71 The Wife

AUTHOR'S POV

'Extension', Haelan thought that the lords may have been bothered or threatened with what they have witnessed with Haelan today. That made her worry more. "Where are you going anyway? It seems you'll be gone for too long", Haelan asked considerably to avoid discomfiture as they walk together in the alley.

"The journey alone will take days. I won't be back most definitely in a week.", Galen said as he walk Helena where his carriage is waiting. "It's a special mission ordained by my Father. He asked me to lead on, which is truly rare", Galen couldn't hide his excitement.

"Doesn't the King assign you to many tasks?", Haelan asked as she notice how Galen thrillingly look forward to his journey.

"Unfortunately no. Not even politically as a prince", Galen said lowly. "I guess it's only natural for an adopted son not to gain a fatherly affection", he said as he smile a little.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Prince Galen", Haelan said.

"It's not like everybody doesn't know. It's an open secret. The King and Queen can't bear a child, they decided to adopt", Galen said naturally like he's used to saying it in casual conversations.

Haelan smiled. She felt a little sad for Galen who seemed to be longing for the King's love. "You're still fortunate to live a bountiful life not many are gifted with. Adopted or not, you are still recognized as the only heir to the throne of the Kingdom", she said.

"I don't see it that way, though. Maybe not yet fully entitled and deserving to claim the throne.", Galen said as he harden his jaw. "I'm no paladin like my father, and I will never inherit my mother's wisdom.", Galen stared at Haelan. "But now that you're here, I will be effectively qualified as the next General of the entire battalion of warriors", he said as he beam a smile.

Haelan thought Galen might be delusional and erratically obsessed in gaining his father's love that he's willing to go through extreme measures to be seen. The adopted son's insecurities were so high as a kite, that he doesn't care of anything else but his dream. At the crossing up ahead, she could finally see the carriage where her belongings are kept in.

As they draw near, Haelan felt shivers as she sense Stellan's presence nearby. She looked out carefully as she keep her head down. Galen noticed Haelan's sudden restlessness, and how she consciously look around as if someone's coming. It appears to him, the person Helena sensed is someone she's familiar with.

"Evandrus", Galen called as he see Stellan running along the crossing near the carriage. Haelan swiftly hid behind the Prince as the Paladin Knight approach.

Catching his breath from running around looking for the lady with the grey eyes, Stellan walked closer the Prince in shorter strides to pay his respects to the royal. "Prince Galen", Stellan knew a royal is around when he saw the royal carriage. What he didn't expected, is to see the young prince with a woman.

"Looking for someone?", the Prince asked.

"Yes, a woman actually", Stellan said. Then he noticed a cloaked lady hiding behind the prince. "Greetings, my Lady", he said as he try to peek to the side.

"A woman, you say? I didn't see Princees Eirah around.", Galen said. "Apologies for being ill-mannered. I'd like you to meet Helena, my future wife", Galen said as he move to the side a little to reveal Haelan.

Startled and caught off guard, Haelan grabbed Galen's arm and pinched him as she stay hidden behind the prince. "Ouch!", Galen exclaimed as he chuckled.

"Wife?", Stellan squinted his eyes at the prince's shocking news. Galen has been very picky with women. In fact, he have never been this close to any girl.

"Yes", Galen nodded. "My Helena is a bit shy, like always. I'll let you meet her next time. Besides, my betrothed should be properly introduced to the entire kingdom in the grandest way that she deserves", Galen said with a smirk.

"Let's go", Haelan whispered as she tugged Galen's sleeve.

"Carry on, Evandrus. We'll get going", Galen said. "I hope you find the one you're tailing", he added as he awkwardly walked sideways. Haelan kept herself hidden as she push Galen away from the Paladin Knight.

"I guess I already found her", Stellan whispered he watch the two ride the carriage.

"Wife?!", Haelan yelled with her widened eyes as soon as the carriage get going. "You must be out of your mind.. with due respect Prince", she said as she slump on the black velvet seat of the carriage.

"Yes Helena, You shall be my better half soonest", Galen smiled with his arms crossed as he sat across Haelan.

"You don't even like me. You just see me as a Celestial Healer who'd make a name for you", Haelan said.

"You are mistaken.", Galen gazed fixedly at Haelan. "I like you from that day I opened my eyes. With your face right before me, I knew you're the one I am to marry", Galen said in a serious tone.

"How sure are you I won't soul travel away on our wedding day?", Haelan asked as she lifted her brow at the well decided Prince.

"Do you have any idea why your clan of healer soul travelers didn't astral project to escape when they felt the palace have been abusing their healing abilities?", Galen asked.

"What do you mean?", Haelan leaned forward at the prince's remark.

"The palace have ways to keep healer soul travelers tied on a leash", Galen said. "But I won't do that to you. I want you to choose me, like how I chose you", he added as he keep his eyes on Haelan handing the crest to her.

With that being said, Haelan refused to say a word. Clutching on her dress tightly, she tighten her lips as she realize that her people were manipulated and kept like dogs in Caluso. For the first time, she became frightened of what Galen can do. She stared at him looking capable of anything possible with that very strong dark desires that he has.

Moments later they arrived in Brandenburg with no delays. Galen gave Haelan some privacy inside the carriage to change in her men's clothes. He waited outside until Haelan is completely clothe. After a while, Haelan went out and gently closed the door.

"Goodbye, Prince Galen", Haelan bowed and stared straight to Galen's eyes.

Galen thought that the farewell coming out of Helena's lips were very unsettling. It felt real, as if they will never see each other again. "No goodbyes. It should be… Until we meet again, Helena", he said with a smirk.