Chapter 41 Affection, selfish, and keep

ESTELLA HOLSEN POV
I breathe deeply and sip the wine from my glass. That woman is an asshole. I'm going to kill her! She's causing me agony in the neck! She's a scumbag! That Pricilla, too, I'm going to make her pay. The mirror then revealed that expression. She's looking at me with serious eyes. I drank a sip.
"What are you doing?"-she inquires.
"Wait a minute, mother. I've got my own problems, okay?!"
"Well, I don't mind! There's a reason you're in that kingdom. Not to be trifled with."-she stated. I let out a deep breath.
"That's it. You always phoned to inquire about my progress, what I had discovered, and so on. You didn't even call to inquire about what was going on with me. You have been unjust in how you have cared for your children."
"What are you talking about? Do you think I'll send you there if I don't recognize your potential?"-she asks. That made me chuckle. My mother thinks that I am indeed stupid and naive.
"Oh, mother, come on. That is not the case. You sent me here because you don't want to give up your beloved child!"-I yelled. She is now upset.
"Quit drinking! You didn't even show me any respect."
"Yes, I do. I love you, mother. I knew from the beginning that if your plans failed, I'd be killed in this unfamiliar region. I'm continuing doing what you've asked of me. Please drop it off. You won't realize since you weren't interested."
"Estella, stop spouting nonsense."-she stated.
"Don't worry, I still have control over the king. Even if that witch is his mate, she hasn't spoken anything about what's going on here? She is aiding several regions at random. But she is determined to exact revenge on her family and usurp her father's reign. As for the wolf prophesy, she is still the key."
"Good. You should stay away from alcohol. I have a task to complete."-she added. Her reflection in the mirror vanishes. I threw away the glass and drank from the bottle instead. The door then open. I smirk; it's him!
"Oh my goodness! I'm grateful you are here, Ulysses."
"I came because I knew you seemed mad."-he said.
"Thank you! I thought you won't follow me or you hate me and listen to Pricilla."-I said. He smiled and kiss me on lips. That made me happy. I have him.
"You re familiar with Pricilla. I just tried to blend in with her watchful gaze. I've also got stuff here. Did you eat?" My head shook. I didn't eat anything and just drink wines.
"Here you go, have some."-I said, and offered him a drink.
"Why aren t you drinking it?"-I ask. He flashed a smile.
"Go ahead and place this on the table. I ll be right behind you."-he said. I nodded and proceeded to the kitchen.
"You haven't had a sip of that? What's the deal, Ulysses?"
"I shall do so. Don't be suspicious. After all, you didn't even put anything on it, did you?"-he said. I act and smile.
"No. Ulysses, what are you talking about? I won t do such thing to you. I promise."-I said to defend myself.
"Then you don't need to rush, baby. C'mon, let's eat."
"Okay."-I said. While we are eating, I notice that he is still normal. He still act as normal but I feel like I am now on the edge of my seat. Afraid that one day he will find my secret and soon he will leave me. I will never…want that.
YASMIN EDROS POV
I noticed Rita and Ildrich enjoying dinner in the garden. When they recognized us, they smiled.
"How's it going here, hmm?"-I ask. Rita, speak up.
"Everything is in fine. We are delighted that you two have returned,"-she replied. I gave her a kind smile and petted her.
"Can you tell me whether Ildrich did anything sneaky while we were gone?"-I ask. He's covering my mouth. Yael and Rita are staring at us. I grasp his hand in mine. I laughed because his reaction reminded me of how adorable my brother is.
"You, you tiny cub."-I said as I wrapped my arms around his neck and led him to the table. I taste the potage.
"Uhm! Rita, you're getting better. You'll make an excellent wife."-I remarked, winking at Ildrich. I sat up when he gave me the death gaze. Instead, I eat. "Well, thank you? I suppose?"-Rita said. Yael seemed to understand what I'm saying. However, Ildrich speaks up.
"Will, I'm going to marry after you, big sister. If you have the time to look for a man. But you must first acquire our alpha's consent."-he said. I give him a serious stare.
"You had better not think of that. I am a nun, yet I do not live in a temple. Drop that thought right now. Let's eat together."-I said. He merely shrugs, and we all have supper together. As I remove my shirt, the door unexpectedly opens. I haven't taken them off my hand yet, and I'm already covering myself.
"Did you leave something out?"-I ask. After I turn around, I put on my clothing. After that, I confront him. His arms are on his chest, pinning his back on the wall.
"Tell me, Yasmin, do you want me to find you a partner right off the bat?"-he asks. I stare at him, confused.
"What's the deal with that? What was that coming for, Yael?"-I question. He shook his head.
"Well, based on your earlier conversation with Ildrich. It is my obligation to arrange weddings amongst members of my pack."-he said. I sighed and sat down on my desk. My arms are crossed.
"I'm sure you have an idea for Rita and Ildrich's hide and seek game, don't you? I mean, they both like one other, but no one wants to go too far. As his sister, I want him to start a family of his own. I wanted to look after my nephews and nieces."
"Yes. I'm aware of it. What are your current plans? Should we use the betrothal method?"-he inquires.
