203 - The Night Beckons
Nicholas’ morning started rough.
As if he didn't have enough to deal with already since Irysi had refused to answer any of his calls or reply any of his messages; at the crack of dawn, the Queen's mother was at his door.
Banging with desperation and a cry for help.
At first, he had been worried that the Queen had gone into early labour, but soon enough he realized that her object of distress was someone else.
She had begged for him to follow her and he had quickly gone after her, only to find out that Delice was out cold on her bed with a fresh bite mark on her neck.
He had to take care of her. Now she was alright, but still asleep in one of the wards. Ka’ik had come around later in the morning and it had been a hassle keeping him away from Delice.
“I am so tired of annoying mates disturbing my patients,” he said with a huff to the King later that afternoon, after telling him about everything that happened in the morning.
When the King asked if Delice was safe, he answered that he had left the ward with instructions to the guards on duty to keep George or Ka'ik or whatever his name was away! He never liked that wolf to begin with. The Queen’s mother and little Mira should be able to keep Lady Delice's company when she awakes.
He expressed that he found it strange that Delice had passed out from a claim mark but that was probably due to everything she had been through recently. Although, just to be sure, he had run some tests and it would take a while to get back the results.
The King was of the opinion that it was probably nothing. He was her Sire after all and he hadn't felt as if she was in danger.
Nicholas nodded, folding his arms across his chest. “This Castle drives me insane with its drama. All I want to do is talk to Irysi. She wouldn't talk to me. Can you order her to talk to me please?” He turned to the King, who was moving around with the scrolls in his hands and trying to pay attention to the screen of his laptop while writing down something at the same time.
What a strange behavior.
What could be the problem?
Before Nicholas could ask though, the King spoke. “Using such coercion on your mate is uncalled for. Do better.”
“But you—”
“I am a changed man.”
It was hard not to scoff. “A Changed Man in— what is going on?”
The King paused slightly, looking up from the screen. “They still haven't been found.”
Nicholas frowned.
“The missing vampires.”
Oh.
“I need both Provinces searched and the Capital thoroughly checked. I have sent a word to Irysi about it. I might have to send Zyon to the Left Province earlier than planned.”
Silence hummed between the four walls of the study as the King finished up what he was doing and turned squarely to him. If Nicholas had a thought about the missing vampires, he didn't express it.
How could he, though?
At the mention of Irysi’ name, his heart was once again troubled.
“I summoned you for a very important reason, Nicholas.” The King’s voice was like a distant echo, and he had to force himself to stay focused.
“I’m all ears, your Majesty?”
A very important reason?
What could it be? Had something happened to Irysi? Had she gone against the King's order and gotten Joined with another? That was impossible! But… but…
“What should I wear tonight?”
What?!
That was it?!
Wait. The King was acting so strange. Why must he help him make some wardrobe decisions?
The King explained that Zezi's mother had invited him for dinner. A dinner they would be having as a family and this was the first time for that. He had been very surprised when Zezi had told him and the more the time ticked nearer, the more nervous he became.
It felt like he would be meeting his mate’s mother for the first time and something in him wanted to acquire her full approval, now that he knew that she was giving his relationship with Zezi a chance of acceptance.
She was also leaving soon.
“I must put my best foot forward. I want her to like me.”
Nicholas smiled, as he folded his arms across his chest. “Lift up the ban on me and I will give you some solid advice that will get her full approval instantly.”
Valerick frowned, shutting his laptop with a click. “You are not taking your King for a fool, are you?”
Nicholas burst into a nervous chuckle. “Ah! Never! The blue robe is perfect.” Then his smile dwindled and he followed Valerick around as he arranged the scrolls back into his shelves.
“Pleaseeeee. Lift the ban up already. She won't speak to me.” When the King turned to him, he added. “I’m talking to a friend right now, Valerick.”
“Be my Royal Advisor.”
“Are you even listening to me? I don't want to be anything until I have Irysi. How could you even append your signature to that?
“It was a bunch of documents. But knowing that is the only reason that keeps you here, I don't regret it.” Nicholas frowned and Valerick patted his shoulder in a friendly manner. “Think about my offer carefully.”
“I already have a job. Being a doctor is not an easy task.”
“I have no one else that I can trust.”
“Is something wrong? Valerick, if this is about the strange walk to the Hall of s
Statue your mate told me about, I have already told you, you are alright. What happened was just a post traumatic response. There was nothing in that Hall.”
“I know. But it won't hurt to be prepared for anything that is to come.”
“The only thing that is to come, your Majesty, is your mother-in-law’s dinner.”
“I am quivering in my boots.”
They laughed.
“Go and have fun. She will love you like her own.”
Valerick nodded and smiled as they left the study and parted ways.
“Also, lift up the ban when you are done with dinner. That is how long my patience can last. Or there will be war, your Majesty.”
They both chuckled but the seriousness in Nicholas' voice was not lost on Valerick.
Of course, he wouldn't declare war. But it wouldn't be past him to wreak serious havoc.
When it came to one’s mate, there was a thin line between sanity and insanity.
He would know.
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