THE FATE OF LOUISE

CHAPTER THREE

The thud came from their bedroom. He let his claws out, as he let his guard on. He busts open the door and it is Louise and Josephine fighting. They were almost strangling each other with Louise on top, teary eyes, a little scar on her arm, and a very gloomy face.

"What are you doing here? What is going on here?"

He was surprised, they didn't always meet eye to eye, but they had never had any such physical altercations.

"I came for my mother's old ball gown because I have nothing to wear. Josephine followed me claiming she wanted to apologize, but she started taunting me. She told me that because I wanted revenge for my hurt I chose to marry a madman, father I don't want to do this anymore,” Louise said as she tried to subdue her crying.

"Josephine, why?" Joseph said. Agnes was left dumbfounded; she could not run to her daughter's defense as usual.

"You can't even say anything. I'll assume it's true. I am highly disappointed in you. Take yourself out of this place immediately," Joseph lashed out. Grumpy Josephine left the room accompanied by Agnes murmuring.

"My dear, pay no heed to her, she has no idea what is at stake. It is pertinent that the crowned prince is married to any of the families of the top packs, to maintain control over the realms. King Robert had already made me promise some years ago, that one of my daughters would be the prince's betrothed to maintain his control."

"I and your late mother agreed, and that is why I mentioned she would be very proud of you, my dear please do this for us, do this for your pack, raise our names, so that we can keep on enjoying the crown's favors," Joseph said.

His explanation visibly softened her heart more, but she kept on crying and whimpering. She already knew she had to do this now.

****************

Prince Oliver walked behind Max as they headed for the outdoor gardens. If there was one place in the palace he couldn't bear to be in, it was the garden.

Being in the garden brought a rush of memories to him that he preferred to keep buried most of the time. It was fourteen years after his parent's deaths, and it still felt like yesterday.

Oliver and Max met King Robert, who had already sat on the chair placed by the wall in the garden, where the entire view of the garden was visible.

"Max, you may leave us now." Robert gestured for Max to wait by the broad entrance to the garden.

King Robert was a blunt man, straightforward and somewhat arrogant; he didn't seem to have any weaknesses; he had an intimidating aura; and even for his age, he was strong.

It was visible that he had a certain love for Prince Oliver, and Oliver hated it.

He beckoned for Oliver to sit beside him, and after Max had excused them, he placed his right hand on Oliver's shoulder and patted him as he took a seat.

"Oliver, how are you? Have you had any of your episodes lately? We live together, but I barely see you. Keep me up to speed on what has been happening"?

Robert said as he tried to put Oliver at ease.

Prince Oliver's wolf growled within him at the touch of his uncle, but he was a good actor, and he kept it within. He cringed at the questions:

'What is the point of these questions? Why does this man keep pretending he cares about me? It's been years; when was he going to drop this act? Oliver thought.

He adjusted himself and sat with his back resting on the chair as though to prevent his uncle from touching him.

He answered, "I can barely do much these days; I have not been up to anything, as there's nothing much I can do; the doctors are doing their best; the herbs I've been given seem to work wonders but always put me to sleep and make me useless; I can't stop taking them," Oliver explained.

"A man must do what he has to do, especially for himself. You may not like the herbs, but if they keep you under control, you have to take them. I trust you will do what is right, Oliver, for yourself and this family."

Robert said as he gave a smirk that he didn't mean.

'What family? The same one you murdered?' Oliver had laughter in mind.

Before the murder, yes, they were a family, and Robert was the head of the Royal Warriors. He was loved by his brother, Alpha King Richard, and treated with respect. Even Oliver loved him a lot.

When he wasn't solving a problem or out chasing off rogues, he was seen most of the time in the garden with Queen Agatha.

They were so close that, to this day, Oliver still wonders what transpired. After the ordeal in which his parents died, it affected the dynamics of their relationship.

Robert went on, "You remember this is me and your mother's favorite place; I know it gives you memories of her; that's why I have asked you here; a person of twenty-five years is no longer a child.

I am not married and you, my nephew, are all I have; the family name will not die with me, so it is time for you to take a mate."

Oliver looked up, confused; he didn't expect this, and it visibly made him uncomfortable. He let go of the last button on his jacket and the top button on his sleeves, as though they were what made him uncomfortable.

"The royal council had brought it several times to my attention that it was time, but I have been stalling because I felt you were not ready. I think you are ready now, and even if you are not, you can get ready.

I have made arrangements with a few families who have worthy daughters to choose from; they will all present themselves and their daughters before the council tomorrow, and you will be there.

I need you to pick the daughter of the Red Circle Pack; she may not look appealing to you, but either way, I have given you several opportunities to show me a mate and you refused.

I owe a favor of marriage to her father, and I'll be grateful if you do this for me," Robert said as he stood up.

He was giving instructions and not seeking any opinions here.

Uncle, I have heard you; I will do as you say; I'll be ready tomorrow and pick a mate." Prince Oliver said as he stood up too.

If there was one thing everyone in the palace knew, it was to never question King Robert or give suggestions when he gave an order.

Robert walked out of the garden with a smirk of accomplishment on his face. Oliver quickly followed behind, like something was tailing him.

**************

It was morning, and Louise had mixed feelings; she was both worried and excited at the same time. She was excited that she would be leaving this house forever, as she had wished, but very worried about whom she would be marrying.

She heard a knock. "Who is there? I am washing up; I will be ready in a bit." She firmly answered.

It was her father; he made his pack surround the house and guard all night to prevent her from running, but he had to be sure that she was still at the house because she was an unpredictable girl.

Louise walked out very radiantly and left everyone who saw her in awe. She adorned herself with her late mother's jewelry and gown.

They seemed like they were made for her; the necklace and the earrings had black stones that matched her black Iris, and the blue gown amplified her curves and fled underneath.

"I am ready", she said as she walked towards the four-wheel carriage her father had arranged. Agnes ran out of the house.

"Louise, Louise, Louise, my child," she beckoned.

Walking past everyone in the way, she moved very close to Louise and whispered something in her ear.