Chapter 3: The Contract

The Blackwood estate stood beneath a sky heavy with storm clouds. Kira followed the servant through endless stone corridors, every step reminding her that she no longer belonged to the Blackthorn family. She was nothing more than a bargaining chip delivered to the Lycan King.

The servant stopped before two enormous oak doors. 'His Majesty is waiting.'

Kira inhaled slowly before pushing the doors open.

The study was massive. Shelves filled with ancient books reached the ceiling, while a blazing fireplace warmed the room. Behind a broad mahogany desk stood Derek Wolfe, the Lycan King.

He didn't greet her. His silver eyes lifted briefly before returning to the stack of documents in front of him.

'Sit.'

She obeyed without a word.

Several long moments passed before he finally spoke again.

'Your father accepted every condition without negotiation. That tells me he was eager to be rid of you.'

Kira lowered her gaze. 'That isn't surprising.'

Derek studied her expression carefully. He had expected anger or tears. Instead, she sounded completely numb.

'Do you know why you're here?'

'To produce an heir.'

The blunt answer surprised him.

'Good. At least neither of us is pretending this marriage is anything else.'

He slid a thick document across the desk.

'Read it.'

Kira opened the contract.

The first page listed the terms of their marriage. She would remain queen until an heir was born. She would receive protection, education, and freedom within the palace grounds. In return, she would never interfere in political matters.

The final clause caught her attention.

'After the birth of the heir, both parties may dissolve the marriage by mutual agreement.'

She looked up.

'You'll let me leave?'

'If you wish.'

'Most kings wouldn't.'

'Most kings aren't me.'

Silence stretched between them.

Kira picked up the pen resting beside the contract.

'You're not even going to negotiate?' Derek asked.

'Would it matter?'

'Perhaps.'

'No one has ever negotiated with me before.'

Without another word, she signed her name.

Derek watched the elegant handwriting appear across the page.

Something about her calm acceptance unsettled him more than resistance ever could.

'The wedding takes place tomorrow at sunset,' he said.

'Tomorrow?'

'The kingdom has already been informed.'

'I understand.'

She stood to leave.

'One more thing,' Derek said.

She paused.

'An assassination attempt was made against me three nights ago. Until the culprit is found, you will remain under guard at all times.'

'Do you think I'm involved?'

'I trust no one.'

His answer was immediate.

Kira nodded once before walking toward the door.

As she reached the hallway, Derek spoke again.

'Kira.'

She turned.

'Don't mistake my honesty for cruelty.'

A faint smile touched her lips for the first time.

'I won't. Cruelty looks very different.'

Then she disappeared beyond the doorway.

Derek remained standing beside the desk.

Her final words echoed through the silent study.

For reasons he couldn't explain, they lingered far longer than they should have.