Chapter 38

Chapter 38

I greeted Mariel with a warm, tight hug when we reunited at the palace in the Rema Kingdom. During the flight, Troy explained how he had tracked us down. When Mariel and I were at the restaurant, Troy instantly sensed my presence, even though he was in his office here at the palace at the time. That’s why he sent John to investigate.

However, when I spotted John inside the restaurant, Mariel and I quickly left, causing John to lose our scent. Unfortunately, Mariel had left her cloak behind, which John later used to pick up our trail. But by then, Zander's men had already captured us. Because of the cloak, John and Troy managed to find Mariel first. They brought her to the palace while continuing their search for me.

"I'm relieved you're okay, Mariel," I said, holding her hands. She smiled softly, assuring me, "Stop worrying about me, Your Highness. You were the one in danger, and it’s my fault for not protecting you sooner," she said with regret. I quickly shook my head in denial. That wasn’t true. I was the one who had dragged her into this mess. This was all on me.

"I should be the one protecting you, Mariel, since I'm the one who dragged you into this," I told her gently. She gave me a warm smile. "What matters most is that you're safe, Your Highness," she replied. I took a deep breath and glanced behind me. It was Troy. Mariel must be wondering why the two of us are here, far from the Rema Kingdom, especially knowing how much the people of the Urzua Kingdom despise Rema. But I was certain she had already sensed the mate bond between Troy and me, which was evident in our scent.

"You’ll both stay here for the night. But don’t worry, we’ve already sent word to Alpha King Phoenix about your whereabouts. He’ll likely be here tomorrow to take Mariel back," Troy explained. I turned to him and nodded, then looked at Mariel, noticing her confusion.

“Excuse me, but may I ask why only His Majesty Alpha King Phoenix is coming to retrieve me?” Mariel asked, surprised. I offered her a small smile as Troy shifted his gaze to me.

"I'm going to stay here for a while, Mariel, before the wedding," I said. Mariel’s eyes widened in shock. She was probably surprised because my brother had been strongly against the idea. But once I made up my mind, my brother wouldn’t have a say in it. Alpha King Phoenix might have controlled me back when Troy went to the Urzua Kingdom, and that was because I was still confused about my plans and feelings. But now... I have a strategy in place, and this marriage is a part of it.

After that, Mariel fell silent, only nodding in response. It seemed that the reality of what was about to unfold was finally sinking in. John escorted her to her room for the night, leaving Troy and me alone in his office. I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander around his massive workspace. Alpha King Phoenix’s office was large too, but Troy’s was even grander. I was impressed by how neat and organized everything was—every book and scroll was perfectly arranged on the shelves. The vintage walls and golden furniture exuded an air of luxury and elegance.

It was nothing like the house we lived in when we were still with Tyreese.

"So... when’s the wedding?" I asked, after taking in the grandeur of his office. I turned to look at him and saw him leaning casually against his desk, arms crossed over his chest. My heart raced as I gazed at him—he looked so handsome in his steampunk-style long-tail tuxedo. At that moment, it really sank in: this wasn’t the same Troy I knew back in Tyreese, the construction worker. Standing before me was Troy Archer Evans, the Alpha King of the Rema Kingdom.

"It will be three days from now," he said, and I swallowed hard. It felt like only moments ago he was discussing the wedding with John, and now the date had been set. I knew my brother would still protest tomorrow, but eventually, he’d understand. This marriage wasn’t just about Troy’s throne—it was also my way to seek justice for my parents' deaths. I had a strong suspicion that those responsible for their deaths were close to Troy, trying to exploit his weaknesses to undermine him.

"That’s good. After the wedding, I’ll begin studying the council and laws of the Rema Kingdom. And… I need to know who your most trusted men are, as well as your other relatives… besides Zander," I added. His expression darkened at the mention of Zander.

"You really believe this marriage will reveal the truth about your parents' death?" he asked, his tone filled with disbelief. I met his gaze, serious and unwavering.

"Yes," I replied with certainty. He exhaled deeply and began walking toward me. The intensity of his approach made me tense, and I instinctively pressed myself against the wall behind me. I regretted not sitting down earlier; now I was afraid he’d notice how my knees trembled whenever he got close.

"So, you're saying... this marriage is just for... that?" he said, stressing every word. I swallowed hard as he closed the distance between us. My back was nearly flush against the wall, his presence overwhelming me. Memories of our time together in that small house in Tyreese flooded my mind. I missed him being this close, missed everything we had shared.

"I-It's for the best..." I stammered, cursing myself for the slip.

He raised an eyebrow, crouching slightly so our eyes were level. His green eyes seemed to send a warmth coursing through me. When his gaze fell to my lips, I couldn’t help but lick them instinctively.

"If that’s how you want this marriage to be, then for me... it’s not," he said firmly. My heart skipped a beat as his lips brushed against my right cheek, leaving me breathless.

