The Lion And I

(21) Part 1: The Lion - Slight Change In Plans

Celeste

Dear Diary,

I'm conflicted.

Did I do the right thing today?

After Obsidian told me about his concerns, I'm not too sure I made the right decision. And I don't know if I can go back on my word.

Well, I didn't necessarily give my word, but by how the Ivanov's took it, that's how they perceived it.

Obsidian's concerns are good ones. Ones I didn't even think of in the heat of the moment.

After Obsidian told me his concerns, he had to leave on official stronghold business. While he was gone, I spoke to Ickarous, bringing forth the concerns Obsidian brought up. He agreed they were good ones, but told me he hadn't seen any ill intentions in any of the wolves' minds. He told me they never intended to harm me, they were just hurting in a way that any parent would when they have lost a child. They were looking for some kind of answers and closure, even if it was presented in a different light.

They not only lost a son, Masuka, they lost the future of having very powerful grandchildren.

They have been looked down upon after losing Masuka. Whispers have gone around that their family is cursed. Their other children haven't found mates. They have basically been shunned by society and, therefore, cannot go in search of their mate without fear of being harmed in some way.

This was why they were demanding I fulfill the oath and mate with their youngest. If they secured such a match, they would regain their status once more.

I wonder if there is something I could do to help ease that preconceived notion about the Ivanov's from society without having to give up my freedom in the process?

I'm also afraid I pushed Obsidian away today by making my decision without consulting him first? Did I overstep a boundary I didn't know was there?

I really want to speak with him, but whatever matter he had to deal with has kept him away.

If only you could speak and tell me what you think...

As I sat my pen down, there was a gentle knock at my door.

"Come in." I called out softly, closing my diary. I didn't want it open for anyone to read. Not with such raw emotions and questions on the pages.

Obsidian filled the doorway, his expression blank, his posture stoic. It almost seemed as if he was gauging the energy in the room before speaking.

Coming to some kind of conclusion, he stepped into my room, gently closed the door and leaned back against it. Arms crossed his chest as he looked me over. "Bunty," he started gently. "I've worried you, haven't I?"

I don't know why, but his question made instant tears in my eyes. I nodded slowly. "Are we okay?" I whispered, uncertain about us.

He eased himself from the door and slowly walked over to where I sat. Kneeling beside me he brought me into his embrace. His arms felt wonderful and some of the tension eased. With it, though, came the flood of tears. "Of course we are okay. Just because we had a hard conversation does not mean our relationship is in jeopardy. I have no intentions of ever letting you go. Even if you do something to hurt me. Even if we have bad fights. Even if we are at odds. You are my person, Celeste. You are my everything, bunty. Don't you ever doubt my love and adoration for you."

His words were soothing. They calmed the storm raging in my chest.

"I wish you would have talked with me privately before making any decisions," he added gently. "That way we could discuss the matter at hand and our concerns without an audience." I understood what he was saying, and I would do my best to include him in the decisions that could affect both of us. He pulled just far enough away so he could stare deeply into my gaze. "I am not necessarily comfortable with you being alone in the werewolf's presence. Ever." He added a bit sternly, one hand cupping my cheek, his thumb wiping away the tears that had stained my face.

"Perhaps I can have someone with me, or nearby, chaperoning?" I asked.

He nodded. "I will assign someone to you when you visit the wolf."

"Okay." I agreed, wanting him to be okay with this decision. "When do we meet with the Ivanov's again to iron out details?"

"Tomorrow morning. Early. I have other duties to fulfill tomorrow, unfortunately. I wasn't able to finish everything today."

Which meant he would be away from me most of the time tomorrow as well. "Is there a possibility that I could join you tomorrow?" I asked tentatively. I didn't want to be a burden or get in the way, but I did want to get out and see his stronghold, to meet his people. I didn't necessarily want to be alone. It felt too much like being confined to the room I had grown up in. I was starting to feel a little bit trapped.

"Yes. You can join me tomorrow when I go down into the mines." He agreed and I instantly perked up. It was something I had asked about earlier and was looking forward to doing.

"Really?" A big smile took over my face.

"Of course," was his instant reply, a bright smile lighting his face.

"Thank you!" I shot, pulling him into a tight hug. I had something to look forward to. Something other than staring at four blank walls and worrying about the Ivanov's.

***

The next morning we met bright and early in the conference room with the Ivanov's. Constance, Ickarous, and Gabriel were there as well.

The tension in the room was thick and nearly palpable as we all took seats around the large, oval table.

"I believe everyone has come to an agreement?" Ickarous proposed the question, his gaze turning to mine.

I nodded. "Yes. I am not opposed to spending time with Mikhail and getting to know him and his family more. Though, I do not feel comfortable being alone in his presence. Therefore, I do request to be chaperoned whenever we are together."

Roksana was not happy about this development and I had to wonder if Obsidian had been right? Were they trying to get me alone so Mikhail could do something to harm me? "You do not request a chaperon with your true mate," she bit.

"That is because I do not fear him." I snapped back.

"We have done nothing to you," she clapped back as well, those eyes sparking fire. "We do not like being looked at and treated like criminals when we have done nothing to earn such mistrust."

"It is a just concern," Ickarous calmly intervened.

"It is not fair!" Roksana snapped. "We want a fair courtship between her and Mikhail! If she is not allowed to be alone with him, then she should not be alone with the Demon Lord. We do not want her to make a mate's bond without giving our son a proper chance."

For some reason, anger flared in my breast.

It was none of their business if I completed a mate's bond with Obsidian. In truth, I didn't have to agree to this little courtship with Mikhail in the first place!

"A mate's bond will be postponed until after the courtship with Mikhail is completed."

"What!?" Both Constance and I said in incredulity.

Without missing a beat, and going on as if neither of us had said anything, Ickarous continued, "I believe it would be fair to give both candidates the chance to win Celeste's affections. Therefore, after the first few initial weeks, Celeste will be given a month with each pursuer. First, a month with the Demon Lord. Then a month with the Ivanov Clan. This should give both ample opportunity to make their intentions clear. Then, at the end of the courtships, Celeste will choose who will be her mate and if she will consider birthing a pup from the Ivanov clan."

I knew Constance was pissed!

I was speechless.

What was the archangel thinking!? "I-I don't agree to this." My voice felt rather small, even though I didn't want it to be.

"Ickarous," Obsidian started, the fierceness in his tone making me wince.

"It has already been decided upon," the archangel declared. "By those who are standing in for the councils."

Meaning, he took it before his other archangel counterparts--the ones who were standing in for the immortal government until new councilors were elected, assigned or approved for the positions--without letting any of us know.

He was really showing his true colors.

Through our bond, I could feel Constance's fury. I knew the archangel was going to get it once they were alone.

Unfortunately, my future plans for the next few months were settled. The document Ickarous had brought with him was signed by the stand in archangel councilors. There was no way to get it overturned without a major fight.

And honestly, I was tired of fighting.

"It's fine." I breathed in the murderous silence. "I agree to the terms and conditions."