Elena’s POVPrince Deacon looked at the recruiter for a while before he shifted his gaze and directed it to Tyson, who was behind him. “Tell me, since when did we start recruiting warriors based on gender?”Tyson stood tall and cleared his throat, looking disapprovingly at the recruiter. “Never heard of any memo about that, Prince.”“Exactly, so… What’s happening here?”It’s impressive how Prince Deacon kept a straight face and a calm voice, but his words still weighed so much that I observed the others getting a chill on their spine.“It’s my fault, Prince Deacon.”My brows raised in surprise when the recruiter readily admitted it. He put his arms on his back and stood up properly in an attention matter or warriors.“Oh?” Saige side-commented as she finally stood up from the table and sent the recruiter the same look of disbelief as Maise was doing.The recruiter looked at each of us with a hint of surprise, admiration, and fear. Swallowing, he went on, “I never really thought in my
Bryson’s POVI sat in the middle of the Swiftridge Pack's grand hall today, wearing a midnight blue tuxedo with perfectly styled hair and expensive champagne in my glass while looking with terror at the scene that was unfolding in front of me here at my marriage ceremony with Glenda. Something I should be excited about, but instead, I’m feeling the opposite.Six days… It’s been exactly six days since Elena rejected me and left the pack. It’s been six days without her, and the pain brought by the rejection was still lingering in my heart.They said the pain should’ve only been for a day or two, so why was I still feeling this way?Six days after Elena left, with every penny I accumulated from begging from every pack, friend, and Alphas I knew, I finally managed to bring my wedding ceremony with Glenda into action. With limited funds, we could only do a limited number of things, including the venue, guest numbers, decorations, and food.Though it wasn’t poorly created, it still wasn’t
Bryson’s POV“King Desmond, Glenda, and I are here to receive your orders and ready to lead troops to the Withered Hinterland any second at your words,” I respectfully greeted as I kneeled down on one knee with Glenda doing the same beside me.We placed our right arm’s elbow on top of our bended knee and bowed our heads in respect to the King.“You may raise.”After hearing that, Glenda and I stood upright with arms on either side of us.Once the King gestured for the seats on the side, we sat down and waited for him to speak. Looking at his bothered face, a feeling of anxiety rushed through my veins.Did something happen?He let out a sigh as he grabbed the goblet beside him, gulping down its contents before looking up at me. “I need the two of you to lead troops in the Withered Hinterland as soon as possible.”“May we know what happened?” I asked.“Yes, isn’t Prince Deacon already in there? The last time I heard, everything was under control.”I gave Glenda a discreet hiss and glare
Elena’s POV“What was that?”“Did you hear that?”“Are those swords clashing?”Maisy, Saige, and I had jolted awake from our sleep almost simultaneously, throwing the blanket on top of us and getting up from bed with alertness.At first, Prince Deacan wanted to give them another tent to share, but I said they could stay with me. After all, we had a lot of things to catch up on.But what we didn’t expect was to wake up in the middle of the night from a series of screams, bombs, and sounds of clashing swords.We all looked at each other and nodded in understanding. In less than a minute, we had our combat clothes on.“Let’s give them aid. I’ll go to the front. Maise, you're in the west. Saige, you're on the east side,” I commanded while peaking from the in-between of the fabric door.But before we could step out, one of the soldiers rushed in. “Luna Elena, I’m sorry for barging in. I need to evacuate you as per Prince’s ord–”He didn’t manage to finish his words when he looked up and sa
Deacon’s POVThere it was again, that bright smile that seemingly reached the sky, those sparkling eyes like stars, and that joyful laugh that could liven up even the crying clouds.I was breathing heavily as I walked toward Elena, who had herself carelessly slammed on the ground, back leaning on a post log with one leg stretched out while the other bent with her elbow leaning on it as she drank water from the bottle so carelessly that some water spilled to her face. It seemed intentional, though, as if she was trying to refresh herself from that long, exhausting battle.“How many did you kill?” she asked excitedly and so casually, as if it were not Rogues we were talking about.Pride rose in my heart. It seemed like it was just a piece of cake for her.Caressing her cheek after I’ve wiped her face clean, I praised her for killing hundreds of Rogues, which was probably triple what my average warrior managed to do.And all that without much collateral on her part.My eyes wandered on h
Elena’s POVAfter Prince Deacon said he wanted to tell me something, I immediately gulped down the entire bottle of water and stood up to follow him back to his barracks.A jolt of excitement surged through me, making my stomach flutter as Prince Deacon's intoxicating scent filled the air. He slowed his pace to match mine after noticing I was walking behind him to show respect for his rank.I pierced my lips, and my breathing hitched as we walked in synced back to his tent; though we were filled with silence, my excited heartbeat seemingly became our background music.I didn’t know as well why he had this effect on me; probably because he treated me well or because it was just his dominating, aloof, and unpredictable behavior.When we arrived, he placed a cup of refreshing drink in front of me before he sat down opposite my seat.See, he’s a prince, and he’s doing all these. Whose woman wouldn’t have her heart fast-beating?“I’ve investigated how Glenda and Bryson’s winning on the Dea
