The Royal Mark-Chapter 46: Spitting Image of Hera
Chris swiftly caught Elsa before she could hit the ground with his remarkable speed. He remarked, "She’s burning again." Addressing the king, he continued, "Your Majesty, may I kindly request that Mistress Valeria examine her? This is precisely why we rushed to reach Rügengard – her fire magic is erratic, and she doesn’t know how to control it."
Valeria halted her tears and hurried to Elsa when King Allister granted his consent to Chris’ plea. She explained to Chris as she prepared to place her hands just below Elsa’s ribcage, "Her magic is in turmoil within her. For the time being, I can only temporarily bind it until she gains control." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢
Once Valeria finished, King Allister directed Chris to take Elsa to the guest room he had arranged. However, Valeria objected to the idea.
"I would like her to use Hera’s room," Valeria said to the king.
King Allister expressed his doubts, saying, "Valeria, she’s not Hera and we don’t know if what she was saying is true. And Prince Christopher said her element is fire. How is that possible when Hera possesses the air element? Don’t you think it’s weird and suspicious? No one in Novus could teach her the fire element and Hera could only teach her the element that she knows."
"How about her father then? Elemental magic can be taught right? What if it was her father’s doing?" Chris suggested.
King Allister responded, "We were unaware of her pregnancy, let alone the identity of the father of her child."
Queen Irina remarked, "Perhaps she fled due to shame, not wanting to proceed with the wedding after becoming pregnant by a fire mage. Such behavior is rather scandalous. But, I suppose it’s unsurprising when it runs in her blood. She didn’t even wait until marriage before spreading her legs." Her statement earned disapproving glances from both the king and Valeria.
Chris countered, "His father doesn’t possess mage abilities; he’s something different." He shifted his gaze towards Prince Drake before elaborating, "I encountered him in Novus, and he was the one who assisted us by opening a portal when I lost my portal stone. I can assure you, he wields significant power."
As the exchange unfolded, Prince Drake clenched his fist. He observed the situation with a sense of tension. Among his siblings, he shared the closest bond with Hera, as they were of the same age and had grown up together. They were not only best friends but also confidants, having shared numerous experiences and secrets.
Valeria exclaimed, "Your Majesty, just take a look at her. She’s the spitting image of Hera. They share the same hair, skin, and figure. Without a doubt, she’s our granddaughter!"
Chris stated, "You’ll see for yourselves that she possesses divine magic when she wakes up. It will surely clear all your doubts. For now, I want to find a comfortable place for her. I’ll take my mate to my room."
Without awaiting King Allister’s response, he cradled Elsa in his arms and then turned to address Andrius and Drake, saying, "Prince Drake, could you do me a favor and ensure the servants look after my mate’s dogs, particularly the one with the red fur, Nuri? She was unwell a few days ago." Prince Drake nodded to the request and proceeded to do it.
Chris entrusted Prince Drake with the care of Elsa’s dogs, knowing the deep connection he shared with Hera.
He then turned to Prince Andrius, inquiring, "Prince Andrius, I presume my designated room remains the same?" When Andrius nodded in confirmation, Chris headed straight for the room, without sparing a glance at King and Queen of Zemaria.
He was quite pissed off by King Allister’s reluctance to provide Elsa with the finest accommodations she deserved. As for the Queen, he silently vowed to someday make her pay for her disrespectful remarks about Hera. Chris walked briskly, attempting to calm his frayed temper.
[What if they don’t acknowledge Elsa as Hera’s daughter?] Yakobo asked.
’Then much better. I don’t have to deal with them anymore. I and Elsa will be free on whatever we want to do,’ Chris replied to his wolf as he strode towards his room.
"Your Highness! Wait for me, please." Chris turned around and saw Mistress Valeria trying to catch up with him. "My goodness, you walk too fast. Please, allow me to help you take care of her. I am volunteering as well to help her control her magic. Well, not exactly me since as you have heard, my element is air but I know someone who can help."
Chris nodded and gave out a faint smile to Valeria, "Alright. I would appreciate that. She definitely needs someone to teach her that."
The two then proceed to Chris’ room with Elsa.
Back in the throne room...
Queen Irina exclaimed, "Do you even trust that woman? She’s practically the same age as Hera! She might be a witch masquerading as a mage."
King Allister leaned on the armrest, supporting his head with his right hand. "Irina, you’re aware that it’s not beyond the realm of possibility. The passage of time between the two worlds is irregular and mysterious. Its workings remain unknown."
Irina countered, "So, you do believe her then?"
King Allister clarified, "At this point, that’s not my primary concern. Consider what Prince Christopher said – that woman is his mate. Do you grasp the importance of this? He will never let her go. There’s no room for negotiation regarding altering the terms of our alliance. Depriving a werewolf, especially a Crown Prince, of his mate could potentially lead to war. Arcanis is growing more powerful by the day, and we cannot afford additional enemies."
Irina responded dismissively, "Then give him what he wants. He can have that woman, for all I care."
King Allister explained, "You fail to understand, Irina. The alliance was effective before because our people would rally for Arcanis out of love and reverence for Hera. They were willing to support her and her intended husband in reclaiming his throne. But now, do you think they would still fight for a princess they know nothing about, one who suddenly appeared out of nowhere?"
King Allister sighed, overwhelmed by the challenges he faced. If only he could turn back time and restore everything to its former state, he would.
