"Yes princess, your wedding!" The maid exclaimed happily.

I didn't hear about this from father. When did this come from? Astonished, I almost ended up tripping on one of my little sisters toys.

"Sis...? Are you alright?" Fay spoke softly, her small lips pouting in worry. Her small hands gripped the sides of my undergarments, making sure that I didn't fall.

Oh, my sweet baby sister. If only she was a little older, I could explain more to her. Marriage wasn't an easy discussion in the first place. It could mean several things. For generations, princesses were sold off to nearby kingdoms for peace treaties or worse, forced to marry whomever took over the throne next. They could be killed if not found useful. Death was in every direction and have always felt pitiful for being born as a princess. Although I lived a grand life better than the commoners, my duties were indeed stressful.

Forcing a smile, I patted Fay's head gently. "I'm fine. Just shocked that I'm suddenly getting married."

"But... daddy didn't say anything about you getting married. Is it just rumors?" She said, tilting her head.

"Maybe, but I would still need to get ready for the event tonight. You'll be coming too, Fay. Did you want to get ready with me too? We can look pretty together." I suggested, wanting to get off the topic of marriage.

Fay's eyes sparkled in happiness.

"Yes!" She said, jumping around as the maids started to gather into the room. There were definitely more maids here than usual. Father must have sent them to help me get ready for my 'marriage'. I need to have a word with him as soon as possible. My worst fear was getting married to a 50 year old man who wanted nothing but my body.

I visibly shuddered but calmed myself.

Now's not the time to think about it.

For now, I have to prepare for the gathering.

***

"My word, princess! You are just the most beautiful woman in all of the werewolf kingdom! The other princesses can't compare to your beauty." My closest maid, Elise, said as she finished the last braid in my head.

I smiled, " Thank you, Elise. But there's really no need for you to exaggerate. Fay here is just as beautiful."

She nodded, "Of course, your highness."

Fay giggled, spinning around her dress. She was dancing around with the maids as they watched her with joy. She was indeed a gem in this dark castle. What did I ever do to deserve such an adorable little sister?

I laid back into my chair, feeling a little tired. It took us a total 4 hours to get ready. Fay and I were forced to wash in rose petals and bathe in silk warm coconut to smoothen our complexion. It helped us to have fair skin, as well as cleansing it.

Sighing, I stood up to stretch when my maid bowed, clearing her throat to get our attention.

"My, my! It's time, princesses. The king is urging you guys to come to your carriages. Let us be on our way!" Elise said, clapping her hands together.

Fay, who was carrying around her stuffed animal, named Chibi, quickly set her bear down. "Come on, sis! Let's go!"

I laughed, holding my gown. "I'm coming, I'm coming."

"Oh, wait! Princess! Don't forget it's a masquerade party. Here's your mask." Elise said, handing it to me.

I glanced at the mask in appreciation. "It's beautiful, thank you."

She did a curtsy before leading us to our father, who was waiting for us in front of the carriages.

"There you are. I was wondering when you two would arrive." My father said, letting out a hearty laugh. My little sister ran towards him, her arms open.

"Daddy!" She giggled, diving into his arms.

"Hello, Melody. You look beautiful as always."

"You always say that!" My sister said smiling, showing off her pearly whites.

My father nods and turns to me. "Are you ready, Titania?"

I sighed, faking a smile. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's just get this over with and go home."

He laughed but it wasn't a genuine laugh. In fact, it sounded nervous and sad.

"Right, off we go."

He helped Fay and I get into the carriage before he got on himself. We were now on our way to King Oberon's kingdom...

And we had no idea what was in store for us.

***

After we had gotten off the carriage, I looked around and noticed all the nobles staring. Many whispers were heard.

"That's King Eidan's eldest daughter, Titania. Isn't she the loveliest girl in the kingdom?"

"I heard she's marrying that monster..."

"Isn't that just a rumor?"

"Oh no, I heard that there was a treaty being done. There's a lot of tension right now and the only way to settle it is if Princess Titania marries King Oberon!"

"How scary... you think she will be killed her wedding night? I wouldn't be surprised if she was."

"King Oberon did kill his entire family after all. Whose to say he will spare his soon-to-be wife?"

"Her reputation proceeds her. She will be fine. I heard she was taught at a very young age with the sword. She scored to the top in every class she was in!"

"Such a fine lady like herself to wed to him is such a waste."

I held back my frown, continuing with my fake smile. I continued to walk behind my father. He mind-linked me to ignore it and I knew how to ignore easily. Gossip was gossip, didn't mean it was true.

Even though this was a masquerade party, everyone still recognized me.

'Don't be stupid human, of course they'd recognize us.' My wolf, Lorelei said.

'Yes, yes. Now shut up so I can focus. I'm not really a social person so this party is already draining me.' I replied to her before cutting the link.

Fay's eyes lit up as she walked beside me. "Sister... this place is magical! But... there's a lot of people talking about your wedding. Are you sure it's not true?"

"I don't know yet... but keep it down. We don't want to confirm things just yet. Otherwise, we'll be adding fuel to the fire." I whispered to her low enough so others wouldn't hear.

Even though we were wolves, royalty had better hearing than average wolves. There was a lot of noise and music in the ballroom, so it was easier this way.

My father soon came to a halt, his face seeming grim.

I was confused at his expression when all of a sudden, I heard the music stop and everyone's eyes averted upwards to the throne.

At long last, the man we were all waiting for arrived as the whole room went quiet. He wore a dark suit of armor with a helmet on. He was tall but I couldn't make out what he looked like. His hands had gloves on them and he had a powerful aura around him.

"Thank you to everyone who has come from far away for this party. I would also like to welcome King Eidan, Princess Titania, and Princess Fay to the party as well."

The room opened in applause as they all clapped. Eyes were all on us and I really hated it. Then again, it's a good thing I took acting lessons. Fay tightened her grip on me, doing her best to hide her nervousness.

I squeezed her hand back to reassure her.

"Now, there's actually another reason I have gathered you all here today. King Eidan and I have met several times to keep the kingdoms at peace. We've shed a lot of blood as you're aware... but have come to a final decision." He paused, his eyes landing on me.

I shivered, daring to not look away.

Please don't let it be true...

"I'm here to announce my engagement with Princess Titania."

Fay quickly gripped my dress tight, "Tati, you're going to get married..." she whimpered, scared.

Tati was my nickname and Fay only used it when she needed to. And I guess this moment was when she wanted to use it.

My eyes fogged over as I mind-linked my father. So much for him being King Eidan.

'Father, what is the meaning of this?! You didn't tell me anything about a wedding. I thought this party was only to keep the treaty at peace!'

'It was... but I met with King Oberon and have decided that there has been enough bloodshed. The only way to maintain the peace permanently is if you marry him.'

'He's not my mate... what about that? What about my happiness?'

'We will talk about this later.' He said before cutting the link.

I closed my eyes as the room started to go in a uproar with nobles hugging one another and congratulating me from all sides.

All for the sake of the treaty...

But what about me?

In the end, it didn't matter... because I was to wed a monster.