Chapter 4: The Wedding of Convenience

The next evening, the Royal Cathedral overflowed with nobles from every pack in the kingdom. News of the Lycan King's marriage had spread like wildfire, drawing curious eyes from every corner of the realm.

Kira stood alone in a private chamber while maids adjusted the silver embroidery on her ivory wedding gown. Unlike other brides, she felt no excitement. This wasn't a love story. It was a contract signed for survival.

One elderly maid smiled gently as she fixed Kira's veil.

'You're beautiful, Your Majesty.'

Kira offered a small smile. 'I haven't earned that title yet.'

'Sometimes destiny chooses before people do,' the old woman replied.

Those words lingered in Kira's mind as the cathedral doors slowly opened.

Every conversation stopped.

Hundreds of nobles turned toward the entrance.

Kira walked down the long crimson aisle, her steps graceful despite the pounding of her heart. She kept her head high even as whispers spread across the crowd.

'That's the wolfless girl.'

'She'll never survive beside the Lycan King.'

'This marriage won't last.'

Kira ignored every word.

At the altar stood Derek Wolfe, dressed in a black ceremonial uniform trimmed with silver. His expression remained unreadable, giving nothing away.

As she reached him, their eyes met for only a second.

Neither smiled.

The High Priest stepped forward.

'Before the Moon Goddess and the united packs, we witness the sacred union of King Derek Wolfe and Lady Kira Blackthorn.'

The ceremony began.

Ancient vows echoed through the cathedral while sacred flames burned around the altar.

When the time came to exchange rings, Derek slid the silver band onto Kira's finger without hesitation.

His touch lasted barely a heartbeat.

Kira placed his ring just as formally.

No affection.

No warmth.

Only duty.

'Do you, Derek Wolfe, accept this woman as your lawful queen?'

'I do.'

'Do you, Kira Blackthorn, accept this man as your lawful husband?'

Kira inhaled quietly.

'I do.'

The priest raised both hands.

'By the authority granted to me beneath the Moon Goddess, I declare you husband and wife.'

Applause filled the cathedral.

Derek offered his arm.

Kira accepted it.

Together they walked through the cheering crowd, though the distance between their hearts remained immense.

Outside, thousands of citizens filled the palace square.

Flowers rained from balconies as the royal carriage rolled through the capital.

Many celebrated their new queen.

Others stared in confusion.

No one understood why the strongest king alive had chosen a woman who supposedly possessed no wolf.

Hours later, the celebrations finally ended.

Kira stood outside the doors of the royal bedchamber, her hands clasped tightly together.

A maid bowed respectfully.

'His Majesty is waiting.'

The heavy doors opened slowly.

Derek stood beside the fireplace, already changed into simple black clothes instead of royal robes.

He looked toward her.

'Relax,' he said calmly. 'Tonight, nothing will happen.'

Kira blinked in surprise.

'Our marriage is real,' Derek continued, 'but I don't intend to force anything. Trust cannot be built through fear.'

For the first time since arriving at the palace, Kira felt some of the tension leave her shoulders.

'Thank you,' she whispered.

Derek simply nodded.

'Get some rest, Queen Kira. Tomorrow, your real life begins.'