Elena’s POVAs soon as the word came out of my mouth, I instantly regretted it.“Is there a problem?” Prince Deacon asked, completely confused, which wasn’t surprising as he wasn’t aware of my divorce from Bryson.It’s only natural for him to think that I’d be happy to see my so-called ‘husband’. Unbeknownst to him, I feel nothing but discomfort and anger at the possibility of seeing my ex-husband with his general, whom he replaced me with as his wife and Luna of his pack.Shaking my head, I stood up and gave him a forced smile while secretly feeling the scorching pain surging through my veins and into my heart. “No, I was just surprised, is all.”“If there’s nothing more, then I’ll…” I pointed outside. “I’ll have my rest first.”Bryson’s coming here, for sure Glenda would be with him…Those were my thoughts before I splashed my face with cold water from a basin to clean the dried blood around my face that Prince Deacon didn’t completely wipe off.Through the small mirror, I observed
Elena’s POVWe all turned around to meet Prince Deacon’s humorous eyes despite the sternness we had heard in his voice seconds earlier.Seeing as he was merely teasing, I smiled and raised the bottle. “Come on, Prince Deacon, it’s only a little drink.”“A little?” He raised his brows as he approached our table and grabbed the drink from my hand. He lifted it to his nose and took a quick sniff. “A little drink but of a whisky… Really?”I shrugged my shoulders and kept silent.“It’s only for a celebration, Prince Deacon. Don’t be a party pooper!” Maise uttered, once again, with a mouth out of control.Saige and I looked at her with wide eyes before we cautiously looked back at Prince Deacon, expecting him to be angry.Unexpectedly, he only shook his head and grinned. “Enough with the excuses, ladies. We can’t have you all tipsy or drunk while in a war, could we?”“But…”“No more words. Rules are rules, This…” He gestured to the bottle he was holding and put it on his back. “I’ll be keep
Elena’s POVQueen Liz and I laughed at Zara’s sudden outburst.“Seemed like I wasn’t the only one triggered by the Duchess’ words,” Queen Liz said, making all of us laugh.Suddenly, despite the scorching heat outside and the torment the Duchess tried to throw at my way, being in here made things feel a bit lighter.“This juice is a lifesaver. I thought my skin would melt on that walk back,” I exaggeratedly said as I gulped another glass in one go.Leaning back to her seat with her head back and arms spread, Zara complained, “Oh, tell me about it, Princess. I can barely feel my legs!”“But seriously, the same woman now dreads your next visit. Elena, you’ve just made life here in this dull palace a whole level more exciting,” Queen Liz uttered before taking a sip of her drink.She didn’t even look fazed by all that was happening to it. It seemed like drama was a normal thing in the palace, and it had now become more like an entertainment than an actual problem, from how often it happene
Elena’s POVMy smile got even brighter as I stared at her innocent eyes and lovely smile. She has that bright sunshine around her like I used to have before. Looking at her was like seeing a walking beam of joy.“What do you mean by fate? It’s not sure yet?” she asked so innocently, making me laugh a little. Shrugging, I smiled gently and teased a little. “It means I’ll definitely be your sister if your cousin doesn’t change his mind.”She giggled at my words before letting out a joking scoff. “He’d be a fool if he did that. Everyone talks about how amazing you are! You’re the most admired general now.”I patted her head and shook my head. She’s so adorable. “What a sweet tongue you have.”Tapping her nose, I added, “I only did what must be done. And don’t tell that to your cousin, he’d be jealous. He’s the best of all.”She pursed her lips and touched her chin while thinking for a bit before shrugging as she gave in. “Well, you’re right, but still, you’re the best female general.”H
Elena’s POVMy eyes shifted to the door just as the Duchess’ eyes did. And there, a girl peeked from the door with a huge smile on her face.Her eyes wandered around first before she stepped fully inside, showcasing her beautiful cocktail dress, styled with glitter on the hem.“Mom, I hear Princess Elena is here!” She came in and jumped in joy as she confronted her mother.She’s about 5 feet tall, and I’d say around fifteen years old from her appearance and demeanour. Her eyes were glistening with curiosity, and she was all giddy, making little jumps in place.Duchess Diana wasn’t even given enough time to reply with all her energy as she turned around and looked until her eyes met mine.She froze for a little while, staring at me like she was starstruck.“Princess Katherine.” I bowed a little and greeted her with respect. Despite our same title and age difference, she’s still a full-fledged princess and deserves respect. Besides, she’s also Deacon’s cousin, so… Might as well.“You ar
