Broken Queen

11. Years waiting.

The moonlight decided to play favorites as it shone down on Beta Princess Regina and Dragon Prince Aiden. When the Beauty that rivaled the Moon was matched with the Dragon God to dance at the ball, the wolves on their knees ventured to lift their gazes to admire the couple before them. What could be more charming at this year's mating ball than a 5.8 tall breathtaking werewolf Princess in the arms of a 6.3 tall gorgeous Dragon Prince?

Due to the fact that the Crown Prince, the Alpha Prince, and the Third Prince were members of the Royal Family and the sons of the Alpha King, they were the only ones who could stand in the presence of dragons. Grant's wolf and heart were in shambles as they watched Regina dance in Aiden's arms, but he couldn't name her as his mate! It was exasperating for him. When Grant's chest let out a small possessive snarl, Laila's eyes widened. His gaze was focused on the couple in front of him, not her. Her heart plummeted to the floor when she noticed envy in his eyes. First he was smitten by Regina's beauty, now he was envious of Aiden.

Grant stormed out to the garden to unleash his emotions. If word reached Bentley that his second son had ventured to snarl in the presence of the Dragon Prince, it would place Grant on the wrong side of Bentley's plans. Laila's heart sank as she watched Regina dancing so closely to the Dragon Prince. How had she persuaded a Dragon Prince to dance with her? They couldn't even raise their heads to look at the Prince, and here that brazen b***h was looking him in the eye without blinking.

Violet nibbled her lower lip as she observed their interaction. Regina's and Aiden's lips continued to move. Were they exchanging words? Regina was unaffected by the Dragon Prince's powerful aura, which had decimated everyone else's wolves except the Royal family. She didn't even appear nervous.

Regina's lips twitched slightly in response to the sensation and heat in her body that was caused by Aiden. When she awoke in this life, she was a virgin again, she was at a complete disadvantage. Her emotions and thoughts were befuddled. She'd met this man far too many times, and each time she was deeply affected by his presence and touch on her body. Yet the fire building in her blood was too much this time. It was driving her insane to the point that she wanted to break free, but her body wouldn't let her. His emerald eyes had captivated her with their intense possessiveness. It could be attributed to the mating season. There could be no other reason.

Then why did she keep running into the Dragon Prince during this reincarnation when he hadn’t been there in her previous one? He was constantly appearing when she would be moving forward with her plan. And now he was her dance partner? Not to mention the insanity that he just whispered in her ear.

Aiden's lips brushed against her ear, his warm breath dampening her skin igniting Regina's body. Aiden's dragon, Theo, roared in his mind as he sensed the desire eminating from her soft body. “We need to claim our mate. We need to mark her,” Theo grabbed control of his human, revealing himself through his eyes that were hidden in Regina's hair. Aiden's sharp canines emerged and began to make their way down to Regina's smooth throat when the Dragon Prince clutched his eyes firmly shut to restrain his dragon.

Fuck! He opened his eyes, realizing that she hadn't recognized him as her mate. How the hell was that even possible? The last time they met, he’d stolen her veil that would have startled her. Even though she felt the pull, she still hadn’t sensed him as her mate! Something wasn't right! Aiden took a long deep breath then began to draw himself back, inhaling Regina's scent as he brushed his lips against her smooth skin.

“Why?” He whispered, his gaze fixed on hers. She obviously had her wolf, so why? His mate was full of secrets that was for sure and she was obstinate. She wasn’t going to trust his word, if the Dragon Prince told her they were mates since she didn’t feel the bond the same way he did.

"Dragon Prince," a high-ranking official, the Beta who was usually by Alpha King Bentley's side, entered the ball cutting Aiden's romantic moment short. Regina took advantage of the opportunity to free herself from Aiden's grasp.

"What?" Aiden questioned, hiding his annoyance.

