Damien's POV
“Stand down, both of you.” I commanded again, glaring at the two of them. This was certainly not how I envisioned the morning to unfold. I could feel a massive headache coming in.
Slowly, Elara retracted her magic. Kieran however, remained standing, clenching his jaw tight.
"Uncle Kieran," I said, my tone softening slightly. "This behavior is unbecoming. Perhaps you require some fresh air to cool your head?”
He glared at Elara for a long, tense moment, then finally spoke. "Perhaps I do, your Majesty." With a curt nod in my direction, he slammed his goblet on the table and turned on his heel, storming out of the dining hall.
Silence descended once more and I sighed, sitting on my chair and pinching the bridge of my nose.
“Elara, I never understood the animosity between you and Uncle Kieran. Why do both of you hate each other so much.” I asked Elara.
“None of your business.” She snorted and sat down on a chair with a huff. I felt annoyed. When I was younger, I didn't give a crap about their business. But now, it's different. I am the king and I needed to be know, to avoid them burning now my palace with their childish behavior one day.
“Elara, your king is speaking. You will answer me.” I gritted my teeth and commanded. Elara could easily kill me in this moment, no question about it. But I wasn't afraid, a king never showed fear even in the face of death.
Elara glared at me, her aura swirling around her but I remained unmoved as I held her gaze and glared back at her.
Finally, a small smile graced her lips and she spoke "It's a long story, Your Majesty. One I care not to revisit.”
"But surely," I pressed, "understanding the past could help prevent such… outbursts.”
“You nosy brat.” She scoffed and rolled her eyes.
“A king has to be nose, now speak to me Elara. Why do you and Uncle Kieran loathe each other so much?” I asked again.
She remained silent for a long moment, seemingly lost in thought. Finally, she opened her mouth to speak.
"Actually," she stammered, "we… we used to be… involved.”
“Involved? Involved in what?” I asked, genuinely confused
“Do I have to spell it out for you.” She yelled in frustration. “We used to be a thing, a couple you dimwitted king.”
My jaw dropped. Elara and Uncle Kieran? Used to be a thing? This revelation slammed into me like a physical blow. It was a concept so outlandish, so unexpected, that for a moment, I could only stare at her, speechless.
“Cat got your tongue?” She regarded me with a raised eyebrow.
“How..on earth. Did you and him…what??” I was flabbergasted. Uncle Kieran and Elara were the most incompatible people I had ever met. They were both hot tempered, brash and they did whatever they wanted. I just couldn't see them being friends, not to talk about a relationship. It sounded absurd.
“Don't bother asking, I won't say anymore on this matter.” She waved me off but in her eyes, I could see it. The traces of longing were their if you looked closely. She really did love him but I respected her decision and didn't press on the matter.
“I'm sorry.” I apologized and shifted the conversation. “You came looking for me?”
“Yes, we start your mate's training today. Where is she?” She frowned.
“Well….she went shopping.” I replied.
“What? She has her lessons today and you allowed her to go shopping?” Elara’s tone took a dangerous edge.
“Well…. she’ll soon be back, she doesn't have decent clothes so she should be back very soon.” I scratched the back of my head awkwardly.
“I'm more concerned about her getting back in one piece. You allowed a hybrid werewolf out in a vampire street? Just brilliant.” She mocked, rising from her seat.
“My best guard will escort her, she will be fine.” I nodded confidently.
“Suit yourself. When she is back, send her to me.” With those words, she walked out of the room.
