Eliza’s POV
“Eliza, we have to go back to the palace.” my brother suddenly ushered me away to the waiting car before I could open my mouth and protest.
"Eliza?” he said, his voice low and urgent. “Get in.”
I frowned, looking up at him. "What's wrong? What's going on?"
But he just shook his head. "Not here. Let's get in the car.”
"Alex, please," I said, trying to keep my voice light. "Tell me what's going on. Is it Father? Is something wrong?"
He finally turned to me, his eyes grave. "We'll talk about it when we return to the palace," he said.
Bernard sat beside me, and we remained silent, but I felt so alone. What was going on that we had to go home so soon? The rest of the ride was torture. I could feel my anxiety growing with every passing minute. What could be wrong with Father? He was the most muscular man I knew.
When we finally arrived at the palace, he helped me out of the car, and we entered the grand hall. The servants were all huddled together in a corner, whispering among themselves.
"Are you going to explain to me what's happened? What's going on?" I demanded, desperate to know something. My brother let out a low growl, and the servants immediately jumped apart and bowed their heads in shame.
“Get back to your work.” Alex insisted, and they apologised, but he ignored them. He roughly took my arm as he led me towards Father's chambers. "Come," he said. “We can't waste any more time.”
“Alex, what's the issue?” I sighed with irritation. He was getting on my nerves with this secrecy.
As we approached the door, I could hear Father's weak voice calling out. My heart skipped a beat as Alex pushed open the door, and we entered.
Our Father lay on his bed, his face pale and gaunt. He looked up at us with eyes that seemed to hold a deep sadness.
"Ah, my children," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You are back.”
"Father!" I rushed to his side, taking his hand in mine. "What's wrong? You're not well! How is this happening so quickly?”
He coughed weakly, and Alex went to the other side of him.
"The King's doctor has been called," Alex said. "But we need to talk about something else."
I felt fear as I looked from one brother to the other. What could be so bad that they couldn't tell me in front of Father?
He took a deep breath and began to speak. "Father has been getting worse over the past few weeks. His illness is...terminal. He didn't want me to say anything at first, but now I have no choice but to tell you.”
I felt like someone had punched me straight in the gut. Terminal? How could this be?
Father reached out a weak hand and grasped mine. "I'm sorry, Eliza," he whispered. "I didn't want to tell you until...until it was necessary. I wanted you to be happy. All the stress is taking its toll.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I looked at my brother and father. This couldn't be happening. We were supposed to have forever with our father. I needed more time.
"What can we do?" I asked, my voice shaking.
Father smiled weakly. "You two will take care of each other," he said. "And you will continue to run the kingdom as you always have."
Alex nodded solemnly. "We will do everything we can to ensure everything remains strong."
I felt like I was drowning in grief and uncertainty, and he hadn't even gone anywhere yet! How could this be when I had just found my father again? Did the moon goddess hate me so much that I had such awful luck?
A loud knock on the door sounded, and once permitted to enter. I saw Abbie suddenly with a tray of drinks, and offered me a warm smile. I looked down at the floor, unable to muster the energy to speak to anyone.
“Excuse me for the interruption; I have some drinks here for you, and also, Princess Eliza, you have a visitor,” she said as she bowed and left the room
A visitor?
Who could that possibly be?
“I don't want to see anyone,” I muttered as I turned to my brother with a confused expression.
“Eliza, it's ok. You can go.” Alex gave me a mod of approval to check it out.
“Go on, my child and don't be upset.” my father coughed. I wiped my eyes and nodded.
Of course, Bernard was hot on my heels. I rolled my eyes at him, and he was my shadow now. I didn't bother to fight it off. He was there to protect me, and I knew I had no choice.
My stomach suddenly felt funny, and Jasmine was stirring restlessly. “Bernard, I feel sick,” I complained as I clutched my tummy and leaned against the wall. Bernard was about to help me, but I suddenly stood upright and gasped.
“Mate!” Jasmine kept repeating continuously, and I shook my head. I had rejected the alpha quadruplets, so what was my Wolf talking about? I blocked her out and blinked a couple of times.
“Princess Eliza, I'm so glad to see you again.” a voice called out. I couldn't believe my eyes. He was the last person I had expected to see!
“Ryder?”
Ryder's eyes locked onto mine, and I could see their sincerity. "I heard about your father's illness," he said. "I came to offer my condolences and support.“
His words took me aback. No one had ever offered to be there for me like that before. Not even my own family seemed to be able to understand what I was going through. Ryder's words were like a balm to my soul, and I felt slightly comfortable.
"Thank you," I said. "That means a lot to me."
Ryder nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm here for you, Eliza. Whatever you need.” he gently touched my arm, and I felt a spark of electricity bolt through my body.
“Mate! He's our mate!” Jasmine kept shouting in the back of my mind, and I couldn't ignore her. She was right, and I felt it when he touched me.
“Ryder, you're my second chance mate!”
I took a step back, trying to process the sudden revelation that Ryder was my second chance mate. My heart was racing, and my mind was reeling with thoughts and emotions. I didn't know if I wanted a mate after rejecting the quadruplets.
"Eliza, please," Ryder said softly, his eyes filled with understanding. "I didn't mean to intrude. I just wanted to be here for you, to offer my support."
I shook my head, feeling a mix of frustration and longing. "I need some time and space alone with my family right now," I repeated, trying to sound firm but gentle.
Ryder nodded, his face understanding. "Of course, Eliza. I'll give you the space you need. But know that I'm here for you, whenever you're ready to talk or need any help."
I watched as he turned and walked away, feeling a pang of regret for pushing him away. But I knew I needed to focus on my family right now.
As Ryder left, I turned back to find Alex and Bernard waiting for me in the hallway. They looked concerned, but also curious.
"What's going on?" Alex asked, his voice low.
I took a deep breath and explained the situation with Ryder. They listened intently, their expressions growing more serious with each passing moment.
"I don't know what to do," I admitted, feeling overwhelmed. "I feel like my whole world is falling apart."