THE ELVEN PRINCESS

Princess Seraphine Alianna stood by her balcony's window. Her mind in turmoil as to the conversation she had with her father at the council chamber earlier resurfaced.

"My daughter." King Cassian called out in his usual tone.

They way he called her made her know that her father was serious.

"Our alliance with Lupenwald is crucial. You are to marry the Alpha prince Leander Valcrest."

Those words rang in Seraphine's ears surprising her.

She had heard stories of Lupenwald especially of the so called prince Leander Valcrest. He was a monster so to speak. Everyone was afraid of him even his own people.

His cold and domineering ways were second to none. His packs reputation was not so good. Besides, she was an elf. Why would her father want her to marry a barbarian?

"Father." Seraphine called out finally finding her voice for the first time that evening after bowing to him.

"Do you not see how unusual this union is? And not to mention where the people of Lupenwald are from. How cruel werewolves can be. Especially their prince he is know to be something so unusual, what guarantee do you have that if I marry him he would honor the union. And be happy to have me by his side as a wife?"

The king's glare made Seraphine slightly frightened.

"Seraphine, this isn't about personal safety this is about the survival of our kingdom. You are my daughter my dear, you have a responsibility to the people of Eldenwryn. The Alpha King was also in support of this union. It has to happen for the sakes of our people as well as our future."

Deep down, Seraphine wanted to protest but with all of her father councilors seated around her she knew they had all decided her future and there was nothing changing it.

~ Meanwhile, in Lupenwald ~

Leander walked into his father's throne room. His eyes met with his father's and he bow slightly.

Leander wasn't one who valued formalities that much.

"I called you for something very important." Alpha King Declan said calmly.

"What is it father?" Leander asked expressionlessly.

"You are to marry princess Seraphine Wesley of Eldenwryn."

Leander's amber eyes stared intently at his father.

"An elf? Father is this a joke?" He asked.

"A joke?" Declan asked a bit confused.

"Yes, is it?" Leander asked.

"This is no joke Leander you are to marry princess Seraphine Wesley." Declan said sternly.

Leander scoffed at his father's words.

"Father, this so called elven princess like you call her, doesn't know a thing about our ways. And to top it, she is not my mate. How could you agree to this union?" Leander asked his anger evident in his tone.

His father took a deep breath. He didn't want to lose his patience with his son. Besides he really needs this alliance.

"She will learn. We need this alliance with Eldenwryn. Besides the council has approved of it and so has princess Seraphine's father. You are to marry her. As a matter of fact you leave within the week. As to finding your mate... That is somehow in the past. As most people just follow their hearts or the instructions given to them. And they've lead good lives. Princess Seraphine will learn to be a part of us. Your job is to marry her, and give birth to a son that would carry our name."

Leander's wolf stirred within him. Somehow he knew this was how the future would be. He thought maybe they would form an alliance with another werewolf pack. And therefore making another pack's princess his wife.

But this was beyond surprising. How could he possibly marry a princess from an elf Kingdom. They were known to be fragile, Magical creatures.

While his world was a totally different one. They were wolves and having a weak woman by his side wouldn't that only make him look weak?

Leander walked out of the throne room with his head spinning in different directions.

~ Back In Eldenwryn ~

Seraphine knelt at her mother's feet. She was the only one she knew who could help her convince her father that this was a mistake.

"Mother, please I need you to convince father, please tell him that this is a huge mistake. That I can't marry prince Leander. Mother, am sure you have also heard of the rumors surrounding prince Leander right?" Seraphine asked.

Queen Rosaline sighed seeing her daughter heartbroken with the news.

"Your father believes this is the best way to save our people." She said trying not to sound pitiful.

"But mom, please convince him, nonetheless. He listens to you."

"Your father is a stubborn man, and not to mention he is the King. But I'll try my best. But don't expect it to be a success. I don't want your heart broken at the end of the day." Rosaline said.

"Okay mother." Seraphine nodded a bit of hope in her heart.

Later that evening Queen Rosaline walked into the king's study.

She saw her husband buried in his papers, that she didn't know if this was the best time to talk about their daughter or not.

"Your majesty." She bowed slightly walking towards him.

King Cassian smiled slightly with a nod asking his wife to approach.

Queen Rosaline gave off her best smile.

"Is there something you want Rosaline?" King Cassian asked knowing his wife too well.

"Come on not with that straight face." Rosaline said.

"I know you and there's something you want, isn't there?" He asked.

"Nothing much but... It's about Seraphine, are you sure about this alliance? I mean, she is worried about marrying a barbarian."

"Queen Rosaline, you of all people should know why I made this tough decision." King Cassian said.

"This isn't about your daughters feelings." He added.

"But it's like we're selling her off to some..." Queen Rosaline was about to say when he cut her.

"The Valcrest's are close allies and working with them would indeed protect us. I know you believe we have mages that could protect us, but how long will that hold out a brutal enemy? An enemy who doesn't care that his opponent needs to regain themselves?"

"Please Rosaline, not on your daughter's behalf. My decision is final." King Cassian said sternly.

"That's right, she is our daughter not a tool a person."

"Do you think I take pleasure in this? I am King. And she is a princess. She is born to perform her sacred duties. Just like you were."

Rosaline took a deep breath. She didn't want to argue because her husband's stern face had said it all. Seraphine had no choice but to marry Leander.

Queen Rosaline returned to Seraphine's room her face already bore the news Seraphine dreaded.

Tears slowly flowed down her eyes but at the same time a part of her felt rebellious.

Princess Seraphine stood by her window the next day, the choice she was asked to make was like a torn to her flesh.

And worse she had a secret, a secret that clawed at her that made her choice to marry the prince even more dangerous than she cared to admit.

She had magic, although everyone from her kingdom depends on magical stones to use magic, princess Seraphine Alianna was different.

She had her own magic, and this would be found unusual. Even by the royal household.

And so her power was only known to her mother, and someone she called her confidante and friend.

Seraphine looked deep into the forest her mind wondering off to what it would be like to live far away from the palace.

She turned to her wardrobe and picked a cloak from it a smile on her face.

When she was still contemplating on what to do she heard a knock on the door.

She immediately shoved the cloak back into her wardrobe and took a deep breath bef