Chapter 4

Elena’s POV “Let me in!” I shouted from the top of my lungs. The kingdom’s guard trembled with hesitation as he blocked my path. “Luna, you don’t have an invitation or access to the kingdom. You can’t…” “You’re much more powerful than these guards. Just push your way in!” Ava insisted, but this just wasn’t the power one had. We were in the kingdom, and there were rules to follow or great consequences would be faced. As much as possible, I didn’t want to use violence. Standing in front of the massive wooden border gate of the kingdom, I stood with grace while wearing clothes I never thought I’d be wearing again. I wore my booths, brown leggings, and high-class thin armor. Though it was lightweight, it could suppress even a silver sword. Wearing this, I was reminded of my days when I trained to be a warrior, my skills excelling even better than those of other male wolves, even my brothers. “Tell the King that I ask for his time. This is urgent and of great importance,” I insisted with a firm voice. The guards looked at each other before one of them finally sighed and went inside. “Luna, the King will surely not appreciate you barging in here with those clothes as if you are ready for a war.” Looking him dead in the eyes, I replied, “What I wear is none of your business.” “I am just giving you—” He halted from speaking when the other guard came running toward us. Bowing, he relayed the King’s words. “The King firmly stated that he could no longer take it back since he had already sent out the verdict. You are wasting your time here, Luna. Please understand.” He outstretched his hand toward the exit, urging me to leave. Instead of turning around, I grabbed his wrist and twisted it, making him kneel in pain as he looked at me beggingly while the other guard pointed a spear at me. “Luna, let him go. If you use violence, we can’t guarantee not fighting back.” I sent him a sharp gaze. “Look and listen carefully, and go and tell the king again that I insist on seeing him. That the daughter and only heir of the Ironpaw that served this kingdom are here to see him.” At first, I had no plan of calling them names, but they were pushing my buttons. After all of my family and pack’s sacrifices, I won't accept any disregard, not even from the royal family themselves. We’ve been a loyal pack since ancient times. I could understand that Bryson had forced their hands on this marriage, but not letting me see him for a discussion was beyond what I could stomach. “What’s happening here?” A deep voice echoed from behind me, suddenly halting my force. The guards immediately went to their positions and bowed their heads in respect. “Prince Deacon… She… I mean… Luna Elena is trying to see the King without an invitation.” Prince Deacon? The… god of war? He’s here? I had never seen Prince Deacon, or maybe I did when I was younger, but I just couldn’t remember him. I froze on my spot as I felt his overwhelming presence near me. It was said that if there were someone to be feared in the entire kingdom after the King, it would be Prince Deacon. And it wasn’t because he was the prince, but because he was so skilled in fighting that he never fought a war and lost. Rumor had it that even some packs of Rogues fear his name. “Is that so?” he asked, and I felt his breath fanning behind my neck. Swallowing, I slowly turned around and went face-to-face with him. Oh, Moon Goddess! He’s dashing! I never met a man that could make me swoon over. Not even Bryson the first time I met him. Power and danger were exuding all around him. He’s wearing thin woven armor that’s almost the same as what my parents gifted me, and his hair was styled to be messy, but that only gave him more appeal. “Well, are you speaking or what?” Prince Deacon coldly said. “I… Yes, right, I have important matters to discuss with the King.” I wanted to slap my head so much for stuttering. His hazel eyes dimmed as he stared closely at me for who knew how long before he nodded his head. “Well, didn’t you hear her? It’s important,” he said as if it were a matter of fact. “But the King…” The guard was about to refute, but one glance from Prince Deacon and the guards immediately stepped aside and made way for me. “Thank you,” I whispered before I hurried inside before they all changed their minds. Halfway through the way, though, I halted on my steps as I felt lingering eyes behind me. But when I turned around, all I saw was Prince Deacon's back as he walked the other path. For some reason, I felt an invisible string of unexplainable emotions rush through me, but as I couldn't understand it, I simply turned back around to meet the King. “Luna Elena, it’s been a while. So, it seems you still managed to make your way here,” King Desmond greeted me with a smile as he gestured to one of the chairs in front of him. Great, he wasn’t mad. Instead of going there, I went straight in front of him and kneeled on one knee – a warrior’s style of showing deep respect. “My King, it is a pleasure to see you again,” I greeted. Since the Ironpaw Pack was a first-tier pack and brought great merits to the kingdom, our pack and the king had close ties with each other. When I was a child, I used to remember the King being still a prince. He’d usually visit our pack and always bring me some gifts. I even remembered playing with him in the yard a bit. But it was all nothing but a blissful moment. After all, we have all grown up and are now dealing with our own responsibilities and positions. “Stand up, please...” He stood up from his seat and guided me to sit on one of the available chairs. Sighing, he looked down a bit before meeting my gaze and apologetically said, “Elena… I’ve already given my word. If I take it back, it will bring more problems than it does now. I’m so sorry.” Elena… It’s been so long since he called me by that name. At least, not after he became the King. Being the King means holding more responsibilities and having more boundaries he must keep, and I understand that. I understand it so well, and that’s why I would never ask for something I know won’t happen. Looking up at him, I stared into his solemn and deep brown eyes as I thoughtfully stated, “Please grant my wish to divorce Bryson.” “What? What did you say?” He was utterly taken aback. His eyes went wide, and he stared at me with a mixture of shock, sadness, and guilt. “I want to divorce my husband. I want to divorce Alpha Bryson Renner of the Swiftridge Pack.” This time, I said it with a firmer voice. “Do you know what it meant? You’ll have to go back to the Ironpaw. You’ll be alone there. I can’t imagine how saddening that will be.” He sat down on the chair beside me, looking at me with comfort in his eyes. “I am the daughter of my parents. I will accept no disrespect, nor will I ever share my husband with anyone. To honor my parents, I’ll rebuild our pack and live a better life.” With that, I stood up, showing a sign that there was no chance I’d be backing down. Standing up, he stared at me solemnly and asked, “Are you sure you can leave him? Don’t you love Bryson?” Love… What was love anyway? I married because of my mother’s wishes, and I also trained to be a great Luna for her sake. Yes, Bryson had been good with me before, and I looked forward to spending my future with him. But could it ever be considered love? I wasn’t sure. But about whether I could leave him or not? That’s an easy answer. Without hesitation, I said with a bitter smirk, “Since he doesn’t want me, I won’t push myself in between them. Glenda can pick up my trash for all I care.” He squinted his eyes and meaningfully asked, “Won’t you regret it?” Letting out a smile laced with a hint of relief, I replied, “Only if I stay to spend my uncertain, miserable future with him.” He took his time and had a sip of his drink. “Then I shall…”