Bought by the Beast King (Katerina and hunter) novel Chapter 1

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**

**Chapter 1**

**KAT**

“You look absolutely radiant, Princess Katerina.”

A wave of tension surged through me, causing my fists to clench tightly in my lap. Each breath felt like a conscious effort, a struggle to find calm amidst the chaos swirling in my mind.

Radiant. Perfect. I was a doll crafted for display, pristine yet untouched—an exquisite ornament with no purpose beyond mere aesthetics. My skin, pale and porcelain-like, was adorned with makeup so flawlessly applied that it appeared to be a part of me, rather than an enhancement. My blue eyes, large and captivating, boasted lashes that seemed to defy the need for extensions. My lips, a luscious shade of red, formed the polite smile that had become second nature to me.

“Thank you,” I replied, nodding at Alanna, the makeup artist, whose hands had worked magic on my appearance.

“They’re waiting for you downstairs. Should I summon your brother to escort you?”

My fists tightened once more, a reflexive response to the thought of being treated like a child. Lordswood Castle was more secure than any fortress, impenetrable to all but the most determined. No insects could breach its walls without rigorous scrutiny, and even that wouldn’t suffice to reach the inner keep.

Yet, they insisted on shadowing me everywhere, as if I were incapable of navigating the world alone.

But I reminded myself—this was all for a reason. Each sacrifice would yield its rewards in due time.

“No, that won’t be necessary. Thank you, Alanna,” I stated firmly as I rose from my seat.

“But the Alpha specified—”

“I’m certain I’ll manage just fine,” I interjected, maintaining the smile that felt etched into my features, a mask I wore with ease.

I smoothed the long skirt of my gown, adjusting my posture, which was made easier by the unforgiving corset that constricted my movements. It was as rigid as a board; slouching wasn’t an option, even if I desired to.

Casting only a fleeting glance at my reflection in the mirror, I nodded at the team of women who had dressed me, then stepped out of my dressing room. I had to admit, I looked flawless. Not a single strand of my blonde hair was out of place, my shoulders were back, and my head held high. Each piece of clothing I wore was worth more than what many would earn in a year.

I was the prize, the jewel.

Raised to be envied. Destined to complement my true mate’s existence. A trophy.

A prisoner.

My smile faltered, and my steps hesitated at the threshold of my bedroom. I scolded myself for such thoughts. My life was a privilege, and I needed to express gratitude. My parents adored me and provided everything I could ever want, and my dear brother, Kostas, would set the world ablaze for me if I simply asked.

“Why do they even bother? She’ll be eighteen soon; I doubt a true mate will just fall into her lap. Their expectations are far too high; she’s merely an omega.”

My shoulders stiffened at the sound of their voices. They must have assumed I had already departed.

Omega. Weak. Condemned to submit to every wolf, a burden to the one I would eventually mate with, yet paradoxically the most cherished within my pack. The irony was not lost on me.

“Silence! If you wish to survive here, keep such thoughts to yourself.”

“But everyone says—”

“You’ll be out of the castle before lunchtime if you finish that sentence. Prince Kostas will ensure you never set foot through the gates again.”

A heavy silence followed, but I yearned for that woman to continue. What was it that everyone said? I spent most of my time confined within the inner castle, and no one dared utter a word out of line. Gossip rarely reached my ears, but when it did, it was typically the dull, mundane kind.

I stifled a huff, reminding myself that it was unladylike. Mother would have a fit if she caught wind of my frustration.

With renewed resolve, I squared my shoulders and stepped out into the expansive hallway, alone. A chill lingered in the air as we welcomed the arrival of spring, but the rooms in my wing were warm and inviting. My father was intolerant of even the slightest sniffle from me; he hardly allowed me outside during the winter months.

But spring had finally arrived. The flowers were beginning to bloom, heralding the promise of long walks in the gardens and the much-anticipated Spring Ball. A flicker of excitement ignited within me, a welcome reprieve from the solitude of my thoughts.

As I approached the two guards clad in black combat uniforms stationed at the end of the hallway, I nearly laughed at their startled expressions when they turned to face me. The panic etched on their faces was almost comical.

“Your Royal Highness, please wait here to be accompanied,” one of the guards said, offering a slight bow.

I knew they would instantly mindlink my brother the moment they laid eyes on me, but I was ready for it. I quickened my pace, slipping past them and turning into the next hallway, where several more guards awaited. It felt excessive, but what could I do? I was assigned more protectors than the king and queen themselves. How far could I venture this time? Perhaps I could make it to the entry hall?

I half-jogged past the guards and was nearly at the staircase when my brother’s head appeared as he jogged to the top.

Blast it. I’d almost made it.

With a resigned sigh, I slowed my pace and met my brother’s scowling visage.

“You didn’t wait for me, Katerina,” he reprimanded, his tone a mix of concern and annoyance.

“I walked down two hallways by myself, Kostas. If I can’t manage that, how will I ever care for my mate?”

Predictably, his scowl deepened, and I fought the urge to giggle. My brother was undeniably handsome, a striking contrast to my delicate appearance. He towered over me with his broad shoulders, brown eyes, and curly brunette hair. There was nothing fragile about him; he was a warrior, the beta of the Lordswood Pack, standing second only to our father, exuding an intimidating presence that commanded respect even in a room full of alphas.

“He will have to take care of you,” Kostas said firmly, his expression resolute. “And don’t forget, this castle will be your home.”

Of course. How could I forget that even after the mating ceremony, I would remain within these same walls? Perhaps a new face would shake things up, break the monotony that had settled over my life. There were only so many languages and musical instruments I could learn before I grew weary of the law, finance, and economics books that lined my shelves. Maybe once I was mated, they would allow me to apply my studies practically.

Or even explore something new, like training with the rest of the pack. Now that was a dream worth holding onto.

Kostas linked our arms, guiding me forward.

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