Chapter 6. The Rite

Mia felt the alpha King’s intent gaze on her as she moved her hand to the small hand of the white gown she had on. She shook from fear from the inside out because not only was he much older, he also terrified her.

He was obviously hoping to see what was underneath the garment, though, but the look on his face already said he wouldn’t be impressed either way.

She didn’t have the body that would blow anyone away. She wasn’t the right height or shape and she hadn’t felt insecure about it in a long time, but now, standing so vulnerable, she did.

Getting married was never on her agenda, not since she turned fourteen, freedom and knowledge was. She remembered the first time she shared her dreams of travelling to the other side of the world to get an education with Ariel, and how her sister felt happy for her and supported her. Ariel might have had the looks in the family, but she was much more than that; she was kind and generous and never made Mia feel any less. Ariel t