Cinderella Fallen: Twisted Loyalties

Aiera's POV

Today is the day I betray the man I love. Today is the day I break him, and utterly destroy any love he has for me.

I stand in front of the full length mirror, in the bridal waiting room dressed in what has been described as 'the most beautiful garment to adorn any creature in all kingdoms', it wouldn't have made any difference if I was wearing rags. 

The subtle scent of lavender incense wafts throughout the room. It's my favorite scent, but it makes me feel sick right now.

"Your highness, it's time." The voice of a young young Lunar priestess rings out quietly from behind the curtain.

I smoothen my palms on the sheer midnight blue dress, staring at my reflection in the mirror.

"You can do this Aria, you're doing this for the man you love." I swallow the lump in my throat as tears cloud my vision.

"Stop it, you don't have time to feel sorry for yourself." I don't have a right to. Not when I'm going to bring so much pain to my mate.

After taking one last, deep, steadying, breath, I pull the veil over my face and walk out of the room. The young priestess parts the curtain open for me.

I stretch out my hands to receive the bouquet of blue roses, moonflowers and irises, noticing my hands are trembling, I pull them back.

The young priestess sees this and offers me a kind smile, placing the bouquet that represent fertility and union, in my hands.

"You must be nervous, your grace. It's quite normal. It will be alright. She says gently.

I slap her hand away, leveling her with an arrogant look, letting my dominant pheromones filter out. "I did not give you permission to touch me, or speak to me either."

She gasps and bows at the waist, "My apologies your grace, I did not intend to displease you." her voice trembling with fear from the pressure I released.

I huff, "See that you don't" I reply haughtily.

My footsteps echo across the marble floors of the temple, the rhinestones on my ivory dress reflecting off the stained glass.

As I walk a step closer to my doom, I try to remember the events that led to all this.

Our story was like a fairytale.

One day, the Alpha of the Blackstone Pack and King of the Astral Kingdom was carrying out an inspection on his territories.

He met an ordinary thief who had the courage to steal from him and fell head over heels in love upon discovering that she was his mate.

Not minding that she was "Rhagar", the caste of wolf that was considered scum, less than because they were hybrid, he pursued her until she finally opened her heart to him.

He whisked her away to his palace, making her a duchess to seal all the wagging tongues that questioned her nobility.

Today is supposed to be the beginning of my happily ever after but it seems the fates have seen fit to take that away from me.

From behind the door, I hear the chamberlain announce me.

"Introducing her Highness, Duchess of Stormwell, chosen bride and fated mate of Lycan King, Kael of the Astral Kingdom." Once again, tears rise to the surface. Kael made sure to introduce me like this so as to dispel any doubts that the mate bond compelled him to make his choice.

His gift of love makes my betrayal more obvious. There's nothing I can do now, I chide myself. The plans have already been set in motion whether I like it or not. I take in one last, deep, steadying breath. I can do this.

The double doors leading to the cathedral are pulled open from the inside. The temple is filled to the brim with people who have come to bear witness to a royal wedding.

I begin my walk down the isle, making my movements achingly slow. I want to prolong the moment as much as I can.

Tears flood my vision as I take in my groom, my husband, my mate, standing at the altar before me.

He looks glorious with his large frame clothed in his royal attire, as if they were painted on. His golden blond hair glints under the morning light streaming in from the windows.

He is radiant. Like a sun god descended amongst mortals.

Through my veil, I see his lips curve into a happy smile the moment he lays eyes on me. I can feel the pure joy coming from him. I heart drops down to the pit of my stomach.

I slow my steps, not wanting the moment to come so soon. The closer I get to him, the wider his smile becomes. I eventually get to the altar and stand opposite him, choking down tears when he places the sweetest kiss on the back of my palm. He probably assumed they were tears of joy.

His subjects gasp at his action. A King, most especially, an Alpha would never bow for any reason. It was unheard of. He just openly showed his surrender to me. I swallow the lump in my throat. This is going to be harder than I thought.

The ceremony begins and with each ritual that is carried out, time slows down for me.

When it is time to seal our bond by speaking my vows, my mouth opens to say the words that would damn me for eternity.

"I reject...