Chapter 103

• HAERA
• Shouldn't it be a crime for news to affect living creatures' emotions? The annoying part is that the word "news" has been subdivided into good and bad which are usually out of our control. As much as I understand that some things just have to happen, I still didn't like the news I received a few seconds ago. Why couldn't we always get those things we wanted? Everyone knew that the best news that I wanted to hear at this moment was about my mate regaining his memories but that didn't happen. I was standing in front of my Papa, forcing myself not to show him how much his information affected me even though I wanted to act like a child...his child. "Are you with me?" My papa questioned when I didn't react to his announcement. He just told me that he has to return home because something urgent came up even though I still needed him here...with me. He was an Alpha after all and Alphas shouldn't stay away from their pack longer than necessary. "Yes, Papa but do you have to leave today? I need you here." I whined despite the fact that I understood his plight. His presence in the imperial pack made me feel safe, protected, and supported. Even though Tybalt was still acting like a pain in my ass, my father was able to provide a haven with his presence. "Don't be a baby, Namia. You're my daughter which means you have everything you need to overcome those obstacles that are hindering your progress. You are stronger than you know, my darling." My papa assured me but it felt more like he was flattering me as he closed the distance between us, engulfing me in a fatherly bear hug. I inhaled his comforting scent deeply, trying to keep enough with me before he leaves. "I'll miss you. Thank you for rooting for me and Alpha Zachary. I won't disappoint you." Tightening my hold on him, I responded. My father was pleased to hear those words and he kissed my forehead affectionately. "I've to be on my way, Namia. Take care of yourself, will you?" My papa asked and I nodded. I couldn't bring myself to give him my words because I didn't know if I could keep them. "Can't you stay for breakfast? I'll make something for you myself so you can tell momma all about it and make her regret not coming with you." I offered with a smile on my face. Although I missed my momma, the thought of his she would feel if papa boasted about the delicious meal she missed was exciting. "That's a great idea but I'm not so sure I want to betray your mother. Her pains are also mine to bear, remember?" My papa was never one to joke about his mate's feelings and I loved them both for always thinking about each other's feelings before taking steps or making decisions. "What about my feelings? I'm supposed to be your beloved daughter for goodness sake! All you think about is momma. Is she the urgent matter you've to return home for?" The day I found out guilt-tripping my father was the best way to make him do something should be labeled one of the best days of my boring life. I had seen momma use that trick on him countless times and I quickly adopted the technique. "Aren't you your mother's daughter? You sounded just like her, Namia." I laughed at my father's observation. The plan was to make him accept my offer and he did which meant that my trick worked on him. I was truly my momma's daughter. "What do you want for breakfast?" I asked. "Anything you cook, My darling." My papa replied. I left his chambers afterward, telling him to prepare his mind for the best breakfast ever even though I didn't know what to cook for him yet. I quickly went back to Alpha Zachary's chambers to change my dress into a more comfortable and kitchen-friendly dress. I met Alan in the room, discussing with his Alpha who stopped talking to him as soon as he saw me. "Why are you wearing that, Mum?" My mate asked and I told him I was planning to cook in the kitchen. Alpha Zachary suggested he followed me but I told him to stay with Alan, promising that I would make something for them too. "Yayyyy! I missed the taste of your delicacies, Mum. I can't wait." Alpha Zachary jubilated. Alan didn't show his excitement but I knew he couldn't wait to savor the taste of whatever I cooked. I left the both of them in the room, heading towards the maid's quarters. I saw Tybalt coming out from there and I quickly hid in a dark corner. His foulness should ruin my mood when I have to cook for my loved ones. Tybalt exited the building through another entrance and I continued walking to the kitchen. "We don't have plenty of ingredients available, Chef Dina." A timid voice called out but I didn't hear Dina's response and I assumed she was ignoring the maid until someone else answered. "She hasn't come to the kitchen today." She supplied as I entered the kitchen. My presence was unexpected so