Malakai pov

It was very early in the morning and Malakai was unusually up and sent for Hector. He wanted them to walk together and converse a little more.

Malakai wanted both of them to spend some quality time away from everyone else to talk as men.

“I was surprised when I learned you asked for me in the wee hours of the morning. I least expected such a sudden request from the Lycan King” Hector mumbled as he yawned, scratching his eyes as she was still feeling sleepy.

“I'm sorry for this sudden summon. I know it's uncalled for but I just couldn't think of anyone else to spend the early hours of the morning with other than you”

“I'm flattered you think so highly of me.”

“I've been troubled lately and I guess it's the reason for my sleepless nights.”

“What troubles the Lycan King?”

“If I'm to be honest, I can't really pick out the exact cause for my worries. That is the scariest part of all these. Having a problem that can't be unidentified.”

“It's okay to feel a little lost once in a while. But we just have to suck up all the bad energy and forge ahead like nothing happened.”

“That is why I thought of taking a walk with you as a way to clear my head from all of my worries. Shall we?” Malakai asked as he led the way.

“Right behind you.” Hector answered.

They walked for a few minutes in total silence. It was clearly obvious that both of them had lots on their heads.

They slowly walked for some miles and Malakai after figuring out how deep they've gone in their walk and that it was just the both of them and nature creating an ambiance of aesthetic appreciation decided to end the minutes of silence by asking Hector a question that almost blew him off his feet.

“What do you think of the queen, Hector ?”

“The quee–en ?” Hector couldn't place his words as he got the shock of his life when the Lycan King threw such a question at him.

“Yes, the queen. I know you haven't really gotten to know her but from the little you've heard about her and judging by her attendance at the indoor meeting. I'm presuming you should have a word or two to say about her.”

“Well, I haven't really thought about the queen to be specific. But so far all I've heard about her have been nothing short of loving and inspiring from all her subjects and even guests that have been visiting since we arrived.”

“Do you agree with all they say?”

“Why do I find the question a bit trickery and conniving? Pardon me for saying this but if there's anyone that should know the queen better than anyone else in the world. That should be none other than you, the Lycan King. And seeing how you both are happily married together. That says it all.”

“Hahaha” Malakai laughed out to quench the mood because suspense was written all over.

“I guess my question caught you off guard. Well, you're right. I know my wife better than anyone else in the whole wide world and I don't mean to brag but she's been the best thing that has ever happened to me ever since my existence.”

“Oh here comes the love story.” Hector jested.

“Yeah … right. I'd love to share it with you. That is if you're down for it.”

“You bet I am.” Hector replied snaply.

Hector has been dying to know how Malakai and Hireath cross paths. He's been dying of curiosity and it seemed luck was about to smile on him that morning.

“It was years back. I spent most of my life back then conducting several mating balls but I just couldn't find my mate. Everyone was on my neck to find my mate and get married but it wasn't easy. I was rejecting the numerous ladies because I chose to. We weren't just meant to be. No matter how hard I tried, I could feel it from the first glance that they weren't my mate. My wolf sense never failed me.”

“Just when I thought I'd never find my mate. I was on the verge of giving up. Just on the last night of the final matibg ball I conducted. I found Hireath, my love. I have never felt complete and fulfilled with any other woman but with Hireath, she magically swept me off my feet and I feel helplessly in love.”

“True love I must say. That was your true love's experience. It's not easy to come by. But it is real. And once lost can almost never be retrieved. I lost the love of my life and ever since then my life has been nothing short of misery.”

“My heart aches till this very moment whenever I look back in time to how I foolishly let my eyes be blinded by words from people. Without verifying if it was true, I turned my back on her like the coward I am. I should have given her the benefit of doubt. I should have given her the opportunity to talk. I judged her without hearing her own side of the story.” Hector said as he looked devastated, he turned away to avoid Malakai’s look. Hector quickly wiped off the tear drops from his eyes.

Malakai could truly understand how bad Hector was feeling at that moment. He walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder.

“We all make mistakes, you know. But we learn from our mistakes and become a much better version of ourselves. Don't beat yourself up too much. As leaders of our packs we should not feel ashamed of the wrongs we made in the past.”

“How am I going to be a good leader of my pack, when I failed terribly as a husband to my wife and queen. I single handedly brought the catastrophic events to my clan. It's my punishment for being a failure as a husband and leader.”

“Come on Hector. You risked your life to come here to look for a solution to the calamities that have befallen the Halo clan. That sacrifice alone is enough to prove that you are a good and selfless Alpha of your clan.” Malakai reassures Hector.

“Now that you're here, I assure you that I'll do anything in my power to help out. I will –” just before Malakai could complete his sentence, he was distracted by Koslov.

“I don't mean to intrude Sire. But the queen is up and has sent me to look for you.”

“Oh really. I guess we lost track of time catching up as men, right Hector?”

“Indeed we did.”

“Let's call it a day here and return back to the palace. I can't keep my Queen waiting for too long.”

“Never keep a woman waiting is a good man's motto.” Hector said and laughed.

“Koslov, please take me to the queen this instant.” Malakai ordered.

“This way, Sire.” Koslov led the way as Malakai and Hector followed behind.