Chapter 3 Untitled Chapter
Chapter Three
Things moved pretty fast, once Rina agreed.
Before the sun rose the next day, the news had spread all over the kingdom that there was to be a Luna challenges. Female Warriors from all over the four kingdoms came to participate in the contest. But only seven would be chosen using a secret system that only the king knew.
Days later, the alpha king ordered everyone to the town square. The seven female warriors that would fight against Rina had been chosen.
“These seven are the strongest and smartest women from all four kingdoms.” The announcer’s voice echoed from the stage.
“First, we have the crown princess of Smryia!”
The she-wolf that appeared was huge with bulging muscles and an intimidating face. As the crowd cheered, she showcased her incredible skill with her broad sword, which she used when in human form.
She made excellent moves with it, that even the most accomplished men would have problems doing, with practiced ease.
Rina watched hopelessly as one by one, all the females she would have to defeat appeared. They were all powerful and highly skilled. How would she ever win against them?
“And last but certainly not the least,” the announcer continued with a flourish, “we have the beautiful and benevolent, our very own lady Junii!”
When she appeared, the crowd roared in applause. There was no one there who hadn’t heard of the beautiful Lady Junii. Hair as black as midnight, with the palest skin and ruby red lips, she was the epitome of beauty.
As all seven of them lined up on the stage, suddenly lady Junii’s eyes lifted and met Rina’s. Her black eyes held malice and slowly, her red lips curled in a feline smile. She was making it very clear that she was definitely not a friend of Rina.
Silently, Rina left the hall. She couldn’t stomach being there anymore.
For the first time, the reality of what she was about to face slammed into her like a storm. How was she an omega supposed to compete with these accomplished women?
As she walked, going to her assigned room in the palace to wallow in her misery, she bumped into a lone figure, leaning by the door.
“Sorry.” She said at once, before looking up to see that it was Cain, Lyon’s best friend, who would become the next Royal Beta when Lyon finally became Alpha king.
“Come with me,” he grumbled before turning and walking off.
Had he been waiting for her?
Startled, she did as he said and followed him through the palace passageways until they stopped in front of a small, hidden door.
“Where are we going?” Rina asked, nervous.
The beta slid her a glance, telling her without a word spoken that she should only speak, when spoken to. She lowered her eyes.
“This door leads to the royal gardens,” he told her. “When you get there, wait. The alpha prince will meet you there.”
“The prince wants to see me?” Rina couldn’t help asking. After that fateful, she hadn’t gotten the chance to have a private conversation with him.
“Isn’t that what I just said?” He shook his head, muttering, “why the fuck am I always left with the dirty work?”
Swearing under his breath, he left Rina to her fate.
Slowly, Rina pushed the door and stepped into the palace gardens for the first time.
Her eyes adjusted to the dark and she could make out the outline of the body of the Alpha prince as he stood staring into the still waters of the pond.
He turned to face her when he heard her appear.
The sight of him under the moonlight, took her breath away. Even until now, she found it hard to believe that the handsome prince who every lady would kill to have was her mate. Her true mate.
“Y-you wanted to see me, my prince?” Rina stammered, suddenly trembling under his dark gaze. She had a feeling he was angry with her for agreeing to the Luna challenges.
“Did you know that your first match is in seven days?”
Rina gasped in dismay. “What? So soon? But I-I’m not ready yet!”
“Why?! Why did you agree to it?” The prince ran a hand through his hair in agitation. “Make me understand why you would willingly put your life in danger like that.”
His harsh voice made Rina blink back tears. “I-I just wanted peace. If I hadn’t agreed, your father would’ve been angry with you.” She answered, her voice small.
“You didn’t want my father to be angry with me? That’s why you agreed?” Lyon’s voice was marveled.
He stepped forward and cupped her cheeks, so she could look him in the eye. “You shouldn’t have put your life in danger because of me. I would’ve been fine. But you, on the other hand, now have one of the biggest challenges you’ll ever face in your life. Do you want to back out?”
Rina swallowed, his scent was making her heady. “No.”
“No one’s going to judge you, if you do, Rina-”
“No,” Rina repeated, stepping back from him. She didn’t know why but she had a feeling that this was the path she was meant to take. To gain the respect of the masses or die trying.
“Instead of trying to change my mind, why don’t you teach me to fight instead?”
Lyon narrowed his eyes. “Is that what you really want? For me to teach you how to fight?”
“Yes.” Rina’s tone was stubborn. “Teach me how to win this.”
The prince stepped back, suddenly looking at Rina with new eyes. What he saw there made his lips curve in a slow grin.
“Very well. Your wish is my command. Tomorrow, I expect to see you at the training grounds by 7 am sharp. Got it?”
Rina nodded but at the back of her mind, she wondered what she’d let herself in for.
