His beloved witch

Chapter 48: Now, what?

-Marcela-

"Mother!"

I must kiss Andre, let him mark me, have s*x with him while he thinks I am his mate.

According to the instructions, I should drink the potion, undress before Andre, and never speak during the act, or the enchantment will break.

"It is disgusting!"

And if Andre doesn't take the bait, then I... Oh, Goddess!

Besides, Andre does not mean ill towards anyone with his reform. He could have done it better, but he is not wrong.

"I can't do it, mother.” I gave her back the box. It made me feel sick to my stomach.

“This is your chance, Marce. My cousin said it would happen tonight.” She told me, giving me the box.

“What?”

“Yes, dear. Everything happens tonight.

This party is the perfect opportunity, Marce. We paid someone in the palace to tell you when Andre was alone." She sounded hopeful.

I couldn't believe it. My father and even my brother want me to do this. I almost vomited.

My mother left me with the box and a new dress. They didn't want me to wear something different.

I placed the items on my bed and then looked at the jewels Blanche gave me.

The dress I planned to wear was in my closet. It wasn't slutty; it made me feel sexy. I truly liked it.

When I heard noises, I quickly hid the box under my bed.

It was Olena. She went straight to hide under her blankets.

"Everyone knows now!"

Salomon broke off their engagement and said he used Olena. No noble male would ever accept her. Yet, the support Blanche gave her surprised me.

Blanche is not so bad; I have observed her and the others. Witches are fun. Different but honest. I liked that. And Circe is perhaps the best among them.

We heard a soft knock on the door. Olena was crying, so I opened it.

Olena's mother! The old Baroness smiled at me politely, and after a brief greeting, she walked in.

She rushed to her daughter. "Olena, my child!" She screamed.

I should leave, but what if they find the potions under my bed?

"Mom! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! You must be so disappointed. And father!"

Olena was inconsolable. I would be, too, if in her shoes. And her parents are old!

"Adela told me… Why didn't you say it? He hurt you!" The Baroness was crying, too. "Why didn't you trust in me?” She held Olena like a pup, and stroked her face, cleaning her tears. “I am your mother; I could have helped you long ago." Her eyes turned red, as she said she would have cut Salomon's nuts.

“No, mom! I… I didn’t… Salomon…”

"He was violent against you, and there is no excuse!"

Violent? I thought Salomon was only a cheating jerk. My mother is right; males are males.

"Oh, mom! I thought I loved him; he gave me my first kiss, and I thought…" Olena sobbed loudly. “But I promise you, mom. I didn’t do more with him. I never allowed it!”

Olena is an amiable lady, and kind of naïve. Poor silly girl, she has lost her reputation now. Our society doesn’t forgive scandals about our purity.

“Sweetheart, that is not important.”

I almost scoff. Not important?

Our value relies on our purity! Any noble lady knows it. Even if Salomon were violent, everyone would still blame her. It's always the female's fault. Everyone knows it! They will say she provoked him. Even if she didn't... I touched my cheek involuntarily.

“You are free of him now! That is important now!”

"But I had brought shame to our family. We will become pariahs in society.”

I agreed with her silently.

“I don’t care. And neither does your father…”

"Father is not mad?"

I know my father would have killed me, or my brother if it were me.

“Of course not!" She seemed surprised Olena doubted it.

“But…” Olena cleaned her face when Baron Grimaldi walked in unannounced. I had forgotten to lock the door! What if she slaps her here, too? I closed my eyes.

“You are my precious daughter, Olena.” The Baron said, approaching both females. He hugged Olena.

What?

“I am sorry, dad.” She cried in his arms. “Now, everyone will despise me. And none will do business with you anymore. I will not find a suitable mate ever in my life!"

The Baron chuckled. “Society, money… It does not matter to old Lycans like us. We have plenty, Olena. Why would I need more?" He looked at his mate, and she smiled, agreeing.

“And about a suitable mate,” he continued, “you know I lived in the borders, leading the King’s forces there for years. I couldn’t mingle with nobles, and when I came back, I couldn't find someone compatible with my Lycan. I disliked the mannerisms… But your grandfather made me go to a ball, where I met your mother. It was love at first sight!"

Olena sighed. Her sadness was gone.

"I waited to meet the right Lycan for me. My parents allowed me to be single because I had more sisters to keep them busy!" She laughed. "I wasn't a young lady when I met your father. Even my parents wanted him to choose one of my younger sisters instead of me!”

“Well, I was determined, although your mother didn’t like me at first,” the Baron added with a chuckle.

"I did! But you had to work your way into my heart, Baron." The baroness intervened with a cheeky smile. And they looked at each other fondly.

“So, you think someone will come from the borders one day?”

I pondered the idea. Maybe, many years from now, the Lycans will forget about it. Who knows? There are some respectable business males, never a Duke, but she might find someone.

