Page 27 of The Unwanted Mate of the Lycan Kings
“Do as I ask.I won’t be questioned.She won the maze, she gets to choose her prize, and if that is freedom, so be it.”Malachi’s eyes flick to me, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows.He quickly bows to the king.
“Ten minutes, make sure it is done!”the king orders as he turns.
“Yes, My King.”Malachi rushes off just as Shelley returns to the dining hall.She nervously hands the crystal glass full of ice water to the king.He takes it and motions toward the table.
“Are you hungry?”I shake my head.I was starving before, yet after seeing Malachi’s nervousness and the way he ran from the room.My appetite is suddenly gone.
“Shelley, go to my safe, fetch a bag of gold, and prepare a bag for Zirah here.Tell my sons they can enter,” the king says, and her eyes move between me and the king.She bows her head and quickly rushes off, and as I turn to the king, the doors fly open.Regan, Lyon, and Zeke saunter into the room and retake their seats.
“So, are we allowed to have any input about this?”King Regan asks.The king shakes his head.Reaching for some grapes.He pops two red grapes between his lips and chews slowly, watching me.Butterflies swarm in my stomach nervously under the intensity of his gaze.Something is off.My intuition tingles violently, and I don’t like the way he watches me.
“No, Zirah here refuses to marry any of you and has asked for her freedom.Since I am obligated to grant her a prize, I shall freeher,” the king tells his sons.I glance at them, and King Regan smiles and folds his arms across his chest while leaning back in his chair.However, Zeke leans forward.
“Fine, but she can’t leave with my wolf.”
My eyes flick down to Hunter sitting at my feet.“I’ll ensure she gives him back.We leave in ten minutes, so if you’re hungry, eat.We’ll be going on foot,” the king says.The three kings glance at each other, looking confused, but they don’t argue with their father.I pick at my food, mainly feeding it to Hunter while Zeke glares daggers.
When Shelley returns with a leather pouch in her hand and a backpack over one shoulder, the king rises from his chair, signaling the end of the meal.
“One condition, then you’re free to leave,” the king says.My brows scrunch, and the three kings look at me in question.
“What is this condition?”King Lyon asks.
“You’ll see when we arrive.Malachi is organizing it,” the king states, his eyes straight ahead.He walks toward the huge double doors and stops.Shelley rushes to fit his cape to his shoulders and hand him a huge golden staff.The three brothers whisper among themselves as I rise from my seat.
“Follow Zirah.You have a choice to make, then you’re free to leave.So hurry along, dear.I have not got all night,” the king says.I pat my leg, and Hunter follows me.When I approach the king, he offers me his arm.My eyes move to Shelley, and she inclines her head, telling me to do as he asks.
Slipping my arm through his, I walk alongside the king.As we pass through the castle, I find it is deadly silent.Guards watch us as the king leads me out the grand front doors and down some steps.He then leads me down a narrow cobble path through the gardens toward the tall, pointed fences.
As we approach the guards, they open the enormous iron gates that are wrapped in vines with blooming pink flower buds.
“Where are you taking us, Father?I must leave soon,” King Regan questions.
“I told you, leaving is out of the question.Now be quiet, son,” the king growls.We walk for another five minutes along a private pathwhen I hear hushed voices.Then the sounds of sobs and pleas reach my ears.
Looking toward Shelley, she has her head hung, and I can see she is trying to hide her tears.I swallow, wondering what it is that upset her.I am not left wondering for long when I am led through giant sandstone pillars onto a stage in what appears to be a massive town square.
Guards line the streets, and people are crying and begging.The king lets go of my arm and raises his hand in the air.The moment the people notice him, they drop to one knee, heads bowed.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why you’ve been called upon today.”The king’s voice booms out loudly.When I look at the crowd, I realize the guards have barricaded the streets, trying to stop people from getting near the stage.Looking down, I find all those kneeling before the stage are women.
“As you all heard last night, the maze trials were won for the first time in thirty years.However...”The king motions toward me, waving me closer.Malachi nudges me when I don’t move.
I stagger closer, and the king offers me his hand with a stern look of warning.I take his hand, and he tugs me closer.
“Your winner, Zirah, has refused her prize and asked for her freedom.”The crowd lifts their heads, all looking at me with curiosity.
“Now I am sure you are wondering what prize she turned down.”Following his silence, murmurs break out, and my heart races in my chest.
“As you all know, I am trying to choose my successor, and all three of my sons are eligible to claim the High Kingdom’s throne.The prize she turned down was a marriage.Now, since she asked for her freedom, I am obligated to give it.”The crowd’s murmurs grow louder, and the king raises his hand and stamps his golden staff on the stage, making them fall quiet.
“I have granted Zirah her freedom, on one condition, which is why I have had your partners and daughters gathered here.”The king speaks clearly, and I see the three kings step forward, casting confused glances at their father.
“That condition is, Zirah must choose twenty women tosurvive The Maze Games in exchange for her freedom.”My heart nearly leaps out of my chest as I take in the sea of faces watching me.The women wail, and parents and men fight to get past the guards.The king smiles and turns to me, yet the unruly crowd grows angrier.After a few minutes, the king grows tired and growls, making the town square fall silent.
“Malachi, take Zirah down to pick her twenty contestants.”King Theron orders, and Malachi climbs a few steps toward me and offers me his hand.
“Oh, and Shelley dear, hand Zirah her bag and the gold.”Shelley steps forward with tears in her eyes, and I shake my head, not wanting his blood money.
