CHAPTER 9. QUEEN NILE

Michael

Since Mum's chamber was only a few rooms down the hall from my office, we arrived quicker than usual and in time for a maid with a medicine tray to leave the room.

I paused.

Mum was becoming weaker this past few days. Her illness was unusual yet treatable. Though even with the medication, and our quick healing, the sickness comes back much faster than it disappears, and that's what concerns me... I mean, if this continues, I fear she might leave me as well.

I could only sigh my frustration before proceeding in opening her chamber door.

Mum was at her desk, writing something on paper — I know it was her diary — when I entered her room.

As if sensing my presence, Mum raised her head and upon seeing me, she encouraged a smile at me.

From there, I saw her soft beauty — Mum's a majestic blonde, with beautiful tan skin, sparkling amber eyes, and petite in body size — and how I was fascinated by the fact that she still looks young. She was still glorious and vibrant at the age of 40, especially when she keeps on smiling that perfectly align teeth.

“How are you my boy?” she asks, watching me as I walk inside her room, heading towards her ceiling to floor height window.

“Fine,” I responded, looking away from her loving gaze and unto the window, starting at the thick forest.

I still felt her eyes on me, and I know she was still anxious around me. She always had been after my mate died.

I mean, could I blame her, knowing I turned into a monster?

I heard her sighed heavily.

“You know, Nalaese will be very happy if you learned to move on and well, start a new life.”

Her voice was soft and gentle when she said that, yet I growled ferociously at her — my very own mother. My eyes grew wide, realizing what I have done.

She, surprisingly, didn't mind though, and kept her cool.

I tried to calm down as quickly as possible while I let the truth sink in. Slowly, it did make me realize the possibilities — but then, it wasn't good enough to even make me be excited about the future — my future.

In fact, it only made the guilt I felt worst...

I winced.

“I don't know Mum.” I honestly announced, moving my gaze into her cool eyes, “I still feel that exact same connection — I mean, it's still here. So, if ever I did search for another mate, I don't seem to see how this mate bond works the second time around.” I explained.

Mum didn't like that, and her cool expression turned bitter.

“For Goddess grace Michael Angelo, she's DEAD for almost 3 years! Surely the mate bond will work the second time around. Trust me.” She affirmed sternly. Her words stinging me all throughout.

I wanted to protest, but she eyed me so fiercely, I had to bit my tongue to stop myself from speaking.

“You know how the kingdom is doing right now. The pack, OUR pack becoming weaker day by day.” She stopped writing and focus her eyes on me, “I know you can manage all by yourself, but son, it's not

just you who have lost the Luna Queen. WE ALL DID. So for everybody's sake — for your agony to end as well, you ought to be doing the right thing here and that's finding your second chance mate.” She rationalized as she encouraged a smile at me.

Deep down, I know she has a point and I understand her fairly well. Though I know I have my own choices and I choose to be hesitant. She saw that in my face.

She sighed once more, heavier than usual, and stood up from her table. Slowly, she walked towards me.

“You are my son, maybe your father's image, but mine in mind and heart.” She stated, getting closer to me. “I know it's hard to lose someone you love. I mean, look at me and how I went into total darkness when your father died. Then, knowing how 'Nalaese' brought back the light to us, to me especially and be gone the next...” She trailed off completely, almost sobbing.

“Mum, please...” I started, reaching out for her.

“Listen,” She cut me off, “Yes it's hard son. But we need to be strong because that is the only choice we have right now.” She came closer, and there I saw how her eyes — honey in color — plead for me.

“But the mate bond...” I tried to reason.

“The mate bond between you and Nalaese was destroyed the minute she died.” Mum snapped, cutting me off harshly, “So please Michael Angelo, let her go.” she begged now.

I was stiff in my position, especially after hearing all the things I don't want to think about. I know everything was true and that I need to let her go for me to move on, but there is still a big part of me that keeps on telling me DON'T...

Yes, the mate bond may have been lost after my mate's death, but I could still sense the connection. I could still sense my Nala (short for Nalaese) and I'm not letting that go.

Jay even speculated that I was saved because of the bond...

So, if the bond is still present and connected then I need to find proof for this myself. I need to confirm if it's there or if it is indeed broken...

“Mum, I...”

“Son, please do reconsider this.” My mum begged once more as she hugged me, “Just try this one more time at the mating ball. I promise Mum will work hard on this...I will make a way for you to find your second chance mate...” She mumbled through my chest.

Knowing how persuasive my mother is and how her reasons cut me deep every second this conversation goes, I just couldn't say NO anymore.

I sighed heavily, DEFEATED.

“Fine, but only this one time Mum. Nothing more after.” I said sternly, releasing myself from her hug, and dashed out of her room. Owned by .

She seemed please as I saw her nodded once at me, a mysterious smile forming on her face...