Chapter 68: Mother's Advice

Chapter 68: Mother's Advice
Azarius
By the time I turned sixteen, an unease began to creep into my thoughts. In just a few months, Macedonia would turn eighteen, the age when she would experience her first shift into wolf form and likely encounter her destined mate. The thought of that day loomed over me like a shadow, a constant reminder that soon, she might drift into a life where I could no longer follow.
I was already thinking of ways I would sabotage her mate in case she met him. I had already done everything possible to discourage Macedonia's suitors who attempted to court her.
The thought of her suitors made me feel infuriated for no reason. I knew I shouldn't feel this way, but I didn't want her attention to be drawn away. I didn't want to lose her.
She was mine, first...
I smacked my head. "What the hell is wrong with you, Azarius?" Why was I being like this when it came to her?
If Macedonia sensed something weighing on me, she wouldn't relent until she uncovered the truth, doing everything she could to lighten my burden. That was the last thing I wanted. She could never know about the feelings I'd been keeping to myself.
To keep my mind occupied, I poured all my energy into planning the perfect gift for her upcoming eighteenth birthday. It had to be meaningful, something that celebrated not just her role as my retainer or even as my best friend, but something that truly captured how much she meant to me.
Unable to settle on the perfect idea, I made my way to the Luna Queen's Garden, where Mother stood amidst the vibrant blooms, carefully trimming peonies for the vases scattered throughout the palace. The peaceful setting seemed to mirror her serene demeanor.
She glanced up as I approached, her warm smile brightening the tranquil scene.
"Azarius, dearest," she greeted, her tone light and welcoming.
I dipped my head respectfully. "Mother. Why are you here alone? Shouldn't your ladies-in-waiting be helping you?"
Mother gently placed a freshly cut peony into the vase beside her, its petals brushing softly against the already arranged roses. "They're busy decorating the palace," she said with a playful glint in her eye. "Sometimes, a little solitude is refreshing." She gave a small wink. "Even I need a break from constant company."
Her candidness brought a smile to my lips. There was something infectious about the calm joy she radiated, a warmth that filled the air like the scent of the flowers surrounding us.
I stepped closer, observing the arrangement of flowers Mother was carefully crafting. The delicate balance of colors and textures was soothing, a reminder of the tranquility the Luna Queen's Garden always seemed to offer.
"Mother," I began, hesitating slightly, "can I ask for your advice on something?"
She glanced up from the vase she was arranging, her warm smile encouraging me to continue. "Of course, my dear. What's troubling you?"
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, unsure how to phrase my thoughts without revealing too much. "Macedonia's birthday is approaching," I said, trying to sound casual. "I want to give her something special, something meaningful. But I... I can't decide what."
Mother's eyes sparkled with understanding, and the corners of her lips twitched as if she were holding back a knowing grin. "Macedonia has been with you for many years now," she said thoughtfully, setting aside a vase. "You must know her well. What makes her happiest?"
Her question made me pause. Macedonia was strong and resourceful, but she also had a love for the simple and the meaningful. "She's not interested in material things," I admitted, my voice quiet. "She values gestures more than gifts."
Mother nodded, her expression growing more tender. "Then perhaps you should focus on something that reflects her spirit, something that shows her how deeply you appreciate her presence in your life." I was rendered speechless, still unsure. "Do you have something on your mind?"
"I want to give her something meaningful," I began, my lips pressing into a contemplative line. "Something she can use, something that will remind her of me."
Mother tilted her head thoughtfully, her hands still arranging the delicate flowers. "What about a bracelet? Have you ever given her one before?"
Her suggestion hung in the air as I hesitated, the idea unfamiliar but intriguing. My silence must have spoken volumes because her smile softened. "Ah," she said, her tone light with realization, "it seems you haven't."
I mulled over her suggestion, letting the idea take root. After a moment of silence, inspiration struck. "What if I give her a bracelet as an early gift," I proposed, "and then arrange with Count Stallone to cover the cost of the dress she'll wear for her birthday celebration? What do you think of that, Mother?"
Mother's eyes sparkled with approval, her gentle smile widening. "That sounds thoughtful, Azarius. A bracelet is intimate, a keepsake she can treasure, and taking care of her dress shows your consideration for her big day. I think it's a lovely idea."
Her encouragement brought a sense of relief and excitement. "Do you think she'll like it?" I asked, a small flicker of nervousness creeping into my voice.
Mother's laughter rang softly, like the tinkling of wind chimes in the breeze. "Macedonia is not hard to please, dear. As long as the gift comes from your heart, she will cherish it."
Her words reassured me, and I nodded, a plan beginning to take shape in my mind. I would commission the bracelet immediately and make sure it held a design that symbolized something special to us.
Perhaps I could include an engraving... something subtle but meaningful.
As for the dress, I would approach Count Stallone later that day. It would be a gesture not just as her prince but as someone who deeply cared for her.
Mother brushed a stray petal from my shoulder, her soft voice laced with curiosity. "Azarius," she began, her gaze unwavering, "you care for her deeply, don’t you?"
Her words caught me off guard, and for a moment, I faltered. "As my best friend, Mother, of course. We grew up together," I replied quickly, my voice steady, though my hands betrayed me, growing clammy under her gentle scrutiny. "And I’m truly grateful you chose her to be my royal playmate."
But deep inside, a fleeting thought surfaced, unbidden yet persistent: What if she could be more? What if one day, she could be my wife?
The notion startled me, and I inwardly scolded myself, heat rising to my face. Where did that even come from?
The thought lingered, stubborn and insistent, no matter how much I tried to suppress it. I shifted uncomfortably under Mother’s perceptive gaze, my lips pressing into a thin line as I tried to maintain composure.
Mother’s expression softened further, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder. "It's good that you felt that way. It would be difficult if both of you find your own mate."
I knew what she meant. It might be the end of our friendship, and I wouldn't be able to see her again.
But, Mother... I would do anything for her not to meet her mate.
Macedonia was mine and mine alone.