Chapter 30
Kyrell’s POV
“What is it that was so urgent that you had to request to follow me back home?” I asked the moment we started our ride back home. Declan had joined the other carriage to give us privacy alongside Conrad and the other sentinels.
After we finished the pre-marriage ritual, it didn’t take much convincing for her father and his council to have her join us back. Sophia had lied that she wanted to join me back to get familiar with my pack before we tied the sacred thread and everyone readily agreed that it was a good option.
I didn’t think that it was a good option but then again, I wanted to give her an audience and not dismiss whatever she had to say especially after she had taken that bold step do so.
“I know why you want to marry me.” Sophia started, fidgeting with her hands nervously. “I know that you do not desire a wife and I’m not here to change your mind or plead a different cause p>
She exhaled deeply with her eyes closed before gaining the courage to face me again. “I also want to let you know that I do not want this marriage as well. I do not intend to be tied to this union p>
“My father had insisted on it and I wasn’t given any chance to refuse.” She blurted out sadly but I was neither empathetic or pitiful about her predicament.
“As an only child and daughter born into Royalty, I’m not given that much options so, here I am p>
“Is this what you couldn’t say back there?” I questioned not knowing why she had to request an audience for something of little or no relevance.
I mean, I am glad about the fact that she shares the same goals as I did because it will make my life a whole lot easier but if I had known about this then I probably wouldn’t have taken her back with me.
“My father has eyes and ears everywhere.” She stated, her eyes bubbled in fright. “If he had heard something like this even in the slightest then, I will be doomed p>
“Besides, I figured that you and I can find a common ground to walk on. This is to your advantage too, is it not p>
I looked on, not because I didn’t know what to say but because I’m always skeptical about every kind of help handed out to me on a platter. Not all of it were genuine. Besides, she is yet to say what she stands to gain from this and that also bothers me.
Why is she willingly to help me when she barely even knew me?
“I suppose it is.” I breathed out after a minute of silence and rested my head on the back rest. “But why do you want this marriage? Is there a reason why you’re scared about your father finding out p>
“Yes.” She answered almost immediately. “I love another and if he finds out about it then, I don’t know what he might do to me in anger so I have no choice but to speak to you about it p>
“Until our marriage, I don’t want him or anyone to suspect that something is wrong, please, My Lord.” She added but I only looked away, not knowing why I am suddenly involved in this mess.
The journey to my pack took longer than expected but after all and sundry, we finally arrived at nightfall. Conrad excused himself to take his leave while Declan helped Sophia out of the carriage as I stepped down through the other door.
“Welcome to the Huntbound pack and the Zivando’s household, My Lady.” He bowed his head to her and she smiled at him.
“Thank you so much Declan p>
“Can you please show me to my bed chambers?” She requested, her hands held firmly in front of her as she refused to look at me.
“You’re back, My Lord.” Someone said from afar and I looked up to see Moira approaching us. She bowed her head at us when she got close and Sophia acknowledged her presence as well.
“I have been waiting for you, My Lord. It is nice to see that the first ceremony went well and that you are back in one piece.” She uttered calmly.
“Lady Sophia, this is Moira and Moira, this is Lady Sophia.” I introduced them to each other. “She’ll be living with us for a while so make sure that she is well taken care of during her stay here.” I instructed and she answered with a curt nod.
“My Lady,” Moira faced her. “You are welcome to the Zivando’s household. I will be your lady in waiting and if you need anything at all then don’t hesitate to let me know p>
“Thank you so much, Moira. I appreciate the warm welcome p>
“My Lord, you haven’t assigned a bedroom for her or would she be sharing your chambers with you for the night p>
My eyes flew open at that statement and my jaw tightened in a frown. Why would Moira ask that sort of question when she already knew that I never wanted this arrangement from the start?
“Prepare Lady Natalia’s chambers for her in the women’s quarters. She will be be the new owner for now since it’s empty and has been locked up since she passed.” I ordered.
“Let’s go, Declan.” I called out to him before storming away and leaving him to catch up to me.
“I never expected you to agree to her coming back home with us let alone staying here, Kyrell.” Declan voiced out in disbelief the minute we had walked over a reasonable distance. His shoulders tensed as he spoke.
“You never permit anyone to stay here unless something is wrong so what happened this time? What’s going on that you’re not telling me? What are you planning p>
“You said it yourself that I should do everything in my power to make the council believe that I am serious about this p>
“I know but p>
“And that’s exactly what I’m doing so what is the issue now?” I shot back, cutting him off mid sentence. Eyes staring him down in his position.
“Is something wrong?” He inquired, brows knitted together in worry, his eyes narrowing with a frozen intensity in them. “You know that you can tell me if something is wrong right p>
“I know that.” I admitted, because it is the truth. Declan has always been by my side no matter what. “Right now, I am not sure and I don’t want to make assumptions but when I am, you’ll be the first to know p>
“Okay. I’ll take my leave now, My Lord!” He announced and I nodded my head in response.
“Have some rest. You have been helpful these past few days p>
He grinned widely from ear to ear. “Of course I’m helpful. You know that you can’t do anything without me p>
I watched him with a solemn look. My frown not wavering even for a single moment.
“I will address the elders of the council much later about our trip so until then, be at alert and take the much needed rest otherwise, I’ll be using you as an example to the other wolves p>
Declan gulped fearfully. I could tell just by looking at him that he was scared but I only patted his shoulders before walking away from him.
Shortly after, I arrived at my bed chambers and proceeded to take off my clothes before heading straight into the bathhouse to soak myself, wondering if I did in fact do the right thing by bringing her here.
When I was finished, I sat down on my desk to continue with my work, forfeiting my slumber that I know will never come even if I forced it to.