Bounded

15

Chapter Fifteen

He will always find his way.

-

Fate Pierce’s Point of View

The relief flows out my body the second I saw the rising sun.

For the whole night in these palace walls, I never once let my eyes close. The exhaustion covering my body felt heavy, and I could feel the need to close my eyes at any moment. Granny had informed me the second that everything went well. I was made aware that there is a spot in the house that seemed to silence any noise that the wolf could hear.

Not one does that plague my mind—but the link.

My mind is not sure if I should indulge in being mated to the Alpha King. It did cross my mind, but the thought felt so wrong to even slip in my mind. Constant fear towards what could happen if I am vulnerable made things harder for me to rest. Knights would pace outside the hallway every thirty minutes or so, and I even heard some noise coming from outside.

I don’t think I could function well in a place that is stirring my nerves.

There are many things that my father could say to this problem, one that my mother would be willing to do to make sense of everything. I know that picking your mate is the obvious choice in a typical sense. Werewolf take priority to their mates, and my father would explain the importance of it.

But in my case, this can’t be.

The palace can’t own our power, and my identity can’t be revealed by merely being his wife… or his mate. Foxes were forced to breed with knights in hopes of creating powerful troops. Nothing really happened with that, since foxes could not carry any child that is not their mate's. That being said, if such a thing happened to the children of the King, it would be fairly obvious that he would win the next competition.

The Hawthrone would continue ruling over the realm, that's it.

A lot of danger would follow if I let things flow as they were, and I know that many foxes would soon venture into this land to have my protection.

A soft knock vibrated into the door, letting me get familiar with the scent of Somi. Carefully walking into where she was, I opened with a faint smile. Her forehead creased as she tilted her head to the side. “Did you not sleep at all? You look like you have seen hell and went back.” She questioned, probably catching my expression.

I shook my head, gently offering her the space to enter. “I’m worried about my grandparents.”

The excuse felt fitting to say as it did rang some truth in them. I was also anxious to how they were doing, as it had been quite a while since my grandfather needed to deal with such weather. It all slipped our mind that in this part of the world, storms and rains are frequent than our pack.

“You didn’t call them?” She asked, softly sitting on a chair.

I would, but that would scare my grandfather’s wolf more than it should. Frankly, I know they are okay since the storm was not that bad for him to react severely. I could not get a good night’s sleep to think about my situation.

“How about we grab some breakfast before we head to school?” It seemed like the proper way to do so, her eyes shining in nothing but excitement at me meeting her brother. While it’s kind of her to prioritize the link, it’s tough for me to reject when she’s the one who is asking the favors.

“Okay.” I nodded.

She smoothly pulled me out of the room as we walked the halls. Several knights would stand on the side before bowing, their eyes following me. From the stories written in the books, the warriors had constantly assaulted foxes. The very reason that the Royals had never once done anything dirty was all because of their “position” and the fact that they were already married.

But none of these palace knights would act on their own.

They had moved with an order, from the only one who could control them. As my eyes moved to the man who now stands in the position I had always carried hate, I did my best to look away. There’s currently numerous emotion fighting inside me upon knowing that he’s my mate.

Why does fate need to play with me?

“Good morning, Fate!” Little Matthew cheered as he waved at me.

“Good morning, little man. Do you mind if I sit next to you?” I offered a small smile as we walked near him, making me lean as I pointed to the seat next to him.

“Really? You want to sit next to me?” He asked, eyes shining.

“Of course, I would. You’re adorable.” I nodded.

Somi chuckled, knowing why I asked to be in her seat. She easily slid into the seat prepared for me, making me notice the minor triumph of a grin that she had to give to her brother. The only place reserved for me is by the King’s side, and I do not want to be near him and let my fox react to the pull.

I needed to control myself.

“Did you have a good rest, Fate?” Dyci questioned the second she had reached the dining room. Behind her is her husband. The King Father offered a small smile in my direction.

I simply smiled, thankful for her question. “The room is comfortable, and it gave warmth during the cold weather. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful place to stay for the night.”

“You can always stay here if you want.” She smiled meaningly.

Her husband agreed, not even giving me the chance to decline. “I’m sure my three youngest wanted to play with you more.”

Something about his words made me aware of the folder that Clayton was holding last night. From the way that the knight seemed worried, the problem must be internal. Maybe it was because of the reaping. It did seem like something was changing in the palace walls. From what history tells, nobody from the men who sit on the throne could have their mate.

Then again, the Queen Mother who is smiling before me is human.

She can only marry the King of all wolves if they’re mates.

How come their family was gifted with a mate… and broke all the rules set to this Kingdom? It was even briefly mentioned that the Alpha King’s grandfather married his mate. The former Queen Mother had been aware of their link, and had fought through the reaping in order to have her mate back.

The family did seemed peculiar.

“Fate.”

My eyes followed the voice that called me, making me smile as Maverick offered me a small bracelet. I could not help but let out a low sound of awe when I saw that it has what all of them were interested in. The bracelet has charms of Maxwell’s sword in the game, some drumsticks, a book, a shoe—and a small black wolf. The last trinklet was Clayton’s symbol. It was his Lycan.

Looking at the man who made them, he offered me a proud grin.

Maverick seemed so happy as he claimed, “I made this last night for you. I hope you like it!”

I cooed, patting his head gently. “Thank you so much. This is so beautiful. I will treasure it well.”

“How come I never got one?” Somi questioned, her mouth forming into a pout.

Maxwell grinned at her as he put his cup down. “Because we choose Fate since she’s cool to play with and we’re just stuck with you.”

“Hey!” Somi whined.

Despite the longing hatred I have for the Royal family, I appreciate kindness when it’s given to me. The family does seem happy, and I did not think twice as I wore the bracelet. It dangles whenever I move, and I just know that I will treasure it.

And while I can respect them as someone kind to me.

I could never say the same on how they had treated my kind, enough that our number does not raise in more than fingers can count. I have to finish my classes here and come back home. No matter what happens, I needed to fight the link and continue letting my kind live in nothing but peace. Standing before the same position that my kind had suffered in is the last thing I’ll do.

With that in mind, I gulped my feelings and offered a smile.

Fully knowing that I could never accept the throne.