The Temptation of Sin And The Lycan Princess

ROYCE.

My heart is racing as I hear their footsteps approach. I’d recognise Mom’s heartbeat anywhere… and right now it’s racing as she steps inside the office that I’m waiting in.

She doesn’t know that today I haven’t just brought myself to her, but someone else too.

“Royce,” her voice is thick as she fights her emotions.

I turn and give her a smile. She looks beautiful in a white dress that lights up her eyes.

The first woman in my life, the first goddess. who I’ll always respect, the woman who went through so much pain to bring me onto this planet. My mother. 5

She stops in the doorway, her eyes glimmering with tears that she’s so desperately trying to contain, and I close the gap between us, pulling her into my arms.

“Royce,” she whispers as she clutches onto me tightly. “Thank the gods.”

She cups my face, tugging me down and kisses my forehead and cheeks as a few tears trickle down her cheeks.

She’s examining my face as if making sure I’m not hurt… just like she used to do long ago.

“I’m alright Mom,” I reassure her before taking her hands and kissing them gently.

“Great, there goes my makeup.

I glance up to see Charlotte standing there, looking a little emotional too, and I reach over, motioning her to come closer.

She obeys, and I wrap my arm around her tightly. I kiss her forehead before I hug them both.

“Where have you been? What is going on?

Why do we have to hide the truth from your father and brother? I’m terrified to think of the possibilities… and you faked your death, Royce… why?”

Deep down, I know she knows something is wrong.

Tonight, I’m going to give my mother happiness… and at the same time, I’m going to destroy her with my father’s truth.

I kiss the top of her head, inhaling her scent.

“It’s a long story… but I needed to accept my destiny as the Solaris King.

She stiffens before she pulls back, staring at I know the rumours of the trial have spread but rather than have Charlotte tell her, I wanted to tell her my truth, myself.

faintly and raise one hand, letting lightning crackle

have heard

to rumours,” she whispers, cupping my face when she freezes, slowly moving my collar back.

Strong like you. Confident, loving, a little wild, and maybe a little crazy, but I

“You’re in love… and this

isn’t it?” she whispers, and

different and so much more… It’s… terrifying yet beautiful how

softly, “And who is the lucky girl?” she asks me, her eyes sparkling

Royce, do

my head,

for her father earlier. She’s perfect.” She cups my face, kissing my forehead

her voice, make me feel

too? I didn’t notice, but then her hair was covering her neck. To think my son’s beautiful woman was right

I marked her

Mom’s smile fades as she looks at me, concerned. “You are her teacher… Didn’t you say that,

sigh. Nothing escapes

couldn’t. I loved her too much for that. Aleric had his own intentions,

lets out a laugh. “I know you Royce, I also know you won’t take advantage of someone because you have a good heart…

tilt my head, cocking

I’m guilty. I’m

“Trust me, Mom, he isn’t innocent. He chose a fiery princess as hist mate, one with tattoos and

I want you to meet Mom…” I glance at Charlotte as her laughter fades

she?” Mom says with

you’ll meet her too, in a short while, but first, I want you to meet someone else…” I say. My heart thuds as Mom looks at me curiously. “They’ll be here

person is, but Royce… why are we hiding your being alive from your father and brother? Your father has not slept well

doubt Dad cares that much,” I say shortly, not wanting to break the news of his reality

between you and your father?” Mom pushes, not wanting to drop it,

of two pairs of footsteps makes me look towards the door. “I’ll tell you soon …

– hearing the footsteps stop, and then

door is pushed open, there she is, wearing a white floor-length dress. Her eyes find Mom first, her breath hitching before her eyes dart to mine.

over to her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders, her brown eyes are fixed on mine and her breathing is uneven. I give her a smile,

towards Mom, but the words die on my lips when I see her staring at Winona. Her smile is gone but her eyes hold an emotion

in them, yet

her emotions in check, her lips pursed as she looks

Winona, guiding her towards Mom and with each step, Mom’s

she’s recognised her. She may not know it’s her daughter… but she can feel that pull

to meet Winona, perhaps it’s more fitting to introduce her as Victoria Elizabeth Arden. She’s alive Mom, she was not stillborn, She was left at an orphanage for so many years until

is thundering