Chapter 7: The Second Son Smells His Mate
332 Words
The king’s office doors opened quietly. Prince Aedric stepped inside—and instantly froze.
His mate.
The scent hit him hard, sharp and undeniable.
“Father…” he said, voice tight.
Then it turned into a growl. “Where is she? I smell my mate.”
King Tharion remained calm. “She is here.”
Aedric stepped forward, tension rippling through him. “Then why am I not with her?”
Tharion studied him carefully. “Your brother found her first.”
Aedric’s eyes darkened. “And?”
“He rejected her.”
Silence fell.
Aedric’s hands curled into fists. “He rejected his fated mate?” His voice dropped dangerously. “Why is he still breathing?”
“He will face consequences,” Tharion said. “That is not your concern right now.”
Aedric exhaled sharply, pacing once. “And her?”
“She has suffered,” Tharion said. “More than she should have. Rejected twice. Broken by those meant to protect her.”
Aedric went still, something shifting in his expression. “I can feel it… faint, but it’s there.”
“The bond,” Tharion confirmed.
“I need to see her,” Aedric said. “Now.”
“You will wait.”
Aedric’s head snapped up. “Wait?”
“She is not ready,” the king said firmly. “Not for you. Not for this.”
Tension filled the room.
“Forcing this will only break her further,” Tharion continued. “She needs strength first. Confidence. Control.”
Aedric’s jaw tightened, the pull of the bond battling his restraint.
“I will wait,” he said finally. “But not forever.”
His gaze hardened. “I will find her soon.”
Tharion nodded. “When the time is right.”
Aedric turned and left, but the bond followed him, tight and unrelenting.
Outside, the palace remained quiet—but something had already shifted.
And somewhere beyond its walls, Elara’s fate was already unfolding.
- Writer
