Chapter 51
“Well, the second part has been adhered to!” Nerissa chuckled thoughtfully while staring at me deep in thought. “You have created your heir as it has asked for. How many days are left before you run out of time?”
“Fourteen now, Mother,” I replied, glancing across at Elena who was listening quietly. “The thing is, Elena and I have some stuff to sort out. And with all the other problems that I have to sort out, how the heck do I even plan a wedding!”
“It’s simple! You need to stop worrying and be there for Elena!” Nerissa smiled gently, reaching out and grabbing my hand. “You just go and concentrate on whatever needs to be done. Me and my staff will sort and organize the wedding. Just leave it to me! You have more pressing matters to attend to!”
“It’s true. I do have scheduled meetings with the surrounding colonies,” I replied thoughtfully while stroking my beard. “Granted there are only five colonies to visit, but by the time I stay there at each pack for a couple of days and have important talks with their leaders over grand meals and explore their territories, I shall be gone for at least twelve days I won’t have time to plan the wedding!.”
“Exactly. And these meetings are imperative,” Nerissa nodded firmly, looking at me deeply. “Securing your place as King and gaining the trust of the surrounding packs has never been so imperative. Not now that Carlton has raised his ugly head and is starting to throw his spanners into the works!”
“I shall be dealing with him and his whore bride once and for all. Don’t worry about that!” I growled angrily, feeling my temper begin to rise. “It’s about time Carlton was shown who is boss around here! I need to go and pack and get ready to leave. I want Elena protected at all times and looked after until I get back!”
“And she will be! That girl won’t leave my side. I promise!” Nerissa soothed gently, cupping my face in her soft, pale hands. “Go and do what you have to do and everything will be taken care of here. Go and be the King I know you can be!”
“I still have to find Hollie’s sister and bring her back to the Palace, as I have promised, find out who ordered the poisoned food, and rule a kingdom as Alpha all at the same time!” I groaned before rubbing my face with my hands. “This is all too much for one person to deal with! Why can’t life be easy?”
“Because you are king!” Nerissa chuckled gently. “You were born into a family full of problems. Don’t worry about Hollie’s sister for now. I shall find out who ordered the food while you’re gone as I will plan the wedding. Everything will fall into place. Don’t you worry about that!”
Smiling gratefully, my heart began to ache. I had only just got my mother back but I was leaving again. I still had so many questions to ask her but I knew I had to follow my duties. Looking up, I saw Elena watching me intently before turning her head away. Sighing, I stood up and walked toward her before wrapping my arms around her shoulders tightly.
“I’ll be back soon, okay?” I whispered, burying my nose into her soft hair and inhaling deeply. “I know things aren’t perfect between us right now but I will make it up to you. I promise. Just stay close to my mother and please, stay safe!”
To my shock, Elena stood up and turned to face me, her eyes glistening with eh smallest trace of tears. Sniffing gently, she glanced up at me, with all the hurt and pain she had ever suffered now revealing itself in her eyes. Before I could blink, Elena wrapped her arms around my body and rested her head on my chest, sniffing gently. I could feel her tiny body trembling against me as her tears began to drip on my skin.
“I know I’ve been angry with you because of what happened to Brooke and Hollie. But do you have to go?” Elena whispered gently, peering up at me desperately. “Why does it feel like I am saying goodbye and that I will never see you again?”
“I will be back. I will be back for you and we can spend the rest of our days together,” I replied softly, feeling my heart melt at this sweet, innocent creature looking up at me. “Don’t worry about me. I will be fine and so will you be. I’ll deal with Carlton when I get back. I love you, Elena, forever and always.”
“I love you too, my Prince,” Elena sniffled before hugging me tightly as I placed a lingering kiss on the top of her head.
Letting Elena go, I gulped sadly and turned to face my waiting guards and ministers, who were waiting patiently. Breathing deeply, I nodded and began to walk toward them.
“Let’s go!” I ordered gruffly as I walked past them and towards the entrance of the hall, hearing my wolf howl deeply inside me at the prospect of leaving our Mate behind. “Sooner I get this done and dusted, the sooner I can get back to my wife to be and unborn child!”