep me safe and out of harm’s way. A silver dagger was then gifted to me and I was enrolled into self-defence training as soon as possible.

“Father, silver is a way to protect me. As the only heir our bloodline will end if something happens to me, and the Goddess’ line will take over as the next royals.” I remind him, watching his jaw clench with irritation. The thought of our bloodline being replaced by distant relatives infuriates him more than the thought of me wearing silver.

His irritation amuses me as he and I take the lead instanding before the doors. Matrix is behind me, his presence bringing me peace with having to deal with my father and the consequences of what will come after my shift. I pray to my ancestors and the Moon Goddesses that tonight will go smooth as the doors open.

“Presenting his Majesty King Alexander Theon Thorn, and Her Highness Princess Crystalline Evangeline Thorn.”

?Chapter 6-Princess Rogue?

Walking into the ballroom with my father slightly ahead, I scan the crowd of fancily dressed dignitaries from around the globe. Werewolves stare back at us, bowing or curtsying to us, their King and Princess, and I internally roll my eyes. Sadly, today their respect for me will be gone. A runt that rules the werewolf world is not the ideal future ruler.

My eyes scan the room until I find who I am looking for, Geminie Starlight, my distant cousin and next heir to the throne, with her mate Ariven and daughter Destiny. Walking down the elegant steps, I make my way to where she stands as a light catches the necklace she is wearing: a snowflake-shaped moonstone. Her prism-coloured hair shifting colours as she moves and her moon-white eyes with a slightly grey pupil are the opposite of my white hair and prismatic eyes. Smiling, the future Goddess nuzzles her cheek against mine.

“A pleasure to finally meet you, Cousin.” I speak first, pulling away to address the strong she-wolf before me.

“The pleasure is mine, Cousin.” She smiles mischievously at me before turning to wink at Amberle who stands beside her own mate and twin daughters. The fiery red-headed wolf is holding onto an equally red-headed pup in her arms while her mate, Alpha Dominic, is guarding her protectively. Her words seem to hold some meaning between the two, and instinct tells me to trust the alpha wolves.

Catching my father’s look of irritation, I decide to focus on the ceremony first, and later I can speak to the two she-wolves. Stepping back, I turn to the wolves in attendance and plaster on the well-practiced smile. It’s show time, and I need to play the part of the perfect daughter in order to not angermy father.

"Welcome dignified guests, to the Alliance Ball.” I state, bowing my head to the Alphas, Lunas and high-ranking wolves that have gathered here today.

“Today we welcome my cousin, Goddess Geminie and Alpha of Silver Crystal Crescent to the Royal Pack in hopes of the two packs forming and Alliance.” Continuing, I once more turn to my cousin, my dress fanning out in a display of elegance, the fabric hanging to the curves of my body that seem to gain the approval of the unmated males in the room. I am nothing but a show for them, placed on display by my father.

“As such, I would like to invite Alpha Geminie to the moon dais to shift and howl as one before the Alliance Oath is uttered.” Holding out my hand to the powerful she-wolf, I wait patiently for her to take it. She smiles at me, her delicate hand adorned in silver rings like my own is pressed to my skin.

“I see you are not the only one immune to silver,” She chuckles and I smile back in amusement.

“It’s a trait in the royal family I suppose. But we do have one exception.” I retort smiling, looking back towards Matrix who sends me an encouraging smile.

“Your mate?” Geminie asks, looking between Matrix and me.

“No, my best friend. He can touch silver as well. No one knows why.” I answer, turning back to look at my cousin.

“I can tell you why. His blood holds a hint of royal in it. I would say he is part of a bastard line.” Shocked, I look back to Matrix trying to find any trace of the royal power in him, but I find nothing. I will have to look into it further when I have the time, but for not I have a ceremony to finish.

With our conversation done, we walk towards the dais,hand in hand until we are stopped by two maids. A robe of pure silver is draped onto our shoulders while the two maids wear protective gear and help us to undo the corseted dresses we wore today. Once free from our dresses and heels, the two of us make our way to the center of the moon dais.

[Matrix?] I call out nervously through our link waiting for the que to shift from the woman across from me.

[Here, Crystalline. The moment things go wrong I will be there to whisk you away. I asked Hanna to pack a few bags with clothes and cash for us if things go south. Yes, this includes your bear fur blanket.] He reassures me, his deep voice calming my nerves. Looking to Geminie, I see her smile at me as she gives a small nod, the signal to shift. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and allow the fear and nerves to melt away.

What ever happens tonight is destined my Goddess Morai. I just have to accept whatever fate I have coming to me. The sounds of bones breaking and merging into the shape of my wolf and my hair recedes as fur takes its place. Finally, under the silver cloak, I stand tall and proud, looking at the future Moon Goddess staring at me in surprise as her wolf towers over me by at least a foot and a half.