Derek
I watched with enthusiasm as the ship set sail. Waving at my parents and sister, I set off to search for my family.
I will not rest until I've found Melody.
Even though I had to use my power as the Alpha king, I'm just glad that I have my best friend and soldier with me.
I had to force my authority upon him, Malcolm, to have him come with me. I'd be vulnerable without my Delta beside me.
With Malcolm by my side, I have a strong confidence that I'd conquer the world. I can win against Dorian and bring Melody back to me.
Standing with my hand on the railing, I watched as we left Mallory behind and sailed further.
I knew that it would be difficult to win Melody back to my side, given how much she hated me.
I sighed heavily as I tried to think of a way to convince her to accept me back in her life. When she cruelly kicked me out of her heart.
The girl who used to run after me became one who couldn't stand the sight of me. She hates me now with as much passion as she used to crush on me back then.
I wish I could correct my mistakes and accept my bond with Melody.
If only.
If I had only done that, then I'd have my woman, mate with me. I'd also have my pups with me and we'd live happily ever after.
But things have taken a turn for the worse and Melody despises me and so do my pups. I can accept her hatred for me as long as she stays with me, but I would never have her leave me.
No way.
"Majesty, you should get some rest."
Malcolm bowed as he stopped before me.
He looked unhappy, but still managed to look out for me.
I can imagine how he must feel about this journey. Especially when his father was ill. I know that I was being selfish by taking Malcolm with me, but I just couldn't embark on this journey without him.
I left Malfoy to stay behind and take care of the visitor. Besides, there are others in the kingdom to look after the viscount.
"Yes. I was just about to leave," I lied.
I was lost in thoughts that I didn't realize how far we'd come.
I went to my suite and Malcolm followed behind me. He tried to close the door as soon as I stepped in, but I called him. I had to speak to him.
Even though I've been selfish, I just had to speak to my friend, and what better place to do that if not here?
"Malcolm," I called before he could shut the door.
"Majesty," he replied and immediately came back inside.
I looked into his eyes and couldn't find my friend. All I saw was a strong-willed subject. I don't like this version of Malcolm.
"Come in."
I sat on the high-arms chair and ushered him to sit on another chair a few inches away from me.
"Sit."
As soon as he sat down, I cleared my throat and tried to search my head for a way to begin the conversation.
However, I didn't know where to begin.
"Is there something I can help you with?" He asked after several minutes of silence.
"Yes," I concurred, immediately getting an idea of where to begin the conversation.
"You can tell me, Majesty, and I'll get it done right away."
I smiled upon seeing his dedication.
It's one of the reasons why Malcolm is my favourite person. Regardless of whatever might be happening to him, he would put me first.
Even now, he is willing to set his worries aside and tend to do my work.
"I want my family back, Mal."
I chose to call him that because it's the way I used to address him when we were kids.
Malcolm nodded but made sure to avoid my gaze.
"We'll get them back," he muttered with confidence.
"I trust you," I pat his shoulder.
"Thank you for trusting me, majesty," he bowed.
So formal. There's no sign of my Jovial friend and that saddens me.
"I would like to ask you for a favour." I squeezed his shoulder before he could leave.
"Tell me, Majesty."
I paused to gauge his expression before saying what I wanted to say to him.
"I want my friend back," I muttered.
"Majesty?" He recalled.
I ignored his look of surprise and repeated my question. "Can you give me my friend back?"
This isn't the same Malcolm whom I grew up with. Right here before me was a man who was willing to go to any length to fulfil his duties to the king.
"I don't understand," he raised his head slightly but looked back down as if he couldn't bear to look into my eyes.
"Malcolm, I want you back," I confessed.
He furrowed his brow in confusion and looked around as if in search of another Malcolm to whom I was referring.
"I'm right here, majesty." He muttered with amazement.
"Not this Malcolm," I sighed. "I want my friend Malcolm Wayne back with me, not this duty-driven Malcolm."
He bowed and was about to speak, but I stopped him before he could.
"Trust me, Mal. I love Melody and want to be with her," I confessed my feelings.
"Majesty...." He paused and bowed.
It was obvious that he had something to say but he was pushing it back for one reason or the other.
"Tell me, Mal, what is it that is bringing this wedge between us?"
Malcolm raised his brow. His lips moved but stopped again. The look on his face said a lot. Malcolm was disappointed and mad at me.
"Do you really want me to speak, Majesty?"
I was happy to hear him say that, but a part of me was saddened because the look on his face told me that he had done something hurtful to say to me.
"Go ahead, Mal, tell me what's on your mind."
I swallowed my pride and prepared my heart to hear what he had to say.
"The truth?" He demanded. "Are you ready for the truth, Derek?"
I smiled when I heard him say my name. My friend was resurfacing.
"Of course, Mal," I smiled.
My smile was immediately replaced by a deep frown as I heard Malcobblm say his mind.
"In all honesty, Derek, I do not want you for my sister."