The Lycan’s Curse
Chapter 16

Cassius

Castle scene outline

My lips drop down, teasing Larissa's neck where my claim sits. She lets out a soft moan and I pull her back into my chest, my hand resting on her now impossible to hide stomach. "You know that will only make me horny, my king."

"But it is so fun to tease you, little wolf," I muse having to leave it there because we can't possibly do anything at the moment. We are to be announced at the Christmas Ball any moment. Announcing the coming blessing of our heir as well-something that my father doesn't know of yet, nor that the curse was broken.

In the months since we returned from the Wellston Pack, our connection has only grown stronger. Perhaps our heir helped with part of that, but I certainly won't complain about it. Even if it's meant being unable to see her Lycan come out. We both miss her, but the baby makes up for any current frustrations.

Every day I seem to discover a new interesting meaning of what I now feel, but the greatest of any of them is the love that courses through me. It even overrides the desire I have for my mate-somehow.

Right now, the two are clashing with which is the highest. My mate looks that good in her gown, with her growing cleavage just barely concealed, the starburst necklace glittering brightly with the dark red velvet setting it off. The v-neck of the formfitting, long-sleeve gown is certainly more risqué than other queens have worn in the past, but I couldn't get through the night without seeing that diamond twinkle pointing to our baby.

The dress hugs her stomach and her ass, before relaxing in a sweep to the floor, a small train following her. The second I saw it in the designs the stylist sent, I knew it was the one. It seems our baby knew it as well and popped out, almost as though to announce itself.

I proffer my arm hearing our announcement and give her a small kiss before the doors open, and we move into the ballroom to stop at the top of the steps. We pause so everyone can take in my mate's glowing beauty before I speak. "Good evening to all and welcome to the annual Christmas Ball. Before we begin the festivities, my mate and I are pleased to announce that yes, the new royal heir is on the way. We expect to meet him near the beginning of April. And now, music please."

Larissa comes into my arms with ease once we're on the floor, not missing a beat of the waltz that the king and his queen, if one exists, performs to begin the evening. I keep her close by my side as the evening progresses, a victorious smile on my lips when my father finally arrives and sees my mate's growing stomach.

As midnight approaches, I press a kiss to Larissa's temple, seeing that she's starting to grow sleepy. Carrying a Lycan is more strenuous than a normal shiften pregnancy. The beasts demand energy, and lots of it. Carrying a Royal Lycan, was even harder. My mother once said that she was glad she was only able to have me, believing in the curse when my father did not, as the final four months she was bedridden unable to maintain herself and provide the energy for me to grow large enough to be born. That my mate is six months pregnant with our heir and here tonight proves that she is the strongest, the only one that could rule by my side.

We move up to the balcony overlooking the ballroom to make our Christmas announcement and offer up our Christmas gift. This year's is something that is directly meant for the betterment of the Lycans.

"Each year, the king and queen, offer a gift to the Lycans to show our appreciation to our people for their loyalty and respect." I can't help but give a side glance towards my father because none of his were done in that vein. "This year I would like to announce that at the stroke of midnight, new laws will go into effect for all. The first decree is that as of now, a Lycan does not have to submit for approval the right to take a mate of another species to the crown. The second decree is for any that have mated in spite of the refusal for permission, the crown now recognizes said mating's as binding."

The vein on my father's neck pokes out and I smile, pressing a kiss to Larissa's forehead. I was only able to go around him and that rule to claim her because prior to leaving on my year long journey, my father decreed that should I find my mate in my travels, regardless of where she come from, the crown approved. With learning of Larissa during that journey, even if I did not bring her home with me, it still met the qualifications of the decree the council confirmed the day prior to the coronation when I let them meet her.

"This year, my mate and I also make our Christmas gift another new decree. Lycan pairings will not be limited to those within one's own camp. The greatest bonds come when more than just an agreement is made, but when a sharing of love exists, and that is our Christmas wish for all. To find the mate with which you can share that love, a love that fulfills us every day, and sustains us even in our deepest moments of worry. We hope you all find a tenth of the love that we share. For now, as they say with a slight tweak: Merry Christmas to all, we bid you, goodnight."