the kitchen maids were surprised to see me. They greeted me and I requested the ingredients I needed even though I didn't get enough, I should be able to make something from the ones available. I decided to make some egg muffins and some Caprese frittata. The egg muffins wouldn't be enough to feed everyone and the ingredients for the Frittata weren't much either so I made both and thankfully, I was able to finish within thirty minutes with the help of the kitchen maids. Dina still didn't show up in the kitchen by the time I finished. I didn't stress my mind about her nor did I have a problem with her absence. The kitchen maids helped me to move the food to the dining hall and they also went to my father's chambers to summon him to the table. I went to Alpha Zachary's chambers to get him and to change my dress again. Soon enough, We were all ready to dig in. Alpha Zachary chose to share the egg muffins with me while my papa and Alan ate the frittata. The three of them complimented my cooking and it felt good. I couldn't remember the last time I cooked for so many people and I was beginning to forget what it was like to get praised for cooking so well. "Would you like to join us for dinner tonight, Alan? I want Alpha Zachary and I to start eating in the dining hall again but just the two of us won't be fun." I stated. "I have to decline, Princess Haera even though I hate myself for it. I'll be leaving the pack this afternoon, I have to visit the outskirts for trespassing rogues." Alan responded and I told him to be careful out there. We finished breakfast and the maids began to pack the plates back to the kitchen. "Do inform Dina that I would like her to prepare dinner for two tonight and it would be served right here in the dining hall." I said to one of the maids and she acknowledged my instructions before they all left the dining hall. Alan excused himself and Zachary and I followed my father to his chambers. "I'm ready to go." My papa announced and I hugged him again. We left his chambers to his chariots where my hesitation kicked in again. "I know I've said this before but I'll miss you, Papa." I informed my father, ignoring my mate's questions about my relationship with the man I call papa. Alan came to show respect to my father and Alpha Zachary went with him, giving me the chance to be a full-grown baby. "My regards to momma and Basil. Tell him I've missed seeing his stupid face around me." My father laughed heartily before pulling me in for another parting hug. He promised to come back if I needed any help and I couldn't be more grateful for him. "Don't forget what I told you about taking care of yourself. Your momma and I want nothing more than your happiness, Namia. Don't trade it for anything." With that said, my Papa entered his chariots but not before he kissed my forehead again. I watched him and his entourage leave and my heart began to ache from nostalgia. "Are you about to cry, Namia? I guess you're also a three-year-old like your useless mate." I signed when I heard his voice. Tybalt was behind me and I assumed he must have eavesdropped on the parting conversation between my dad and me. To be sincere, I was tired of bantering with him but he seemed to be loving it because he picked every opportunity to act childish. Funny how he acted like an immature fool but called others a child. "Don't you get tired of this?" I questioned him. "Why should I? Anyways now that your father is gone, who will protect you from me? Definitely not your pathetic excuse of a mate." Tybalt threatened like the coward he was. I knew he would want to use my father's absence to make me scared but the truth was, I wasn't scared of him. Who would be scared of a wannabe bastard? "Go ahead and do your worst, Tybalt." I simply said before walking back to Alpha Zachary's chambers. Sleeping was a better option than exchanging words with that idiot who happened to be my mate's brother. I thought of the worst that Tybalt could come up with but I had other things to be worried about. Such as the time I was given by the council. I barely had any time left but I was done pushing my mate's limit. I was done forcing him to regain his lost memories even though I prayed to the goddess every day to help him find his way back to being himself. Instead of working on the files that Alan had dumped on the desk for me, I decided to take care of myself just like I promised my Papa. I went back to bed, closing my eyes and relaxing my head. "What a great way to take care of one's self." My wolf chipped. I had assumed she was quiet because of papa's departure but she sounded like her usual self when her serene voice chimed in my mind. I dozed off after replaying the events of the past week in my head. It's been a week after Tybalt tried to pollute Alpha