The Royal Mark-Chapter 361: The Way Forward

"I-I’m sorry Christopher. The goddess will not accept a life that is about to end... There’s no cure for you, Chris. We can no longer remove the effect of the hecatolite from your system. I was planning to tell you tonight, I apologize if I had to inform you this way. My mind is not in the right place because of what’s happening to Elsa and you.

Plus I also have to think of what will happen to Rocco if we won’t be able to save the both of you. My poor boy, I don’t want him to lose both his parents at the same time. He is too young to lose you both," Hera sobbed.

Chris clenched his fists. "Then what can we do?"

Hera glanced through the window and said, "There is something," she said softly. "I can use the water from the Moonwell to calm Yakobo. It won’t cure him, but it will stop him from going berserk. He’ll still die, but he won’t take over anymore."

Chris looked at her with a determined expression. "I can’t live without Elsa or Yakobo. If the water from the Moonwell will not heal us both then I will go with her to the Tree of Life, I will beg the goddess if I need to. If this is the only way to save her, then I’ll do it."

Hera wiped her tears and calmed herself before nodding to Chris, "Alright, I will put my trust in you. The life of my daughter and her unborn baby is in your hands now. I know deep in my heart that you will do everything that you can to save them. I am forever grateful for that." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"I need you to do me a favor for now. Do not tell anyone that my wolf will still die after you heal me with the water from the Moonwell. I need you to keep it a secret until I figure things out. I don’t want to cause any trouble or panic among my men and Arcanis. Now that the demon kingdom is no more, I want to give everyone the peace that deserve," Chris explained.

"I understand. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. But Chris, there’s more. Despite the bad news, I also bring some good news."

Chris furrowed his eyebrows, confused about what Hera was talking about. Hera gave her a slight smile before grabbing his arm, "Let me show you. Follow me..."

The two headed out of the drawing room and went to the east wing of the castle where the guest rooms were located. Hera stopped upon reaching a certain door and faced Chris once more.

"I need you to leave your somber face here and smile as soon as I open the door, alright?" Hera didn’t wait for his response and swiftly opened the door.

The room, painted blue, was filled with toys and small furniture, clearly meant for a child. Chris looked around and noticed a servant bent over. Following the servant’s line of sight, he saw her holding the arms of a little boy, supporting him as he took his steps.

Tears welled up in Chris’s eyes, but a smile spread across his face. His baby boy could now stand and was learning to walk.

Rocco sensed his presence and looked at him. He giggled loudly and took steps toward his direction in a fast manner, excited to reach his father. Rocco sensed his presence and looked at him, giggling loudly. He took quick steps toward Chris, excited to reach his father.

Chris quickly wiped away his tears and extended his arms, encouraging his son to walk toward him. As soon as Rocco reached him, the little prince practically leaped into his arms and wrapped his arms around Chris’ neck, wanting to be lifted up.

He gave Rocco a gentle kiss on the cheek before pinching it, making Rocco giggle once more. "Did you miss me? I missed you so much! I was only gone for a little while, how did you grow so big so fast?"

Chris glanced at Hera and asked, "Can I bring him to Elsa?"

"Of course, you can! I was going to suggest that after you two had a chance to greet each other. Go ahead; I’ll ask the cook to prepare something for both of you while I wait for Marina and the water from the Moonwell. I’ll have the servants bring your breakfast to your room."

Chris nodded in agreement and left the room with a smile, carrying his son.

Hera watched the father and son walk away, her heart aching and swelling with pride. She didn’t know what lay ahead for them. She had been waiting for a dream about her daughter’s future, but nothing came.

She refused to accept that this was the end for them. For now, they had hope, and sometimes, hope was enough to light the way forward.

Chris was on his way to Elsa’s room when he saw a servant rushing out of the room. His heart beat fast and worry came flooding in. He immediately stopped her and asked, "What happened? Why are you running out of our room?"

The servant bowed before him. "Your Majesty, I am going to call for Princess Hera and Queen Ydril. Queen Elsa has woken up!"

Chris’ heart beat faster than it already was, but this time it was not because of nervousness but because of excitement and happiness. "Go, call the Queen and my mother-in-law. While you’re at it, call my father-in-law and king Andrius as well."

Chris then ran to their room. When he entered, he saw Elsa being assisted by the maids in sitting up. She still looks weak and pale, but that doesn’t matter to him for now. The only important thing is that she’s awake and no longer in the hands of the demon king.

Elsa saw him and Rocco when she looked up. She smiled radiantly as if she was not feeling any discomfort or pain. She extended her arms urging them to move forward her and give her a hug.

Rocco smiled and uttered, "Mam-ma... Mam-ma... Dad-da... Dad-da..." surprising them both.