“Death, births, and fated mates come from our goddess. And you are a blessing already. Don't worry about it." Olena's father continued, stroking her hair gently.

Why is my father not like Baron Grimaldi? I gulped my tears.

“I doubt so, dad. I will never find anyone."

"Trust me, you will!" Her mother encouraged her.

"I didn't want to talk about what Salomon did because I couldn't stand the pain of hurting you like this! I'm sorry for keeping secrets from you."

Oh, no. More tears.

“I can’t stand the pain that asshole caused you!” The Baron yelled, standing up. His eyes swapped from brown to red. I hope he doesn't challenge Salomon. He would kill the Baron.

"Calm down, my Lord. You are not helping!” The Baroness scolded her mate.

The Baron didn't answer her aggressively or with a growl. He looked apologetic towards her instead. Is he like that because I am here?

"Olena, many nobles talked behind my back,” she added, “and gossiped about me when I got pregnant. About how an old clam could bring a child! But I didn’t care! I was so proud of my pregnancy. Your father and I wanted you with all our hearts, sweetheart. You were my pearl, my precious baby, my miracle..."

"Olena, you are our gift from the Moon Goddess, dear. No one in the world would ever change that."

I could barely hold my tears. I should leave! Damn the potions under my bed!

"Someone who mistreats you, hurts you, or forces you into something you don't want to do, does not love you. That is not love, sweety. That Lycan doesn’t deserve you...” Olena’s father said. “We just want you to be happy.”

I couldn't handle it anymore. I ran to the bathroom and cried.

Are they real? Are families like that?

I saw my face in the mirror. My makeup was a mess. The bruise on my cheek was greenish now.

When I came out, they were gone.

The makeup artist arrived and helped me to get ready.

I wore the dress with the jewel Blanche gave me. Somehow, it made my Lycan feel better despite my heavy heart and wounded pride.

At the party, Olena stood behind a pillar, hiding. Her parents were with her and told her she did nothing wrong to be hiding. My heart sank deeper.

Despite the loud gossip coming from all directions, I took a deep breath. I squared my shoulders, straightened my back with my chin up, and stood next to Olena.

I'm still Marcela, the daughter of a powerful Duke. My support means something.

Olena whispered “thank you” to me. And it made me feel… good.

Rita and Saida came to our side. They were chatty, yet I didn't speak.

Sides formed.

It was clear who was taking which side in the story. Most of the Lycans on Olena's side were Andre's supporters and those who respected Baron Grimaldi.

Salomon’s father approached my brother, and a chill ran through my spine.

"Nice. Pretend to support the w***e while I do my part." Fabrizio mind linked me.

I’m not pretending! I wanted to yell at him, but I turned my face instead.

No one asked me to dance. So, I just observed in silence.

Andre and Blanche seemed to be totally in love. And they stank of each other shamelessly.

When I thought about what I was supposed to do later, I felt disgusted.

I noticed how Fabrizio looked at Blanche. As if she were a piece of meat. Fortunately, my brother stopped and talked to my father, although I think Andre saw him.

Olena and her loving old parents made me jealous. My father didn't approach me or even greet me. My mother was not around.

Andre danced with Tricia and went back straight to Blanche, only to confess his feelings for her. And then, the Moon Goddess' necklace fell from the witch's neck.

I gasped.

I looked at Cara closely. King Eleazar is nice to her. They have three daughters now, but would Andre ever forgive me if I do this?

No, I doubt so.

Cara didn't wear the engagement necklace. She was already pregnant when she had her mating ceremony with King Eleazar. It made me sick to think Cara had done what they asked me to do.

When beautiful bubbles fell from the ceiling, I stopped paying attention. I blinked several times, trying to figure things out.

Andre is taken in all senses and in front of everyone! They saw it. Everyone saw it! Blanche wore the engagement necklace and now has our Goddess' blessing as our Queen. No one could ever contest it.

I was relieved!

The feeling of freedom was intoxicating.

I would have loved to touch those bubbles that exploded in neon colors, painting everyone. There were Lycans running away from them, but others like Lorenza and even Olena didn’t. Olena left her hiding place for it.

Before I could do the same, my mother pulled me aside.

"It's over, mom," I mind linked to her, barely holding a smile.

I tasted freedom and possibilities now.

Franco was standing next to the Viscount of Marigold. Probably, he has rejected another mating proposal. However, the Viscount is someone to be wary of. Yet if Franco was single, would he be interested in me? Oh, possibilities!

Andre's statement about his sister was loud and clear. It kept other Lycan males at bay. Poor Tricia had to dance with Cloe, Amauta's younger daughter.

The conspiracy was over. Yet my Lycan was restless.

“No, it’s not over, Marce.”

“But the necklace!” She saw it, right?

“Cara sold the same potions to Lydia’s family!”