"The Alpha King desires a moment of your time, Dragon Prince. He'd want to express his gratitude for accepting the invitation to the mating ball. Please come to the Imperial Hall with me." The Beta asked respectfully while kneeling on the floor. Aiden's acute eyes caught sight of his mate, who stood tall at his side, staring at him while calculating something in her head. Aiden moved closer to Regina. His gaze moved from her eyes to her lips, delighted with the fact that she did not try to get away from him.

“Wait for me. We aren’t done yet. I’ll be back,” Aiden’s promise sounded like a whisper to her ears before he left with the King's man. Regina continued staring after Aiden, who was being closely followed by Garner. Everyone around her let out a long sigh of relief and returned to their feet.

“Aiden, you let the Keeper go,” Garner reminded his friend. Their intention in attending the mating ball was just to find the Keeper then finish her off after they recovered their possession, but Aiden let the Princess go too easily.

“She is my mate,” he admitted.

“What!” Garner froze in place. “Beta Princess Regina is your mate?”

“Yes,” Aiden came to a halt. He turned towards his mate, who was still standing where he’d left her. He stuffed his hands inside his pockets. “But she doesn’t recognize me as her mate,” he continued. Regina lifted her gaze to look at Aiden when she felt his eyes on her.

“Why?”

“Whether you believe me or not she is the woman that was in Cecil's shop,” Aiden stated confidently.

“How can you be so confident? There was no trace of who that woman was. She even cleverly vanished into the crowd. Why would she even go there? It's simply a tattoo shop, no Princess like her would get anything done there,” Garner pointed out. Aiden’s hand played with his dragon ball in his pocket while he kept his eyes on Regina. He always kept his dragon ball close at hand.

“Something unexpected happened at Cecil's shop. Something we wouldn't anticipate from a female. Something she desired and obtained. Something that bound her to her wolf,” Aiden predicted.

“How are we going to figure it out? It's pointless to ask Edger. His oath is in the way. How are you going to learn exactly what happened in the shop before we hear the story?” Garner was anxious. Aiden’s hand stopped playing with his dragon ball.

“I have my ways of finding out,” he replied.

Regina averted her gaze from Aiden, but her ears were open to all the chatter and rumors circulating around the ball.

“It seems that the rumors of werewolves and dragons collaboration are true,” Regina’s feet stopped as she listened to the Omegas that worked at the palace.

“What kind of collaboration?” Regina asked the woman who jumped in place for a second. She immediately lowered her head fearing punishment for gossiping about high-ranking wolves as it was prohibited. “Tell me,” Regina walked closer to them. Her aura intimidated their wolves.

“There are rumors that Alpha King Bentley has shaken hands with Dragon Emperor Aldrich. The dragons promise to safeguard the Dyson Kingdom. They’ll be the protectors’ of the throne and the kingdom ,” the Omega explained. Regina’s eyes quickly found Aiden whose eyes were already drilling a hole into her face. Her current life differed slightly from her previous one. This time there were dragons to protect what she’d been brought back to destroy. He was her adversary. She’d to keep her distance from him. She walked away, tossing her train behind her as she tore her eyes away from him while only one thought crossed her mind.

‘A protector and destroyer can’t be together.’

Regina sat alone at one of the tables, pouring herself a glass of water. Alpha Harrison had been unaffected by Regina's scarless face since it’d never upset him. What he despised was having to be on his knees while Regina stood tall next to the Dragon Prince. He left the ball in a huff, but his son Arlo lingered for a few seconds staring at Regina until Regina glanced back at him with blank eyes. Arlo's wolf quickly turned away from Regina, who’d offended him greatly. How could the little girl who’d grown up right in front of his eyes have given him goosebumps? He walked away with a scowl.

The people surrounding her just stared at Regina as if she were untouchable yet desired by everyone. The mouths that prior to this evening only opened to mock and laugh at her had only sugar coated words for her now. Their gazes were filled with adoration and awe as they approached the Princess, who gave the impression of being an Empress seated on her throne that shouldn’t be approached lightly. Laila and Violet stood with their friends, but what they despised was that their gaze was now fixed on the Princess.

