Derek
What does she mean by going home?
Isn't Mallory her home?
She was born and spent her whole life here. This is where she should refer to as home not that strange place. How can she claim that foreign land is her home?
"Melody, the kids. They are princes of Mallory, they should stay here." Father's words pleased me for the first time.
"No!" Both kids chorused.
Father looked away sadly, but mother wasn't ready to give up. She wanted to speak to them. Probably to convince them to stay back, but their hatred for me was too strong. They would never stay in the same room as me.
That's how much they despise me.
"Gio, baby. Mallory kingdom is nice and beautiful. You're going to love it here."
"There's nothing beautiful here," he replied immediately.
"Oh, that's because you haven't taken a proper tour around the Palace and the Kingdom."
"I still won't stay back," he replied firmly this time.
"You're going to love it here, dear, trust me," Mother cupped their cheeks with one hand each.
"We go where Momma goes!" Aaron added.
His playful personality was gone. He looked like he would burn down the Palace and everyone in it.
"Will you stay back if your mother stays?" Mother sounded desperate.
"Mother please. Don't put pressure on them." Sophia stood in front of the kids. "They already told you what they want and I think it's good."
I felt like shaking some sense into this dumb sister of mine.
I mean, why would she be okay with letting the kids go?
"Sophia!" Mother yelled.
She definitely won't remain the same if the kids leave. I knew I had to do something or I might never see my kids again.
Without uttering any more words, I left. I walked out, leaving everyone behind. No one spoke. They all watched me leave.
I felt their eyes on my back as I walked away.
I took one final glance at Melody, but my eyes caught Dorian instead. He was looking all serious and relieved.
'Relax all you want, Dorian, this isn't over.'
The guards shut the door after me and their murmuring continued. I don't know what they were talking about, but I definitely won't let Melody leave and she won't be taking my pups either.
I returned to my chamber with Donovan following right behind me.
"I'm sorry, majesty," he bowed. "This is all my fault."
I raised my head to look at him, but I didn't say a word.
Is he really at fault here?
I mean, he could have brought me someone else. Why Melody!
If he had figured out who she was before bringing her to me, then we would have found her sooner. She wouldn't have had to suffer so much and her heart probably won't be filled with so much hatred towards me.
"You can't just let Melody leave like that," he stated seriously. "You spent so many years looking for her."
Of course I did. But what can I do now if she insists on being with that arrogant Dorian. She already broke our bond and she bonded with Dorian. What more can I do?
Even though a part of me was saying all that, a part of me wants to put up a fight.
"Besides, Gio and Aaron are yours as much as they are hers. They are Princes of Mallory and here is where they belong."
Yes. With me is where they belong. My kids and Melody.
Without further delay, I made up my mind on what I wanted to do.
If I can't bring Melody to me with the mate bond, then I'll use the bond she holds dear. Her family.
I sent for the Viscount and went to my study to wait for him.
"Majesty," Viscount Maximus greeted as soon as he arrived.
"Welcome," I pointed at the couch.
I poured him a drink and served him with my hands.
"Majesty. You don't have to do that," he humbly refused, but I passed him the drink and smiled.
"It's my pleasure to serve you as the grandfather of my pups."
"Majesty, I...."
The look on Viscount's face showed that he didn't like the sound of that.
"I'm really sorry Viscount. I really didn't know that it was Melody that night. I was drugged and about to be shamed in public, so Donovan just picked anyone."
I explained the entire incident in one sentence.
The room became quiet as soon as I spoke. Neither of us spoke.
"I want to make it up to her. I want to make up for my mistake. I want to be with my pups."
Viscount took a sip of his drink, but still didn't speak.
Melody hates me so much that she can't stand the sight of me. She would rather be locked in a room with garbage than with me. And now my kids despise me too.
I made my tone pitiful because I know that if anyone can help me get Melody, then it's the Viscount.
"Majesty, Melody is a grown woman. She can make her own decisions."
Oh, looks like Viscount isn't interested in matters related to Melody.
His unbothered response got me irritated. I mean, what kind of father is he? However, I kept my opinion to myself as this attitude of his, is what I need to get Melody.
"Of course she can," I muttered sadly.
Taking a slow sip of my drink, I took a deep breath as I decided to throw my trump card.
"I love Melody," I began.
The Viscount's hand hung midair. He was looking everywhere but at me.
"I want to be with my pups too." I added pitifully.
"You're King. Just give the order and everyone will do as you please."
If put simply, the Viscount is right. But If I do things the way he's suggesting then I will incur more hatred from them and that's the last thing I want.
"I can do that. But I want to win them over with love."
"Hmm," he hummed.
"If I get the opportunity, I want to do right by her. Give her what she rightfully deserves."
He raised his head, locking our gaze. "And what will that be?"
I stood up and stopped before him, putting forth my hand for a handshake.
"The Queen's seat."