Chapter 118: A Threat
"Your Majesty, I understand your eagerness to seal the mating bond," the witch said in a restrained voice, "A mate is a blessing from the Moon Goddess herself, and you have already waited for so long. However, there appears to be no auspicious date in the near future. None that would truly favor the sacred union of souls."
Raymon Vye’s fingers tightened at his sides, his jaw clenching as he forced his expression to remain neutral. This stubborn witch! He had already tried every subtle mean to win her over sending gifts, offering favors through mutual contacts, even hinting at some ’gratitude’. But she refused to bend and give him what he wanted.
He was seconds away from interrupting her when she suddenly lifted her gaze and she said softly, "But, there is one day that stands above all others. It is the most auspicious of all days, when the stars align in the Moon Goddess’s highest grace. It falls about a month and a half from now, on the day of the Moon Goddess’s own birth."
Raymon’s eyes lit up. His heart gave a quick, sharp beat of excitement. Yes. That was it. That would be the perfect day for the mating ceremony- grand, symbolic, blessed.
Every pack would recognize the divine significance, and his daughter’s union would be forever marked as one chosen by destiny itself. As for what would happen later... it would be considered divine intention as well. Raymon smiled. It seemed the witch had finally come decided to accept something.
But the witch was not done. And as she continued, Raymon’s growing satisfaction froze in his chest.
"However..." she said again, lowering her eyes to the parchment in front of her, "that day, while blessed, comes with a rare warning. The celestial signs suggest great change- either immense fortune or devastating loss. A bond sealed on that day may bring prosperity beyond measure... or suffering that even the Goddess herself cannot undo."
Raymon’s excitement wavered. He could feel his pulse slow down as her words sank in.
This woman, he thought bitterly, seemed intent on taking him on a roller coaster between hope and despair. He looked at the other in the room and knew that this time, he was done for. None of these fools would stand up against the superstitions.
Before he could implore anyone, the witch continued," Your Majesty. I spoke to you regardign another matter, previously. Have you given it a thought?"
Lance looked at the great witch, already having come to a decision. He looked at his brothers and his mate, waiting patiently to know why they had been summoned and nodded.
"You can embark on the journey whenever you want to. Prince Zen will accompany you." the Great witch nodded at that and hurriedly said," I have already made my preparations, your majesty. I would like to depart tomorrow itself."
Lance nodded. He then turned to his brother, "Zen, you will be accompanying the Great witch. So, prepare yourself.
Zen nodded. "Of course. I’ll go and make preparations right away."
He had already begun to turn when Lance’s voice stopped him.
"Wait."
The single word hung in the air, and Zen turned back slowly and almost warily. Since his brother had not commented on the witch’s previous words, he had hoped that he would not regard them. But now, he had a feeling in his stomach...
"Forty days from now, the celebrations for our mating ceremony will begin. The ceremony itself will take place on the forty-fifth day. You will have to return before then."
The room fell silent. For a moment, no one moved as they realized that the Crown Prince had accepted the witch’s words.
Zen’s expression darkened, the muscles in his jaw tightening as his grey eyes narrowed ever so slightly. The unspoken meaning in Lance’s words was clear. He could not run away anymore.
Lance didn’t look away and instead stared back at his brother, letting him know that this time, he would not be allowed to back out.
A long, tense silence followed and Lance clenched his hands as he saw the defiance in Zen’s eyes. Was his brother really going to refuse him, forcing him to give him a direct order as his alpha. He straightened. If that is what he wanted, then so be it. He would do that.
But before Zen could do anything reckless, Kael intervened and placed a hand on Zen’s shoulder.
Lance observed when Zen’s gaze flicked to Kael and then almost nodded in relief. At least they were both not going to fight him over it. Slowly, Zen exhaled through his nose and said nothing.
Before the silence could grow heavier, or anyone could say anything else, Ramona rushed forward and threw herself into his arms," Lance! Thank you! For agreeing... for allowing the ceremony to go ahead. I promise to be the best mate to... all of you." Her eyes brimming with tears, she hugged him and held him close.
Lance stiffened for a moment over her vow. Could she really fulfill her vow... even he had his doubts.But he did not say anything and sighed softly, resting a hand on her shoulder in a gesture of acknowledgement as he turned to the council members. "As for the other matters, the council can start making the preparations."
However, even as everyone nodded and began to leave, he noticed Zen’s expression. But without giving him a chance to talk, Zen bowed. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice even, though the edge beneath it was unmistakable. "I will take my leave now. There are preparations to make for tomorrow."
Lance gave a short nod in return and watched as Zen straightened, shook off Kael’s hand and walked out, leaving only Ramona and Lance in the room.
As Ramona stepped away from him, with a smile on her face, Lance said," Ramona. This is your last chance... I hope you won’t disappoint me."
Lance watched as the smile on her face disappeared but even though he did not like making her unhappy...this matter was far too big for him to give in to her.