Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings (by jessica hall) novel Chapter 25

“As you all heard last night, the maze trials were won for the first time in thirty years. However…” The King motions toward me, waving me closer. Malachi nudges me when I don’t move.

I stagger closer, the King offering me his hand and his eyes flicker in warning not to disobey the offer. I take his hand, and he tugs me closer.

“Your winner, Zirah here. Refused her prize and asked for her freedom.” The crowd lifts their heads, all looking at me with curiosity.

“Now I am sure you are wondering what prize she turned down?” The King speaks, murmurs break out, following his silence, and my heart races in my chest.

“As you all know, I am trying to choose between my sons, which are eligible for the Throne to the four Kingdoms. The prize she turned down was a marriage. Now, since she asked for her freedom, I am obligated to give it as you know already.” The crowds murmurs grow louder and the King raises his hand and stamps his golden staff on the stage, making them fall quiet.

“I have granted Zirah her freedom, on one condition, which is why I have had your partners and daughters gathered here.” the King speaks clearly and I see the three Kings step forward, casting confused glances at their father.

“That condition is, Zirah here must choose twenty women to survive the Maze trials in exchange for her freedom.” My heart nearly leaps out of my chest as I take in the sea of faces watching me. The women wail and parents and men fight to get past the guards. The King smiles and turns to me, yet the unruly crowd grows angrier. After a few minutes, the King grows tired and growls, making the town square fall silent.

“Malachi, take Zirah down to pick her twenty contestants.” King Theron orders and Malachi climbs a few steps toward me and offers me his hand.

“Oh and Shelley dear, hand Zirah her bag and the gold.” the King snaps at her, and she steps forward. I shake my head, not wanting his blood money.

“You refuse?” the King questions and I glance out at the crowd all watching me with tear-stained faces.

“I don’t want your blood money!” I sneer and the King smiles.

“Very well, now choose!” he growls. Malachi seizes my arm and pulls me down the steps to the rows of women.

One thing I notice is they range from young teenage girls around fifteen to the oldest-looking, which are around my age. They all shake, tears streaming and whimpering as Malachi leads me past each one and makes me stop. I shake my head at the first row.

They are far too young. Just young girls. I glance over my shoulder at the King, who has an unreadable expression on his face. Malachi waves the first row off and they rush to their loved ones.

The second row is no older than the first. The girls whimper and plead, and their parents plead in the background as I Malachi leads me to the end. He dismisses the next row and motions toward the next, but I shake my head.

“You must choose,” Malachi states, but how do I choose who dies for my freedom?

Turning, I see the three kings watching me and I move toward the stage. “Are you confused about whom to choose? I can ask my sons if they have a preference?” King Theron asks. I glance at the three Kings who look furious with their father but remain quiet.

“I know Zeke likes the innocent ones. All virgins come forward!” The King orders, and the women whimper.

“Remember, my guards can tell who is pure or not. Now step forward!” The King orders. The girls stumble forward, clutching each other, and crying. They were all teenage girls. Yet some of the older ones also come forward.