“Grant, you’re back,” Laila beamed as she approached him. All the Princes were required to attend the ball, so he could not disappear for long. He didn't look much better than he had earlier. Laila decided to ignore his dark features, fiery eyes, and emotionless expression, but she couldn't ignore the fact that his gaze kept returning to Regina. When she observed one of her friends approaching Regina with measured steps, she grimaced.

“Regina?” Regina raised her gaze to see Susan, who’d taken the seat across from her. The nineteen-year-old b***h was friends with Laila and Violet. She was the one who’d snatched Regina's scarf in order to show Grant Regina's hideous scar. Susan was a sycophant, one of those women who would talk to the people with high status and beauty. Unfortunately, years later Violet exploited her in Regina’s previous life, having her crawl into the bed of the Third Prince then subsequently murdering her. Her family never even found her body. The Princess refused to answer her and sipped her water.

“You were late. You missed out on all the fun of the birthday party. Now it is time to offer the Crown Prince his sweets,” Susan continued.

“That means I’m on time,” Regina replied.

“Do you mean you're only here to offer sweets? Aren’t you looking for your soulmate tonight?” Everyone’s ears had focused on their conversation. “Didn't you say a few years ago that Alpha Prince Grant was your mate?” She asked. Grant's ears perked up as he wanted to hear Regina's response, but Laila's entire body began to sweat. What if she announced that Grant was her mate? Alvara observed her daughter's pale complexion and urged her to calm down even though she herself was incredibly scared. She couldn’t lose the Alpha Prince as a son-in-law. Regina chuckled softly drawing everyone's attention.

“I’m not as fortunate as you in finding my mate at this ball,” Regina said, Susan blushing. She’d found her mate earlier that evening. “I’ll try my luck at the next ball,” Regina added. That caused Grant’s blood to boil. Why wouldn’t she be attracted to him? Why was it just him that was tortured? If they weren't mates, why did he want to claim her? She hadn't even looked at him once! Laila's lips twisted into a smirk when she saw Grant becoming enraged over Regina. This was her opportunity.

“Grant, I’ve thought of a way to stay at the palace tonight. Father won’t question it so…”

“There’s no need for you to stay,” Grant cut in.

“Why? Didn't you say…”

“If I stated that before, I retract it now. I'm not in a good mood tonight. Return to your pack,” he ordered, walking away from her. Laila was left stunned, she looked like she was about to cry.

“Mother,” she turned to Alvara who stood next to her. “This is all because of that ugly wretch. Grant changed his mind,” She whined, losing her mind.

“Don't worry. If I don't make her cry in front of the entire world at this ball, I'm not the Luna. Just wait and see,” Alvara vowed, glaring at Regina.

When the Crown Prince took his seat to accept the sweets from his party guests, he appeared enraged. He'd learned of Edger's unwillingness to seal the Maze just moments ago, it’d soured his mood. Violet was afraid to stand before him. His white eyes had always terrified her even though it just meant that he was blind. That was the reason she’d chosen Farrell over Miles. She could have easily become Crown Princess if she’d chosen Miles, but Miles wasn’t someone she could easily entice. Miles waved with his hand for her to get out of his face. He did the same with the others as his Beta placed the collected sweets into the Omegas' hands, which was rather insulting to the guests. Everyone knew that the Crown Prince would never even glance at their sweets, but who would dare to open their mouth?

When it was Regina’s turn April walked behind her with the sweets. Miles’ wolf caught Regina’s sweet scent lifting his mood. He quickly saw the beauty before him using his wolf’s eyes. April's gaze was drawn to Alvara, who smiled at her. In an instant, April was on her knees sobbing. Mile's brow furrowed at the maid. While Regina peered down at her.

“Princess, I’ve committed a crime. Please punish me,” April cried loudly.

“What have you done, April?” Alvara asked worriedly. She took a step out of the crowd to play her role as the Luna seeing she was the highest ranked representative of the Dumas Moon Pack after Harrsion.

