My One-Night Stand Is the Lycan King

AURORA

“You are a vision of perfection, Princess Aurora.”

A sharp tension coiled in my stomach, my fingers curling into the silk of my gown. Every inhalation felt deliberate, a measured attempt to steady the restless thoughts swirling beneath my calm exterior.

Perfection. A vision. I was a masterpiece of presentation, polished and untouchable—a living jewel meant only to be admired. My complexion, pale as moonlight, was enhanced with cosmetics so skillfully applied they seemed like my own skin. My eyes, a vivid shade of sapphire, were framed by lashes so long they needed no artifice. My lips, painted a deep crimson, held the practiced, pleasant curve that had become my default expression.

“Thank you,” I murmured, offering a nod to Scarlett, the artist whose deft hands had crafted this flawless mask.

“They are expecting you in the lower hall. Shall I call for your brother to accompany you?”

My fingers tightened again, a reflexive twitch at the implication of helplessness. Ravenwood Castle was a fortress within a fortress, its security absolute. No threat could penetrate its outer walls without intense scrutiny, let alone reach the private quarters of the royal family.

And yet, I was to be escorted as if I might stumble on the stairs.

But I swallowed the protest. This was the path laid before me. Every constraint, every rule, served a greater purpose. My compliance was an investment.

“That won’t be necessary. Thank you, Scarlett,” I said, rising from the vanity stool.

“But Prince Sebastian specifically instructed—”

“I am quite capable of walking down a corridor,” I interrupted, the polite smile never wavering.

I adjusted the heavy skirts of my gown, the motion restricted by the rigid boning of the corset beneath. It was like wearing armor; it forced my spine straight and my shoulders back, leaving no room for slouching. A physical reminder of my posture, in every sense.

I allowed myself one brief glance in the full-length mirror. Impeccable. Not a single golden hair strayed from its intricate arrangement. My gown, woven with threads of silver, was worth a fortune. I was the treasure, the centerpiece.

Bred to be coveted. Destined to elevate the status of my true mate. An ornament.

A captive.

The smile on my lips threatened to crack. I paused at the doorway to my chambers, chastising myself. My life was one of immense privilege. I was loved. My parents, King Alexander and Queen Isabella, provided every comfort. My brother, Sebastian, would move mountains for me if I asked.

“What’s the point of all this? She’ll be eighteen soon. The chances of a true mate just appearing are slim. They’re setting their hopes too high; she’s still just an omega.”

I froze, my shoulders locking. The voices came from a servant’s alcove just around the corner. They must have thought I’d already left.

Omega. The word was a brand. Synonymous with fragility, with a nature compelled to yield. A liability to my future partner, yet paradoxically, the most protected member of my pack. The contradiction was a constant, quiet ache.

“Quiet! If you value your position here, you will keep such opinions to yourself.”

“But it’s what everyone whispers—”

“Finish that sentence, and you’ll be dismissed before the noon bell. Prince Sebastian will see to it you never pass through the main gate again.”

A thick silence fell. I found myself wishing the woman had continued. What did everyone whisper? My world was largely confined to the inner castle, a gilded cage where dissent was never voiced aloud. Gossip that reached me was sanitized, mundane.

I suppressed a sigh—an unladylike sound that would have earned a reproving look from my mother.

Squaring my shoulders against the stiff corset, I stepped into the vast, empty hallway. A lingering winter chill clung to the stone, but the fires in my wing burned brightly. My father was notoriously protective; a mere hint of a cold could see me confined to my rooms for weeks.

But spring was finally here. Buds were forming on the branches outside my window, promising longer days, walks in the gardens, and the Spring Ball. A flicker of genuine anticipation cut through the monotony.

As I neared the two guards in black tactical gear at the corridor’s end, I almost smiled at their startled expressions when they turned. Panic flashed across their features.

“Your Highness, please wait. An escort is required,” one said, bowing slightly.

I knew they would mindlink my brother the instant they saw me alone. Before they could fully straighten, I quickened my pace, slipping past them and into the next passage. More guards stood at attention. The sheer number was absurd—I had more personal protection than the sovereigns themselves. How far could I get this time? Perhaps to the grand foyer?

I was nearly at the top of the main staircase when my brother’s head appeared as he took the steps two at a time.

Damn. So close.

Slowing to a regal walk, I met Sebastian’s disapproving gaze.

