Chapter Two-Hundred-And-Seven
**3rd Person POV**
Harlin returned home in the early hours of the morning exhausted. He had just had one of the longest nights possible and the only thing that had made it remotely pleasant was Francesca. However, once the exhaustion had worn off and he was a good distance from her, he began to think that perhaps she had played him. She was, after all, connected to Lowell, whom he did not like at all. Had Lowell used Francesca as bait? He would not put it past him to do such a thing. He forced his eyes shut; he could not blame Francesca; it would not be fair. They had shared a passionate night together but he believed that for both their sakes it was better if he did not get involved with her again. Lowell had said she was a special friend; it was in that manner he intended to see her henceforth.
He slept all through the morning and when he awoke, he hurriedly freshened up and groggily walked into the throne room where court was already in session.
“Prince Harlin, your tardiness is inexcusable,” remarked Alison as Harlin took his position in court.
“I beg your forgiveness, Your Highness,” came his response but Alison could tell that the young prince felt no remorse. He was giving her the eye that said it was all her fault that he was late.
“The vampires have rejected my request to send Nathan or a noble lord. Princess Irene is incapacitated and the only person left that I can send is Prince Harlin. Prince Harlin, do you accept this royal charge?” asked Alison. Alison's words were like music to Harlin's ears. Finally, he would be able to embark on a journey with Charlotte. He was excited already at the prospect of the many adventures he was sure was to follow. Besides, he would be able to investigate the ties Lowell and his family had with the vampires. He believed their money was dark and he would finally have a chance to prove it.
“Your Highness, I serve at the pleasure of my pack,” he replied.
“Your coronation as Alpha will be pushed back until your return. May the gods bless your journey,” said Alison.
Once court had adjourned, Alison summoned Harlin and Nathan into her private study.
“Nathan, you will follow Harlin to the kingdom of Dome,” said Alison. Harlin was not surprised. He had expected this to happen. He was not too worried though because with Charlotte by his side, he would be able to skirt off Nathan.
“You will not protest this?” quipped Alison who had expected Harlin to pout and muse about how he was no longer a child.
“Whatever I say will not change anything,” returned Harlin.
Alison's eyes narrowed. She did not miss the mischievous glint that shone in Harlin's eye. She knew the reason for this; Charlotte would be going to Dome for the same wedding and with her by his side, Nathan would stick out like a sore thumb. She only hoped that they would not cause too much trouble for themselves.
“I see. Well, Harlin, that is all for now,” Harlin bowed and left his aunt's study. When Harlin had left the room, Alison turned her attention to Nathan, the expression on her face was a serious one.
“I'm sending you to Dome to find Irvette. If our suspicions that George was working with a vampire turn out to be true then that vampire would be in one of the vampire kingdoms,” said Alison. She had only seen this as an opportunity to expand her search. It was unfortunate that she had to send Harlin too but she estimated that it was worth the risk.
“It is unlikely that it is Dome; I have my eyes on Braithwaite,” returned Nathan.
“Braithwaite is a stretch. Investigate Dome thoroughly and if it's not Dome, we can cross it off our list,” replied Alison.
“Yes, Your Highness,” said Nathan.
“Ensure you keep an eye on the Prince. Do not allow Charlie to push him into some troublesome scheme,” said Alison. She loved the twins but she could never trust them. They were the most mischievous persons she had ever met.
“I will do so, Your Highness,” Nathan wondered if he should share his suspicions about the Prince's rendezvous last night but he thought it was to keep things to himself especially when he had no definite proof.
“Is there something I should know, Nathan?” asked Alison. She had noticed his prior hesitation.
“Nothing, Your Highness,” came his response. Alison did not believe him but she let it slide. If it was about Prince Harlin it might be best if she did not know about it. She would only end up nagging Harlin who would in turn accuse her of nagging him.
“In that case, that would be all for now,” said Alison as she dismissed Nathan.
Alison dragged herself to the other end of the palace where Irene was lying down on a bed unable to stand up. There was another reason she wanted Nathan to go to the Dome. She had not told him yet but she needed to procure a certain flower that only grew in that place. The flower was known for its ability to heal strange illnesses like the one her sister had been plagued with for months now. When the physicians had tried everything they had, they had told her about this flower. She had lost all hope when they had told her that the flower could not be purchased anywhere but in the Kingdom of Dome. She had turned to the black markets which she had condemned so much in order to procure the flower but she had turned up with nothing.
She could not bear the thought of losing her sister. She had already lost so much. She was going to do everything in her power to nurse her sister back to health.
“Ali,” Irene’s voice broke her out of her reverie.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