“Luna, I made these sweets even though I had my period,” April admitted.

“What? Why would you do that?” The Luna shouted in fury.

“I wanted to help Princess Regina.”

The entire ball exclaimed with disgust. The regulations in the Dyson Kingdom were written to only benefit men. Females were bound to be humiliated at every turn. Restrictions had made a woman's menstruation a taboo subject. A lady that had her menstruation was not permitted in the kitchen. Men refused to go near them and went so far as to even avoid their shadows. Making sweets for Crown Prince Miles or any Prince, who were all treated like gods, by a she-wolf during her menstruation was a major offense against the Royal Family. The punishment for the perpetrator was thirty whips in public.

“Regina, why would you ask April to make the sweets?” Violet gasped innocently.

“You’ve to make them using your own two hands. You should’ve thought about your Grandfather’s reputation, Regina,” Alvara added in a worried tone while noticing Miles, Grant, and Farrell’s expressions. April mentally smiled. She was simply a maid, only the mistress would be punished for this offense. She demonstrated her devotion to Alvara and Laila by taking such risks, and as part of her retaliation, she humiliated Regina.

“Please punish me, Princess,” April wailed, wanting to conclude her act and walk away.

“Of course you’ll be punished, April,” Regina replied. April lifted her face up in surprise.

“Wh… what…” when she noticed the serenity on Regina's face, she was at a loss for words. Farrell and Miles lifted their brows curiously.

“The Omega who acts without her mistress' knowledge should be punished,” Regina continued. Olivia entered the ball with a box of sweets in her hand. “April, I never asked you to make sweets for me. I'm not sure why you came into my kitchen in the first place, especially seeing you aren’t even my personal servant,” Regina added while gesturing for Olivia to pass the sweets to Miles’s Beta. “I didn't need you to do it since I can make them myself.”

Laila and Alvara's mouths hung open in surprise. Regina couldn't even chop vegetables, so how could she make sweets? Olivia's cooking skills were also lacking. April began to sweat as she’d no answer as to why she was in the kitchen without Regina's knowledge. Laila saw the ball had become tranquil, and the Princes had forgotten the controversy like smoke in the air.

“I hope April hasn’t made sweets for the Luna and Aunt Benny as she is their personal maid,” Regina remarked worriedly which startled Bernice and Alvara. Their strategy had backfired.

“No, Laila and Violet made them for the Crown Prince with their own two hands,” Alvara lied, almost snapping in her rage. She couldn't bear the humiliation of thirty lashes in front of the other party guests.

“Then I’m glad,” Regina replied but her words instilled disgust in Miles’ mind.

“That Omega is their personal servant. Throw those sweets out of the presents,” Miles ordered, offending Alvara badly. The other Lunas secretly giggled behind her back, in her heart as she watched Regina, she knew that she had been the one that’d humiliated Alvara.

“What are you still doing here, April?” Regina raised her eyebrows at the shaking Omega. “Go to the other side of the garden and take your punishment, it’s twenty whips from Olivia,” April nodded and quickly exited, embarrassed. Olivia and Regina exchanged glances before Olivia trailed behind April. Just as Regina was ready to return to her seat, Miles said.

“Princess Regina made sweets for me? How can I not taste them?” He pulled the sweets box from his Beta's grasp. Every female at the ball was envious of Regina's ability to capture Miles' attention. Their sweets had been tossed in the corner. He didn't even bother looking at them. He ate one of the sweets while moaning loudly enough to pierce Regina's ears. It reminded her of his filthy groans that she’d been required to listen to every time she was forced into his bed. “The sweets are just like you, Princess Regina,” he licked his lips while taking in Regina from head to toe. “Lucious and addictive,” he said with a smile. Miles was a noble Prince of the Dyson Kingdom who never so much as hurt a mosquito except when they were his adversaries on the battlefield. He was the man every she-wolf wished for as a future husband. He usually kept his mask on in public, exposing his true self only when he borrowed Regina from Grant for his own enjoyment.

