Chapter 61
“Ethan‘
1 leave the council room, straining to maintain my human form. I shift my focus to thinking about Ariella, who I left sleeping peacefully in her bed a few hours earlier. Doing so helps me keep my anger in check and prevents me from lashing out at Kyle.
He hurries to catch up, his voice tinged with concern. “That’s the first time in years I’ve seen you so blunt with the council,” he mutters.
“Blunt is an understatement
“Aggressive, then” he corrects himself. They are not going to be happy with you for a while after your colorful choice of words”
“They need to learn to stay out of my business.” I snarl at him. “I shouldn’t need to fight tooth and naill just to have the wedding date announced”
-THE
announcement HAS gone out” Kyle reminds me. “You won that battle. By this evening, everyone will know that you and Ariella are getting married in a month.”
“That’s how it should be,” I marl. “The council needs to understand that my marriage to Ariella is not up for debate.”
Kyle falls silent and stops walking. 1 stop as well and turn to him. His face is grim with worry.
“The council isn’t like your pack mates, soldiers, or any other citizens of this kingdom. They are solely devoted to the politics of the crown, no matter who wears it. After all, their demands aren’t entirely unreasonable–they want a healthy heir to the throne and for their king to have a strong luna queen by his side. You know, they weren’t happy with Ariella to begin with, the curse just made the whole thing worse”
“Their job is to assist the crown in managing the country.” I growl, “As long as I’m doing my job right, they should stay the fuck out of my way! Ariella is carrying my baby, the future of the kingdom. Instead of wasting time trying to change my mind or tarnishing Ariella’s reputation, they’d be better off using that energy to help me find a way to lift the cune.”
“I understand, Sir.” Kyle nods, although he still looks a bit concerned.
Kyle has been by my side all these years, no matter what happens. I pat him on the shoulder and sigh “Thanks man”
He looks at me wide–eyed.
“What?”
Kyle chuckles and shakes his head. “Nothing, it’s just rare to get that from you. You’re welcome, Alpha”
I think of something and ask him, “Speaking of lifting the curse, any updates from Maya?”
“Yes. Earlier Maya came to tell me that she’s gone through the royal vault and our stash of medicines and herbs, but she’s still short on a few key ingredients. She has asked for permission to leave the palace to look for those.”
I ask, “Does she have a timeline?”
“She uid about a month”
“Okay” Inod. “That’s not too bad. Does Ariella know about this?”
“Yes. Maya had already bid her farewell before dropping by me. The witch wanted to see you, but you were in the middle of the heated debate with the council”
“You mean,” I ask him. “Ariella is up and abour already!”
“Yes. I believe so.” Kyle looks slightly puzzled, “Is that an issue,
“Nope” I reply: “Just keep an eye on the council members and keep tabs on Maya for me. I’ve got something important tonight.”
“Sir, do you need me to=”
“Hold a torch while I serenade Ariella?” I chuckle, “No, Kyle, but thanks for the offer.”
I watch Kyle’s eyes widen as he gasps, “Alpha, are you g
| going to=”
“Wish me luck,” I wave to him as I turn the corner. “Catch you later.”
“Ariella”
Chapter ol
“What else did Maya say before she leaves Filan asks, his arm around my waist, making sure I don’t trip over.
“She said the curse that’s been clouding my memory seems to be weakening. She suggested I meditate daily to help accelerate the awakening of my
“Meditation is acceptable,” he says, “but no more training or keeping yourself too busy. If you continue to be so restless, I’ll have Castor issue a mandatory bed rest order.”
“Okay, okay! I’ll make sure to get plenty of rest. It’s not like we can do much else right now anyway.”
It’s only been 48 hours since we returned from Evelyn’s swamp, and I’m at a loss for what we can do next. Ell has returned to Crystal River, Maya departed earlier today, and Castor divides his time between Cassandra and me throughout the day. Evelyn, Lilith and Macus have totally disappeared.
All of a sudden, it feels like there isn’t anything pressing to be done.
“Ethan, you better not he kidnapping me to another mountain this time.” I’m not entirely sure what is going on and where I am being led, and that is mostly due to the fact that my eyes are entirely covered.
“You say it like you didn’t have a good time when we were there,” he teases.
1 bite my lip, my mind shifting to the moment we spent in the mountains, soaking in the hot springs, hunting in the woods..making love in the
teht.
“I’m protesting more the lack of consent,” I murmur, hoping he doesn’t see the blush in my cheeks.
“Worry not, I’m not taking you off the palace grounds this time.
Soon enough we stop walking, and Ethan pulls the blindfold off
“Wow!” I gasp as my vision is returned to me.
Ethan has led me to an enchantingly secluded spot, surrounded by lowering walls of lush trees, with the path he had been guiding me through appearing as the sole entryway. At the heart of this hidden haven, there’s a table exquisitely set under the canopy of leaves.
The table gleams with an array of exotic fruits like figs and dragon fruit, beside sparkling tall flute glasses that catch the light. Soft music drifts through the air–a trio of musicians plays a gentle, intimate concert just for us. Ethan guides me to the table and gracefully pulls out a chair for me. As we sit servers glide in, presenting plates laden with sumptuous dishes.
I absorb the serene music, the beautifully arranged table, and the feast before us
“This is all so incredibly breathtaking “Turning to Ethan, I say, my voice filled with gratitude. “And not that I’m complaining, but what on earth inspired all of this“”
It doesn’t exactly feel like we have anything to be celebrating.
The golden glow in Ethan’s chest only grows larger. Perhaps it’s my imagination but I can feel warmth coming from it.
“It’s your birthday.” Ethan says with a raised eyebrow. “Do you not remember?”
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