Chapter 48: A CHILD'S DREAM

Maxwell

“Your Majesty, I am overjoyed that we have finally sealed the deal. You should have seen the investors, they were ecstatic to be part of these projects. It’s not just about the oil company; it’s also the bridge that will connect our region to the magical palace. This is a monumental step forward,”

Cross exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm as he recounted the day’s success.

The magical palace has always been a place of fascination for humans, a realm of wonder and power that many have longed to access. My late parents had initiated these projects, dreaming of a future where our people could thrive alongside the magic of that realm. But their dreams were cut short.

They perished in a brutal war against the Lycans, who sought to claim the palace for themselves. Since their deaths, the project had been abandoned, left to gather dust and fade into memory. But I made a vow to finish what they started, to honor their legacy and bring their vision to life.

Over the years, I’ve heard whispers and rumors about the palace from the elders. They spoke of the Magic Queen, a kind and benevolent ruler who was betrayed and murdered by her own brother.

After her death, he sealed the borders of the palace with an impenetrable spell, cutting off all access to the outside world. The stories haunted me, fueling my determination to break through the barriers and reclaim what was lost.

“You’re right, Cross,” I said, pulling myself back to the present. “But we still face significant challenges. The Lycans continue to terrorize our packs, and the magic seal guarding the palace remains unbroken. These obstacles won’t be easy to overcome.”

Cross strode closer to my seat, his expression thoughtful. “Your Majesty, do you think it’s possible to negotiate with the unknown king? Perhaps an alliance could benefit both sides.”

I shook my head firmly. “He’s a traitor, Cross. Lycans don’t align themselves with betrayers. I remember the true queen, even though I was just a child when she ruled. She was beautiful, kind, and had a close relationship with my parents. She was pregnant at the time, and I’ll never forget her words. She used to say that the child she carried, a girl, would one day be my mate.”

Cross’s eyes widened in surprise. “Your mate? That’s… incredible.”

I nodded, a bittersweet ache settling in my chest. “As a child, I clung to that promise, dreaming of a future where I would marry the magical princess. If not for the betrayal and the murders, we might have been united by now. Our kingdoms could have been the most powerful and prosperous in the world. But instead, we lost everything, my parents, the queen, and the future we were meant to have.”

The weight of those losses pressed heavily on me. “I won’t stop until I break through that illusion and bring down the man responsible for their deaths. Only then will I find peace.”

The room fell silent, the air thick with unspoken emotions. I knew the goddess had blessed me with a mate, but the pain of the past still lingered, a shadow I couldn’t shake.

Suddenly, Cross broke the silence. “Your Majesty, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. That woman, your mate’s nanny. Why hasn’t she been seen since she was brought here?”

His words struck a chord, and I froze. How had I forgotten? Delilah had requested that the nanny be brought to her. I was certain I had sent my men to retrieve her. But now, as I tried to recall the details, my mind drew a blank.

I stood abruptly, my heart pounding. “You’re right. She was brought to the palace weeks ago. Why hasn’t she been seen since?”

Without wasting another moment, I strode out of the office, Cross following closely behind. We descended the metal stairs leading to the palace dungeons, our footsteps echoing ominously. The air grew colder as we reached the lower levels, and the guards stationed there bowed as we approached.

“James,” I addressed the head guard, my voice sharp. “There was an elderly woman brought here weeks ago. Where is she being held?”

James looked bewildered, his confusion mirrored by the other guards. “Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but no one matching tha

t description has been brought here.”