The detached King

" Your Highness...we...we weren't informed prior of your return."

One of the servants speaks. While taking Noah's short.Bowing and Noah just sighs. Sitting on the mattress of his bed. Leaning back on his palms resting on the bed.

" Well now that you know. Prepare something delicious. I am starving."

" Of course your Highness. I will just inform the cooks to prepare your favourite."

With this the man turns around to leave, when Noah's voice stops him.

" Listen "

" Yes your Highness."

" It's been more than an hour since I came. Why isn't Uncle Charlie here?"

" I am afraid, your Highness. Sir is busy with some urgent matter. He will be here as soon as he can."

" Fine. Go."

Noah dismisses the person. Running his fingers through his hair to lay back on his bed. 18 years. This place feels more foreign than home. But then he just had to close his eyes and the memories come flashing in.

" Slow down Noah! You will get hurt!"

" Come catch me momma!!"

His 7 year old self giggles and his voice echoes around, a small smile tugs on Noah's lips. With eyes still closed. As the memories feel just like yesterday.

When suddenly the giggles get replaced by cries. Desperate and wailing. And sweat drenched Noah's forehead. His heartbeat escalates as he shakes his head in a no.

Hearing his father's voice. Reliving in the same memory again. His vision taking him back to that vision in the master bedroom.

" Noooooo my Lioness! You have to wake up...no please look at me... please! Ahhhhhh!"

He finds his young self standing there. Looking at her still eyes. Eyes that had life just few seconds ago. Eyes that looked at him with love and adoration.

The birthday present she gave him on his last birthday. Tightly held in his hands as he gathers enough strength to ask her.

" Mom?"

He whispers to only hear another scream and Noah gets up from his dream. Looking around frantically to only realise it was a dream. A nightmare to be exact.

He thought he had escaped them. But he knew better.

He will never be able to run from his past.

He will never be able to run from her.

Cleaning the sweat on his forehead with his sleeve. He gets up. Desperate to get some fresh air ,to only stop seeing Charlie enter his room.

" Ah my boy! Damn look at you! You have grown up to be a real heartthrob."

With this Charlie pulls Noah to a hug to only find him standing still . Noah doesn't hug back, his body stiff. And Charlie retreats. The smile dropped from his face.

Rubbing his neck awkwardly. The man with grey beard settles with bowing instead. Realising maybe Noah wasn't as happy to see him.

When the boy who has now grown up to be a strong man. Wraps his arms around him. Hugging him.

Not exchanging any words. Just enjoying a loved ones embrace.

Noah stood surprised. Not expecting this. But it was enough to show him . There is still some warmness and compassion left in what they called the ice King.

" Hello Charlie. How has it been all these years?"

Noah speaks in a business tone and Charles hides a smile. Settling down. Noah pours drinks. Clinking glasses with Charlie to celebrate his return.

" It's been a bit lonely. But the work keeps one busy. You tell. How were your expeditions?"

" Heard you travelled half of the world already?"

Noah nods. Not saying much. Just tracing the rim of his glass with his fingers, staring at the liquid. Placing his hand on Noah's thigh, Charlie brings him out of his trance.

" What's it ? You look worried."

Noah gets up. Hiding his features from Charlie's eyes. Looking outside the window.

" Nothing. "

Charlie sighs getting up and approaching him from behind.

" See Noah. I know why you are here after so many years. But you don't have to. There is no pressure on you. Your father has left enough. You can easily live a peaceful life. There is no need to stay here and be the next King-"

Noah turns around. His grey eyes determined and fists clenched.

" I am the King, uncle Charlie. Don't you ever again suggest such things. It's my duty to protect these people and take care of them. My parents always wanted me to be the best werewolf King in the history."

" And I will prove them. I will fulfill their dreams."

Charlie nods. Lowering his eyes. To dare to ask the next question.

" That's only possible if you select a Queen , Noah. The council is meeting in a week to remove you from your position and conduct voting for the next King."

" How will be find a girl at such a short notice."

Noah looks up at Charlie. His next words making a deadly silence to follow.

" We don't need to find anyone. Your next Queen will be the girl I choose 18 years back."

Charlie 's mouth opens and closes. No words leaving his lips. He stood flabbergasted. Beads of sweat on his forehead.

" Th- that girl?"

Noah looks unfazed. His eyes suddenly turning cold and emotionless. Making even Charlie to gulp.

" Yes. That very girl. Wasn't she the emergency you were attending to before you came here."

Charlie lowers his eyes. Not knowing what to say. The King got him but the very idea seemed disastrous to him. How can that girl be a Queen?

It was impossible.

" I...she....I..."

" What happened ? Is she dead?"

" No! She is very much alive...she..."

Charlie speaks up immediately. His hands shooting up. Trying to explain. But he failing to find the words.

" Did she do something after I left?"

" No ..she didn't. We have kept her on sedatives and medicines all these years. Her powers are...subdued successfully."

" Well that's great then. It's decided then-"

" But Noah. How can that girl be your Queen....she...she murdered your moth-'

Noah shuts him up by showing him his hand. His aura turning more dark and dangerous.

" Do what I say. I respect you doesn't mean you can control me Uncle Charlie. "

" Bring her to me. Now"

" Here?Now?"

Charlie asks shocked.

" But the girl hasn't left that dungeon in 18 years ! "

Gulping the drink. Sitting down. Noah speaks one last time.

" I hate repeating myself. I don't care in what condition she is. Get here here. Now!"

Charlie knew it was no use now. He will have to see her himself to understand what he meant. There was no other way now. He will change his decision on his own.

No one would want that girl even as a mate.

Let alone a Queen.

Noah will have to see to believe.

" Okay"

With this Charlie turns to leave, looking back one last time over his shoulder. His heart thudding. To find Noah lost in thoughts. The whiskey glass tightly held in his hand.

It was very difficult to understand the man the young Prince has become. But Charlie could see one thing clearly.

From being a joyous, cheerful and caring little boy. He has turned into a cold, detached soul.

And he couldn't blame her. No one could.

As there was only one person to blame for it...her.

The demon girl.