“You were supposed to wait, Aurora,” he chided, his voice a blend of concern and irritation.

“I navigated two hallways unassisted, Sebastian. If I cannot manage that, what use will I be to a mate?”

His scowl deepened predictably, and I bit back a smile. My brother was all sharp angles and solid muscle, the opposite of my delicate appearance. He towered over me, his brown eyes serious, his brunette curls perpetually unruly. He was a warrior, the Beta of the Ravenwood Pack, second only to our father. An aura of command clung to him, formidable even among other Alphas.

“He will be the one to care for you,” Sebastian stated firmly. “And remember, this castle remains your home.”

Of course. How could I forget? Even after a mating ceremony, my address wouldn’t change. Perhaps a new presence would disrupt the stifling routine. There were only so many languages to master, so many instruments to play, before the shelves of law, finance, and economic texts became a prison of theory. Maybe once mated, I’d be permitted to apply my knowledge. Or to train with the pack warriors. That was a fantasy I clung to.

Sebastian offered his arm, and I took it.

“Remember what I said about today,” he began, his tone shifting to business. “There are other prospects, but this one shows exceptional promise.”

They said that about all of them. Since childhood, I’d been introduced to ‘prospects’—first as playmates, then openly as potential mates. These past weeks, my calendar was a parade of scheduled encounters, sometimes two in a day.

Mother was in a state of heightened anxiety. My parents were determined to secure my future.

Pushing down another sigh, I looked up at my brother with a practiced smile.

“If you believe he is suitable, then I trust your recommendation,” I said, infusing my voice with a lightness I didn’t feel.

“Good. He’s top of his class, excels in combat training. Only someone of that caliber could be worthy of you,” Sebastian affirmed, some of the sternness leaving his face.

His pride was palpable, and a thread of genuine comfort wound through me. Some of my apprehension about the endless dates faded as I gave his arm a slight squeeze.

“I’m sure he will be an asset to our pack.”

Perhaps this wouldn’t be so terrible. My parents weren’t rushing me for heirs; they simply wanted me settled, secure. The pack would respect anyone they endorsed, and a true mate… a true mate would never hurt me.

We descended the grand staircase at a stately pace. The entrance hall was eerily silent. At this hour, servants should have been bustling, preparing for the midday meal. The unnatural hush was undoubtedly one of my mother’s ‘moods.’ This date must be important to warrant halting the castle’s heartbeat.

Or perhaps she was just growing desperate.

“It’s a clear day. You’ll meet him in the courtyard,” Sebastian announced, a hint of warmth returning to his voice.

I gasped, stopping short and gripping his arm. “Truly?”

“The sun is out,” he said, his smile indulgent. “You should see the first blossoms with your prospective mate. I’ve had your cloak prepared.”

Ignoring the presumptive nature of his words, I nearly pulled him along through the lower halls. The courtyard! How I had missed it. Even if the date was a disaster, just feeling the open air would be a gift.

“Mother and Father have council matters. They’ll join for tea later. Your chaperones are ready,” Sebastian added, a soft chuckle escaping him. “Slow down, Aurora. Don’t appear too eager.”

Right.

Composure. I was Her Royal Highness, Princess Aurora of Crownland. Flawlessness was the expectation.

“My apologies, brother.”

I dipped my head as two senior attendants approached. One settled a heavy, fur-lined cloak over my shoulders.

“I’ll be close by. Don’t be nervous,” Sebastian whispered, pressing a kiss to my forehead before stepping back.

A strange shiver, not from the cold, traced my spine, but I dismissed it. I was going outside!

A real smile, the first of the day, broke through as the large oak doors swung open. The sunlight hit my face, weak but glorious after months of winter gloom. The crisp air stung my cheeks invigoratingly. I was almost eager to meet this next name on the list, if only for the chance to stroll the garden paths.

My steps were measured, my hands clasped demurely before me, my gaze modestly lowered. A lady moved with poise. An omega with grace.

We followed the paved path along the reflecting pond toward the central seating area, stopping beneath my favorite tree—a cherry blossom just beginning to wake from its winter sleep, standing sentinel in the middle of the yard. My smile grew at the sight of its tight pink buds. Soon, the air would be sweet with their scent.

A boy stood near its trunk, hands in his pockets, looking up at the branches. He was dressed formally, as all visitors were. I wondered who his parents were. Perhaps they were the guests my parents were meeting.