"What?" That b***h!

“Cara is desperate, and desperate people do reckless things. You must act first, or it will be too late.”

“But…" I don't want to!

"You must, or Lydia will be Queen."

"No! She is horrible!"

"Then, do something!" She screamed at me, ending our conversation by mind link, walking towards the gardens.

Do something… Do something… Do something!

I stood outside the ballroom for a while when I heard the broom flower song, the revolution song! I entered the ballroom and saw Tricia!

Oh, Goddess! I panted when I realized what she was wearing!

Tricia was openly defying her mother by singing that song. And not just her, but also her mother's family... My family!

I masked a giggle with a cough as I walked around the ballroom.

Cara was so red! An embarrassed and angry Cara was the highlight of the event. And my Lycan agreed.

I didn't see Lydia at the party. Probably, she was preparing for whatever was coming. So, I left.

Lydia and I were on a race. How humiliating to fight over someone who is in love with someone else!

I opened the box. And I stared at three little bottles while weighing the small red satchel included.

One was perfume, another one was to drink, and the third one, I had to soak my fingers in it. If Andre didn't mark me, I would have to claw him. The witch would take care of the situation. And in case Blanche found me, I would have to use the sparking dust on her and chant a spell. I had to memorize the chant...

This entire plan was so gross!

How would I live with myself after this?

Even marked by Andre, he will hate me. He loves Blanche, and she loves him. They are freaking soulmates, blessed by the Moon Goddess!

I ran my hands thru my hair.

Potions or drugs to get someone without their consent... My Lycan growled inside me, and the words formed in my mind. It is rape!

For the first time in my life, our emotions were in sync. Neither of us wanted this. I didn't want to be Queen.

I was told I should like Andre all my life, and he is handsome, but I didn't love Andre. I never did!

Baron Grimaldi said it right. My family and what they are asking me to do would condemn my soul.

Tricia, a sixteen-year-old, defied her mother! I am a grownup Lycan! I should do better!

I will save my mother from my father and Fabrizio, but not lose my soul. Maybe we can hide within the country or within the borders. Olena's father gave me hope.

I made up my mind… I'm not doing it! None of it!

And I felt free. The heaviness of my heart lifted.

But what should I do now? I couldn't let Lydia be the Queen. I had to do something!

Oh, Goddess, who would believe me?

If I appeared with the potions in front of Andre, he would send me straight to jail with all my family. And I don't want my mother to go to prison!

Circe came to my mind. She is the most approachable of all the witches. She can pass the message to Blanche, and Blanche will give it to Andre. Yes! I just got to be quick!

I know it's not a perfect plan, but someone had to stop Lydia!

I hid the box under my bed again.

There were no guards outside, so I ran, and, in my hurry, I crashed against a male's back. Franco!

Franco had cornered Olena. I asked her if everything was alright. She growled at me, and her eyes flickered red.

What? Why is she angry at me? Even her Lycan?!

Franco pulled Olena into a tight embrace, and I saw them kiss! There! In the hall!

I gasped. Olena is not like that!

Franco heard me and roared in my direction, threatening me. Olena pulled his face again to kiss him.

I turned my face away, embarrassed by their behavior. Why would she do that? It's not proper!

Never mind! I was on a mission! I took the long way to the guest's wing, passing by the room of Lorenza and Rita.

"Where are you going?" Lorenza asked me, closing the door behind her. Is she mortified about something? She didn't look normal.

"I'm... I'm going to talk to Circe. I need to ask her something. And you?"

Lorenza didn't ask me more; she was getting more red.

"Rita is... busy." She got even redder. "I'm going to the kitchen for a glass of water and some snacks. I might sleep somewhere else."

I ran again, leaving her confused. I used my Lycan speed to get there faster.

Circe opened her door wearing her pajamas.

Before I could answer her why I was there, Morgana showed up behind me and pushed me out of the way, pulling Circe into a kiss.

What am I seeing? Oh, my Goddess! I covered my eyes!

"What are you doing?" Circe pushed Morgana away.

Morgana didn't listen; she tried to pull Circe again.

"What's gotten into you, witch?" Circe yelled and slapped Morgana's face, but she was in some trance.

How awful! Witches can be so scary. And what is happening to everyone tonight? I wondered. There were no guards in the halls.

Oh, oh, oh!

My mother said it would happen tonight. I understood then; this must be Cara's plan! Blanche is a witch; only a powerful could defeat her and her friends.

This is an attack!

"We are under attack!" I screamed at Circe, and her eyes opened wide. "Cara is behind this! She wants Lydia to take Blanche's place as Queen and keep her household in power. Do something!"

Circe's phone rang inside her room, and Morgana's too.

"I believe you," she said and allowed me in, along with Morgana.

Circe went to her bag while Morgana hugged her from behind in an over-friendly way. She added some pink salt to a small bottle and then threw it in Morgana's face.

