Derek
"This Slut is more worthy to be my queen because she is my mate."
As soon as I let the cat out of the bag, I heard loud gasps from various corners of the hall.
Melody stood unperturbed. Her eyes were on Dorian as if they were communicating silently.
My father watched me like he was seeing a stranger. He looked confused and displeased.
Everyone was so surprised that no one uttered a word for a while. They were all staring from Melody to me.
"Melody is what?" Malcolm asked with dismay, finally breaking the silence.
"Melody is my destined mate," I repeated, making sure that it was well heard. A
He stared at Melody inquisitively as if asking if she knew about that.
Well, of course, she does.
Who better than Melody to know this truth?
"I think the king has been charmed. He can't differentiate between real life and fantasy anymore." Miranda stated, irking me.
However, I knew that I needed to focus on the present. I can have Miranda punished some other time.
Right now, I need to focus on putting an end to this wedding.
"Watch your words, Miranda!" My mother said, stepping down from her chair.
Though my mother had taken a vow to stay out of this until I righted the wrongs I had done to Melody. I think she couldn't stand by and watch me lose out.
"I think all these can be settled between Melody and Derek. It's their personal issue."
I felt like kissing my mother as soon as the words left her mouth. She is such a sweetheart.
Yes. This fight is between Melody and me and I'm sure that we can iron things out if there is no involvement from third parties.
"Personal?" King Worden shook his head. "If this is a personal issue between Melody and the King, then what about my daughter? Doesn't she deserve an explanation?"
"Calm down, majesties." Viscount Maximus stood between King Worden and me. His eyes settled on my father as he tried to figure out what was happening.
However, he couldn't let King Worden get angry because he was the Kingdom's guest and also our biggest ally.
"This must be a misunderstanding," he muttered before turning his icy glare towards Melody. "I'm sure there's a conspiracy behind this and...."
"Exactly!" Miranda butted in again. "A conspiracy hatched and acted by Melody!"
"This is the royal family's dirty laundry. It shouldn't be hung in the open." Father managed to say before dispersing the crowd.
The celebration was officially brought to a pause as my father motioned for me to follow him.
Dorian had his hand brushing through the mark around Melody's neck. He was staring intently at it.
I took Melody's hand and pulled her along as I followed my father. I wouldn't leave her behind. Not when I know that someone is lurking in the corner, waiting to have her to himself.
Melody became stiff. No matter how hard I pulled, she wouldn't budge. I turned to see the reason behind the obstruction and I wasn't surprised to see Dorian holding her on the other side.
"Let go," I ordered.
His brow raised dangerously and he stared at me in a way that told me that his rage was at its peak.
If this fool thinks that I would let him have my mate because of his demonic look, then he must be joking.
"Let. Her. Go." I barked.
My voice echoed in the now empty throne room. Making everyone halt in their steps.
We were all moving to go have this sorted in my study, but Dorian had to make things difficult.
"Why don't we just settle this right here?"He muttered under his breath.
Is he asking for a fight?
Is he so foolish that he has forgotten that he is in my Palace? In my kingdom?
This is my territory. I can have him killed without having to lift a finger.
"Dorian, don't be a sore loser," I said in a low mocking voice.
"What exactly is going on?" Father demanded.
Since we won't be leaving the throne room after all and If the discussion is happening here or anywhere else, I don't care. As long as Melody doesn't get joined with anyone else but me.
"Calm down, honey," Mother whispered to him.
"Exactly. We all want to know what is going on with the King. What is this he is saying about Melody being his mate," King Worden added seemingly calm now.
"Father, Melody is my......"
"I am not your mate!" Melody snapped before I could complete my words. "Dorian is."
"Really?" I scoffed. Shaking my head bitterly.
I know that I've done a lot to hurt Melody in the past and I have mistreated her before. However, hearing her words and seeing how much hatred she has for me sitting visibly on her face wrecked my heart.
"Mother," Melody turned to the Viscountess as if she owes an explanation to no one except her mother. "Dorian is the man the goddess has chosen for me."
"Melody!" I yelled in frustration.
"Majesty, need I remind you that you rejected me even before we could build the bond between us?" She took two steps towards me, stopping right in front me. Enough for me to feel the fury emitting from her.
Though she has been quiet the entire time, her fury was at eruption level.
"I already apologized for that. I already begged to be forgiven."
Ignoring the others in the room, I took her hand and joined it with mine.
"I am willing to go on my knees and remain there until you forgive me, Melody, but please do not break the bond we have."
I know that everyone must be surprised seeing me act so weak and different from the Derek they all know.
Well, that's how much Melody has affected me. I just want her in my life. It's her or nothing.
"I forgave you a long time ago," she mumbled, offering a smile of reassurance. "I just cannot be with you anymore."
She made me happy and then smashed my hopes in an instant.
What do I do? How do I change her mind? How do I make her choose me?
I searched my head and immediately tried to think of a way to keep Melody. I have come too far to lose out.
Seeing no options left, I decided to use the last card I had hidden in my pocket. Moving closer to Melody, I gave the envelope containing the DNA results to her.
"Will you choose to be with me if I tell you that I'm the father of your Pups?"