Chapter 5

Prince Regan

"Giddy up!" I yelled as soon as I settled on Maximus; my best horse.

It neighed and I smiled.

I fastened my disguise and held Maximus' reins.

"Giddy up!" My shadow guard yelled from behind me.

Both horses surged forward and galloped into the wild.

With our wolves' eyes peering into the dark night, we guided our horses down the uneven terrain that leads into one of Coleen's most sacred forests.

My two swords nested in a quiver strapped to one of my sides. Although my shadow guard is capable, I was not ready to take chances.

My mind was not at ease which was unusual, although the reason wasn't far fetched. I just got married.

Maya, my bride could bump into my chambers even without requesting for her. And as a matter of fact, she can't discover my secrets, she is one of my enemies.

Marrying an enemy is like sleeping on coals of fire but I damned the consequences and did it for a greater course.

"Giddy up!" I yelled again and Maximus obeyed. I had to return to the palace as soon as possible.

I remembered Ashley and I smirked. I loved the fire in her eyes. Despite the rejection she looked undeterred. Since we did not share a mate bond, I did not expect her to clutch her heart in pain or whatever but by tradition, the consequences of being rejected by a royal is heavy.

No man can claim her again, if such is done, both of them will be put to death.

Making her leave the palace was a death trap. It would have been easier for her to avoid other men if she was confined within the palace. Roaming about the streets unmarked with her beautiful face will surely attract some parasites, it will be difficult to resist them all.

Well, she got what she deserved. She despised me and I humiliated her. She is mine for the taking and I will do whatever I like with her.

A single mistake will cost her life and I cared less about a bitch who looked down on me.

I had given Prince Asher a piece of my mind when I was informed that he helped her. I wanted to make her a spectacle. I wanted her to languish in the dark night and in the woods as she returned to her pack. She was supposed to be a lesson to others.

I jerked Maximus to reduce his speed as we approached a sloppy terrain that leads to our destination.

Finally Maximus halted in front of a hidden cave within the forest.

My shadow guard disembarked from his horse and walked into the cave. Few minutes later he whistled to beckon me. It was one of our signs.

I disembarked from the horse and kicked my legs in the air. It's good to be standing on my feet again. It hasn't been easy, being crumpled on the wheelchair gives me cramps.

I walked into the dimly lit cave and there was my shadow guard and three aged men who fell on their knees immediately as I pulled off my disguise.

"Long live my king!" They yelled in unison and bowed their heads.

The three men are my late father's best friend. I called them the three wise men. They have been my pillars since my uncle; Prince Muna usurped the throne and killed my father who was the king.

"Why are you here? You should have sent your guard," one of the men said.

"Where are others?" I dissuaded the man's concern and looked around.

"We deemed it fit to see you alone," another one of the men responded.

"Why did you choose to marry Maya? She is nothing but a spy," the first man empathized.

"Yes, she is the Dowager's spy. I am quite aware. It's one more reason why I needed to keep her around. I will use her for my own benefit."

"That is a reckless move… we.."

"That's not why we are here!" I cut in angrily and silence prevailed.

"Here we go," I broke the silence and brought out a token. It was the original seal of authority. My father handed it to me before his death.

After I had taken Maya as my bride, the three wise men had ordered me to bring the token for safekeeping.

They wanted me to send it through my guard but I am not as reckless as they thought.

They checked the token and when they confirmed its authenticity, they nodded in unison.

"See you during the next meeting," I said and turned around to leave.

"Do not make any reckless moves, we will contact you when the need be. Be wary of Maya," one of the men said and I was already settled on my horse.

My shadow guard followed suit and soon, the sound of our horses' hooves echoed through the dead night.

We halted a few meters away from the palace. I handed over my disguise, horse and swords to my shadow guard who bowed in return and remained stoic as he watched me leave.

I made my way stealthily into my secret path and when I had ensured that the coast was clear, I made my way through.

I entered my study and uncovered my wheelchair which I had hidden away.

I settled into it and flicked on the charcoal lamp as I began to study.

About an hour later, I heard Maya's footsteps. When she realized that I wasn't in the bedroom, she bumped hastily into my study.

She glanced at my crutches which were lying beside me before speaking up.

"I did not know you studied this hard. You should be resting by this hour," she said slyly and began to tickle one of my ears.

I grabbed her wrist with a great force and she flinched.

"Don't think I will treat you differently because you are my wife!" I released her wrist and she yelled in pain.

"Rule number one; you are not allowed to visit my chambers until I call for you!" I yelled and she fidgeted as she made her way out of my study.