Elena’s POVI wanted to laugh at the Duchess’ remark. I didn’t ask her for forgiveness, and yet she felt like I had committed a grave sin that needed forgiveness, and wanted to act like the better person.Going with the flow, she sat, I played with it and bowed my head a little out of respect while keeping my dignity. “Thank you, Duchess Diana.” Looking back up at her, I smile and kindly add, “But about my marriage with Deacon… It’s something the two of us will decide. I am willing to marry him, and should he continue with it… I guess no one else has the right to determine my worth.”“Ha!” Hearing my words, Duchess Diana’s patience snapped. She slammed her hand on her chair as she stood up, looking at me with narrowed eyes.Dripping with disdain, she smirked devilishly and commented sarcastically, “What a humble servant at best, playing a goody-two-shoes act. Mark my words, you insolent woman, once whatever potion you gave my son wears off, he’ll abandon you like he did to others befo
Elena’s POV“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duchess Diana,” I formally greeted and lowered my head in traditional respect.I heard her scoff as her nails made sounds as she tapped them on the gold armrest of her chair. “Raise your head. I want to see the face that bewitched my son.”I forced a smile and internally stopped myself from showing the annoyance that was slowly building up within me from the real meanings under her words that I vividly understood.She leaned her back to the chair and raised her chin with her thumb and index finger while she narrowed her eyes and looked at me from head to toe like she was examining an object she wanted to buy from an auction.“Hmph. Seductive, yes…” Standing up, she slowly approached me and walked around me. With a sharp tongue, she leaned forward and hissed beside my ear, “But seductive doesn’t mean worthy.”I kept my composure and met her eyes without fear. “That wasn’t my intention, Duchess. I didn’t seduce your son, nor do I have any plans
Elena’s POV“I’m so glad to see you again, Elena. I heard about you and Deacon…” Queen Liz greeted me with a huge smile on her face as she led me to the balcony of her room.“Yes, it just… It happened.” I smiled brightly as I walked gracefully to the balcony and leaned my arms on the fence while looking out at the magnificent view outside.Since Deagon and I started this, we might as well make it as real as possible.Shrugging my shoulders, I added, “Deacon and I went to war together… We fought side by side and faced obstacles far beyond what one could imagine… It’s almost like a sweet-blooded fairytale if that makes sense.”The queen and I both laugh at our statement. “And that’s the weirdest yet loveliest description of love I ever heard.”I laughed even harder at the Queen’s statement. “Well, that’s it. Our camaraderie developed into something deeper, so when we came back and he proposed… I had nothing more to say but yes.”We chit-chat a little and shared a few laughs before she w
Deacon’s POVI couldn’t believe that my mom would be moving so fast that she had already summoned Elena. Now, I couldn’t be more thankful to myself that I had warned her early about my mom, but I’m pretty sure that she was still surprised by it, especially with how early she had to face her.Shaking my head, I stood up.“Where are you going, Prince Deacon?” Tyson asked, looking clueless as he stepped aside from the door and followed me with questions in his eyes.“You… You’re not planning to go to the Duchess and stop her, aren’t you? Because I think that will only make her even more irritated and have her hate Princess Elena even more,” he cautiously said as he tried to give me some advice.Halting, I looked at him and gave him a smirk. “She’s my mother. I know her much more than you do.”Tapping his shoulder, I added, “Don’t worry, it’s not her I’m going to.”Furrowing his brows, he followed me, asking, “Who then? The king, I don’t think he’d help, though.”Smirking wider, I answere
Elena’s POVI was relaxing in the comfort of my bed after having a long conversation with Jayden and Zara, feeling completely exhausted.They were very worried about me, which was why I had to make them understand that this decision of mine was for the best.Hence, after everything was settled, including the manners concerning the marriage, I couldn’t help but feel relieved.But all that relief vanished when Jayden knocked on my door a few hours later to say that a messenger from the palace came and handed over a letter“What is it about?” I asked, following him downstairs to receive the letter.The messenger said he didn’t know what it was about either and simply handed the letter to me.Sitting down, I unsealed the envelope to get the letter and unfolded it, but the content of it brought me to utter shock.Countless questions ran through my mind.“What is it?” Jayden asked in worry upon seeing my reaction, but I felt so speechless that I only handed the letter over to him instead of
Deacon’s POVI stared at my mom, waiting for what more she had to say because her laugh was the last thing I expected from her.But when that laugh turned into sarcasm and into mockery, that’s when I shook my head.What else did I expect from her?She continued, “That’s what it is, isn’t it? You admire her swordsmanship, her rough ways? But can’t you see? A woman like that is exactly the opposite of what should fit as your wife! How can you bring disgrace to our name?”By now, she was beyond hysterical. She waved her hand and called for a servant, who served her another cup. Just that this time, instead of tea, she was served with a glass of wine in which she finished in one gulp, making the servant turn back around to refill her glass before she could even go further.Heaving a sigh, I tried to reason with her. “Mom, if you think I care about such things you and so many people label as disgraceful, then you’ve truly forgotten who I am.”With my legs open, I leaned my elbows on my kne