Regina accepted his compliment with a cool smile on her lips and a small bow. That blind dog had shown her what a living nightmare and public humiliation looked like. It wasn't going to be any fun if he didn't experience the same terrible anguish and humiliation that she’d gone through more than a hundred times at his hands.

Regina moved away, but Miles' gaze couldn't bear to be separated from the movement of her hips. Bernice, who’d been watching the entire scene unfold, grinned when she saw Crown Prince Miles' interest in Regina. Miles noticed her staring at him. They exchanged a meaningful grin before he invited her to tea as the dancing portion of the ball was about to begin.

Laila charged in April's direction. While Violet began her quest to find Farrell, who had mysteriously vanished. Violet began to hear Farrell's voice speaking with a man as she followed his scent into the Royal's forbidden section.

“What are you thinking, Third Prince?”

“It appears that it’s time for me to take a concubine,” Farrell answered. Violet bit her lip to stop her excited scream. First she would become his concubine then his legal wife! “I’ll ask my Father to pass an imperial decree about my marriage to her,” he added.

“Who is this woman?” He asked.

“Princess Regina,” Farrell smirked. Violet collapsed to the ground in shock.

Laila entered the garden. “What a useless piece of s**t you are!” She slapped April over and over again until her hands ached. “You couldn't blame Regina for this, you brought disgrace down on us,” Laila gave a murderous glare to the shaking and weeping Omega.

“Please forgive me…Please forgive me,” she cried, holding on to Laila’s leg only to receive a painful kick in the stomach.

“You won’t like returning the pack tonight,” Laila swore then drifted away, her cheeks flushed. Olivia stepped from behind the tree moving closer to April.

“April, are you okay?” She sat next to her on the ground.

“Don't bother giving me your fake sympathy, Olivia. Just whip me then leave me be,” April snapped.

“You aren’t getting whipped, April. The Princess just said it to fool the guests. She is a kind mistress. How could she hurt us?” She explained but April just grew more furious. By coming to the ball, bringing sweets, and then ruining their plans, how the hell wasn’t Regina hurting her? She was beaten and there was more waiting for her when she returned to the pack. She wanted to scream all of that l in Olivia’s face, but she kept her mouth shut. That was when she heard a wolf growl in the distance.

“What was that?!” She crawled back in fear.

“I'm not sure, but I've heard there's a rogue imprisoned in the Imperial Garden,” Olivia explained.

“A rogue?”

“Yes, they said he is a bloodthirsty rogue that has killed numerous people. He’ll soon be put to death,” Olivia clarified then leaned down closer to April’s ear. “I’ve to leave now, but you should stay here for a while so that no one doubts that you were punished. I wouldn’t provoke him. I've heard he murders those that do,” Olivia added before leaving.

April remained on the ground terrified until she saw Violet charging towards her before she hit April much harder than Laila had.

“Please…please let me go,” April begged but was only beaten further.

“Didn't you lock Regina up in her packhouse? How did she manage to escape?” She screamed in the maid's face to prove that she wouldn’t stop until she stole April’s life. In a matter of seconds she’d lost Farrell to Regina. Regina would be the Queen of his bed, even though he never had promised Violet that he would marry her. She felt pathetic and defeated.

“I don't know. Please forgive me. I’ll die,” April cried when Violet dug her claws into her throat.

“April, you'd better die. You're no longer useful! If I can't have Farrell, I'll murder everyone. I'm going to start by murdering Regina,” she shrieked the last line as she strangled April more and more until she heard the deadly roar of the Rogue.

“What was that?” She asked. April collapsed to the ground, coughing and gasping for air. Violet took a few steps towards the growl before stopping in terror as she laid eyes on a large rogue in a cage. Bernice had told her that after the ball, the Royal's were going to kill that Rogue since he was easy to provoke. Violet's lips formed an evil smirk. “Get up and get ready to follow my orders,” she ordered April.

“Regina made the mistake of stealing Farrell from me and now I’m going to kill her,” she vowed.

