Elias.
Being King meant my life was one endless cycle of meetings, decisions, and responsibilities. Power was a heavy crown, and I wore it with the pride expected of me, though some days, the weight seemed almost unbearable. Today was one of those days.
The Ashfords had pleaded with me, to come to their estate on the outskirts of Edenridge, a village that rarely warranted my attention.
But Vincent, one of my most trusted advisors, insisted this meeting was important enough to pull me away from the capital.
The Ashfords were hosting the three most prominent families in the village, and I needed to be there. Something about land disputes, trade, and local security—issues that should have been easily resolved without my involvement.
But I agreed, as I always did when Vincent pressed me. After our initial meeting in the village, we rode together to the Ashford estate. The manor loomed ahead, a grand structure that spoke of wealth and influence. I tried to focus on the task at hand, but something else pulled at my attention—a feeling I couldn't quite shake.
For days now, my wolf had been restless, pacing within me, as if waiting for something. As we approached the estate, that feeling only grew stronger, clawing at the edges of my mind. I forced myself to push it aside.
"Your Majesty," Vincent said as we dismounted, his tone serious.
"The Ashfords have gathered the three influential families of Edenridge for this discussion. The issues at hand are delicate, but with your presence, I'm sure we can reach a resolution."
I nodded, my face impassive. "Lead the way."
Inside, the estate was as opulent as I expected. Servants moved with practiced grace, and the air was thick with the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers. But beneath it all, something else tugged at me—a scent that made my wolf stir, something wild and intoxicating that I couldn't ignore.
As we entered the main hall, I forced my focus back on the matter at hand. Lord Ashford, along with the heads of the Caldwell and McCarthy families, awaited us. The discussions began almost immediately, and I did what I always did—listened, assessed, and directed the conversation.
Yet, despite my best efforts, I couldn't fully concentrate. The scent was stronger now, wrapping around me, distracting me at every turn.
It was a mix of wildflowers and something else—something that called to my wolf in a way I had never experienced before.
The longer I stayed in that room, the harder it became to ignore. My wolf growled, impatient and insistent.
I shifted in my seat, trying to mask my discomfort. Lord Ashford glanced at me, concern etched on his face. "Is something wrong, Your Majesty?"
"No," I replied, too quickly. "Continue."
But I could hardly hear his words. My senses were locked onto that scent, and it was driving me mad.
By the time the meeting drew to a close, I could barely contain the urge to find its source. As soon as the others began to disperse, I rose from my seat, my eyes scanning the room for a way out.
There—a door leading to the gardens. The scent was strongest there.
Without a word to Vincent or the others, I made my way toward it, my steps quick and purposeful.
Vincent followed closely, his concern evident. "Your Majesty, where are you going?"
"I need to investigate something," I said, my voice clipped.
The door opened to the cool evening air, and the scent hit me full force. My wolf howled in my mind, urging me forward. I followed the trail through the gardens, my heart racing with anticipation.
Then I saw her.
She stood in a small courtyard, her back to me, tending to a cluster of roses.
Her dark hair fell in soft waves down her back, and even from this distance, I could see the grace in her movements. But it wasn't her beauty that captivated me—it was the bond, the undeniable connection that slammed into me the moment I laid eyes on her.
Mate.....
The word echoed in my mind, raw and powerful.
She turned slowly, her eyes widening as she saw me. The world around us seemed to fade, leaving only the two of us. Her gaze locked with mine, and I felt something shift deep within me. My wolf stilled, no longer restless, but watching her intently.
"Who is she?" I asked Vincent, my voice barely above a whisper.
He hesitated before answering, his voice careful. "I do not know your majesty, but I can ask the servants and find out".
Vincent left to inquire about her identity, and I just stood there trying everything in my power to resist the urge to go to her.
It felt like hours, but in reality it hadn't been five minutes he left.
Finally he returned and he looked a bit apprehensive. "Her name is Aurora Ashford, Your Majesty. The daughter of Lord Ashford. She… lost a child some years ago. Since then, she's lived a quiet life here, mostly keeping to herself."
Aurora....
The name settled in my mind as if it had always been there.
"A child? She was married?.
"No your majesty she wasn't. That's the thing. She got pregnant out of wedlock, was quiet a blow to the Ashford name".
"The rumors about her, is not kind". Vincent said.
I should have walked away, should have returned to my duties, but I couldn't. My wolf wouldn't let me.
Aurora stared at me, confusion evident in her eyes.
"Who are you?". She asked, her voice so melodious it stirred my Wolf to howl louder in my mind.
" He's the king" Vincent answered her.
"Your Majesty," she said softly, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Is there something you need?"
I took a step closer, drawn to her in a way that defied all logic. "Fate," I said, the word slipping from my lips before I could stop it. "I believe fate has brought me here."
She frowned slightly, her gaze searching mine for answers. There was strength in her eyes, a quiet resilience that both intrigued and humbled me. Yet, I could see the pain beneath it—the sorrow she carried like a shadow.
This moment—this woman—would change everything. I could feel it in my bones, in the way my wolf growled possessively. She was mine. My mate. And now that I had found her, there was no turning back.
....Mine...
The word reverberated through me, solidifying the truth I could no longer deny.
I had found her.