"I am sorry, Circe! I couldn't help it." Morgana was back and apologized.

"Don't worry, I know," Circe replied.

"I have a girlfriend. Paige is going to be so hurt." She lamented.

A girlfriend?

"No one needs to know. Forget about it!" Circe consoled her.

"I'm not that easy... I don't understand…"

"Let's help the others. Someone broke the protection spell, and it had to be someone powerful."

"Leave your earrings, Circe." Morgana said and cracked her neck and her knuckles. How weird! Circe was not wearing earrings. "We will teach whoever is behind this to not mess with us!"

"A spell of lust has fallen upon those inside the palace." She explained to me, while preparing a mix of the same pink salt she used on Morgana. I had guessed that much. "It's not safe outside. Stay here, Marcela." Circe gave me a small spray with the mix. "Use it if needed."

I nodded.

"How did you know?" Morgana asked me, and I shook. "We will have a long conversation later, Lady Marcela."

"Morgana, it's not the time. Let's go."

They whispered about locking me in the room but decided otherwise. I could hear. Lycan, remember!

I rested on Circe's bed after they left. I was calming down when Circe's phone rang, startling me.

I looked at the caller ID. Who could it be at this hour? "The asshole father".

I didn't pick up and lock the phone in the bathroom. I wanted to sleep.

Then I remembered Olena and Lorenza were outside. Franco was handsy with her.

What if?

Olena would be devastated! And this time, his father would challenge Franco!

And Lorenza! What if she finds a horny guard? Or guards? Oh, no!

I can stay here, protected, safe, but my Lycan growled at me. Now what?

Lorenza and Olena are good. I never thought I could think this, but I had to do something, and my Lycan agreed.

So, armed with the spray, I left the safety of Circe's room and used my Lycan powers to reach my first aim. I tracked Olena and Franco.

They were in my room. Well, the room I share with Olena.

Franco was half naked on top of Olena on the bed. He incorporated, and I saw his tent while he growled at me with red eyes.

I wish I train!

I screamed and sprayed Franco's face.

He froze. His eyes got back to normal. He turned to look at Olena on the bed. She growled at me for interrupting and pulled Franco for a deep kiss. He didn't resist, and they forgot about me!

I almost puke.

Considering her behavior and lack of her usual modesty, Olena was also bewitched! I had to help her. Her parents would die. So, I spread the mixed potion on her, too, and on Franco again.

Olena and Franco froze. I didn't stay for their apologies. I was on a mission!

My next objective was Lorenza, and it was just what I thought.

Five guards had cornered Lorenza. She growled at them, holding a frying pan in her hands. She must have run into them on her way to the kitchen.

Why are we not trained? We are Lycans, too! I lamented inside but used my spray on the guards. They froze and apologized nervously, running away from us.

Lorenza was red and sweaty, probably shocked. But when I thought we were safe, King Eleazar appeared. His expression was like the one on Franco's face before.

There was little content of the potion in my spray, and when I tried to use it on King Eleazar, I froze. His aura was impressive! He pushed me out of the way, making me drop my spray. The contents spilled on the floor!

Oh, Goddess! I closed my eyes, afraid to turn around, thinking the worst! But no! Former King Eleazar was fighting his Lycan!

Unlike Lorenza! She threw her arms around his neck with her legs around his waist and kissed him. And he kissed her back!

What a mess! What a freaking mess!

I screamed for help and ran to find someone who stopped me.

Derrick! I think that is his name. I told him King Eleazar was crazy, and Lorenza was in danger. He went to help her as I kept screaming for help.

Adela showed up, also in her pajamas. She smelled… Oh, Goddess!

I urged her to follow me as more guards came to help.

By the time we arrived where Lorenza and King Eleazar were. He had pinned down Derrick, who was bleeding. Yet he growled at anyone trying to approach Lorenza.

A guard handed Adela a bottle. I assumed Circe had prepared it. Adela used it generously on the King, and he came back to his senses. He released Derrick and looked at Lorenza, ashamed. Lorenza threw herself at him and hugged him in tears.

Wasn't Lorenza under a spell?

King Eleazar only hugged Lorenza, feeling noticeably guilty.

The guards helped an injured Derrick.

"I see it now, Adela," King Eleazar mumbled.

They looked so sad.

"It's Cara's fault! She is behind it all!" I screamed, feeling the shame and sorrow they must feel now.

Adela and the King looked at me, surprised, realizing I was still there.

They mind linked and nodded at each other. He took Lorenza away, followed by a group of maids.

"Andre and Blanche need us!" Francisco appeared suddenly and pulled Adela towards him before she could ask me something.

"A guard will escort you to your room, Lady Marcela," Adela ordered me. "And don't move from there. I will know."

They left me.

Now, what?