How come I got a playboy for a mate?

Chapter Three

Heather POV

Being stuck with these large men surrounding me as they walked me into the castle, I knew there was no escaping, and I was not sure how I would explain it to my dad either. He was so very angry and yet sad too. He always prided himself on having good children and I had gone and blown that in one silly moment, for me not doing my duty and coming to the castle and parading around like some prized mare, for one of the elites, to try and claim me as their mate, when they are just playboys who can any woman they wanted in the kingdom.

I was so not looking forward to this, but when they say I am not one of their mates, I can go back home with my head held high and tell them it was all a waste of time.

Entering the castle was a nightmare, people hanging around the gated entrance, looking at who was being brought in, and leering at me as I passed them by. Well, too bad for them. I am not interested in what they tell everyone. I am proud of who I am and will show them I am not afraid of a little gossip. But will Mum and Dad cope with the gossip? Have I really thought this through? Sorry Dad, Mum, I thought as I entered the large throne room, I was more saddened by how this would affect Mum and Dad. Thanks to me.

At the end of this huge room is a man and woman seated on an overly large chair, on a small stage that makes them seem to be seated above everyone else. There are chairs to the left and right with young men seated on them. I looked over to the man on the right of the older man and my eyes widened, as my wolf called out in my head 'Mate’. I cringed and almost cried right then and there. I did not want a playboy as my mate, and I was angry that the goddess had given me one.

How come I got a Playboy for a mate? I have been good and followed all the rules. I have not bedded every man who tried to get into my pants. Goddess, what did I do to deserve a playboy for a mate?

I looked back at the older couple and hoped no one would notice the exchange.

When I reached the bottom of the stage in front of the throne, I lowered myself down on my left knee and bowed my head low, my right hand over my heart, while I looked at the floor, I noticed that it could do with cleaning and polish. It seems this part of the floor gets lots of wear and the cleaner cannot keep up the shine for a day.

Strange things to notice while I wait for the old ones to speak. When I had waited long enough, I decided I must have to speak first, so I sighed softly and found the words that they may not be expecting to hear.

I spoke in the old tongue that I had taught myself, from some very old books in the library, when I was bored, and back then, I never really thought I would use it. I smirked to myself, as I thought I would use it now, and see if they knew what I was saying, maybe I would be lucky, and they wouldn’t have a clue, time to have a little fun, I thought as I remembered the words of greeting. I read the book.

‘Ished sint harlk bein sinta fgor bantig sog la. (Greetings my king and queen, may the goddess grant you bountiful blessings.) I speak in a sing-song voice, as the language is so pretty, and I thought it should be sung and not just spoken.

To my surprise, the king responded in kind.

‘Greetings to you, young Heather, may the goddess bless you too, it has been a very long time since I have heard the ancient language spoken so well and clearly, I had thought none of today’s youth would know or understand it.’ He spoke eloquently in the old tongue, and I was pleasantly surprised, at how nice it sounded when he spoke back in kind and I wanted him to continue speaking that way.

I looked up at the king and gave him a shy smile.

‘Come forward, I want a better look at you.’ the queen said. Waving her hand at me to come forward.

I rose from my kneeling position and approached the couple, head hung low to show respect, the way Dad taught me to do.

‘Show me your face, child.’ The queen demanded, and I instantly obeyed. A moment of fear flooded through me.

‘Very pretty, you have done well Mason, she will make you beautiful pups.’ My eyes widened at her comment and I looked over at the man that I now know as Mason and almost groaned out loud.

‘Your majesty, you have got this wrong, I do not wish to have a playboy as a mate.’ I blurted out, then thought of what I had just said and sucked in a breath, waiting for her response.

‘I agree with you child, having a playboy, as you call him, as a mate is not nice for a girl like yourself. You seem to have kept yourself pure, and learned the old ways, yet, the man who the goddess has given to you had not.’

‘Mum, what are you saying? That I cannot take her as my mate?’ the man, Mason asked the queen, flabbergasted.

‘Not at all, son, I think you will have to earn your mate.’ She almost growled back at him.

‘What do you mean mother?’ he retorts back, at her, almost at a yell.

‘You cannot just walk up to Heather and say you are my mate and drag her to your bedroom like some common w***e, no! You are going to have to woo her, earn her respect, and show her you will be faithful, though once mated it is hard not to be, but in the meantime, do you think you can do that?’ challenged the queen.

‘I could try if Heather would accept the challenge.’

‘Nope, not interested.’ I replied.

This answer made the room burst into laughter and Mason gave me a look of shock at the rebuttal.