Bought by the Beast King (Katerina and hunter) novel Chapter 185

Chapter 185

KAT

The Great Hall glittered.

Candles floated above long banquet tables. Crystal fractured the light across polished stone, scattering it over tailored suits and sweeping gowns. The low hum of conversation thick with curiosity pressed against my skin.

I stood at the top of the staircase behind my parents. They’d linked their arms this time. Everything felt completely different from the balls I’d spied on as a child. Different from the banquet the night I’d returned, when I’d felt unsure and unwanted.

I looked down at myself, at yet another bold dress Mother had tailored for me. She’d outdone herself. The bodice was strapless and sculptured, curving elegantly over my bust. The fabric clung like liquid obsidian and felt almost molten against my skin. It cinched at my waist, hugged my hips and thighs, then fell into a dramatic sweep at the hem. The fabric shimmered and caught the light like embers in a midnight flame

From my left hip spilt a cascade of rich, royal blue ruffles, bold against the darkness of the black. And the slit that ran to the top of my thigh was absolutely scandalous, by Mother’s standards. Even my makeup was heavier and sharper.

This wasn’t something Katerina would have worn, but it fit Kathrine Munroe perfectly. It fit the girl who wore leather shorts, rode a motorcycle, and fought in underground rings. That girl didn’t belong inside these walls.

Was this Mother’s way of accepting who I was?

When I’d stepped into her chambers earlier, she hadn’t frowned at the cut of the dress. She hadn’t scolded me for trimming my curls back into a pixie cut. She’d looked proud, and there had been tears in her eyes.

‘Are you ready, my princess?’ Father asked in the mindlink.

I smiled and nodded, but the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen. These people wanted a princess. An omega who would marry well and kneel when told. But they were getting me.

“Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Lordswood, and Her Royal Highness Princess Katerina.”

I almost cringed at the full title. I hadn’t missed that part. As we finally descended, the room quietened, and everyone turned to us. Heads bowed, and whispers skated across my senses. I didn’t let myself focus on theM. My mood would stay steadier if I didn’t hear what they really thought of me.

All I had to do was survive this night under everyone’s scrutiny and then return to my normal life. Or as normal as I could make it now.

Hunter stood somewhere along the far wall near one of the carved pillars. I couldn’t see him clearly through the crowd, but I felt him like a steady anchor in my chest. Just waiting. Watching

We crossed the floor towards the stage. My steps faltered when I saw it. A third throne. It was placed at Father’s right side. Not a small ceremonial chair, not a decorative seat. A throne. It was almost as large as Mother’s, intricately carved, but as bold as Father’s. My pulse shifted. Was this their announcement

Father guided me forward. Where I once would have stood beside my Mother’s chair for the formal welcome, and Kostas had stood at his right, he led me directly to the third seat. And he waited. Waited for me to sit first.

A ripple passed through the hall. No one sat before the king. Or was I just reading into things? He’d been more relaxed about the rules since returning from the brink of death.

Now I was curious about his announcement. Were we now formally letting go of their strict, old-fashioned rules?

The silence thickened. Father took his seat afterwards, smiling faintly as he reached for my hand and then Mother’s.

Thank you all for joining us tonight,” he began. “Tonight we celebrate rebirth. Our land and our people nearly perished. Yet here we stand together, rising from the ashes.”

Applause filled the hall. It was controlled and measured. My gaze swept over the crowd, cataloguing everyone’s reactions. It was almost second nature now. I scanned over Hunter before stopping on the Carter siblings, standing apart from the others, isolating themselves. They still wore their arrogance like a second skin. The younger Carter had even more scars now, but I didn’t feel sorry for him. How the hell did they keep getting invited?

Justin and his cold grey eyes. His sexist brother Aaron, his ignorant brother Justin, and Jake, the handsy bastard. Even after all these years, I still remembered their names.

The shadows stirred at the edge of my vision. I clenched my jaw and looked away, but not before I saw their smirks.

The door at the back of the hall opened, and a familiar scent drifted towards me. I stiffened as the crowd parted and Kostas stepped inside in his full ceremonial attire. Royal blue tailored coat with silver embroidery, and the shoulder bare of any medals. His posture was straight despite the lingering paleness of his skin.

A perfect prince. Deja vu slammed into me so hard my fingers tightened around the armrest. The night Father announced our future began like this, and it ended in humiliation.

Kostas’ gaze found mine as he stopped in front of the stage. There was no entitlement there now. No coldness, no hatred. There was something softer. He looked like the brother I grew up with.

“The second reason for tonight’s gathering,” Father continued, is that I am officially naming the heir to the throne.”

My head snapped towards him. Heat spread through my veins. Had I been tricked? Hadn’t he learned anything after last time?

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