Mated to the Wrong Alpha Prince

Uninvited

Aurelius called for his most trusted men to join him in the main hall of Kula, a small castle to the south of Vasmere. He needed them to escort Astrid from the Silvester pack to him and he needed them to do it discreetly.

"Roger, I have a mission for you," he began. "I need you to travel to the Silvester pack and bring someone back to me."

"Who do you need us to bring back, your Highness?" asked one of the men.

"A young woman named Astrid Wong. You need to get her here safely without anybody’s knowledge, especially the Silvesters," Aurelius explained.

"My prince, I don’t think the Silvesters like the idea of having their woman or member stolen. Alpha Dominic particularly." Marcus spoke up, his eyes grew dark.

Aurelius knew that this would stirr the feud between his father, Edward Lockheart and Dominic Silvester once again. But it only happen if Dominic caught his men. But if Aurelius doesn’t claim her as his own now, he fears his other would.

"Dominic is the least of my care in truth, sir. And he had luna Monique in the palm of his hand. The missing of a dead friend’s daughter would not matter to him that much." Aurelius replied.

The men nodded in understanding and set off immediately to carry out their mission.

Meanwhile, Aurelius didn’t really have the time to anxiously wait for their return. Another woman waited for him in the Castle of Vasmere.

Aurelius stood at the gate of Castle Vasmere, his heart pounding in his chest as he gazed up at the towering walls. The castle was locked up tightly, flags of House Huntington and Mirage fluttering in the wind. Aurelius could feel the eyes of the guards upon him, watching his every move.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He had to get inside, had to speak to Charlotte. It was the only way he could find out the truth about Damien and Astrid.

He approached the gate, his hand on the hilt of his sword. The guards stepped forward, their hands on their own weapons.

"What is your business here?" one of them demanded.

"I must speak to sir Leon Mirage," Aurelius said firmly. "There has been more disturbing news from the South."

The guards exchanged a glance, and one of them stepped forward. "I am sorry, sir, but we cannot allow you entry. The castle is closed to all but invited guests."

"I understand that, but Leon wouldn’t," Aurelius said, his voice growing more desperate. "Once he saw his Newfew march a great army to meet him in mount Kristantine."

The guard hesitated, then shook his head. "I am sorry, sir. You will have to leave. It’s Sir Leon’s order. You might enter tomorrow, when the wedding ceremony is completed."

Aurelius stood there for a moment, his mind racing. He walked along the perimeter of the castle, searching for any weak spots in the walls. He climbed up onto a nearby hill and scanned the area, hoping for some sign of an entrance.

Aurelius returned to where Marco and Darren were waiting for him. The three of them huddled together to discuss their next move.

"We need to get into that castle now," Aurelius said. "North gate leads straight to the kitchen."

"How are we going to get past the guards?" Marco asked.

"We'll have to knock them out," Darren suggested.

Aurelius shook his head “Honest farmer wouldn’t do that, sirs. We’re on our very first crop harvest. We’re selling roasted lamb."

They went to the nearest local farm and get the maincourse done there, dressed themself in simple, plain and dusted tunic. Aurelius knocked the door, and his three men, Marco, Darren and Osborn were behind him, carrying the roasted animal with a plum apple on its mouth.

“We’re here to deliver the lamb.” Aurelius shouted loudly. “Juicy, freshly roasted with thyme, cinnamon and ready to serve lamb of the Eastwood.”

“Caster, did you order that thing?” A voice booming from the kitchen. “I f*****g told you that I had two pig roasted coming in very soon. We have fifty guests and not a f*****g court, dumbass.”

Tristina walked towards them, still mumbling, “I ain’t going to pay for that. I will not take that,” until her eyes met him. Tris is a woman of fourty, one of the greatest stew cook Aurelius has ever known. She has been serving Charlotte since even before Auri was born. A stump of silver flashing in his forehead is all it takes for her to recognize.

