Queen of the Lycan, Karina Espinosa [accelerated reader books .TXT] 📗

I wandered the bedroom with an uneasy feeling in my gut. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do right now except get ready for the Blood Moon event.

2

Decked out in my dark green mermaid dress, emeralds galore, and a pair of gold heels, I carefully made my way from the dressing room to the guest wing where I knew Bash was waiting to escort me to the ballroom.

I was still wobbly in these heels, but as long as Bash held on to me tonight, I was sure I wouldn’t fall flat on my face. It was my biggest fear. Especially since we had to descend the grand staircase to get down to the ballroom floor.

Ana walked me to the guest wing and we strolled into the living room area where Bash was sitting on the sofa waiting for me. He shot up to his feet at the sight of me.

“Mackenzie,” he greeted, his gaze roving over my body from head to toe. “You look gorgeous.”

He looked stunned, and I took a moment to preen under his gaze.

“This old thing?” I pointed to the tight dress that I could barely walk in and gave a little twirl. “It was just collecting dust in the back of my closet.”

He smirked, not believing me for a second. “Are you ready?”

“Yup.” I turned to Ana. “Thank you so much, Ana. Please let me know how I can ever repay you.”

“Thank ye, Princess.” She patted my hand and transferred me to Bash, then quietly left the room.

I looked up at Bash to see his eyes glued to my ruby red lips. “Hey!” I snapped my fingers. “Eyes up here, big guy.”

He cleared his throat. “Let’s get going before we …” He let the statement hang, unfinished, but I knew where his mind was. Bash took my arm in his and escorted me from the room.

The Blood Moon happened only twice a year and was celebrated by the Lycan because of the strength it imbued to us during its presence. Our lupine gifts were heightened even more than usual, as well as other things. Usually, the pack back home celebrated it the same way they did every other full moon, by converging at Cadwell Estate—the residence of the Alpha of the Northeast—but they were fancier here in Sheunta Village. The Blood Moon gave them an excuse to make an event out of something and dress up in diamonds and tuxedos. For me, it was torture. I’d rather go to the forest and shift, but whatever.

Bash and I arrived at the ballroom where the double doors were flung wide open to admit its illustrious guests. One of the King’s Guard was there waiting to announce our arrival. This was one of the parts I dreaded most. I would much rather slip in unnoticed, but unfortunately everyone and their mother needed to know the Princess had arrived.

We stopped at the top of the grand staircase overlooking the ballroom floor. I could barely see an inch of the marble floor because it was crammed with Lycans and a smattering of others from the village who received special invitations. Not only Lycans lived in Sheunta Village; there were also witches and vampires, to name a couple.

The guard beside us cleared his throat and then bellowed out, “Princess Mackenzie MacCoinnich and Sebastian Steel.”

I hated that they didn’t incorporate my last name of Grey – the one I’d carried my entire life. In their eyes, I was automatically a full-fledged MacCoinnich and Grey no longer existed. It was infuriating.

The ballroom quieted and all gazes turned in our direction as Bash and I descended the stairs. Bash held on to me tightly so I wouldn’t fall; there weren’t enough thank you’s in the world to show my appreciation.

At the far end of the room was the throne, which had been brought in from the throne room, and Alexander was already seated with Ranulf standing at his side. I cautiously made my way over with Bash, the crowd parting like the Red Sea for us. Once we stood in front of Alexander, Bash and I dropped to one knee, which – might I add – was awkward as fuck in that mermaid dress. We lowered our heads and placed a fisted hand over our hearts to show loyalty to our King.

All these little traditions were things I’d only learned over the past week and had already put into practice on more than one occasion.

“Rise,” Alexander commanded. We both stood, Bash keeping a hand on my elbow to help me rise. “Let the celebration commence!” he announced to the whole ballroom, eliciting a round of boisterous cheers.

Bash and I relaxed, knowing our official duty for the night was complete. We were just about to step away and find a table when Alexander narrowed his eyes on me and hooked a finger, motioning me toward him.

“Wait here,” I whispered to Bash and stepped closer to Alexander. “Yes?” I said sweetly as I reached the throne.

“Come closer, Mackenzie.” He motioned for me to come stand beside him.

I furrowed my brows but did as I was told, standing on the opposite side of Ranulf. I leaned down so I could talk privately to Alexander.

“That was nae the dress I chose for ye,” he said knowingly, though he didn’t sound upset.

I bit my lower lip. “I know, but that dress was ugly so I changed it.”

His gray eyes twinkled with mischief. “I heard ye tore it apart.”

Damnit. Those lunas snitched on me! But of course they would. He was the freakin’ King. Their loyalty lay with him, not some upstart Princess who only arrived in their land a week ago.

“Are you mad?” I asked the important question. “I’ll pay you back for the dress.” I didn’t know how much it cost, but it was probably more money than I had. If it was, I would give him what was left in my bank account.

Alexander grunted, “I don care about the money, Mackenzie. Ye should have just told me