~ “Huh? Just within 3 days after Chief Luther’s demise? Don’t you think His Grace is rushing the date a bit fast?”
~ “What…The wedding before the Red Moon Night? But shouldn’t we all refrain from conducting any important event within this period? This is regarding the future of our kingdom!”
~ “Why is he in such a rush? Is it because she had called off her engagement before, so that’s why he is unsure about her fickle mind?”
The faint whispers and murmurs were quite audible among the dukes, knights, and nobles with the baffled look on their faces.
It was evident that Zordan’s sudden declaration had left all of them stunned, including Prime Minister Aiden who almost hitched his breath in shock. Standing next to him, with her bitter angsty eyes glaring at Gabriel, Lilith clenched her lower jaw as she was trying to hold back her tears. Similarly, Aldrick and Lorelia were also stunned at his revelation which put them in a discontent state of mind.
‘Why…Why is this crazy jerk doing this to me? Murdering my father right before my eyes was not enough that now he is humiliating me like this in front of everyone!? Just how much he wants to see me suffer?’ Facing her head down, Gabriel curled her hand into a fist as she was battling her inner conflicts alone. Tears of despair soaked her pale cheeks, making her chest tight inside.
“Prince Zordan!” All of a sudden, Aldrick swirled his round, fiery eyes at him and flaunted his long cape as he marched a step towards him.
“I have always considered you as my worthy son who can take over the kingdom after me, but now your reckless decisions are making me dubious! Have you forgotten that we can’t hold any prosperous ceremony before the cursed Red Lunar Night? Yet, you want to risk the future of our kingdom by holding your royal wedding in this period?” His ardent voice was filled with immense displeasure.
However, Zordan retained his aloof expression facing his charges as he coldly glanced at everyone before furrowing his brows deep. “I know, I am aware that many people will be against my decision and I do know many of you also might feel that I am in a rush. But, I just want to say that I have certain reasons behind making this decision.” His cold, stiff voice sounded much resolute and he turned towards Alarick, meeting his irked glare.
“Father, up until now, have I ever disappointed you in executing my duties as the Crown Prince as well the future Alpha?” He moved a step closer and kept his head firm, holding his grip tight on Gabriel’s hand. “For now I can just say that I have my own reasons, and…I will hope, you will bestow both of us with your blessings in our new life, Father.”
“Um, Your Majesty?”
While the ambiance had grown much more intense, a cold, skeptical voice interrupted their conversation as they both witnessed the Chief Commander of Knight, Orlando, had slowly walked closer to them. Keeping a serious look on his sharp jawline, he bowed his head a bit before he spoke, “I think, for now, we should finish every remaining rite of our Chief Advisor’s funeral.”
Hearing his request, Aldrick frowned his face and peered a displeased gaze at Zordan as he spoke, “I guess, you have already made up your mind so there’s no point in arguing anymore. I don’t know what’s gotten into you to make you act so desperate, but, I won’t tolerate it if any of your choices bring any further misfortunes to our pack!”
“I understand it, Father.” His cold snarl didn’t leave any trace of worriment on Zordan as he looked as calm as usual. After he replied with a small bow, Zordan turned towards Gabriel and tossed a small smile as he spoke, “You look pale and I guess, you must be exhausted, Lady Gabriel. Pay your last respects to your father so that I can escort you back to your room.”
“Huh?” She flinched at his remark since he vividly signaled her to leave the place together with him before the last rites of her father could have been completed. Awestruck and fueled with rage, she bitterly frowned her brows and opposed him coldly, “I…I am fine, I…want to stay here until the end, P-Prince Zordan.”
Hearing her frigid words, both Lorelia and Lilith skeptically frowned their brows as they could sense a cold tension brewing between them.
But, Zordan quickly judged the impact of her answer and clenched her hand a bit tight with his fist as he forged an awkward smile, “You don’t have to worry about other’s opinions. For now, your health needs rest and I will take you to the room. Come with me.”
This time, Gabriel didn’t fail to realize the threat behind his cold smile and the clench of his hand which strictly forbade her from defying him anymore. Holding a surge of bitter agony, she gritted her jowls but couldn’t decline his command anymore. With her teary gaze, she glanced at her father’s coffin for one last time and a wretched pain stabbed her heart.
‘Father, I am being helplessly trapped here alone. I am sorry, I have no other choice but to get married to the monster who did this to you. I know I can’t face you with this guilt in me. I couldn’t save you in time…but, I promise, I won’t ever forgive those people who did this to you, especially Zordan! I…I will never forgive him…’
As tears dripped down her eyes while she thought, her trembling hand placed another white daisy flower over his coffin. Following after her, just when Zordan was about to pick another flower to offer his last regard to him, Gabriel quickly grabbed his arm and whiuspered to him in a teary, bitter voice, “Don’t! Don’t you dare touch my father again!”
Her cold, pained warning made him understood the internal conflicts she was battling alone all this time. With a solemn expression, Zordan only nodded a bit.
After they finished, both Zordan and Gabriel walked out of the hall room past everyone, holding hands together. Watching them leave, Lorelia put off a angsty glare towards them from behind but soon enough, she was interrupted by Aldrick as he patted her shoulder once.
“Lorelia, don’t take his words to your heart. Even though he acts mature, but he is still naive…”
“I always knew it, honey.” Immediately, her facial expression turned into a sorrowful one as she sobbed a bit, “Zordan has never regarded me as his mother, I was always an outsider to him. That’s why, he never even called me as his mother, at least not even once.”
“Don’t be hurt about it, he has been always like this since he was a kid. But, even I was startled to watch him act desperate today.” Aldrick frowned his brows and exhaled a heavy sigh as he comforted her, “I guess, you should leave now too and get some rest. I will be right back after the funeral is properly executed.” Declaring his words, Aldrick instructed Orlando to escort Lorelia back to her room.
As soon as both of them left the hall room and stepped outside, Lorelia quickly wiped off her teary eyes and Orlando marched a step closer to her from behind.
“Your Highness, what should we do next?” His voice was low and cryptic.
“Ugh,” Lorelia exhaled a heavy displeased sigh and swirled her eyes in anger as she fussed, “Luther’s death was not according to our plan! Why did he have to die now? Everything got even more twisted because of this!”
“Then, shall I start investigating Chief Luther’s death?” He frowned.
“No need,” Lorelia paused her march and turned around with a vague gaze towards him. “I am certain, Zordan has something to do with his sudden death! It was not any assassin attack.”