The Royal Mark-Chapter 43: You Belong to Me

"Why are you acting like this, Chris?" Elsa inquired with a resolute tone, prompting Chris to withdraw.

"Acting like what?" Chris responded, puzzled by her question.

"Pushing me to be yours," Elsa averted her gaze, unwilling to witness his response.

"Because you belong to me, Elsa. You’re my mate, and I won’t allow you to slip away," Chris asserted.

"Have you forgotten why you came to my world? You were searching for Princess Hera, your betrothed. And if you find her... what will become of me? Will you choose me over her? You mentioned that the alliance between your kingdoms was crucial to your people..." Elsa paused, waiting for Chris to respond, but he appeared stunned by her words and was at a loss for words.

Chris gazed at Elsa, grappling with his thoughts, realizing that he hadn’t contemplated this issue thoroughly and hadn’t devised a solution yet. ’Fuck this. Why does it have to be so complicated?’ he muttered to himself.

Yakobo’s taunt echoed in his mind. [Just realizing that now, are you?]

"As I thought," Elsa asserted, "You have no answer for it. Just like you, Chris, I have no intention of sharing my future man with anyone else. I refuse to become anyone’s mistress. It’s either you choose me or lose me. It’s that simple..." With that declaration, Elsa pushed Chris away and returned to the camp.

[Are you alright, dear?] Ciel and the others joined her as she headed towards their tent.

"I’m fine, just quite irritated," Elsa spotted the healer just outside the tent, who greeted her with a slight bow, and she reciprocated before stepping into the tent.

[Why did you ask him that when you already knew the answer?] Ciel inquired with curiosity.

"I simply wanted to hear his answer. But it appears he lacks the courage to provide one," Elsa remarked as she made her way to the room divider where she had been choosing her dress earlier.

"Excuse me, are you speaking to me?" the healer questioned, glancing around to see if there were others in the tent besides Elsa.

"Oh, no, no, my apologies. I was speaking to my dog," Elsa quickly clarified.

"Could it be that you’re a half-human and half-werewolf?" the healer inquired. Elsa had become the subject of camp-wide discussion due to her enigmatic nature. The mages accompanying them were utterly confounded by her abilities, which remained undetectable but surged whenever she developed a fever.

"That’s an interesting question. I’m certainly human, but I’m uncertain about my other half. By the way, am I free to choose any of these dresses?" Elsa asked.

"Yes, but I’d recommend this one..." The healer selected a long-sleeved, turtle-neck black dress, causing a momentary displeased expression from Elsa, which she quickly concealed. "We’ve been instructed to depart on horseback as soon as you awaken, so we can reach the castle faster."

Elsa placed the black dress back into the wooden chest and inquired of the healer, "What about the carriages?"

"They’ll follow us, but our primary mission is to escort you and Prince Christopher to the castle as fast as possible. We’ll be riding the fastest horses in Zemaria at the break of dawn. These battle stallions will ensure we reach Rügengard Castle by sundown."

"Very well. I appreciate your help. I should get some rest now to be prepared for tomorrow." The healer acknowledged Elsa with a nod and departed.

Upon his arrival at the camp, Chris discovered Nile and Gaia stationed outside the tent, swiftly blocking his path as he attempted to enter.

[Elsa instructed us not to allow you inside,] Nile informed Chris. [She wanted to rest, and it’s best if you leave her be so she can heal completely.]

’I’ll accept your excuse, but only because I agree that she needs her rest. You two should also take a break,’ Chris conceded as he proceeded to another tent to find a change of clothes, intending to remain there for the night.

Morning arrived, and Chris woke up early to bring breakfast to Elsa. Just as the night before, he encountered two of Elsa’s dogs stationed outside her tent.

[Elsa has already had her meal, Your Highness. You’re not permitted inside; she’s presently changing and preparing to leave,] Gaia relayed.

Chris let out a sigh and walked away, feeling the weight of Elsa’s anger. He confided in his wolf, saying, ’She’s angry with me.’

[But what’s your response? What if Princess Hera is out there somewhere? What will you do?]

’You already know my answer to that, Yakobo,’ Chris replied. ’I’ll choose my mate. I’ll find another way to secure the alliance with Zemaria. I’m confident Hera would agree to it as well. I’m the reason she ran away, remember? Prince Drake mentioned she’s in love with someone else.’ Chris approached one of the soldiers tending the horses and selected his preferred stallion.

When everyone was prepared, the healer went to fetch Elsa and was taken aback by her appearance. "I-I instructed you to wear the black dress, my lady. It gets chilly once the horses pick up speed."

"I’ll be fine. I’m just concerned that my body might heat up again. I have my cloak, so don’t worry about me," Elsa reassured the healer, having seen Chris’s fur cloak, which was thick enough to provide warmth if needed.

Chris was becoming acquainted with his chosen horse when he noticed everyone suddenly fixating on a particular direction, especially the men. He followed their gaze and was left in awe at the sight.

Elsa stood outside her tent, engaged in conversation with the mages. She wore a yellow off-shoulder dress with long sleeves and a black underbust corset, enhancing the size and shape of her breasts. Her red hair provided a stark contrast, making both her attire and hair stand out vividly. She had braided her hair to the side, exposing her smooth, pale neck.

The soldiers seemed nearly entranced by her presence as if they were beholding an angel. Chris observed one of the soldiers leading a horse toward Elsa.

"My lady, we have limited battle stallions. You can ride with me," one soldier offered his hand to Elsa.

Chris intervened by nudging the soldier’s horse, causing the soldier to nearly lose his balance. "No need for that. She’s riding with me," Chris stated, offering his hand with a smirk.

Elsa rolled her eyes but accepted Chris’ offer, realizing she had little choice in the matter. "What about my dogs? Ciel is old, and horses are faster than dogs."

Several soldiers stepped forward, eager to take her dogs, nearly competing for the privilege as if there were a prize involved. Elsa chuckled and allowed her dogs to choose their companions and departed as soon as everyone got settled.