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Amber

"You must choose a husband today, Amber. Our pack and kingdom are depending on you."

For the third time today, my mother uttered those words, and I was sick of hearing them. This day was supposed to be a grand occasion-the day I found my husband. Yet, unlike every other werewolf princess before me, I dreaded it.

"Be sure to smile, Amber," my mother added in her usual formal tone. "A princess must always look pleasant."

I mouthed her words mockingly as she turned away, careful to keep my expression neutral. I respected my title, but moments like these made it difficult to endure. Still, I forced a practiced smile and braced myself as the corset tightened around my torso.

"And remember to tread lightly. Your steps are too heavy for a princess," she said, her chuckle devoid of warmth. "You do attend your dance lessons, don't you, Amber?"

"I do, Mother," I replied, struggling to mask my irritation.

But I chose the wrong moment to let my tone sharpen because, in the next second, she yanked on the corset strings mercilessly. A sharp breath rushed past my lips as my chest was hoisted upright, exactly as she wanted.

"Good." She looked pleased, adjusting a curl over my shoulder. "Finding a husband is crucial tonight. You are of age now, and your father grows weaker by the day."

"Of course." I swallowed hard, shoving aside my own desires.

My father, King Sebastian of Consok, the true Alpha of our pack, had not been himself for years. The servants whispered that his illness was due to age, but I knew better. It was grief that had worn him down.

Unlike most kingdoms, my parents had never arranged a marriage for me at birth. There was no prince waiting for me, no predetermined fate. Instead, I was given the responsibility of choosing my own husband when I came of age.

Any hope of finding my fated mate had disappeared the moment I understood my duty. It was a fantasy I had long since abandoned.

My wolf growled in discontent, more restless than usual. Something about tonight unsettled her, but I forced the feeling aside.

"Chin up, Amber. And why do you look so flushed?" My mother jerked my head sideways, applying more blush to my cheeks.

She always insisted on doing it herself, unsatisfied with the work of any maid. I grabbed the brush from her hand before she could turn me into a walking tomato. "I think that's enough."

She glanced at the clock, its hands striking eight. Offering her hand, she said, "Shall we?"

"We shall," I muttered, placing my hand in hers as she led me toward the ballroom.

From the top of the stairs, the ballroom was a breathtaking sight. White ribbons adorned the grand space, golden lights flickering atop each table. Blooming white flowers lined the edges, and the polished marble floor reflected every shimmering detail.

As my gaze swept across the crowd, I spotted my father, and my heart swelled at the sight of him.

Dressed in his crisp royal suit, his black hair streaked with dignified strands of gray, he carried himself with unwavering poise. To the outside world, he remained the strong and noble Alpha King Sebastian. No one knew the truth of his declining condition, and until his health failed completely, we would continue to maintain the illusion.

I curtsied when he met me at the base of the stairs. He was my light in this world, and every day, it killed me to see that light fading.

"You look beautiful, darling," he said warmly, kissing both of my cheeks.

"Thank you. How are you feeling?"

He looped his arm through mine, walking slowly as I supported his faltering steps. "I'm fine, my dear. You worry too much."

I stopped and turned to him, my eyes pleading. "But I must, Dad. Your well-being is my happiness."

He gave me a small, knowing smile before resuming our walk. "And may I ask where you were last night?"

I swallowed hard. How did he know? No one in the palace ever caught me sneaking out.

"I went for a walk," I lied smoothly. "I was restless about tonight's ball."

He nodded, seeming to accept my excuse-or at least deciding not to press further.

"Forgive me for intruding, Your Majesty," a deep voice interrupted. We turned to see a familiar figure stepping forward. "But may I have the honor of your daughter's company, Alpha Sebastian?"

"Of course, Duke Derulo," my father replied with a nod before disappearing into the crowd.

Despite knowing Alpha Nathan Derulo all my life, nerves fluttered in my stomach. Tonight, our conversation might steer toward something far more serious-marriage.

He would make a fine husband, but was that truly what I wanted?

I dipped into a polite curtsy before he took my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "You look breathtaking, Princess Amber."