“Your job here is done, farmer,” Clive seethed. “You’ve outstayed your welcome, and it’s time for you to go home.”
Home.My heart clenched with longing. How foolish they were despite their important roles and stuck-up demeanor. Didn’t they know that my king was my home now? That Seb and our baby were now my sole reason for breathing, for existing? Didn’t they know anything about us alphas? About our loyalty and fierce protectiveness of those we loved?They think you aren’t able to love,a sad voice spoke inside.They think you’re a heartless monster.
“Stop! What are you doing?” Elias came storming down the hallway, panic written all over his face. “What’s going on?” He looked between his father and me.
“The king is with child,” Elias’ father spoke, his voice flat. “Alpha Gus will be leaving us now.”
“Does the king know about this?!” Elias offered me a weak smile.
“Yes, the king knows,” one of the other advisors said. “We only ever act on the king’s orders.”Liars. All of them.But I had no energy left to argue with them. My heart was already breaking into a million pieces, and I was barely holding it together. I wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me crumble.
Elias narrowed his eyes, pointing a shaky finger at his father. “I don’t believe you!”
“I don’t care if you do! You will stay out of this, Elias, or yourpreciousguard will find work elsewhere outside of these palace walls!” Elias paled at his father’s words and wrapped his arms around himself in evident despair.
“I’m sorry, Gus,” he mouthed at me as tears trailed down his cheeks. “So very sorry.”
“It’s all right,” I assured him, seeing a kindred spirit in Elias. He would do anything for the people he loved. “Promise me you’ll be there for Seb. He’ll need you now.”
Elias nodded furiously, tears clinging to his eyelashes. “I will. You have my word, Gus. I promise.” I knew he would.
“Thank you,” I said, then glared at Elias’ father. “Then I’m ready.” He smirked at me, his eyes beaming with victory, and then the guards led me away. Away from my king, my home, my heart.
I woke to the sound of birdsong, but for the first time in my life, their happy voices brought me no joy. I arrived late last night. The royal carriage had dropped me off at the road leading down to the main estate, and when I was halfway down the road, my feet as heavy as my heart, I saw a moving light coming towardme. I soon realized it was a lantern swinging from side to side, and then I heard his familiar voice.
“Gus! Gus, is it really you?”Hal.I fell to my knees right then and there, as what was left of my strength left me. I’d tried so hard to keep it together during the ride, but now I finally allowed myself to fall apart. When Hal reached me, I was slumped over, sobbing into my hands.
“Gus! Gus! What have they done to you? Did they hurt you?” Hal fell to his knees next to me and wrapped my trembling body in a fierce hug. “It’s okay, Gus. You’re home now. I’ll take care of you.” He wiped my hair out of my eyes and searched my face, but I couldn’t look him in the eye. I was not yet ready for him to see the extent of my brokenness.
Like I was a fragile child, Hal helped me to my feet and led me back to our cabin, while murmuring words of reassurance. He helped me undress and then tucked me in while continuing to stroke my hair until I finally gave in to a restless sleep. I dreamt of Seb. The dream was chaotic, with Seb running down the hallways of the palace, calling out my name again and again, his face blotchy from crying.
I sat up in bed and stretched my arms above my head. I needed to get something to eat, although my stomach roiled at the thought. I couldn’t work the farm on an empty stomach, and I was sure there was plenty for me to start on, now that winter was fast approaching.
As I entered the kitchen, Lord Willoughby, who was reading a book at the table, stood quickly and rushed toward me.
“Gus! Hal told me you were back.” He squeezed my shoulder and smiled at me, the lines at the corners of his eyes crinkling. “I’m glad. We’ve missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” I croaked, as bile rose in my throat.Missed. The word would never carry the same meaning ever again. Now that I’d met and lost Seb, I knew the true meaningof the word and the heartache it implied. I offered him a small smile. “But it’s good to be home,” I lied. “And I’m ready to work now, so just tell me what needs doing.”
“Oh, Gus. I see you haven’t changed one bit,” Lord Willoughby chuckled, patting my shoulder. “Good ol’ dependable Gus.” If only he knew how I’d changed. “But you will not be working today.” I was about to object as he held up his hand. “Allow yourself to settle back in. Take a day for yourself. Eat.” He nodded at the table, which was filled with cheese, sausage, freshly baked bread, and milk. “Then tomorrow you can show me just how much you’ve missed the farm.” He winked, then left the room.
After I’d forced myself to eat something, I strolled about aimlessly until I reached the pond. Ducks floated contentedly on the water, the surface rippling in the sunlight. A couple of frogs croaked in the grass along the bank. I sat down, my body heavy, my soul restless. I ached for Seb with every fiber of my being. The advisors had probably thought that by taking me away, they could break the bond that had formed between Seb and me. But the bond was as strong as ever, and it felt like I was bleeding internally. I missed him so much, and I couldn’t help but wonder how he’d reacted when he’d found out I was gone. At least, Elias would be able to tell him I hadn’t just left on my own, but that I’d been forced to leave.
“There you are,” a gentle voice spoke behind me, and when I looked up, I found Hal smiling down at me, a worried frown between his eyebrows. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“Oh, what is it?” I attempted a smile back, but it soon died.
“I just wanted to see if you were feeling any better.” Hal dropped next to me and tucked his knees against his chest as he peered out at the water.
“I’m okay. Just tired from the long trip.”
“And I’m the king of Thyriel.” He bumped his shoulder against mine. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Gus. I know you better than anyone, remember?”
I sighed. “Thyriel? Not Nornmere?” They were both neighboring kingdoms and were known for their immense power and wealth. Luckily, we hadn’t been at war with any of them for nearly a century.
“Thyriel has a better army,” Hal mused, and I couldn’t help laughing, recalling how he’d always dreamed of becoming a soldier when we were in our teens. “So, what’s with the face?” He narrowed his eyes at me.
“Nothing.”
