Chapter 39: Just Keep Moving

The night breeze blows through the camp, sending a chill through the Climont soldiers. Many huddle together, surrounding small fires for warmth.
Drake resides in his quarters, sitting at his table. He is hunched over, grabbing onto his hair as stress rolls through him.
“Milord,” Junet bows as she enters.
“What is it?” His expression is pale, exhaustion lining around his eyes.
“We have received word from the Vojik of the south. They will send a pack of wolves immediately.”
Relief washes over the Prince, “Thank the spirits. We’ll have enough men to take down the rebels, especially if they are already in Zaline.”
An image of Eliana appears in his mind. Concern tenses his muscles at the thought of her entering that ambush.
“When will the werewolves arrive?”
“They will be here in two day’s time,” Junet explains softly, remaining close to the exit.
“That is still far away. We must be ready for when they arrive.”
The maid shuffles uncomfortably, “Prince, are you sure your plan will succeed? What will the King do to you if this marriage fails?”
Drake cannot help but to chuckle, “You mean if Princess Eliana decides she wants to be with the man she loves and not do what is best for her kingdom?”
“Yes, Milord.”
He releases a sigh, leaning back in his chair. “In this life, we all have a choice, whether it is for the betterment of the world, or your own personal happiness. It is up to you to make. No outside influence should be weighing in on this decision. Yes, I will be greatly disappointed if Eliana makes a selfish decision, in the eyes of others, but I would also greatly respect her as well.”
Junet’s brow furrows, “My concern is you, Milord.”
Drake gives Junet a smirk, “Do not fear. I have always come out on the other side unscathed.”
She raises her brow with concern and uncertainty etching into her features.
“I hope so, Milord. I sincerely do.”

>><<

Eliana wraps her arms tightly around her legs and sets her chin on top of her knees. She bites her lip to hold back the tears as she stares out at the barren wasteland that is Drein.
She knew that Jasper was not going to react rationally to her secret. She knew it from the beginning. Her father is the whole reason his family was forced from their home and thrown over the border, exiled. Of course she saw his rage coming, but she never thought that he would leave her like this. Abandon her when she is so close to home.
Weren’t they mates? They are connected by their souls, and yet Jasper turned his back on her as though she meant nothing to him. He threw her away, rejected her.
“Princess,” Olisnia sighs, slowly approaching the werecat. “I know that this must be difficult, but we must go on.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere,” she murmurs mainly to herself.
“There is a chance that the rebels are already in Zaline,” Olisnia counters, irritation building in her features.
Eliana’s lungs tighten as pressure lands on her shoulders causing her to wish she could just melt into the ground, lost forever. The Drulian’s gaze on her, forms an angry anxiety that eats away at her thoughts and heart.
“Why am I like this? Why am I so weak,” she questions herself. She becomes useless after her mate leaves her. Is this who she is now?
“Eliana,” Olisnia now bites out. “We must be going now.”
Annoyance bubbles up into Eliana’s chest. She will not take orders or criticism, from anyone. She is the ruler of this kingdom.
“Then by all means, you are free to go whenever and wherever you would like. No one is stopping you.” Eliana stands abruptly, anger at all of the events in her life rolling through her.
Olisnia, shock washing away all other emotions, takes a step back.
“Stop this,” Alma orders standing in the middle of the other two women. “This is ridiculous. You are on the same side.”
The Princess furrows her brow, her hands forming into fists as she feels the small shiver of her feline creeping up her spine.
“Princess,” Alma sighs, “We only want to help you get home. Your father must be worried sick about you. We have to get you to the castle before the rebels arrive, so that you can warn the King. Don’t you want to see your father?”
Memories of the King flash across her mind, obstructing any thoughts of Jasper.
“We understand you are upset, but we both are separated from our lovers as well. My mate even outright rejected me.” Alma pauses to take a breath and compose herself. “We are here, though, for you. You are more important.”
Eliana remains silent, watching the werebird. She is right, her anger and pain is not going to help her people. She has to be strong and warn her father.
She releases the tension in her body, her hands relaxing, “You are right.” She shifts her gaze to the Drulian, “I am sorry for my rude behavior.”
Olisnia smirks, her own shoulders lowering with relief, “Water under the bridge. Let’s warn Zaline and show those rebels not to mess with Princess Eliana Georgian, the last werecat in Drein.”