Elliot pov

I walked right to my room. I knew my father was following me. But honestly, I just wanted to be alone. At least for now. After making sure that I’d locked the door, I slumped onto my bed. I need time to process what I have heard. When he didn’t knock on the door, I was relieved that he understood I needed some space.

She was the princess? The real princess? Then why did they keep it a secret from everyone? I placed my elbows on my knees and buried my face in my hands. And most of all, why in the world did she keep it a secret from me? She claimed that she loved me. Then why would she keep secrets from someone that she claimed to be in love with? It didn’t make any sense to me.

I heard my phone ring. I knew it would be her. But I didn’t have any desire to even take a look at it. After several calls, I put it on silent and threw it across the mattress. I was too vexed to care where it landed. I didn’t hear it fall, so it should be good.

I ended up lying on my bed for God knows how long. I remained idle in my room, until I heard dad call me, knocking on the door.

“Elliot?” He called. Sighing, I dragged myself to the door and opened it.

“Son….. want to talk?” he asked.

I let out a humourless laugh.

“I knew that it was her.” He suddenly said, making me snap my head at him. “You were too young to remember. But the queen gave birth to a girl who was kidnapped that same night. They were heartbroken, so we didn’t talk about it. That’s why you didn’t know about the presence of a princess. I, being a close friend to the king, didn’t want to talk about it and remind him of that night over and over again. He was hurting a lot already. Remember the late-night walks he used to take?”

I nodded as I listened attentively.

“That’s how he mourned losing her. He blamed himself for the whole thing. And when I saw her the first time, I had a hunch that it was her. She looked exactly like the queen and even her scent was that of a royal. So when you took her away that day, I straight asked them if it was her. And they told me the truth. I even saw the DNA test results. It is the princess.” He sighed deeply after explaining.

“Is that why you said that I should look after her?” I asked, still stiff and unable to move.

He nodded. “I just didn’t expect this to happen…” he chuckled nervously.

It made sense. I wish I had known earlier. I couldn’t believe that I had courted the princess, the future queen. But love is a strange thing, right? I just couldn’t help it. My heart was too stupid to fall in love with her.

“I wish I knew…..” I whispered, earning a pat on my shoulder.

“It is okay, son. The king and the queen didn’t object, did they?” he asked, and I shook my head.

“Then why are you so tense?” he asked, making me frown.

“Why did she keep it a secret from me?” I voiced my concern and looked right into his eyes. He smiled.

“Maybe you should talk to her. She will explain soon. Remember, you must always communicate to solve your problems,” he advised.

Offering a forced smile, I nodded. “I would like to be alone right now,” I said. He sighed deeply.

“Just make sure you come out to eat. Lunch is being served at the moment,” he told me.

Promising to go out to have food, I entered and once again locked the door. I knew we had to talk. We would, but first I needed to relax.

“Don’t beat yourself.” I heard Rex in my mind.

“Dude……I don’t know what to say…I thought she loved me…” I told him.

“She does.” He replied, making me raise an eyebrow.

“And you don’t keep secrets from the one you love,” I stated as a matter of fact.

“She had her reasons,” he stated.

“Dude. Why are you saying that? You seem to be her advocate!” I complained. Rex is my Lycan. Just like my lycan is a priority for me, I believed that I too should be a priority to him.

“Ah. Izzy had met me. And we spoke.”

“Izzy? Her lycan?” I asked and received a yes as a reply. “And?” I asked.

“Your girlfriend is worried sick. Check your phone dude,” he replied.

“But…I want to……”

“Shucks! Izzy was right! These humans are stupid and too emotional! Just take that damn phone and reply to her!” he growled in my mind.

“Gawd! This had better be good.” I g*****d and picked up my phone, which was lying on the mattress where I tossed it.

Just as I expected, several missed calls and a message begged me to reply to her and to stop ignoring her. I furrowed my eyebrows. Doesn’t she realise that her lack of communication has hurt my feelings?