No one attempts to stop us and once we're outside the doors, I sweep Larissa into my arms, carrying her back to our suite. It's nearly two hours later before we finally fall asleep after I slowly undress her, worshipping her body and the changes that it's had. The weeks of winter pass by slowly, my father pissing me off suggesting that my mate isn't actually carrying the royal heir as she's able to continue about her days as we reach eight months. Had Dominic and Kai not pulled me off of him, I likely would have killed him-or my Lycan would have as he'd broken free with absolute rage that anyone dare think our mate betrayed us.

The man still doesn't believe the curse was broken, but the only thing I have eyes for is my mate, especially with her big and round with our child.

As my birthday approaches, I finally get Larissa's agreement to remain in bed for the final weeks of the pregnancy, spending most of my time in the study up here to be close by for her. Hearing her laughter just a few doors away lets me relax and I handle the urgent matters others cannot control.

The morning of my birthday Larissa sits up swiftly, waking me instantly. Unlike in years past, there is no ball tonight to celebrate the king's birthday. Instead, there is a festival for the people to enjoy on the palace grounds so I may focus on Larissa, ensure she is ready for the birth of our child.

"What's wrong, little wolf?" I ask as she slides from the bed.

A wave of pain flows through her as I link into her mind when she does not answer and I'm beside her in an instant, lifting her into my arms. The clock shows it's only four a.m. but I connect to my mother and tell her to get the doctors.

They all arrive by ten after and they stare on in surprise to find Larissa walking the space between the bathroom and the bed. "I tried to get her to lie back down but she refused."

None of them have any more luck than I did, not even Mother, and every time I try to suggest she conserve her strength, I get a glacial glare from my beautiful mate. Pained, irritated, and covered in sweat, she is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Stop it. I look a mess.

'You look like heaven to me, little wolf. Pure, absolute heaven. I just want to know that you are safe!

I am. We are. Just let me do this my way.

'You know all you have to do is ask,' I return, gathering her in my arms when she lets me know what she needs most.

Her arms wrap around me, and I drop my head down to hers, my hands massaging her back. "You are incredible, my love. We are all in awe of you."

I keep her near me, in my arms as the hours slip by and at three thirty-three, a cry breaks out around us that captures my heart entirely. Within moments he quiets, staring up at Larissa in utter calmness as he's put in her arms, and I press a new kiss to her forehead, relieved that she's well. It pulls a little grunt from our son, and I laugh, settling in with my family.

"She belongs to me first, little man, then you. And while I know you will be demanding of her time for the foreseeable future, she will always be mine," I tease him.

The others give us some time but at five a knock sounds on the door and I let out a sigh spying Dominic there.

"You are expected to give a public appearance at six."

"I know, I'll be there."

"We'll be there," Larissa says, giving me a kiss. Any exhaustion that might have surrounded her just hours earlier is completely gone, and I can't argue entirely of her coming with me. "I think everyone should know the perfect gift I've given the king for his hundredth birthday."

"Well, it wasn't the one I requested but I adore it just as much," I return, kissing her once more before allowing the others to come help her get ready.

The dress she wore was the same as she'd originally intended, only her bump was far less defined as her Lycan continued healing her. It was still gorgeous on her, a pale blush pink, with layers of gauzy material gathered beneath her bust, which was adorned by white flower appliques, her acknowledgement that it was now spring in addition to my birthday.

Only I was truly aware that she was insistent upon coming today before she had the baby, saying she was not going to miss the celebration, even if it were only for a minute. She knows I can't argue with her overly-not when it's something that would be safe. Just before six we reach the main balcony and I step out first to accept the birthday wishes. I hold up a hand and quiet everyone letting out a full smile. "This year I requested that no ball be held so that I might watch over Her Royal Majesty the Queen in the final days of her pregnancy. Today, it is my honor to announce that at three thirty-three this afternoon, Crown Prince Orion Cassius Rawlings made his appearance. Making today not only mine but also my son's birthday, the most incredible gift my mate could possibly give.

"Please welcome, my family, your queen and new prince," I add taking a step to the side for Larissa to join me. Pride bursts from me as I took in her beauty once more. Our son was not even three hours old and yet she showed no sign of the labor she just endured. I can only imagine the strength our son will possess now.

The crowd cheered and I pressed a kiss to her forehead, showing my people once more how much their king loved his queen.