2. The throne

Damon POV

I sat on my mighty and majestic throne as I listened carefully to Alan, my personal assistant, as he gave me the details of why I should marry one of the Diltons'daughters. I am the king of Cistern Palace and the leader of the Alpha packs, but still haven't found my mate. How do I ascend the throne without getting married?? I've never heard of an Alpha king unable to find his mate. It's totally crazy and absurd. I guess I'll have to find a lady to marry so I can ascend the throne till I find my mate then.

"So Ronnie Dalton is our best bet now. We can't take Mia because she's too aggressive and mean. She won't like to leave when you find your mate. She is going to cause trouble. We need someone plain and simple like Ronnie Dalton, so she won't be a problem when you finally get to find your mate and you can also ascend the throne of Cistern. Your highness, it's like killing two birds with one stone. You get a queen and a concubine when you dethrone her", Alan calculated for me.

"What do you mean by concubine" I asked, annoyed.

"Because she's not the real mate you should have but a tool for the throne to be secured. You can't just throw her out after you find a mate." Alan tried to melt the mood.

"Whatever"I said, rolling my eyes.

"It's still killing two birds with one stone". He smiled

"There, there Alan, slow down with all these two birds of killing birds. Of what benefit would that eejit of a girl be to me? How can I choose a weak queen?? Am warewolf remember? My enemies will attack", I said, eyeing him because he didn't think this through.

He looked at me like he couldn't believe I was the one talking. "Damon, you know, is not just your personal assistant but your best friend. Just take Ronnie as your wife before we figure out a mate for you. As it is, we have no other choice. Except you want to go for Mia" he said

"Hell no, that girl has been coming to the palace to gain my favour, but she is no match for the great Damon" I said adamantly.

Ronnie POV

"What is the plan" I said expectantly because part of me wished to leave this house, but not in a married way?

" OK, hear me out and don't say I sound crazy" she stated.

"Go on"

"I think you should go to Cistern Palace and reason with Damon. Make him see reasons why marrying you would be such an awful idea" she said.

"You're crazy if you think I'll do that" I rolled my eyes. "I'll literally die if I go to the palace uninvited, before I even get the chance to meet the king.

"Since there's no way out, because it's hopeless once the king has declared, so let's just think of the bright side. You'll still live a good succulent life at the palace. You just need to stay out of the king's way at all times and you'd live just fine" she said.

"Of course I'll do so. I don't want to be eaten alive by his scary face". I laughed to lighten the mood.

Just then, I heard Katie's mum asking for permission to come into the room. "I'll talk to you later girl. Take care and stay out of trouble" she said as she hung up.

I sighed and resigned to my fate. If I can't stop the marriage so I won't get myself killed, I'd better go on with it while avoiding the king. I concluded the chores for the day and retired to bed as it had been a hectic day. As always though.

I was half asleep when I heard someone turn the door knob. I opened one eye and saw it was the cook, Midge. She was with us before dad died and no one really fired her after dad's death.

"Ronnie, mind if I come in?" She asked, smiling.

"Sure aunt midge", I sat up from the bed while she sat on the edge.

"I just wanted to see you tonight as I haven't had time to see you often since your father died. I know you've been enduring a lot since he died. Your stepmother hasn't really been nice to you. I just want you to know that no matter who you're marrying, you will always be happy. You can turn a hard rock into very soft bread if you believe." She held my hand tight under hers. "Where you're going is really not like here. You'd enjoy the services, maids, food and freedom, but you have a lot to do and that involves King Damon of Cistern Palace." She hugged me.

I felt the pain of everything that was happening for the first time in that hug. Thank God I wasn't suicidal though.

"Aunt midge, why do these things keep happening to me? Life is so unfair to me. First my mum died, then dad remarried and left me again and now this marriage I didn't even bargain for?" I cried in her arms.

" Sometimes, things don't go out of the way. We always go places we don't want to go for a reason. I'm sure you'll find your place in the Cistern palace" she said.

We talked for a long while with Aunt Midge telling me many ways to behave while in the palace. I was grateful to her because she's the only reason I could come live in that place of hell called my house. Ever since Dad died, I haven't really had anyone else to talk to except Aunt Midge.

She wiped my tears and stood up after kissing me good night. I was somewhat relieved after pouring out my heart to Aunt Midge. At least I get to talk to someone older than me. I only do this with Katie and no one else. I don't cry for anyone to see and call me weak. Why am I the only one in this house that's different? Everyone is werewolves but am just a weak witch. I thought about this all night long and didn't know when I would drift off to sleep.