***

“Princess Regina, the dancing is about to start,” the host came over to notify Regina.

“I’m not interested,” She answered without sparing him a glance.

“But…”

“I said I’m not interested,” she repeated, giving him a blank stare. He quickly excused himself, but someone else took his place.

“I’m glad you came to the ball, Regina,” Carl threw a handsome smile at her. “You look so beautiful tonight that I can't bear to tear my eyes away from you. But you aren’t willing to dance, does that mean you’re only here to see my posting ceremony?” He playfully winked at her. Regina stared at him blankly for a second.

“Of course. Carl, I'm not leaving until I see your posting ceremony with my own eyes. As I already said, I’ll watch you become a Royal Gamma,” Regina smiled back, which made Carl blush.

“Okay, then you’ll be waiting for a while. There will be a few events before that, such as archery and dancing, before my posting ceremony. After that I’ve something to tell you,” he shyly glanced at her. In Regina’s past life he’d confessed his feelings for her after his posting ceremony. Regina had nicely turned him down, but he’d taken it as an offense.

“Sure,” Regina smiled. Every guest received a fragrance pouch from an Omega. Carl left with his. She studied other guest's pouches before returning to her own. Everything appeared to be the same until she smelled it and a smile spread over her lips.

“Playing the same game again are we?” She chuckled as she tapped her fingers on the table.

“What’s wrong Princess?” Olivia asked.

“Olivia, why don't you pass this scent pouch to that brown cladded gentleman?” Olivia nodded and walked away, the bag hidden in her pocket. The dancing portion of the ball began. The slow song was lovely to listen to, but Laila was enraged. Grant had declined dancing with her at the last minute, so she’d to dance with another wolf. She wasn’t blind to the fact that he refused because Regina was unwilling to dance. Violet's name hadn’t come up with Farrell’s since he hadn’t opted to participate in the dancing. So she was dancing with another man, she’d an unusual sense of peace on her face that Laila couldn't ignore.

Two Princes and a gorgeous Princess hadn’t taken part in the dancing. Farrell mind-linked the Crown Prince to arrange a dance with Regina.

“Princess Regina, why aren't you dancing?” Miles inquired. Even though he was far away, she could hear him over the music. Regina spotted Bernice and the Crown Prince together, she suspected that the snake and mongoose were collaborating.

“I’m going to pass on the chance, Crown Prince Miles,” she replied, getting up from her seat. “I’m not feeling well.”

“How can you when we have two Princes who have no partner?” Miles asked. When it came to Miles, he refused to use his position to compel people against their will. However, at the moment he also refused to accept Regina’s answer. “How about you choose between Grant and Farrell?” He suggested. Regina observed Farrell approaching her while Grant was already close by.

“My designated dancing partner isn’t here so I’m not forced to dance,” Regina responded loudly enough for everyone to hear. She didn't want to dance with anyone. Miles smiled despite his slight grimace.

“I'm afraid the Dragon Prince will be unable to attend the ball tonight. Their conversation will be long,” he explained with a triumphant smile. Regina took a deep breath as she stared at the three Princely beasts. Aiden wouldn’t return. She knew and she wanted that, a past that refused to alter while Grant and Farrell were in front of her. The ball had fallen silent as everyone waited to see whose hand Princess Regina would accept to dance with.

Regina remained motionless, feeling Grant lightly clasp her hand. Just as she was about to jerk away from him, she felt an arm wrap around her waist leading her onto the dance floor. She closed her eyes for a split second in amazement as she was drawn into a familiar warmth.

“Didn't I say to wait for me?” Aiden whispered, his lips close to hers. Regina opened her eyes to face the Dragon Prince, who guided her hand to his shoulder.

“Maybe I don't want to wait for you,” she replied. Her gaze was drawn to his hand as it brazenly slid down to her waist. Aiden drew her closer to him, keeping any air from passing between them.

“But I’ve waited years for you,” he confessed while gazing into her eyes.