The Alpha King's Redemption

1- “The Alpha King”. Sofia Rhys. The werewolf Prince has come of age, and is about to be crowned the Alpha King of werewolves. It’s a momentous day for all wolves across the Seven Packs that make up the Werewolf Kingdom. At least, most of them are. There are bound to be those that are against it but, their opinions mean little. You might be wondering whether the soon to be former King died tragically, or something, right? It’s nothing like that. The Alpha King, Raymond, is still very much alive. He, along with his wife, Queen Alyanna decided it’s time to hand the reigns to their eldest child, and son, Prince Ares Rowan King for he had taken all the tests necessary, and has deemed himself worthy of the position. It wasn’t a decision that was made in a short matter of time. It took course over years of training and difficulties, over ten years to be precise just for this day to come. Yes, some wolves do have their reservations about letting the twenty-one-year-old Prince take over ruling the whole Kingdom, it’s only natural they do. However, I have unwavering faith in him that he’d do a good job. The Kingdom of Atlantis bustled with people roaming about, preparing for the greatest event of the century. Noises came from all around, each wolf trying to speak over the other so their voices could be heard. Laughter, and the cheers of kids rang loud, as they ran around, jovially despite not fully grasping the entirety of the situation. The main event, the crowing ceremony was set to take place at the Ballroom, where only those of the highest positions in the Seven Packs were allowed to step foot into to witness the glorious moment. It has been decorated for months, set to get that perfect flair for the event. They did a pretty good job really. It’s set to start in a little over thirty minutes, but knowing Queen Alyanna, she would want everyone to be there and ready twenty minutes prior at least. And that means, I have a little under five minutes to make it else I get scolded, not like it’s the first time. My feet were light on the floor as I ran across the castle halls, in a rush to reach the ballroom a few corridors ahead. In my right hand, I held the culprit behind me nearly being late, the muffin I had to sneak under the nose of the royal chef, it being my fifth or sixth of the day. The corridors were nothing but a blurry mess as I panted, pushing myself harder to make it on time because believe me, the last thing I want is the Queen’s nagging. I’ve heard enough of it to last me a lifetime. I could spot the grand double doors of the ballroom, making my muffin filled mouth slant upwards in relief. Too caught up in the relief of about to make it on time, I didn’t notice a figure suddenly appear in front of me until I bumped into what I thought is a wall, a pretty hard one. “Ouch,” I muttered, taking a few steps back while my free hand reached out to rub the spot on my forehead that sting slightly. My lips slanted downwards, fully prepared to look up and give this wall-person a piece of my mind. “Watch where you’re going next time,” A familiar, grumpy voice reprimanded as always. The earlier thought I had in mind disappeared upon hearing the voice I could recognize anywhere. My gaze met a familiar sea blue orbs that I happen to love staring at. My lips slanted upwards without realizing it, unfolding into a grin. I nearly vocalized the first thing in my mind, which is a casual dismiss of his statement only to decide against it in the very last minute. I took a step back, curtsying slightly—or at least, what’s my failed attempt at it because I never perfected it, never once seeing a reason for it. “Your Highness, My King.” I looked down, nearly chuckling for I could feel his glare burning holes into my hair. “Pardon me, my King. It’s my carelessness that led to this grave mistake.” I looked up, taking a peek at him through my lashes. “Would you forgive this subject of yours?” He offered me a glare I’d grown all too familiar with, flicking my forehead lightly. I straightened my spine, reaching my hand to soothe the spot as I pouted, now glaring at him slightly. “I said forgive me, Your Highness, not bully this poor subject of yours.” “Stop that,” He mumbled, his glare never relenting. “not you too.” He heaved a sigh, shaking his head. I ignored his statement, looking around the empty hall safe for the guards guarding the ballroom door and the shifted my gaze to him. “Aren’t you supposed to be like, inside or something? I mean, this is your event after all.” He was dressed for the part, and he’s supposed to be inside by now, isn’t he? Ares stared at me with a look I know all too well, before he looked away briskly. “You aren’t there, and Mom isn’t letting me rest without finding you.” His tone held boredom, but I knew better. I could see past his façade, I’ve always had. He’s lying. He can never meet my gaze when he lies like that. It gave him away. My smile widened into a teasing one. “Are you nervous?” I muttered lowly, despite knowing it’s useless to do. Not when with the heightened werewolf senses, even those miles away can hear. He shifted his glare to me, his lips curled into a deep frown. “Of course, not.” He denied outright, clearing his throat slightly to seem manly as he likes to call it. I hummed, not believing him. “Of course you aren’t.” I couldn’t hold back my chuckle though. It was cut short however when he stepped closer to me suddenly, his hands reaching out. One of it rested on my base of my neck, as if to hold me in place while the other reached out to pat my hair in place, which no doubt stuck out from the little one-woman marathon I had to reach there. For us, it isn’t the first time we’re getting close to each other, we’ve always been so close that there’s never an awkward moment between us. Skin contact and getting into each other’s space isn’t something new to us, nor is showing affection randomly. And yet, in that very moment, the minute his hand rested on me, my heart race spiked up as my laughter ceased, along with my breath. My eyes dilated slightly, nervously looking up to set my gaze on his chiseled face as he focused on his task, unaffected like I am. He fixed my hair, an action he does so effortlessly before patting it slightly. “Always so careless.” He muttered, looking down to meet my gaze. He suddenly tutted, shaking his head as his hand wiped the side of my face as well, off the leftover crumbs. “What would you do without me?” His voice came lowly, in a rebuking manner. I know I am not supposed to let his actions get to me, but I couldn’t. Not when I tend to lose control of my senses when he acts like this. It’s difficult to control your heart around a man like Ares, especially not when you’re opportune to see this side of his like I do. I didn’t realize I had been staring at him wordlessly until he flicked my forehead yet again, his lips slanted into a permanent frown that I’d known him with for my whole life. “What’s bothering this little head of yours?” He inquired, his brows drawn in, seemingly worried. You. I wanted to say, because that’s the truth. It’s him that’s bothering me. His thoughts and actions are consuming my mind, almost to the point that I feel it’s driving me crazy. But, I dare not confess.