The Lycan’s Curse
Chapter 11

Larissa

My hands shake as I move into the room to put on my dress. The last week flew past and the majority of the time I was replaying that wild flurry of feelings that flooded me when Cassius claimed me. I was so flustered that I didn't even realize what it was until he told me. Now, every time he touches me, I want to feel it again.

I've tamed it down, forcing myself not to think of him to the point that he might think I'm trying to link to him. Something else that seems so strange. I know it works though because two days ago I was in my rooms, Minette and Caroline there, and they brought in a hairdresser to tame my messy mane to be ready for today.

The woman seemed pleasant enough, until Minette had to go answer a call, and Caroline went to get my tea. The instant I was alone with her, she jerked on my hair, nearly pulling half of it from my scalp. The scissors were next to my scalp when Kai crashed through the door, pushing her off of me, and all I could think in that instant was that I needed Cassius.

Less than two minutes later he was there, holding me in his arms, and I let go of the fright that'd remained even knowing that Kai had a tight hold on the woman. Since then, he's insisted that if Caroline were not helping with a task, it must be a man. I could feel how difficult it was for him to make that statement, not because he felt jealous, but because his Lycan was pushing at him in disagreement. He wants no one else near me but I don't mind. It feels nice to know that his Lycan approves of me, wants only him to be near me.

To calm him, I assured him that no one would see me in any stage of undress beyond him, Caroline, or his mother. The dress fitter was a man to begin but he was never near when I was changing. Even that didn't fully calm him, and he searched until he found a shiften couple, a male couple, that worked as stylists for hair and makeup and had them brought here for today.

From the first meeting we all hit it off and now with my hair in the softest curls, half up, half down, and the most unbelievable makeup making my eyes look bigger, the green glowing with life, my lips a soft rosy pink, I'm ready for the gown. It is beyond incredible but thankfully, not nearly as heavy as it would appear.

"You look stunning already," Minette says, holding my hands as she reaches me. "Cassius will be floored. Even if he can't feel it, it will still stop him in his tracks," she added in a whisper into my ear making me smile.

At times I can forget that Cassius can't feel the same things that I do. That he can't possibly feel the giddiness that I do when I see him, or the shortness of breath when his hand touches mine. I know now what it is-attraction. Something I never thought possible to feel, but I do, and it is the only thing that makes accepting to be his mate difficult.

I would give anything to have him feel just one tiny bit the way I do when he holds me. Warm and content yet hungry for something else. With him, his arms around me, everything from the past fades away. Every unpleasant touch, every nasty word spoken to me, all of it disappears and I long to just let myself go, to sink into him deeper.

"Here it is," Caroline says, taking down the dress and again, I can't believe how incredible it is. It holds a slight renaissance feel to it to comply with ceremonial requirements, but the rest is modern, and I love it. The huge bottom to create the required ballgown is enormous but made with the lightest material and netting to give it size but not weight.

The overlay of it holds a million dazzling crystals, shining like the moon. With off-the-shoulder short flutter sleeves that are also adorned, flowing into the covered bodice and down onto the skirt. There is a matching cape to cover the shoulders for the coronation as required, but it is also sheer and adorned with the same pattern of the dress.

The back is one of the parts I love most. The lace-up corset keeps it from slipping and the train is ten feet, as is the cape. Combined the two are utter perfection.

"No one else could pull off this gown," Minette says holding my hands once again as Caroline finishes with the laces. "With your white-blonde hair and this glowing silver, you are as beautiful as any star."

"Thank you, especially for your acceptance of me," I tell her before she turns to head out to take her place.

Caroline moves out the door in the green gown, the color chosen by Cassius as my maids' color for my eyes. It was sweet, even more so knowing that he couldn't feel that he was doing it to compliment me. His straightforward thoughts still make me giddy.

A knock sounds on the door and I take a deep breath before moving to it, smiling as Kai's eyes widen. Behind him is Dominic and another guard, Thom, to take me to the room where I'll wait until Cassius announces me.

"He's waiting for you," Dominic states, giving me a slight bow, and I shake my head as Thom does as well. They both know of Cassius' claim on me and have already begun treating me as a princess and their soon to be queen. "You look beautiful, sweetheart," Kai says, holding out his arm.

The walk down the empty hallway does little to calm my nerves and I move into the new room hoping they stop before the ceremony.

"Stars above," Cassius says, his steps stopping as he comes my way, staring at me and the nerves grow deeper. He shakes his head and closes the space between us, his lips pressing into my forehead and in an instant, the nerves disappear, filling me with warmth. "You are exquisite, little wolf. Every male in attendance will be jealous that you belong to me."

