Chapter XVII

As the prince sat before his mother, Queen Isabella, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over him. He knew what was coming next, and he didn't want to hear it.

The prince felt his heart sink. He had been dreading this moment for months, ever since he had first learned about the arranged marriage his parents had planned for him. It wasn't that he didn't like Princess Seraphina - she was kind and beautiful, and they had been friends since childhood.

But he had always dreamed of falling in love on his own terms, of finding his soulmate and sharing a life with her. And he had found her...Lily.

"But Mother," the prince protested, his voice shaking with emotion. "I have felt my mate. My beloved. How can I marry someone else when I know in my heart that they are out there waiting for me?"

Queen Isabella's face softened, and she reached out to take her son's hand. "I understand how you feel, my dear," she said gently. "But you must remember that you are a prince, and someday you will be king. Your duty to your people must come first, even if it means making sacrifices in your personal life."

The prince hung his head, feeling defeated. He knew his mother was right, but that didn't make it any easier to accept. He couldn't imagine spending his life with anyone other than his true mate, and the thought of marrying someone else made him feel sick to his stomach.

"Unfortunately, son," Queen Isabella continued, her voice firm once again. "You must still uphold your title as King and marry your betrothed, Princess Seraphina. It is your duty, and you must not shirk it."

The prince nodded, feeling a sense of resignation settle over him. He knew he had no choice in the matter - as a prince, his life was not his own to live. He would do his duty to his people, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness.

And yet, as he walked away from his mother's chambers, Alexander's mind racing with the weight of his responsibilities.

He couldn't help but feel anxious about the future, but he was determined to do what was right.

Before leaving, he decided to check on his father, the King, who had been injured during the attack. Making his way to the King's chambers, he found him lying in bed, his eyes closed. The Prince approached him, taking his father's hand.

"Father," he whispered. "How are you feeling?"

The King opened his eyes, looking up at his son.

"I am alright, my son," he said weakly. "The healers have done their best to tend to my wounds."

Prince Alexander nodded, relieved to hear that his father was on the mend.

"I am glad to hear it," he said. "Rest now, father. I will take care of everything."

Maybe, just maybe, fate would intervene, Alexander thought to himself.

As days turned into weeks, Prince Alexander found himself immersed in the affairs of the kingdom.

He attended countless meetings with advisors who bombarded him with intricate details and complex problems that needed solutions.

Each decision he made felt like a heavy burden on his shoulders, for the fate of the kingdom rested upon his choices.

Amidst the chaos of ruling a kingdom, there was one aspect that filled Prince Alexander's heart with apprehension - his betrothal to Lady Seraphina. They had been promised to each other since childhood, but they had never truly connected on a personal level. As their wedding day would soon come, Alexander couldn't shake off the worry that he would be bound to a loveless marriage.

The young prince sought solace in long walks through the castle gardens, where he confided in his closest friend, Issac. Issac listened attentively as Alexander poured out his fears and doubts about becoming king and marrying someone he barely knew or loved.

Issac encouraged Alexander to follow his heart and not succumb to societal pressures. He reminded him that being a good leader meant considering not only the welfare of the kingdom but also his own happiness and well-being.

Alexander had been gone for weeks from the University of Sylvania, he had entrusted Lily to the care of his trusted werewolf bodyguard, Lucas.

He couldn't get back to the University anytime soon because of the events going on in the kingdom, he mind linked Lucas.

"Lucas, how has Lily been? Please tell me everything."

"Your Highness," he began, his voice laced with emotion, "I must be honest. It has not been easy for her."

Alexander's heart sank at the news. "I knew she would miss me, but I had no idea it would affect her so much. I must see her immediately."

Lucas nodded in agreement. "I think that is wise, Your Highness. She needs to know that you are safe and that you are coming back to her."

Circumstances had kept him away from his academic pursuits but now he was ready to return back to the univeristy.

As he shared his decision with Queen Isabella, his mother, she listened attentively but voiced her concerns.

She understood the importance of education but feared for her son's safety in her absence. Isabella knew that enemies lurked in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike at their vulnerable moments.

In a moment of resolution, Isabella proposed a plan that both perplexed and intrigued Alexander.

She suggested that he bring along his betrothed, Seraphina - a vampire with extraordinary powers. So, he protect her against their enemies by keeping her close.

Duke Issac could stay behind as a means of protection. Though surprised by this idea, Alexander couldn't deny the logic behind it. Issac possessed abilities that surpassed any potential threat the kingdom might face.

After all, he was the one who taught Issac everything he knew.

With a mixture of anger, hestitation, and fear, Alexander agreed to Queen Isabella's condition. He understood that in doing so, he would be placing both their lives in danger while seeking knowledge and enlightenment at the university. As well as, Lily's but his mother didn't need to know that.

Most importantly, how would he explain all of this to Lily?