I sent my reply and walked out of the room to have something to eat, as I slipped my phone into the pocket of my jeans.

When I arrived at the dining room of our place, I was surprised to see the duke of the south having his lunch with dad. I should probably have waited until they departed. I was about to step away, however, my father noticed me before I could leave.

“Elliot! Come and have lunch with us!” he invited. Well, there is no going back now. I joined them and started to eat silently, trying my best to avoid making eye contact with the duke. My father and he seemed to be indulging in their conversation, which I was thankful for. I hoped that I wouldn’t have to talk about it that moment. However, it was only a matter of minutes.

The duke of the south cleared his throat, I suppose, to get my attention.

“So, Sir Elliot. Have you thought about my proposal?” He asked and once again I started to feel cold. However, I swallowed my fear, looked straight into his face and smiled the decent I could.

“I have already chosen someone as my mate. I’m sorry Sir,” I rejected his offer. I saw dad nod in encouragement in my direction and, to my surprise, the duke of the south too, nodded, showing that he understood.

“It is okay. I understand that most young people would have already chosen their mates. I have even told my daughter to find one for herself. But she is too shy.” He chuckled. “Well, I hope she finds someone soon. Otherwise, I fear that I might not get grand pups!” He laughed to himself and turned towards my father.

“Congratulations my friend. You might become a granddad before I do,” they laughed together.Material © .

For the first time since we got ourselves into this mess, I managed to genuinely smile. That was hard, yet I was glad that he was cool about it.

“Elliot. You have a duty in the afternoon, right?” I nodded.

“Isn’t it getting late?” he asked. When I checked the time, I realised that he was right. I was almost too late already.

“Oh yeah. I should go. Bye dad, sir,” I said, smiling politely, and rushed out of the dining room to get ready to attend my duties. I knew I still had to make up with her. We had a lot to talk about. Honestly, I don’t even know what I should call her now. Possibly I should make a name for her.

I hastened to wear my uniform and practically ran to my car. Being late was something I tried to avoid, regardless of the circumstances. To me, being late for your duties shows how unprofessional you are, unless you have a valid reason. And having problems in my love life was not a valid reason for me.

At least I was feeling a little better than I did yesterday while I attended to my obligations. I knew the ball was now in my court. I just had to talk to her and tonight I would, as soon as I managed to go back home.

After a hectic day, I went back home, kicked off my shoes and lay on the cool tiles of the floor, to relieve some of the exhaustion I felt. It had been an extremely busy day on duty and training.

“Damn! I need a bath!” I g*****d and dragged myself towards the bathroom to soak myself in a tub filled with warm water. It did relax my worn out muscles. Nonetheless, to relieve my exhaustion completely, I would have to rest and perhaps sleep, so I got dressed and laid my exhausted body on the bed.

I lay down and picked up my phone to call her.

“About time!” Rex huffed.

Rolling my eyes, I ignored him. Well, I was on duty. Besides, I wanted her to explain why she didn’t tell me anything.

I was just about to call her when a set of knocks on my door made me sigh in exasperation. Just when I was relaxing my tired bones!

However, when the scent I had learnt to love hit my nose, I frowned. Huh? Was it her? But why would a princess come to my door? It should be the other way round.

Anyways, I got up, opened the door and as soon as I did, she barged in and closed the door behind her. I could see from her knitted eyebrows and her scowling face that she was frustrated. Crossing her arms across her chest, she glared at me.

“Elliot. Talk to me!” she demanded. I raised an eyebrow.

“Okay. I’m talking.” I shrugged and stared back at her. Her scowl slowly faded away, still her forehead was still wrinkled in a deep frown. Her eyes now looked worried and hurt. Was she hurt that I ignored her for less than twenty-four hours?

“Say something.” She begged.

“What? I don’t know what to call you now!” my response seemed to make her feel worse.

“I’m your girlfriend. Call me anything. We are in love, Elliot… remember?” she pleaded.

I smirked. Maybe, I’ll have some fun and make her beg a little before I agree to anything.