Rieka watched in horror as the two wolves danced around one another in a storm of fur and teeth. They moved so fast that she could barely keep up with them. Each time it seemed that one of the wolves was going to be bit, it miraculously moved away in time. As she watched the frenzy, Rieka found herself silently cheering for the black wolf.
The Udolf is what the golden robed man had called them. Their king. Though he was bigger than the dark grey wolf, there had been something in his silver eyes that felt almost kind and safe. He hadn't looked at her as if she were a piece of meat the way the grey wolf had. Whatever happened, she knew she wouldn't go with the dark grey wolf. She'd rather die.
They fought for what felt like hours, but couldn't have been more than a few minutes. Just watching them duck and weave between each other was exhausting. Surely one of them would grow tired soon and end the madness? Just as the thought crossed her mind, the dark grey wolf let out a ferocious yelp and was tossed aside by the black wolf, blood dripping down his shoulder. He tried to force himself back onto his feet, but fell under his own weight. He glared hatefully at the black wolf, but bent his head in defeat. It was over.
The black wolf walked across the field toward Rieka, his eyes never leaving hers. Just before he reached the dais, he shifted to his human form and she gasped. He was taller than any man she'd seen before, his skin a perfect olive color. His shoulders were broad and built, his abs firm and hard as if had been carved in Ostrythe's image. His ebony black hair hung just above his shoulders and his bangs curtained those mystical silver eyes perfectly. Despite all this, her eyes were drawn to the almost smile on his full lips. She'd never thought lips could be perfect until she'd seen his.
"Congratulations, My Lord Marrok of House Liekos, our Glorious Udolf," the golden robed man continued without skipping a beat, "for winning the hand of Faemne Rieka!"
The man reached down to grab her red ribbon, his fingers lightly brushing hers as he trailed down to the end of the ribbon. Then he bowed down and kissed the end of the ribbon, his eyes never leaving hers as he did so. Rieka blushed as he did so. Despite doing nothing more than lightly touching her, there was something about the kiss that felt almost sensual.
"I pledge to protect you with my life, Faemne Rieka," Marrok said, his voice deep and rich. "In the hope that our union might birth a son to continue my lineage."
Rieka gaped at him, stunned. 'Did he just say---' she thought, her mind and heart racing at his words. She was supposed to give him a son?! A child?! She looked to Ivy and Elaine for help, but saw that the men in front of them were saying the same thing as they bowed before them. Ivy looked as if she didn't know whether she should cry or faint. Elaine still had her forced smile on her face, but Rieka caught the slight frown at the corners of her lips. This wasn't what they were expecting.
Not at all.
The golden robed man then walked over to Marrok and Rieka and tied the red ribbon that Marrock held around his wrist. Then the golden robed man turned to Rieka and motioned for her to take one of the flowers from her hair. She did as she was expected and held the white rose in her hand, twirling the stem between her fingers.
"Do you, Faemne Rieka, offer yourself completely to Udolf Marrok?" the golden robed man asked, looking at her expectantly.
She looked from him to the man called Marrok. Did she even have a choice? He was their Udolf, their king. If she dared refuse him, he could have her killed. She wouldn't let that happen. She'd come too far to end it all now. Besides, Marrok had saved her from the terrifying dark grey wolf. Anything was better than being paired with that terrifying creature.
Taking a deep breath, Rieka breathed the word, "Yes," and handed the rose to Marrok. He took the rose and breathed in its scent; her scent. Then the golden haired man brought over a pillow where three golden necklaces rested. Hanging at the end of each necklace was a large canine tooth. Marrok grabbed the largest one and raised it above her head. Very carefully, he placed the necklace around her neck, the tooth lightly brushing against the hollow of her throat.
"With this, you are pair bonded!" the golden man cried as the stadium erupted in cheers. "Congratulations, My Lord," he whispered before moving on to repeat the same process with Elaine and Ivy. Rieka only looked over one last time before she was whisked away in the arms of Marrok. She threw her arms around his neck as he raced out of the stadium towards the larger building behind it.
'His palace.' Rieka realized. Before long they reached an entrance where dozens of men and women lined up on each side. "Welcome Faemne Rieka," they all chimed in unison as Marrok walked into the palace. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen before. Ceilings that went higher than seemed possible rose around her as they walked down gleaming white halls. It was immaculate.
Marrok took her down what seemed like endless hallways before finally reaching a beautiful white room filled with beautiful red and green furniture. At the center of the room was an enormous bed covered with fine white furs. Marrok set her down on the bed and she couldn't help but move her hands across the smooth surface of the fur blankets. It was softer than anything she'd been given before in her life. She would have laughed if not for the man staring at her greedily.
Rieka licked her dry lips and managed to say, "What's going on?"
"Didn't you hear the Elder Vicar?" Marrok asked with a smile. "We're pair bonded." Before she could say anything, Marrok leaned forward and kissed deeply, his mouth hungrily exploring hers. He broke the kiss and whispered in her ear, "You finally belong to me."