“Do you want us to take the lamb inside and slide it up real nice for you too?” Aurelius quickly walked into the kitchen. Tris approached him, she tiptoed to reach for his face, and then tuck his strand of silver inside the lines of fabric.

“Fine, I’ll take the f*****g lamb. Leave in on the counter and come with me. I’ll pay for it.”

She took the three of them into another chamber. t was a cozy room with a large wooden table and a couple of plush chairs. Tris pulled out a small parchment from a drawer and began writing something on it. Aurelius and his companions waited patiently.

“She waited for you. Where the f**k have you been, Princeling?” Tris finally broke the silence.

“I’m so sorry.” Auri face turned into that of a regretful ten years old, with a hint of coaxing. “We need to get to the great hall.” Aurelius replied.

“With those silver hair and pretty eyes of yours and three men? Lady Charlotte overestimated you.” Tris shook her head as she continued to write on the parchment.

“Maybe true, but we’re not really alone today,” Aurelius answered, watching Tris scribble something down.

“You’ve got company?” Tris mumbled to herself.

“A quarter of the might of Tumbleton. Three hundred is on their horses from Austin, will be here in an hour and ready to tear through Vasmere’s gate at my command. And my aunt’s men in this castle wouldn’t sit still on the table while their beloved widow take her vows to my uncle, I believe.”

Finally, she finished writing and folded the piece of paper in four. She tuck it into his hand.

“That’s for the guard to the East wing of the hall. Adrian and his brothers would let you through. But your uncle doesn’t go to his own wedding unprepared. Now go.”

The three of them made their way to the hall. They could see the guards patrolling back and forth. Aurelius motioned for Marco and Darren to follow him as he crept up behind the nearest guard.

With a swift punch to the back of the head, the guard went down without a sound. They quickly moved to the next guard, taking him out in the same way.

As they approached the gate, they heard the sound of footsteps approaching. They quickly hid behind some nearby bushes and waited.

Two more guards came into view. They were chatting and laughing as they walked. The trio waited until they were close enough, then jumped out and attacked.

Aurelius and Darren were able to take one of them down, but the other was able to get a good hit on Marco before he too was taken out.

"Are you okay?" Aurelius asked as he helped Marco to his feet.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Marco replied, rubbing his jaw. "Let's just get inside."

As Aurelius, Marco, and Darren were sneaking through the gate, they suddenly found themselves surrounded by a group of armed guards. The guards had been lying in wait for them, their weapons drawn and pointed at the trio.

Aurelius quickly assessed the situation, noting the number of guards and their positions. He knew that they were outnumbered and outgunned, but he refused to back down. He motioned for Marco and Darren to take up defensive positions behind him, and the three of them prepared to fight.

“Marco, to the East wing and pass Caswell this paper.” Aurelius whispered.

“But there are-”

“Yes, ten of them and more to come if we don’t get help. This is a command, Marco.”

“Yes, my prince.”

The guards were ruthless, attacking the three of them from all sides. Aurelius was forced to use his swordsmanship skills to deflect their blows, while Marco and Darren fought with their own weapons. It was a fierce battle, with swords clashing and bodies tumbling to the ground.

Despite their best efforts, the trio found themselves gradually being pushed back by the guards.

Suddenly, he heard foot steps from the East wing.

Enemy took charges at them again. Aurelius knew they had to do something quickly or they would be overrun. He spotted a gap in the enemy's defenses and seized the opportunity. With a sudden burst of speed, he charged through the gap and took out two guards with his sword. Then he scream:

“Adrien Caswell, hurry your ass here.”

And Adrien obeyed the command, charging straight at Aurelius.

“My prince powress seemed to go blunt since we last met.” Adrien’s sword thrust forward. “I dearly miss the swordman who beated me bloody years ago.” His sword went right through the chest of another guard whose sword was an inch away from Aurelius neck.

Marco and Darren followed his lead, attacking from the sides and taking out several more guards. They fought with all their might, their weapons flashing. After a few intense minutes, the guards were all either dead or had fled, leaving the them friends panting and covered in sweat.