Derek
"What has happened?" I asked as soon as we sat in the carriage.
"Your majesty, some rouges have been found in our territories. They've attacked some villages in the north."
"What? How did that happen? We had strong men stationed at the borders, right?" I demanded.
"Yes, Your Majesty, we did," he replied, seemingly angry too. "I do not know how they've managed to cross and that is why we must act fast. If they attack us from the south and conquer, we'll be rendered weak."
Rendered weak? No way! This is my kingdom and it will never be rendered weak.
"What do you propose?"
Maximus took out a map immediately. He sat on the floor of the carriage while I watched what he was doing. I only asked for his opinion. I wonder why he has a map.
"The best thing to do now is to deploy more soldiers to the north to subdue the enemy while we send reinforcements to the south, in case they target our other weak point. Then we'll send our able wolves to hold the east and west to prevent any attack from there. After that, we'll have our enemies surrounded on all four corners, and then they'll be forced to come out to the centre where we'll attack them."
I watched in awe as the man spoke. It's no wonder Father held him in such high esteem. He is quick-witted. We had only just received news of the attack and he had already prepared a solution.
"So when do we start with this plan?" I asked, looking down at the map.
"Right away, your majesty. That's why I need you in the palace. Your royal stamp is needed to deploy the soldiers."
Oh, that's true.
"Yes, let's do that." I agreed immediately. "And how long before we go to the rendezvous point?"
"You're coming?" He sounded surprised.
Why shouldn't I go? My father never stayed back in the palace when there was war. He fights alongside his army and I will not be a coward. I will not leave my subjects to go to war while I stay behind.
"Of course," I replied.
"Your majesty, I think you should stay back and protect the palace in case there's an attack."
Hell no!
"We have guards here who can do that, Viscount. I'll protect my kingdom by fighting off the rogues."
Hearing my tone of finality. Viscount Maximus didn't object. He folded the map and safely tucked it into his robe.
As soon as we arrived at the palace, I went to the royal study and immediately stamped the orders.
I went to see Father, who was already awaiting me in the throne room. "So, it's decided?" He asked, seemingly aware of what was going on.
It seemed that the viscount had spoken to him.
"Yes Father," I replied and he nodded. "We'll leave immediately after Sofia's wedding."
"Great. We'll celebrate first before facing our enemies and we'll celebrate again after conquering them."
My father seemed excited about going to war.
"You're coming with us?" I asked, even though it was obvious from how happy he looked.
"Why not? I won't let you all have all the fun for yourselves."
Spoken exactly like a true Marvin. Only someone like my father would find going to war fun.
"But, Viscount Maximus wants someone to stay back to protect the palace in case of a surprise attack." I relayed the words of the Viscount.
"Oh, that is why I have your mother beside me. She is more than capable of keeping the palace safe. Besides, there are guards and Sofia."
"Sofia will be married and will be staying at the Viscount's manor." I reminded my forgetful father, who seemed to have forgotten that his Princess was getting married in less than forty-eight hours.
"Then, we'll ask them all to come and stay in the palace till we return," Father stated, simply.
"That's a good idea." I agreed rather too quickly.
If they all come here, then Melody will come too. I will get the opportunity to speak with her as soon as I return.
"This is the reason why you must get married soon." Father placed his hand on my shoulder. "Since you haven't found your mate, you can at least marry someone else. You can't stay single forever. Besides, what if your mate is already dead or with someone else?"
I wish I could tell my father that my mate was alive and healthy. She is close and, yes, she has indeed found someone else, but that is my fault because I rejected her.
"Father, I ....."
"Son, I think we should have your marriage finalized with Miranda. She is a strong wolf and is worthy of being the queen and you've been engaged for a long time." Father suggested, stunning me.
I should be happy, right?
I should have been happy since I had chosen Miranda myself, but right now I am far from being happy. I wasn't even sad. I couldn't explain what I felt.
"We shouldn't rush things."
"We won't be rushing things. Your marriage will be our way of celebrating our victory after the war," Father declared.
He was excited about both events.
"Alright, we'll do that." I agreed.
"Great," Father hugged me.
Sometimes I wonder if he was my father or my son.
I left my father's chambers and returned to mine. Left alone to think about myself.
"What do you want?" I asked myself, but I got no answer. I don't know what I want.
If this question had been asked a few weeks ago, I would have given a direct response, but now, I'm so confused that I do not even know what I want.
'Stop fighting it. Accept that you have slowly fallen in love with Melody.'
'Shut up, Jay!'
I hate when my wolf speaks to me because every time he does, all he talks about is Melody. And now, he thinks I'm in love with her.
How is that possible? I hate her... Don't I?
'You are doing nothing wrong by falling in love with our mate.'
'I said, Shut UP!' I yelled, banging my head against the wall to keep him out of it.
I can't be in love with Melody!
I just can't!