Zachary's innocent head. The past week could be called an emotional rollercoaster because I experienced diverse emotions. I was forced to open my eyes when I felt his head on my chest. The tingles were there so I knew it was Alpha Zachary even without seeing his face. This was one of the moments I wished I could do what other mates do together with him....The caressing, kissing and the likes that made bonds stronger but I just had to be a good mother to him. "I didn't want to wake you but you have been sleeping the whole day, Mum. I was beginning to worry." Alpha Zachary whispered to my sleepy self and I jumped out of bed when the meaning of his words sank into my head. How could that be? I closed my eyes a few minutes ago, Right? "Alpha, Luna! Your dinner is ready to be served." What! Dinner? Oh, dear goddess. I must have really slept throughout the day. The argument I had prepared for Alpha Zachary was long forgotten as my stomach also grumbled to testify to the fact that I slept for hours. "We'll be out soon. Thank you." My voice came out hoarse when I responded to the call of the maid that came to summon my mate and me for dinner. I was looking forward to dinner tonight because I wanted to see if it would trigger anything in Alpha Zachary's mind and no one could tell if we would have to give up the throne. I couldn't tell...so we should at least enjoy it while it lasts. Alpha Zachary and I walked side by side to the dining hall, jesting and joking around as we went. His innocence was amusing and it was the first thing I would miss when he regained his memory. "Welcome, Alpha. Welcome, Luna." Dina greeted us as we entered the dining hall and I smiled at her. I didn't know why but her nervousness tricked my nose. I assumed she was worried about something personal and we weren't that close for me to ask so I let her be. Dinner was dished out and due to how hungry I was, I requested a bigger potion. Dina appeared shocked and uneasy but I still didn't ask her what the issue was. I eagerly scooped a spoonful of food into my mouth before I noticed that Alpha Zachary wasn't eating. "Is anything the problem? You aren't eating." I showed my concern after I swallowed almost six spoons of my food. "I feel uneasy, Mum. I should use the toilet." Alpha Zachary responded and he rushed out of the dining hall without waiting for my response. He must have eaten something when I was sleeping. I continued eating but this time, I took time to chew on the food because I was trying to wait for my mate to return to the table. "You must be tired from working since the wee hours of the morning. You can leave the rest to me." Dina whispered to the only maid that was in the dining room with us which was surprising because as far as I know Dina, she doesn't care about anyone but herself. I was suspicious of her real intention but I also couldn't stop a tired maid from retiring for the night. Perhaps Dina has changed overnight. The maid thanked Dina, bowed to me, and left the Dining Hall. The room was silent again but I was more concerned about my mate. He should be back by now but there was still no sign of him. Suddenly, I felt sleepy as my eyes began to drop. That wasn't supposed to happen to someone who slept for the whole day, right? I yawned...the kind of yawn that passed "I haven't slept in ten days" to others. It was strange but I concluded that my body was taking its time to recuperate. I looked towards the entrance with the hope that my mate would come in soon but I couldn't sense him at all and my eyes were closing like they had their own mind. I should go look for Zachary. Tybalt might have cornered him somewhere and I had promised to protect him. My effort to stand up failed as my legs wobbled before failing also. I tried to reach Dezra but I felt too weak which made me wonder what the hell was going on with me. I tried to struggle back to my feet but my bones were out of my control and I lay motionlessly on the floor, thinking that Dina would at least call the attention of the physician if she couldn't help me herself. "Where is my brother?" Although the voice was faint, I was able to pick up the words clearly and I knew it was Tybalt's voice. "I did as you asked but.....he left a while...ago. I'm s-sorry Al...pha." That was Dina responding to Tybalt. Oh my goodness. What in the woodlands have they done to me? Am I dying? "Are you sure you added enough dose to knock her out?" "Y-yes. She ate well...tonight." Dina said again. "Go and search for my brother while I dragged her to her death place. She...has...to....die...before him anyway." Tybalt... That was Tybalt. Oh no... He has done his worst just like I challenged him to. My struggles to remain conscious failed as the looming darkness settled on me. I failed to....protect my mate.