8 The Falling Crown

His deep voice was filled with a sense of authority that could not be ignored. Compared to the average werewolf, Lycan's aura and sense of oppression is much higher. There was a clear sense of danger and impatience in his words, which made the werewolves present break out in a cold sweat.

The speaker had his back to the crowd, and in the corner, I could only see his body rising above the back of his chair.

His hair was thick and dark, his black cloak hanging from his legs, his strong legs wrapped in black boots, which looked like silent beasts in the candlelight of the party. In his right hand he held a clear goblet. A black-clad Lycan stood beside him and served him wine in silence. The red liquid flowed slowly into the glass, as if it were blood.

Just a glance, I do not know why, but I feel fear for no reason.

My father had a bad look on his face. In his plan, the Prince should be satisfied with Bernice and take her away. As the prince's father-in-law, he could face the alphas of the other packs with pride. I understand my father's desire for power. Our pack has been in decline for the last 10 years, and our strength and reputation aren't what they used to be. If my father wanted to grow our pack quickly, courting the Royals was the best way to do it.

Bernice was pale. She sat beside our father. The glittering crown on her head seemed too heavy for her, and she lowered her head slowly, "Your Highness," she said softly, "You haven't really looked at me. I'm the one you're looking for. I'm my father's daughter."

The candlelight lit up her snow-white neck, and she picked up her wine glass from her table and stood up, walking slowly to Kral's side.

Her gold fishtail dress fitted her perfectly at the waist, and her long legs, which were barely visible under the split of the fishtail, seemed to exude a kind of temptation that made it impossible to take one's eyes off her. She sat sideways on the arm of Kral's chair, her glass touching Kral's glass.

I watched Bernice try to put her body in a graceful pose. It's a soft, submissive gesture, and, as is customary in werewolves, it's an obvious courtship, the lure of the she-wolf.

After a while, Kral shows no sign of refusing. His silence eased the atmosphere a little, except for a Lycan, who was dressed in black next to him, who seemed to be at a loss for words.

It seems that the royal prince really has a crush on Bernice.

Our father's face began to turn better, and joy filled his face.

"Hahahahaha, I told you this was a misunderstanding. My honored guests, thank you for coming to the party. Please try the wine I've prepared for everyone!"

Finally, there was a sense of joy in the hall, and the guests began to shout at each other.

The royal lycans were distinct from the other guests, all dressed in black and eating with a cold expression on their faces. Apart from the Royals, they didn't talk to any of the pack members or any of the other guests.

The servants began to move from guest to guest, changing dishes or wine for them. I thought, here's my chance. Now that all eyes were on the party, I could mingle with the servants and leave the desperate pack with the guests' servants. I took my scarf and wrapped it around my hair, trying to duck my head and cover myself hastily in the throng of servants.

"Ah!" Bernice screamed, interrupting the din.

I felt something wrong and quickened my pace.

"Stop right there! " Kral's voice rang out suddenly, silencing the noisy crowd. The moving maids immediately stood where they were. I also had to stand, head down in the crowd, hoping that no one would notice me.

Kral, who had been silent, suddenly stood up. He slowly raised his large hand and then pushed Bernice away.

Kral leaned over Bernice, frowning and sniffing. Suddenly there was a flash of sharpness in his eyes. He tore the necklace from her neck, and put it in his hand and sniffed it, as if the pearls were more important than Bernice.

"Your Highness?" Bernice had never been in such a sorry state before. She fell to the ground and the red wine in her glass splashed all over her.

And the crown fell from her head. Its bright light caught everyone's eye, and it fell down the steps and onto the floor of the hall. After a few more bounces, it stopped in front of me.

"Delia?" My father recognized me. He frowned in confusion and impatience.

The crowd's gaze made my hair stand on end, and I felt a cold sweat on my back. In all eyes, I clearly feel a vision of a fire. It was like a direct arrow nailed me in place, so that I dared not move.

It's the pair of golden eyes that I seem to have seen in my dream, and I meet them again.

Kral came out of the shadows. He was a tall, imposing man in an expensive, elegant black shirt with gleaming silver buttons. On his cloak was a red moon-shaped jewel, a royal possession. His black boots beat rhythmically on the smooth floor, and he moved closer and closer, and my heart leapt to his feet.

The candlelight added a shallow golden glow to his appearance. I looked at his black hair, his golden eyes, his high nose, and his broad shoulders. His lips were pressed together, and the seriousness of his expression caused everyone to bow their heads in fear and they were all in a submission manner to the prince of the royal family.

Moon goddess, he is so special. At first sight of him, all the people became unimpressive and all the happiness in my short life was not worth the moment when he came to me.

Mom, he was the first man to look at me with those special eyes.

"Are you Delia?" He leaned forward, close to my face, and I saw his nose move slightly.

“Yes, Your Highness.” I mustered the courage to look him straight in the eye, and I saw my face turn red.

The corners of his mouth lifted, and he bent down to pick up the crown from the ground and put it on my head.

I stood there as if struck by lightning. I didn't know what it meant, but I saw Bernice's jealous face on the ground, my father's wide-eyed stare, and the gasps of everyone's amazement.

Bernice screamed hysterically, "That's impossible. How could it be that bitch? That's impossible. You must be mistaken, your highness. I... ... father, she must have done some sorcery! She's a loser who doesn't even have her own wolf!"

Bernice's voice broke the silence. Kral frowned and narrowed his eyes at our father. "So, are you questioning my choice?" He said in a measured yet menacing tone.

Our father was stung by his look. When he came to his senses, he slapped Bernice. Bernice turned her head away from the beating, her fine hair falling down, looking extremely disheveled.

She looked at her father in disbelief. I couldn't believe my eyes either. I can't believe our father would do this to Bernice, who he loved so much. He steadied his voice and explained to Kral, "I didn't mean to hide her from you, Your Highness. Bernice is my daughter. She's my daughter, too. But she is flawed, not quite like us. Of course, if you want to change your mind, we can talk about it."

"No discussion," Kral replied deadpan.

"I have found the one I want. Our deal is done."

Kral bent and held me with his arms, and I covered my mouth so I wouldn't scream.

What's this about? What kind of deal?

Behind him, all the Lycans stood up and followed their prince out of the hall. In the moonlight, their black clothes were like the capes of the demons in fairy tales.