"No. I think I'll just push them off now. Don't be concerned about me; I'll be alright. I can live entirely on my own. So, how about you? You should be thinking about finding your mate. Perhaps attempt to socialize and find a Luna?"
"I'm not sure."- he said. I chuckled and turned to face you.
"Please accept my apologies. I'm not trying to offend you or anything. I've just realized...you're really cute yourself. You slack off on some basic questions."-I said.
YAEL YURIN POV
Neither do I. Her question is straightforward, yet I am at a loss for a response. I cough to clear my throat.
"I need to find you a partner first, and then maybe I'll look for a mate myself."-I said. She lowered her gaze.
"Are you certain you want to give up, princess Cynthia?"
"I've previously stated that I'm giving up on her. After all, I also said that I only do this to ensure that Estella is not harmed. Now that we know why he changed his ways seven years ago. Our king has returned, and I'm glad to see them in such pretty good shape. I believe Cynthia has ultimately influenced some of Ulysses' ideals and even his future goals."-I said. I am happy for my best friend.
"I noticed that as well. I'm hoping that we won't be in any danger as a result of other people's schemes. I'm also concerned about what we heard in Dawn Kingdom."
"We'll start looking at it as well. Every morning, we'll have training, and we'll strive to protect our territory."- I said. She gave a nod.
"Anyway so, is that all? Do you have anything to say?"
"There is nothing left. Yasmin, good night."-I said.
"Good night, Yael."-she stated. I walked to my room and stood in front of the shower. I exhale a sigh. I feel like my own words have come back to haunt me. 'Yael, what are you doing?' It's been a long time since that day, yet it still haunts me. I'm still unable to forgive myself...
I noticed two siblings rushing through the woods. It appears like they are being pursued? Then I noticed some slayers chasing them. I transformed my appearance and grabbed the first slayers' necks.
"There's a wolf, too! Kill that too and bring those two back to the headquarters!"-said their chief. I'm looking at them. They jumped on my back and we attempted to flee. Apparently, I was getting hit by multiple arrows till we were to the cliff's brink. They've surrounded us.
"Do you two know how to swim?"-I ask. They are looking down. The youngster seemed to be terrified. Another arrow pierced my hand, and I screamed in pain.
"We can do it, you're already injured,"-she added. We all leap together. But I've been injured and have lost consciousness. When I open my eyes, I don't see them, and I'm alone on an island. Cendrea returned to this area years later. Yasmin and Ildrich are brought here by her. I was surprised yet relieved at the same time.
I turn off the shower and quit thinking about the past. That's why I brought them with me and cared for them even though we're still part of Ulysses' pack due to our history.
"I suppose...I am similar to their father. I want to offer them the best life I can after failing to save them decades ago."
That's what I'm hoping for. But I knew I was trying to fool myself. I knew that too well.
GEORGE QUINN POV
Ashley's behavior has changed in the last several days, as I've seen. She appears to be having some issues and has even become lazy in her job. That's something I've never seen before. She is renowned as the workaholic knight; she never slacked off in her training, but today? She said she had forgotten the time.
"What's the matter, Ashley? You appeared to be bothered. Did you experience any issues?"-I ask.
"And why do you suppose I have?"-she asks back.
"You've never been like this before. I mean, you're behaving strangely and seem to be out of it much of the time."
"There is nothing, your Majesty. Please don t me at all."-I stated.
"Your Majesty, once more. I urged you years ago to call me by my name or mentor, exactly as you do."
"I don't think I'll do that. You have ascended to the throne as the Crown Prince. I do not wish to be beheaded."-she stated. She even laughs a little, as if it were a joke. I release a sigh.
"But, Ashley, I'm always the same George."-I said.
"I don't believe so, your Majesty. You've changed drastically. Please ignore my presence. Let me simply finish this glass of wine. Later, I'll go to my tent."-she replied. She drinks the wine she poured in her glass and then adds more.
"You're already drunk."- I said. She sneers and takes another shot. I grasped her hand to get her to stop.
"Stop it right now. You're drunk."-I said. She snatched the bottle and drank the portions. Oh, my goodness. I just let her do it, and then I carried her away. She should sleep in my room if she does not want to endanger herself.
"What on earth are you doing, your—hik! My head, my head."
"See? Right now, your world is spinning."-I said. Fortunately, no one can see us. I slam the door shut and lock it. I threw her into my tiny bed. But her feet knock me off, and I end myself laying on top of her. She takes a glance at me.
"You... I should be delighted that you'll be the future king, but I'm not. I will be pleased if you marry the first princess. But what about that brat? What's the matter with you, commander?"-she stated. She rested her hand on my face and gave me that serene expression.
"I've loved you since Cynthia and I started to train under you. But if it's her, I'm willing to give way. But, why? Why Gabrielle, of all people? It's completely lost on me! What's going on, huh?!"-she yelled.
"You're drunk. Cynthia, you know, decides to be a wicked witch and—chooses to abandon us."-I said.
"NO. That is not true. She's not going to do it. She has a valid reason. I'll...get you away from that wicked woman."
"What do you mean—uhmp!"
My eyes widened. She kissed me and wrapped her hands and thighs around my waist. I should intervene. She tucked my hand beneath her skirt. Damn! I really should put an end to this! I haven't even started with—crap. She has a sweet scent…