"Thank you, Cassius. You don't think it's too..."

"It's perfect for you and the occasion. My mother knew exactly what she was doing when she helped choose it. You should be comfortable in here until it's time. I must go but Dominic and Thom will be guarding the doors. No one will get near you here," he promises, and I sink into the feelings the kiss he feathers onto my lips ignite. "I will see you soon."

Dominic turns on a TV after the door is pulled to, showing the inside of the cathedral space with its enormous ceilings. It would be a spot where Kai could shift indoors without an issue despite his massive size.

I know he's in there, standing in the shadowed corner but up at the front to be close at hand in the event anyone might try to stop it or come after me. After the events with the maids and hairdresser, Cassius isn't taking any chances and I adore him for that. The TV doesn't have sound but with the door pulled just to, we can hear the entire beginning of the coronation. A smile settles onto my lips as the magistrate of the high council settles the crown onto Cassius' head. I'm certain his father is fuming. He didn't want to step down, but there was no other way, and now, my mate is king.

He stands, holding up his hands to quiet the applause from the attendees and raises his voice to be heard throughout the space. "Thank you, friends, family, and dignitary from all across our lands. I promise to be a good and just king to all. Today, as I accept the throne, I have but one thing to say. A king is never complete without his queen, and though quite often in the past, a king has ruled for many decades before replaceing his queen, I am lucky to announce that I have already found mine.

"While travelling I discovered a scent, one which I could not let go, and though she gave me chase having left her adopted pack shortly before I arrived, I found her. I was joyous to know that I had my mate but forced to wait to claim and announce her to all, as when I found her back, she had been a victim of a grievous act. Though not back to full strength yet, I do not wish to delay ensuring that she has her rightful place by my side. Please join me in welcoming my claimed mate, Larissa."

Dominic helped me up guiding me out the door and onto the platform to join Cassius. The applause died down then returned when he pressed a kiss to my forehead, and I smiled as he turned us towards the crowd. Almost immediately the women fell silent with their applause but not with their murmurings. There were too many to distinguish what they were truly saying but I knew none of them were pleased any longer.

"I have you, little wolf," Cassius whispered into my ear as the magistrate moved back to our side, quieting the room.

"Today, on the summer solstice, I hereby crown the king's claimed mate, to stand beside him as queen. Proven that she wears the mark of the royal heir, now made king by thine own hands, I permit this union to jointly rule. My lady, if you will kneel to accept the oath," he adds and my breath stalls for a moment.

In all of the planning I don't think any of us remembered this moment. Bending has still been painful. While my bones have fully healed, the muscles are still recovering and this is not something that is going to go well, I'm certain.

Caroline moves forward with a padded stool settling it down and holding it in place, while Cassius' hands hold onto me tightly. The one in my hand gives me a squeeze while the other resting on my waist, helps keep me steady. There are some snickers from the room as I wobble a bit on the stool, but Cassius doesn't release me. Rather, he kneels next to me pulling gasps from the crowd when his position puts him lower than mine. "Your Majesty," the magistrate says clearly uncomfortable.

"Law states that none shall stand higher than the king in royal ceremony, but I, as said King, do by declare, as a man devoted to his mate, who treasures her above all else, will never put her below him. To do so allows for her heart and being to be open for attack. No mate is worthy if his actions harm that which belongs to him, is to be cherished by him the most. As such, as King, I allow for a king to bow to his queen, for she bows to him where it matters most," Cassius states loud and clear, putting a hint of color into my cheeks I can't help.

The magistrate quickly finishes the oath and rather than guide me up, Cassius' hand lifts me, holding me until my feet are once more beneath me. His grip on my waist lightens but doesn't fall and I smile meeting his gaze, unable to stop myself. "Thank you..." "I present to you His Royal Majesty, King Cassius and Her Royal Majesty, Queen Larissa," the magistrate proclaims, and a strange sensation flew through my body.

I can't describe it. It wasn't a tingle, wasn't pain. It felt as though something snapped, but I can't pinpoint where it came from.

"What's wrong little wolf?" Cassius asks, his arm pulling me tighter into his side, keeping me upright.

"I don't know, I had the weirdest sensation hit me," I whisper to him as he drops his head down to kiss my forehead. It soothes every worry and I press against him a bit more for that warm comfort. "I'm okay, it didn't feel bad," I promise letting him turn us towards the crowd.

