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.

one hand,

must have heard

not to listen to rumours,” she whispers, cupping my face when

She’s beautiful, inside and out. Strong like you. Confident, loving, a little wild, and maybe a little crazy, but I love her dearly. She’s my everything and there’s

smiles. “You’re in

different, isn’t it?” she whispers,

more… It’s… terrifying yet beautiful how you can love

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

do share,” Charlotte

my head, “Her name’s

eyes widen before she smiles. “Skyla Rossi, the fiery young woman who stood up for her father earlier. She’s perfect.” She cups my face, kissing my

nod, the emotions in her voice, make me feel

too? I didn’t notice, but then her hair was covering her neck. To think

marked

studying at the academy, isn’t she? She’s the one you went to help train…” Mom’s smile fades as she looks at me, concerned.

sigh. Nothing

almost killed, and I realised I couldn’t. I loved her too much for that. Aleric had his own intentions, I assure you… we are not alike. I also talked to her father and told him I’d leave the academy if he

you Royce, I also know you won’t take advantage of someone because you have a good heart… however, I don’t think I know my son well enough. She’s very… something tells me my son isn’t as innocent

my head, cocking a

is, and I’m guilty. I’m nowhere

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

you’re both done teasing me, there’s someone I want you to meet Mom…” I glance at Charlotte as her

of course, where is she?” Mom says

want you to meet someone else…” I say. My heart thuds as Mom looks at me curiously. “They’ll be

we hiding your being alive from your father and brother? Your father has not slept

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

between you and

of footsteps makes me look towards the door. “I’ll tell

hearing the footsteps

is pushed open, there she is, wearing a white floor-length dress. Her eyes find Mom first, her

her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders, her brown eyes are fixed on mine and her breathing is uneven. I give her a smile, silently promising it’s going

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

recognition in them, yet

struggling to keep her emotions in check, her lips pursed as she looks

her towards Mom and with each step, Mom’s eyes are becoming blurred

recognised her. She

perhaps it’s more fitting to introduce her as Victoria Elizabeth Arden. She’s alive Mom, she was not stillborn,

heart is