Chapter 43

I watch from the distance. With my eyes never leaving the dark outline of the cars as they drive away, I find myself wanting to let my emotions spill forth. I want to allow myself to cry, to show everyone how heartbroken this has caused me to become, how I didn’t and still don’t want him to be gone.

As the cars disappear, I turn back around, looking up to the massive double doors of the palace. Still standing on the steps, I don’t want to go back in. I don’t want to go back to the walls of the palace without knowing Zion will be in there, waiting for me.

I’m not going to war with him because I cannot fight. I am not a warrior. Only warriors are being called upon to fight, those who have trained to see blood and bring hell.

Taking in a deep breath, I head back in, hating that the man I married is now gone.

We only were married for a day until he was gone.

Entering the palace, right away I greet the familiar eyes of Elijah. Elijah stayed behind due to the duties he holds as the King’s Advisor and best friend. With Zion gone I am practically going to be running the Kingdom for issues less important, Elijah here to guide me ever step of the way.

Many see this as him helping me out.

I see it as training.

Training for what? For when Zion doesn’t return and I’m left to sit upon the throne and wear the crown as it is my duty.

Zion love his Kingdom, his Empire, a piece of him that has always been with him no matter how much he has hated it. With the time we talked after our wedding last night, he told me of the struggles of the palace, how so many come here in hopes of a future with status, only for so many to break under pressure. Scandals around every corner, backstabbing everywhere both figuratively and literally, breaking points met every day, and so much more is what causes so many to never look back upon this place.

“He’ll be back next week,” Elijah comments as we walk together into the throne room. “Just eight days away.”

A lot can happen in eight days. People can die in eight days. It’s not like he’s going to some elaborate business trip meeting where the risk of death is low. No, Zion is going to war. He will be fighting with his men. He will be in the first wave of the war.

Upon spelled grounds, massive mate as of land with magic protecting them from the human eye, Zion’s life will be in danger.

“Eight days means a lot of things,” I mutter, our footsteps echoing across the empty hall. As we enter a sky-high hallway, I remove the crown, staring down at it as I let out a sigh. “I didn’t marry him to wear the crown or run the Kingdom.”

“You married him because you loved him,” Elijah points out as I nod.

“I did. I don’t regret it because the pressure of time we were under was understandable. But I wasn’t prepared to run a Kingdom in his absence or even have the treat of hi being ki-

“Zion is in threat everyday, Sybil. For all you know a sniper could have shot him dead the first time he spoke to you. Sure, the risks have been raised, but he has still lived.” I nod, entering the King’s office, Elijah right on my tail.

“How does he do it?”

“Stay alive?” Elijah asks.

“Run a Kingdom? He was crowned at such a young age. Hell, so was I! I was just crowned yesterday at eighteen!” My emotions are getting to me. My stress is getting to me.

Setting the crown down upon the desk, I look around the room. Elijah leans against the desk, memories flooding my mind of both meetings and other things Zion and I did in here.

“I don’t want to be left alone here.”

“You won’t, Sybil. I’ll be here until he comes back. Rely on me for any questions and when Zion is back, don’t stress anymore,” Elijah states, taking a seat across from the desk as I let out a sigh. “As for now, just a few codes of conduct and we will be out of here in no time.”

No time was clearly a simple saying since I’ve been in here for four hours now, have learned barely ten codes of conduct, and Elijah is still going head strong. While his brain is working and enjoying all of this, mine is pounding in my skull to be set free.

“Okay!” I exclaim, getting to my feet. “Just-Just stop. I can’t take this anymore. I need a breather.”

I head right for the door, Elijah not even bothering to go after me as I storm out.

How can I be expected to listen to that for hours and hours and memorize every single one. Elijah told me Zion learned ever code of conduct (also informing me there are over seventy) before he was even sixteen. How the hell am I supposed to do that now?

Am I one of those cracking under pressure? Am I one of those Zion said could never make it in the palace walls he loves. Zion told me about the walls of the palace, how he loves them, grew up in them, always admired everything that took place. He says the walls of the palace are his home and haven. Yet I cannot understand why. This place causes my brain to pound in my skull and my tears to stream down my face.

I climb stair after stair in a tower, soon enough coming to the top as I stare out upon the scenery before me. Keva, the elf, flashes through my mind. Keva wanted me to leave, even warning me things would happen I couldn’t not control. Keva was wrong. She wanted me away from Zion, saying he was bad news. I’ve found Zion to be the best part of my life now, a man that I love no matter what. I trust him. I believe him. I love him with everything I have.

Sliding down against the wall, I shut my eyes, trying to control my rapid breathing as I focus upon the sounds of birds and the wind. As I rest my chin on my knees, I close my eyes.

“You’ll be fine,” he whispers, pulling me closer into his warmth as we stare out upon the sunset.

Just hours ago we were on the steps of the palace, allowing pictures to be taken and reports to be made. Publicity. Zion and I both agree that we hate it, but it is good to let your Kingdom know they now have a Queen.

Resting my head upon his shoulder, I stare out at the sunset, how the lake below reflects the colors illuminated in the sky.

“Make me a promise then,” I speak, turning around to Zion as my heart skips a beat and all my wolf can think about is jumping his bones.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I cock my head to the side. “Anything.”

“Anything is a dangerous word,” I whisper, placing a short kiss upon his lips. Zion smirks at me, already knowing he’s agreed to do much. My smile; however, falls from my lips, sadness flooding my heart. “Promise me you’ll come home next week. That you’ll do anything you can to see me again.”

We stay silent.

Zion captures my lips in a passionate kiss, one very much needed as he pulls me back into the room and In reminded of the events from hours ago. The second we were free I stripped off that dress, robes, and crown, settling for my causal attire as we just sat on the floor and talked. About what? The future.

I’m pulled onto the mateless, straddling the man I’m now tied to until fate cuts that strong rope.

“I promise you this, Sybil,” Zion whispers in my ear as his fingers trace patterns upon my thighs. “That as long as I’m alive, the only thing I’ll ever look forward to,” he pauses, a brief smile crossing his lips, “is you.”

And once again I’m lost in a world of love and passion. Maybe for even the last time.

I open my eyes, trying to forget last night from my memory. Tears already are on the verge of pouring out as I get up. Looking out upon the view, I spot the boarder of the elf Kingdom.

The elves like to be on their own and out of the world. I’m still unsure of why they set up a massive civilization of their race next to the Wolf King’s palace.

As I decide to head back in, I meet Elijah right away, right when I get down the stairs.

“What?” He asks.

“What do you mean?” I ask, shutting the door to the tower.

“Something is up there, in that head of your’s. What are you thinking?”

What am I thinking? Besides heading back to my room and sleeping through the night. Would I even sleep? I couldn’t last night? Neither could Zion. Not because we were doing other things but because of the thoughts flying through our heads ever second.

“I want to see the elvish city,” I explain, watching as Elijah’s eyes widen. He laughs at me. “I’m serious.”

“You can’t be. Zion only went there once when he was two only because of some weird ceremony he mother wanted him to have.”

“I’m going,” I snap.

“They won’t let you in.”

“Why not?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“Because to get in there you have to know an elf.”

That’s it though. I know one. I know one that would let me in for sure.

“Let’s go,” I state, watching as Elijah raises an eyebrow. “I know one and I’m going. You can’t order me around, Elijah.”

“What? Who?”

“Keva.”

No response. No words.

Elijah just stares at me, disbelief crossing his face.

“Let’s go.”

I follow.