"For me... this marriage means that all of you is mine," his cold, deep voice sent shivers down my spine—in a way that felt undeniably good. He paused, pulling away from my cheek, his eyes locking onto my lips. I gasped softly when his thumb grazed my lower lip.

"This... will be mine," he murmured, as if claiming his territory. Words failed me as he leaned in, his lips hovering near mine, the anticipation building. When his lips finally met mine, it felt like I was engulfed in flames. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck, and he responded by pulling me close, lifting me effortlessly onto his desk. We shared a heated kiss, the longing between us undeniable.

I couldn’t ignore how much I craved his touch. Though it had only been a week, it felt like years since I’d last felt him this close. Our kisses deepened, and just as his hand moved toward my chest, a knock at the door startled us. I quickly pushed him away and slid off the desk, still dizzy from the intensity of our kiss.

"I-I'm... going to sleep now. Goodnight," I said hurriedly, brushing past him to head to my room for the night. I noticed John standing by the door and offered him a quick smile before leaving. Troy's staff immediately guided me to my room.

That entire night... I couldn’t stop thinking about Troy’s kisses.

The next morning, Mariel woke me abruptly to inform me that my furious brother had arrived. I quickly got dressed and rushed to Troy’s office, where Alpha King Phoenix was causing chaos. Before even reaching the door, I could already hear my brother’s enraged voice.

"MY SISTER WILL NEVER MARRY YOU, YOU ASSHOLE!" His tone was dangerously sharp. I burst through the door, only to be met with the shocking sight of my brother’s men surrounding Troy. What on earth? This was the Rema Kingdom! How did my brother have the audacity to surround Troy in his own office?

“Brother!” I called out, moving toward him. His angry eyes immediately snapped at me.

"Let's go! We're going home!" he suddenly demanded, reaching for my arm, but I swiftly stepped back, avoiding his touch. He looked shocked by my reaction, and I could tell my refusal had only fueled his anger.

"What are you doing?" he asked in a controlled, calm voice. I took a deep breath, meeting his gaze with firm resolve.

"Whether you like it or not... I'm going to marry Troy—"

"Just because he's your mate, you think you should marry him right away, Elisaria? That's not how marriage works!" he interrupted, his voice rising in protest.

"Do you really think I'm still a little kid, Brother? I understand what marriage means! And if you're only opposing this because you believe Troy and his father are behind our parents' deaths, then... I swear to you, I’ll prove his innocence. So please... let me do this," I said, my voice softening, almost pleading. He stood there, stunned by my words, the wild anger in his eyes giving way to a more serious expression.

"Promise me... after this, our parents will get the justice they deserve," I added. His jaw clenched as he turned away from me, signaling his men to back off from Troy. One by one, they quietly exited the room before my brother turned to face me once more.

"This isn’t just about our parents, Elisaria. It’s about your safety too. I don’t trust the Evans. I don’t trust the people of Rema. You’re the only family I have left, and I don’t want to see you in danger. But for now... I’ll let you go because it’s what you want. But if I ever find out that you’re in danger, or that you’re suffering because of this man..." He pointed at Troy, his gaze then returning to me. "I swear to the Moon Goddess, I’ll start a war with this kingdom and take you out of here," he said, his voice laced with resolve. I bit my lower lip as tears welled in my eyes.

Without a word, I stepped forward and hugged Alpha King Phoenix tightly. He was probably shocked—I rarely hugged him—but his words had touched the deepest part of me. I understood now why he had always been so strict. It was because... he loves me.

"Thank you... my brother," I whispered softly. I felt him exhale heavily before wrapping his arms around me in return.

And now, three days later, I stand before the altar of the Rema Kingdom. The entire venue is filled with aristocrats, watching as Troy and I prepare to exchange our vows. The grand hall is adorned with gold walls and elegant chandeliers, exuding a sense of luxury. The orchestra plays beautifully, adding to the atmosphere. The Elder Council lifts a golden flute filled with red wine, marking the sacred moment.

"This wine symbolizes the blood of God, bestowing blessings upon the union of two hearts bound by destiny. His Majesty Alpha King Troy Archer Evans of Rema Kingdom and Princess Elisaria of Urzua Kingdom will drink it as a symbol of strength and unity,” the Elder announced.

Troy took the first sip, and then I followed, drinking from the same flute. The Elder then handed us rings, and I knew it was time for me to place one on Troy's finger. He, in turn, slid a ring onto mine.

"Your Majesty, you may now kiss your bride," the Elder said, addressing Troy. He gazed at me, and I swallowed hard, realizing he wasn't just thinking about a simple kiss—he wanted a passionate one. The moment his lips met mine, I was left breathless.

"Today, I am pleased to introduce His Majesty Alpha King Troy Archer Evans and Queen Luna Elisaria Foster-Evans of Rema Kingdom!" the Elder proclaimed.

With that, the room erupted in applause as everyone celebrated our union.