Weight of Duty

"Yes, of course! As the alpha's prince chosen mate, it's important that you are there," she affirmed, her voice steady yet imbued with empathy. "You don't have a choice. You need to accompany them to show the world the soon to be werewolf queen. This will be your first official appearance with Prince Jayden after announcing your bond." I sighed, feeling the weight of inevitability pressing down on me. "I wish it weren't the case," I lamented, feeling powerless against my fate. "Once we return, only a week will remain before my mating ritual with the prince," I said, my voice heavy with reluctance. I wished fervently for a different path, one that wouldn't lead me to a life I didn't want. "I can only hope there's a miracle that could prevent it." Amelia's expression softened, her eyes filled with empathy. "I wish for that too, so you could find your happiness," she reassured me, her sincerity clear in her tone. "You deserve it, truly." I managed a faint smile, feeling a sense of gra