Aziel
My temple was already throbbing from the overdose of bright colours, and now I've entered a world of noise, chaos, and constant crowds of chatter that I can hear from inside my wooden sanctuary. It's exhausting.
I've never liked the idea of the Festival, but now that I'm the reason for the cause, my dislike has turned into a deep hatred. My father passed away, and I'm rewarded with...... this.
I don't understand the need for a mate. One is perfectly capable of signing papers by himself, fighting battles by himself, and sleeping by himself.
A mate will only be a hindrance, especially if she comes from this wonderland of horrifically bright lights and colours so vibrant they sting my very soul.
The carriage comes to a halt, my heart lurching with the wheels as I straighten my jacket.
Would you like me to do the honours? My wolf asks, his voice full of bored disdain.
I think if it were you who jumped out of this carriage, there wouldn't be a festival anymore, I reply, even though the offer he proposes is quite tempting.
Is that not what we desire?
It is exactly what we desire, but sometimes we must do what we despise.
A knock on the wooden doors draws my attention away from my wolf. I take a deep breath, preparing myself before finally opening the door.
If I thought the noise from inside the carriage was loud, then out here it's near deafening.
"I've been informed that the Festival will be held in the Great House," Levi, my second, says, voice unexpectedly soft.
His features are stoic, hands folded regally in of him, but his fingers are twitching slightly, and his eyes look less than impressed. It seems I am not the only one who despises this event, and I am definitely not the only one who hates these colours.
"Let's get this over with, shall we?" I say lowly, my hand patting his shoulder as I start towards the Great House.
The door looms ahead, closed yet beating with everything that goes on inside of it, taunting me with light and sound.
Two of my guards walk to hold the handles of the wooden doors, eyes set on me, waiting for approval.
I swallow my disgust, take a deep breath, and nod.
Music assaults my ears, flashing lights hitting my eyes at every angle, my skin already clammy with the amount of people in the place. Every one of my senses is rushing to regulate through the crowds.
"Ladies and gentlemen! May I present the new ruler of the Moon kingdom, Aziel Marret!" A speaker from somewhere announces.
Applause erupts around me, and I make my face go neutral as I nod to everyone.
"Dances are to begin, food is to be served, and alcohol is not to be drunk lightly! Let the Festival of love officially begin!" The speaker says again.
I don't even have time to blink before a girl is latching onto to my arm and tugging, intending to dance I presume.
"If you would like to dance," I start, my voice so gruff it could be a growl. "Then I encourage you to find a willing partner." I lean down to her ear before whispering, "And I would suggest not looking here."
Her pout is more of a scowl as she walks away, and I almost smirk at the sight. Are girls really that desperate to be swept into the shadows?
"Are you enjoying yourself?"
My heart cringes, and I make an effort to try and keep my face from doing the same.
One minute I'm alone and the next another mateless female pounces.
I turn around to find a girl with hair so green it could be grass sprouting from her head, and eyes that are no different from the emeralds that live in the earth. She's holding a try, and with a bolt of relief, I notice that it's champagne.
"A little liquid courage." She winks. "I know these things can drag, but I find liquor usually helps."
I take a glass, emptying it within a second before my eyes are back on her.
"Are you here to swindle your way into my carriage?" I ask.
She smirks. "I have no desire to ride in your carriage." She tilts forward to murmur, "I know you have far better things for me to ride."
My eyebrows rise. "And how would you know that?"
She shrugs, eyes sparkling in mischief.
"Lucky guess," She says
I realize eyes are starting to gather, so I clear my throat, intending to tell her of my lack of interest, when a horn blares.
"Ladies and gentlemen! May I present the Sun king, our dear Alexander James!"
Here we go, my wolf grumbles.
Alexander nods and waves as he makes his way across the room, a smile so big it looks like it hurts on his face.
His jacket is a bright yellow, matching his thick hair and crinkled eyes. Because of course the king is an anomaly. And somehow having hair the colour of overripe lemons makes him special.
"Aziel!" Alexander exclaims as he reaches me. "I'm so glad you could make it! I have only heard stories of you, but I'm hoping we can get well acquainted this evening!"
And I'm hoping this night ends in the next five seconds, but we don't all get what we want, my wolf says.
My lips tilt, and I use the action in my favour as I shake Alexander's hand.
"It's great to finally put a face with the stories," I say.
His smile makes my face mourn the stoicism it usually holds, but I keep my lips slightly tipped, hoping it doesn't look like a grimace.
"Have you found the lucky girl yet?" He asks, excitement lighting every feature.
Right. The whole reason I'm here.
because I would much rather spend my days with an annoyingly enthusiastic neon pink haired girl then in solitude with myself.
I cross my arms, hoping the gesture looks more casual than it feels.
"I'm afraid that meeting has not happened yet."
His smirk is obnoxiously gleeful as he says, "Well, the night is still very young, and not everyone has arrived." He pats my back, and I resist the urge to flinch. "I have no doubt you will find a partner tonight, Aziel."
Did he actually just say that this isn't everyone? My wolf whines.
Yes. Yes he did.
Restlessness stirs inside me, my legs suddenly deciding that standing here isn't a good idea.
"Excuse me, Alexander," I say.
Then I'm practically sprinting away. Not that there's anywhere to go except further into the blinding lighting and raging music.
Am I the only one that smells vanilla?
I ignore my wolf, my steps quickening even more if that's possible.
Escape isn't coming easy, but I just-
A body slams into mine, followed by the sound of a dish clattering to the floor. Reflexively, my hands reach out, grasping a waist that fits surprisingly perfect in my arms.
"Oh my goodness!" A female voice says. "I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going and I-"
A gasp rips from her lips, and I finally look into startled blue eyes.
It's like gazing at the ocean, framed by sand the colour of creamy silk.
My thoughts race and screeech over each other until one word becomes crystal clear.
MATE!!
Fear flickers through her eyes as she slowly backs away, and my heart clenches for some odd reason.
"You clumsy girl!!" Someone yells.
I look up to see an orange cloud of rage storming towards us.
"I am incredibly sorry, your majesty! I can assure you that it won't happen again!" Ms. Orange says as she grabs the girl's wrist.
Her grip looks bruising, but I'm too stunned to do anything but stare as they walk away.
"You will spend your night in The Post for that little stunt," I hear her say as she drags the girl behind her.
"No," the girl whimpers. "Please! I promise it was only an accident! I'll be more careful!"
My chest lurches. Everything hurts and I have no idea why.
Mate is crying, my wolf whines.
My head comes back with a shock, and then suddenly my feet are moving.
I don't know what The Post is, but I can make sure this girl stays out of it tonight.
A/N
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