Chapter 7 - Revelations

His words saddened me but I did my best to keep my emotions out of my expression.

"Why is that?"

"I am unsure, my Lord. Some say it is a punishment from the Moon Goddess for rejecting her first choice."

I licked my lips. That explained why Ally did not show any signs of affection. She is not aware of the bond and our destiny.

"Pardon me for asking, my Lord. Why do you ask for this knowledge."

"I should know about this, do you not think so?"

"Of course, my Lord. Do you have any

more questions that bother you?"

"No. That is all."

As I stood to leave, he stood as well.

"I am grateful to be of assistance, my Lord." He said with a bow.

I walked out of his study. I stood before the door for a few minutes. I felt a sense of emptiness build within me.

She did not feel the same way as I did. My mate was not attracted to me as I was.

I slowly walked out of the library to my chambers. I had a raging headache from the day but that was truly the least of my worries.

Ally did not feel the bond. And she was a rogue. But I loved her because of this horrid bond...

I love her.

Would I have preferred my first to her? Would I give anything to go back to my first mate?

No.

Because if I did, I would not have met Ally. I could not tell what I felt now.

Was it the pull of the mate bond or was it my true feelings that pulled me deeper in love with her?

I did not know but whatever it was, I had to find a way around it before it drove me mad.

I took a bath and got ready to sit for my meal.

I wished I could be absent but I did not have a reason so I went ahead and sat at the table.

Everyone was present.

Mother said a prayer to the Moon Goddess before we began to eat.

"How did it go in court today?" Mother

asked.

"Excellent. Zan would make a fine King." Father complimented me.

Derrick looked at me strangely, then at Father

"I still can not imagine him as King." He said playfully.

"It will not be long now." Mother said in response.

Her smile to me was kind but mine was not genuine.

"They grow up so fast." Derrick said with a dramatic sniff.

We laughed at his theatrics.

"Do I need to remind you that I am older than-"

"Shush little one, the elders are speaking."

He interrupted with a sly smile on his face.

"Elders my foot." I said with a laugh.

Mother smiled at Father. It was a night sight to see.

It must be nice to have a mate who loves you.

"Father, what are we to do about the rogue?"

"I wish to have nothing done." Father said.

I took a deep breath, thinking of how to say what I wanted to say appropriately.

"The law-"

"I am abreast with the laws of this land. Rogues do not have good intentions in any land and I do not believe she has any."

"She deserves a chance to prove herself true "

Father put down his fork sternly.

"Do not be so quick to trust a rogue, my son. You have seen what they do."

I pushed aside the painful memory.

"I merely ask that her words be looked into, Father."

"She said herself that she would rather die as a rogue. I see no reason to give her a chance to live."

"Father, you said once to not let your emotions cloud your judgment. I plead with you to not find any fault in her without evidence."

I could feel the tension in the hall.

Father looked at me. For a moment, I saw him break. His eyes showed his grief and scars that had not healed.

"I will consider it." He said finally.

I decided not to push it now.

"Thank you Father."

There was a moment of silence and I saw Father put her hand above Father's.

"The third day of the celebrations for King Dairuis' son's birthday is tomorrow and I think we should attend." Mother said to clear the air.

"I do not wish to attend." I said almost immediately.

"Me neither." Prince Derrick said.

"You shall attend. Both of you." Mother said

sternly.

"Why?" Prince Derrick whined.

Mother gave him a hard look and he backed down.

"Fine. But if I am going then so is Zan." Prince Derrick protested.

"I did not think I had a choice." I muttered.

"You did not." Mother confirmed.

The air was lighter but Father did not say a word during the rest of the meal.

I had saddened him but I had to. If he did not give the order, my mate may die and I could not sit and watch that happen.

"My Lord, you are to attend your lessons in

archery before the sun sets." Savi told me after we had completed our meal.

I took time to admire the oil paintings that hung up in the hallway.

Father had paid quite a sum for them and I fancied them.

Would Ally fancy them if she saw it?

I will have to bring her here to find out.

"My Lord." Savi called, catching my attention.

I looked at him.

"Did you speak, Savi?"

He took a deep breath.

"Yes my Lord. You need to attend your

archery lessons before the sun sets." Savi said again.

"I have no interest in doing that." I said to him.

I wanted to go see Ally instead.

"The day of the duel draws nigh, my Lord. You need to practice if you wish to win."

"Oh Savi, do not be worried. Surely, one day can not hurt."

Did Ally miss me? I surely did.

"My Lord." was all Savi said and I got the message.

Duty before desire.