Prince Reagan
Chapter 62

Ellie

I'm awoken to an empty bed and a room full of servants ready to doll me up for dinner. I was forced into a beautiful peach long-sleeved evening dress with an upper sheer lace design that is also included on the sleeves. My hair is done in a loose updo and held by a thin silver headband with silver earrings also dangling from my ear. They also helped with my make-up before declaring me ready to meet the royal family.

On our way out, I meet Reagan, and I couldn't be any happier seeing him and knowing he would be with me every step. Plus, he looks yummy in a suit. I rarely see him dress so formal and can't help ogle him a bit.

The dining table is ruled by silence and tension thick on the air, you could cut it with a chainsaw. The stares I'm receiving are enough to make me cower in fear, but I keep my head up and my expression blank. Me clutching Reagan's hand is also one of the reasons I can keep sitting and not run for the hills.

At the head of the dining table is Reagan's father, King Aldrich, sitting regally like the ruler he is with his crown fixed on his short dark hair. His poised appearance doesn't give much about his thoughts, but his cold eyes tell a lot. For the king of all beasts, though, I feel intimidated but not as much as I thought I would. I remember when I was a werewolf, I couldn't stand beside Alpha Benson without cowering in fear due to his powerful aura. Maybe it's because of my wolf's transformation to a Lycan, but I'm alright, even though sitting so close to The King.

And on his right is his mate, Queen Alissa, in an elegant maroon floral embroidered dress and her shiny blond hair is curled in a loose updo. I notice she's the one Reagan got most of his features from. And just like her son, her beauty is radiant. Unlike her mate, she wasn't staring at me through her nose but offers me a smile every once in a while.

Opposite The Queen is an empty seat where The First Prince is supposed to be, but we've been waiting for him for a while now, and he still isn't here. It's a bit rude, I would say since even his father is already here. And because of this, we haven't started our meal yet. Beside the empty seat is Reagan and then me. We had almost been separated by the Royal Butler, but he had received a growl from Reagan and scurried off in a second.

Danny is sitting opposite us, beside his aunt, Her majesty, and his twin sister, Lexi, follows beside him. There are other guests at the dining table also staring curiously at me, but as soon as Reagan's eyes met theirs, they glanced away without a second thought. I stare up at him in thanks, and he returns it with a smile before going back to his cold demeanor.

A while later, the Butler approaches His Highness to whisper into his ear. And me, being the nosy girl I was, listened in with my enhanced hearing. And I'm sure I'm not the only one doing that as the table is filled with Lycans.

"... He appears to no longer be in the Palace, Your Highness. We have a reason to believe he's gone to Los Angeles where his mate currently is."

It didn't take me long to realize they were talking about the First Prince. And His Highness doesn't seem too happy about the news. His beast's anger fills the room, and I notice the guests squirming in their seats. I also felt intimidated and shifted closer Reagan, who still remains composed.

Queen Alissa reduces the tension in the room by urging us to start eating and making light conversations. It was a bit stiff, with the guests looking nervous and ready to bolt out of here if given the chance. And the hostility I could sense also between my mate beside his father and me wasn't helping. It was like they were also having their silent war as they kept making eye contact.

Sighs of relief fill the room immediately dinner is declared over. And just as I had suspected, most almost ran out of the room.

Danny and Lexi don't seem bothered as they mostly look bored and remained seated. We were the ones remaining in the room as everyone else left, and my grip on Reagan's hand tightened with King's Aldrich eyes focuses on us. After a few seconds of silence, he finally orders, "You both can leave."

At first, I thought he was talking to us until his eyes drift to Lexi and Danny without him moving another muscle. They seem reluctant to leave but after a warning growl from their uncle, they sigh in defeat. After a nod of encouragement towards me, they both waltzed out of the dining room.

And we're back to the receiving end of King's Aldrich stern gaze. His sharp eyes take in our every move without once blinking. Regan meets his stare head-on without once flinching away before His Majesty finally sighs.

"And what did you say your name was again?" His voice is just as cold as his stare.

"Ellie..." I pause, "Your Highness."

"And are you in any way of noble birth?"

I had been expecting this question, so I'm not too taken off guard by it.

"No, Your Highness. But..."

"So, in other words, you were more than happy to seduce a Prince, my son, since it would attain you a status you desire." I blink in shock at his statement while Reagan growls in response.

"Father!" But King Aldrich ignores him and keeps his eyes on me. I don't even get what made His Highness assume such a thing about me without even getting to know me! I know he doesn't think I'm good enough for Reagan because of my status, but as a King, shouldn't he be fair to his subjects before making such accusations?

Reagan beside me is boiling with anger to the extent that I could feel him shaking beside me. My chest also burns with his anger, but I didn't want him getting mad with his father because of me. So I thought to sort it out. After all, His Highness is just a worried parent. I would be too if my child was in the same position as Reagan, where most people's reason for getting close to him is just to leech off what they could from him.

"Your Highness." I begin, causing his attention to divert back to me. Taking in a deep breath, I try to gather as much courage as I could as I had already planned for this moment for a long time.

"Reagan and I are soulmates, bonded by the moon and not by our choices. I hadn't realized this early because I was going through a rough patch. But now that I do, I can't see myself living without him, nor do I want to. He's everything I could ever ask for, and I feel blessed by the moon for giving him to me." I'm speaking more to Reagan, my eyes connected with his while ignoring the other two Royal leaders in the room. I pour my heart to him like I should have done a long time ago, and I'm glad to see the elated look in his eyes even though he tries to keep his cool facade on.

"And," I turned back to King Aldrich, who hasn't stopped staring at us. "I'm not with him because of his status as a Prince. I'm with him because he's my better half. Without him, I wouldn't last a second."

I think I surprised him with my speech since he still remains silent. Queen Alissa beside him sends a sweet smile my way and a nod. Reagan sighs beside me and turns back to his father.

"And we also need to discuss when her crowning ceremony is going to be." Reagan comments, sending a challenging stare towards King Aldrich.

King Aldrich scoffs before leaning back into his chair. "If she wants the title of a Princess, then she needs to prove that she is worthy of it. I do not dish out titles to strangers."

"She doesn't need to prove anything to you!" Reagan abruptly stands to his feet, almost knocking down the chair behind him. I follow him, placing a soothing hand on his shoulder to calm him down as he seethes in fury.

"Then mate with someone else who doesn't need to prove herself and is already born with such privilege. There are other eligible ladies out there who are better for you than her." That was enough for me to burst out.

My beast lets out a snarl at His Majesty before I could stop her, stunning him as he flinches back. He recovers quickly and glowers at me in a warning. But I don't back away so easily. Not only was I furious, but I can also feel my mate's fury burning deep in my chest and fusing with mine.

How dare he suggest my mate leave me for another!

No matter who he was, he has no right to separate me from Reagan. His aura is filling the room, trying to make me submit, but Reagan beside me blocks me from him.

"Enough!" Queen Alissa stands to her feet, her warning glare directed at the two Alpha males in the room. With a huff, His Highness stands to his feet and squares his shoulder in determination.

"I won't crown someone like her, who lacks respect, as a Princess." He states before storming out. Queen Alissa sighs before also following her mate out, leaving Reagan and me alone in the room.

He pulls me into his warm arms and places a kiss on my forehead. I slump into him with my anger washing away just by his touch. I suddenly regretted snarling at His Highness, but Reagan doesn't seem to mind, and his eyes are even gleaming with pride. But that doesn't change the fact that I acted a bit rude.

What a wonderful way to meet the family, Ellie.