"Quinn, I need you to return to the Realm as soon as you recover.
I left everything in Beofs hands," we moved a little away from the door to discuss our matters, standing by the window that overlooked the garden.
"We were ready to start the war.
I told Beof to have the army prepared to attack the Dark Realm.
Now its no longer necessary, but I fear he hasnt received any news from me and might attack..." "T cant," he replied, looking me straight in the eyes.
I could see the defiance in them.
"You forget, King Lycan, that my sister and I committed treason.
We deceived you, and I am no longer part of the Guardians' order." "Dont give me that bullshit!" I growled angrily, but then glanced at the bedroom door and decided to calm down.
"If Ihavent held anything against you and Im sending you to the Realm to take charge, why do you think that is? Were not females, Quinn.
Were not going to hold hands and be best friends, but its obvious I have nothing to accuse you of."" "You deceived me, yes.
It pissed me off too, but you protected my mate and my daughter, even defying me.
You had her back, and that means more to me than any grievance.
Anyone who takes care of my family can only have my gratitude.
Thanks to you and Celine." He stared at me in astonishment, as if he had expected me to tear his throat out.
I admit Im a brute, but Im not irrational or ungrateful.
"We didnt do it selflessly; we had our own reasons too.
Doesnt it worry you that I might be interested in your mate?" ---- Are you interested in her, Quinn?" I questioned, stepping forward.
In fact, Id like to clear up a few things right now.
Isaw how he behaved with Gabriellehe was the first to rush to her aid and carried her on his back all the way here.
"Gabrielle is my mate," he blurted out, and I swear that was the last thing Texpected.
I thought that since he liked Valeria at some point, seeing the similar features made him switch targets...
but it seems things happened the other way around.
Quinn would be my father-in-law and Valerias stepfather? What kind of fucked-up coincidence is this? "T wont leave her side, especially now that she needs me so much.
Im sorry, but I cant go to the borders of the Realm to contact Beof," he explained, and honestly, I was left speechless.
If thats the case, I completely understand his position.
"Tl do it," I suddenly hear Celines voice behind me.
"Celine, you need to rest; youre not fully recovered." "Quinn, its not that bad.
With the sorceresss medicines, Im feeling much better," Quinn walks toward her, and I turn to watch them argue about it.
I think about all the things that need to be resolved.
Now the Dark Realm has a power vacuum.
All its inhabitants must have felt their kings death, and that will open the door for many vultures to try and take the throne.
Gabrielle, in her current state, cant take over.
Iremember our conversation wellshe wants me to support Valeria in becoming Queen, to unify both Realms as they were in ancient times.
Meas King, Valeria as my Queen.
The idea isnt so far-fetched, but I have to discuss it with my mate.
We will do what she wants.
Besides, theres something even more serious that I havent even told Valeriathe door to Umbros isnt as sealed or as secure as we thought.
Isigh, running a hand over my forehead.
I once dreamed of a quiet life in aremote mountain, without responsibilities, just taking care of my family.
Yet here I am, piling more tasks onto my agenda.
Well, Ive mated with royalty from the Dark Realm, and I dont regret it fora second.
If someone had told me months ago that Id be living with the very people I once called spawns, I would have kicked their ass for suggesting such blasphemy.
"Your Majesty Aldric, I will go and contact our army," I lower my hand and meet Celines determined gaze.
Now I understand why this Alpha always gave me such a bad feeling because she has dark realm blood in her veins.
But right now, all her past actions have turned into admiration.
"Then Im counting on you, Guardian Celine," I say, making a decision I never made in the past due to my distrust of her.
But its time to start changing my mindset.
"Guar...
Guardian?" she looks shocked, and I even see her eyes well up with tears, though she quickly hides it.
"Thank you...
thank you, Your Majesty." "T should be the one thanking you, Alpha Celine.
Im not doing this just ---- because you protected Valeria.
I know you deserved it a long time ago.
I...
Tm sorry." "Wow, youve become quite the saint.
Looks like someone wants to take the title of Pious away from Gabrielle.
I never thought Id see this." "Shut up, Azarot," I growl at my wolf, though Im glad hes recovering from his internal wounds and has the energy to bust my balls.