A shock hits as applause breaks out once more and faces that just seemed to hate me now appear welcoming and warm. 'Did you...

I see it, little wolf. Perhaps being formally announced as my mate, I as king, and you shown to bear my mark, it broke something? That sensation could have been it breaking.

'I won't mind at all if that is the case,' I assure him silently, before we are greeted by the head dignitaries of every species here.

"What game are you playing?" his father whispers furiously, glaring at me, and I simply smile, resting into Cassius' hold.

"No game, I merely decided that if the curse could not be broken, I should have a mate that understands my needs, and I hers. Larissa is that mate," Cassius replies with a similar smile.

I'm relieved when he has to move on for the others to have their turn and I can't help but let out a little giggle as Minette hugs me warmly.

"It appears that you no longer are in danger of most women, which I know must relieve my son," she states, and I nod.

"It was strange, there was this sensation that hit when we were officially announced, and then it was like none of them had sneered or glared at me even once. We aren't entirely sure what it was but if it allows Cassius to not stress over who is nearby, I'll take it." "I'll be right here if you need me," Minette says before the others move forward wanting an audience.

Even with Cassius' arm supporting me, my energy begins to droop. I fight it not wanting to disappoint him as we finish with the latest set of dignitaries.

"You are wilting," he whispers, leaning his head against mine and I smile, feeling his lips feather against my temple. "I will tell the others I will meet with them after I return from our public announcement."

"I can make it," I argue, as the next group approaches.

"Your Majesties," a familiar voice says as we're nearly finished with it.

"Alpha Matthew, it is good to see you again," Cassius says, shaking his hand. "I'm certain no introductions here are needed."

"No, they're not," Matthew agreed giving me a smile. "You look radiant, L...Queen Larissa," he fumbles, and I can see Minette shoot a wink at us from a bit away having overheard.

"Thank you, Alpha. I'm not entirely recovered from an attack but with Cassius' incredible nursing, I am far from where I was three months ago."

"We wish you the best," his wife says the smile and warmth of her tone truly shocking considering the abuse from those same lips in the past. "All the blessings the stars can provide to you both."

"Thank you," Cassius states glancing down at me before eyeing the rest of the current group. "I am afraid I will have to make our apologies. We are due to make a public appearance and then my queen will need to retire to conserve her strength. I will return shortly and resume where we left off," he adds to a page who nods, marking something on a sheet before handing it to another guard. "This way, little wolf, I can't deny the public the chance to meet their new queen."

We move from the space, and I let out a soft laugh when Cassius lifts me into his arms, ignoring the shocks and gasps that sound from behind us. I'm certain they're still in disbelief from Cassius' disregard of royal protocol, but I enjoy it. Dominic and Thom flank either side of us, a step behind and Kai follows close behind them, now wearing the mark of a royal guard. He couldn't say no to Cassius' request to stay and be my personal guard.

Cassius doesn't put me down until we're standing outside the draped doors that open onto the huge balcony overlooking the front of the palace. With the cape now off my hair tickles my neck and shoulders as it flows down onto the top edge of the dress. I don't need a mirror to know that the makeup is still flawless. It was set with a spray that resists the weather, oil, water, and any other liquid, until the unsetting spray is used to remove it.

"My queen, are you ready?" Cassius asks, a smile as he gazes down at me, and I nod. I truly am wilting now but I wouldn't trade seeing Diane Wellston's shock at seeing me here with Cassius for anything.

A man steps forward onto the balcony, quieting the crowd, before announcing us. Cassius' hand holds mine as we step out waving at the people below us. He gives them a short speech, then turns to me, his hand lifting to my chin as they shout out cries of 'kiss, kiss.'

"It is tradition for the king to give the queen a kiss in front of the public upon her coronation, unlike with the stuffy crowd inside," he whispers to me, pulling a giggle from me before his lips claim mine, making me tingle from head to toe. A loud cough from behind us breaks the kiss finally and the shouts grow louder when Cassius presses one more to my forehead.

He turns back to the crowd and addresses them again as he holds me close, "I know many of you are eager to meet my queen, and I assure you that we will come and visit and greet all that wish it, as soon as we might. For now, I have to insist my queen retire for the day as she is still recovering from an attack that severely weakened her. I intend to see that she is restored fully to health, and then we will welcome all."

We turn to go, and I rest my head on his chest as he lifts me. We're just barely inside the doors and I'm certain even from the ground, they could see him do it. But if so, I don't care at all because being in his arms fills me with the sweetest need, and nothing could possibly top that.