Marcus arrived back at his castle. Although he rarely visited the North Wing since taking the throne, he headed straight there today. He looked for his father in the library, but to his surprise; he did not find him there. Marcus’s father sat in the garden attached to their very north wing. It was a private part of the castle belonging to Marcus’ parents only. The servants serving his parents did not go to his part of the castle, and likewise, Marcus’s servants did not interfere with the goings-on in the northern part. It’s almost like two separate houses. “What are you doing here?” Marcus’ father pointed at him. Ever since Marcus forcibly took over the throne from his father, his father had not spoken to him. They did not interfere in his government, although they knew about the situation in the country. Marcus’ father had his loyal servants in the castle and in the capital. “I came for answers. My mate and my child are in the hands of Daniel Colton of Edeirland. I wanted to take h

“Are you leaving already?” Atalante stayed in Edeirland for two more days before finally coming to say goodbye. She had been away from her country longer than necessary and it was time to return to her duties. Ariana could no longer find out exactly how old Atalante was. Atalante kept the exact number a secret and always nonchalantly avoided the question of her age. “Yes, it’s time to go home.” Atalante replied. They all sat at breakfast as Atalante announced her departure for the day. She wanted to leave immediately after breakfast to get as far as possible during the day. The borders of her country were about a week’s journey on horseback. Even if she transformed and ran in her animal form, she wouldn’t be able to keep up the pace all day. The journey would take her perhaps even longer. She could at least switch to a rested horse that was prepared in the taverns along the way. “Of course I understand that. We are very honored to have you stay with us and I think I speak to both o

“Aren’t you hungry? Or thirsty? How are you? Do you feel any pain?” Daniel asked as soon as Ariana opened her eyes. She didn’t remember when she went to sleep. They spent the whole day and night in bed. She couldn’t even remember how many times he took her yesterday. They only had one slight break during the whole day when Daniel ordered the maid to bring some food and drinks in the evening. Ariana gobbled it up as she was famished after the day’s exertions. “I’m fine.” Ariana answered but when she wanted to move, she felt her whole body betraying her. She felt sore all over her body. Her muscles refused to move. Ariana needed to function. Yesterday she did not see her daughter all day. Daniel wouldn’t let her leave the room. He kept her for himself. Ariana missed her daughter and Daniel knew a child could not stay away from its mother for so long. Especially if Ariana was still breastfeeding. “Are you sure? I’m sorry about yesterday. I know I probably overdid it a bit.” Daniel fe

“Repeat that to me?” Daniel rose from his chair with such agility that the chair fell to the ground, leaving an echo throughout the room. “Marcus has crossed our borders with about ten thousand of his men. He’s heading straight for the capital. Apparently, they’ve passed all the other cities by now as if they didn’t care about anything else,” Trenton reported to his king once more. It made no sense. According to Atalante, Marcus should not be able to return for several months, or at least several weeks. Still, less than two weeks had passed, and he was back in Edeirland, and what’s more, he had his army with him. Daniel knew this won’t end well. Marcus had quite half of the army with him. Although that number was only about half of their army, it was still enough. Daniel was not ready for open war. He did not expect Marcus to go to open war. Either he had to go against his advisers, or the ministers believed in their victory enough to want to heal themselves in Edeirland. “How many