Episode 13

Esmeralda was finally relieved to be summoned by her father, she was ready for answers and done with his evasions.

She made her way to his library and opened the door. Ezra and her father were in the midst of a conversation. She wasn't surprised by the sight of them, they were always scheming and whispering and it was pissing her off being left in the dark.

"Father, you called ?"

"Yes, my Princess please have a seat."

"Princess, good morning." Ezra greeted as he bowed.

He was me With nothing but silence, Esmeralda wouldn't even glance his way.

He bowed at Aaron and exited the library.

"What did he do? Why are you upset with him asked Aaron as he noticed her cold demeanor towards Ezra.

"Like you, he thinks me a child and incapable of the truth."

"Oh come on Esmeralda not this again."

"Why are you keeping things from me and avoiding my questions."

"What do you mean? I'm not avoiding you I have just been very busy."

She was getting very frustrated.

"Listen, princess, as your father and king it is my responsibility to protect you and the wolves."

"Keeping me in the dark isn't protection Father, I need to know what happens around here if I am ever to rule the wolves as their queen."

"Her father smiled at her, he was impressed by the authority and confidence in which she spoke.

"What ?"

"Nothing, it's just, you remind me of myself when I was your age."

"Father, why was I injected with wolves Bane and vampire lilac?"

"How did you come to think it was a concoction of vampire lilac and wolfsbane? Did the nurse tell you that?"

"No, but I have come across the herb before."

"How come?"

"Mother's garden, she used to plant them all the time and used them in her brew."

Her father's eyes were drained of life and his aura darkened at the mention of her mother."

"Father, are you ok?"

"Listen to me, we are never to discuss this issue ever again. You were not injected with vampire lilac and I will hear of this no more. It is absurd for you to even press this issue, you are a wolf there is no secret to uncover. Those vampires are clearly idiots and not chemists they couldn't even pull off a kidnapping. " how voice was stern and cautioning.

"Yes Father, you are right about that. I'm sorry, I just got so frustrated and let my curiosity drive me. Is that all, or do you have anything else you have to say to me?"

"Lord Tristan came to me with a proposition which I think is wonderful and wanted to bring to Your attention."

"Lord Tristan? Isn't he Damian's father"

"Yes, so you remember him, good"

"How Could I forget, he was an irritating little boy."

Esmeralda remarked as memories of the scruny little bully came to her mind."

"Well lord Tristan proposed you and Damian mate after your ceremony and unite our great houses."

"What? Father no"

"Damian is a fine young man and a great warrior, he comes from a powerful wolf bloodline. Uniting our houses will strengthen us. Give it a chance I'm sure he will make a fine husband and you will birth strong heirs."

"Father! You can't already agree to this"

"Why not? You are of age soon and need to secure an heir to continue our bloodline. It's your duty as princess. Damian is a fine Mate."

"But father.."

"Enough Esmeralda, must you be so difficult. It is decided! I am your king and my word is final."

Tears welled up in her throat.

" Since the time of the unification of all the wolf clans under the effiong empire, we have never had a woman as next in line to the throne. You will be our first female wolf queen in our entire history. In order to strengthen your claim you need a strong mate by your side to defend you. Wolves are savage beings, they will question your role as ruler, some will even go as far as oppose you because it's in their nature to test your dominance because you are a woman irregardless of your birth right to the throne. If you mate with a wolf like Damian he can protect you from all those who would dare oppose your rule. Do you understand? "

"Yes father, may I be excused?"

He nodded his approval and she got up and left.

She ran straight to her mother's garden and fell to the ground and wept. She felt utterly and completely alone. Coming home had been a mistake, she wished she could speak to Helen. Helen was the only person in the world she could speak to and find comfort in.

She was so engulfed in her emotions that she didn't notice Bruce approach.

"Princess why so gloom." asked the kind butler.

She raised her head, to see the old man smiling at her.

"Nothing," she replied as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"You sobbing in your mother's garden isn't nothing. My dear princess." Bruce replied as he sat on the bench.

"I miss her Bruce so very much, if she was here perhaps things might have been different."

Bruce's eyes were overcome with sadness.

"Your mother was the kindest soul I had ever had the pleasure of encountering aside from being beautiful, she was the most empathetic and thoughtful person she always wanted the best for everyone. It would break her heart to see her only child so sad. I can never take the place of your mother but as a friend, I can promise to always be here for you and lend an ear if you ever need to talk."

She got up and hugged Bruce in a tight embrace. "Thank you so much, Bruce, having you here makes me feel less alone." they sat back down on the bench.

"Now tell me, why so sad?"

"My father promised my hand in marriage to lord Tristan's son."

"Sir Damian?"

"Yes, and he didn't even ask for my opinion on the matter he decided on him as my mate and I am to just accept that without any questions."

"Oh dear, that's quite upsetting."

"Oh Bruce I do not want to marry him"

"He is a fine young man I saw him last year at the annual gathering. Perhaps get to know him for yourself and decide."

"That's the problem Bruce, Father has already decided on the matter I am to marry Damian so it doesn't matter if I get to know him or if I like him or not I will be forced to mate with him."

Bruce was silent and let out a breath.

"Are you hesitant about Damian because your heart is already spoken for ?"

Esmeralda cleared her throat and straightened.

"Whatever do you mean?" she asked acting oblivious.

"I am old Esmeralda and not blind, I can see that you are quite fond of the young wolf Ezra."

Esmeralda swallowed, was it that obvious that she has feelings for Ezra? She thought she had been very discreet about her affections.

"I promise your secret is safe with me, and I know Ezra shares in your affections as well. Love can be a beautiful thing but it's also can be a cruel thing."

"Whatever do You mean Bruce?"

"You are the wolf princess, soon to be the queen of the Effiong empire. You and Ezra's love can never be, your birthright will never allow it." Bruce said with pity as he got up.

"I hope you feel better soon princess but I must leave now, I have errands to attend to."

She nodded her approval as she watched him leave. His words kept replaying in her mind.