Chapter 3. Fathers Request

Stefan

I have no idea what is going on. Father had sent one of the maids to tell me I was needed immediately, so here I am, pacing the room, and he wasn’t here. It’s been at least twenty minutes, and he’s nowhere to be seen.

Something must have happened for him to summon me on the night I’m meant to have off and then not to show up on time. Maybe there is an attack on the kingdom? Then again, why would he ask me to meet here, in his office and not in the meeting room where the soldiers, Earl and ourselves meet?

“Son.” I hear his voice and turn to look at him. “You’re required to take my place at tonight’s celebration; please ensure that you personally speak to the Earl and Countess and explain the reason for my absence.”

Wait, I stare at him. This has to be a joke, not only is it the one night I’m not expected to do things, but he wants me to go to the Countess’ birthday party where Harlyn will be? I’ve done everything I can to avoid her, and this, means I have to stand in the same room as her. Why do I have to go?

“There is an attack at the border, and I am needed there. The Earl is to stay at his wife’s birthday celebration, so you will go in my place and do without attitude. Do you understand?” he shouts, and I nod.

“I’m not sure it is ideal Your Majesty, I’m not comfortable going to the celebration. I’m not comfortable going to the manor.” I can try and fight this and hope that he listens and lets me off. Any other thing I would agree to without a second thought, but this isn’t right. I’ve hardly been to the manor since I rejected Harlyn two years ago.

“You’re set to be the future king. You have no choice but to go. You can’t avoid all the uncomfortable situations when you’re king, just like I can’t,” he explains, while ensuring I know that I’ve got no choice in this matter but to agree.

Agree to go to the celebration, and possibly see Harlyn. I hate that, I tried to reject her and she doesn’t take it, she still looks at me like she is hoping for another chance, like she thinks I will change my mind.

She should just accept my rejection and get over it; it’s the best thing for her. No one is ready to accept her. No one wants a queen who is void of the very thing that makes use of werewolves—the wolf. She doesn’t have one, and that means no one will just accept her as the future queen.

“You will be representing our family tonight, as well as our kingdom. As you’re aware, many from other kingdoms and packs will be in attendance, so your behaviour will be judged greatly. Do not mess this up.” He stares down at me.

What does he think I will do? Go to the celebration and start a war? I’m not that bad, actually. I’m not even bad. Whenever I’m in public or around others, I act like the king should. I put away all my wishes and hopes and stepped into the shoes of my father.

“I understand Your Majesty, I will ensure our family and kingdom are represented to the highest degree.” My words almost sound mocking, and he stares at me.

“This isn’t a joke. Your future wife could be there. There could be someone at this celebration who might be your future wife’s father, uncle or similar, and you’re not taking it seriously,” he shouts and rubs his hand across his face.

God, I’m only twenty-one and he is already trying to find me the perfect wife and queen seen as I don’t have a mate, I had one, I rejected her in the hopes of a second chance mate. One who would at least have a wolf and not be rejected by my parents and the entire kingdom.

“I apologise Your Highness, I do not see this as a Joke, I promise I will act only in the manor that a king would,” I reply, accepting that there is no avoiding this, and no getting out of it. I will just need to avoid Harlyn. Stay away from her.

She keeps coming to me, and I have to push her away. It’s like she knows the truth, or she enjoys being hurt because I do hurt her. Every time I shout and call her names to try and make her run, she does, only to be right back there the next day.

“Son!” I jump, hearing my father.

“Did you hear me? I said you need to approach the Earl and Countess yourself, on my behalf, and wish her a happy birthday. Do not rush to get it over with. They will be able to tell that you’re eager to leave, so you stay the entire night,” he stands waiting.

“Okay, Your Majesty, I will ensure it is done. Tomorrow, I will speak with you and update you if any issues should arise,” I explain.

“If? No issues will arise because you will not take one step in that wrong direction. Not only that, but you’re leaving early morning, so you can’t communicate issues with me, so ensure there aren’t any!” His words are loud, and I nod.

“I understand, Your Majesty. I will follow your orders exactly as you wish,” I say, and he nods, turning and leaving the office. Walking out of his office, I go to my chambers and begin to get ready, considering how I can avoid even seeing Harlyn tonight.

I look across at my crown. I was looking forward to the brief break from wearing it. After getting ready, I place it on my head and walk to the window. My eyes fall on the garden, a spot that holds so many memories. I almost smile before I rip the feelings down and burn them inside of myself.

I can’t reminisce; no good will come from it. Only more hurt and pain, so I won’t dwell on the past. I won’t consider whether I made a mistake; I’ve done the right thing. I’ve done what everyone would expect, and in the process, I protected her from rejection by the entire kingdom.