Cast Aside Without a Mate

Chapter 12: Set Backs

Chapter 12: Desmond's POV

Shortly after the priest council ended their recited lines for the breakfast ceremony, it would be time to finish and complete the morning with a short speech. I was preparing to flirt with Annabell, who sauntered towards me. Then I overheard what she said to Dante, "Not even your brother wants to look at you!" The lust that had once flashed crossed my face and turned to utter disgust towards Annabell. I personally would not complain if Annabell were our mate. She is very kind, and even though she mistreats Dante, she would not even think of doing that if she knew he was not a mere human amongst gods. Although Dante and I have not ventured between the sheets with anyone out of respect for our mate, I often thought it would not be a bad deal to call Annabell mine for the rest of our lives. It still bugs me that she makes nasty comments about Dante, which means I will not tolerate it in the future if she is our mate. Dante's gasp drew my attention, and even though I turned towards Annabell, my main goal was to keep an eye out for my brother during his barrier ritual this morning.

As my brother was pressed for time, I watched him with grace fulfill his ritual. Although I could not hear exactly the chant he was using, I knew he was doing great. I heard a faint, muffled sound in the distance but chose not to react. "Was that part of the barrier spell? I will have to ask Dante after lunch later." Odin kept mum, which irritated me, but then I saw Dante going pale, looking like he was struggling internally with something. My eyes widened in horror as I watched my brother start glowing from within. It was like his skin was glowing brighter than a lighthouse. I had already begun to push Annabell and slowly approach my brother, trying my best not to draw the attention of others to my actions, but I knew that was nearly impossible. People were going to notice my actions, and they were going to see my cautious demeanor.

Dante also noticed what was happening around him because he looked like he wanted to hide underneath a rock. Thankfully, Dante is a cunning fox, so although he gradually walked over to me, he looked elegant and confident, like he could take on the whole room. He slid his arm around my waist and quietly asked, "Why is everyone looking at me?" I lowered my head and whispered, "Y-You were glowing." Although I was not looking at Dante, I could tell he was petrified. Everything he did was to get others to believe he was weak. He did not want his efforts to go to waste, and I was unsure how he would weasel his way out of this predicament.

I was barely listening to my brother's nonsense about our birthday when the council bowed to Dante and apologized for being mistaken about his potential powers. "Y-Young Dante, we apologize. We thought you wielded no powers, as humans bear no magic or Menyaka within their souls." The priest council and the members got down on their knees to show respect to Dante. Something flashed in Dante's eyes, and it looked like he was amused. I was speechless, as no one had seen anyone show Dante respect in the last year. Dante smiled as he spoke, "I may not have my Menyaka yet, but this shows that perhaps he is still dormant while my power flows into me on my special day." As Dante slowly approached me, he looked at me, and I flashed him an approving smile. As he approached, I steadied myself and said, "Yes, I agree with Dante. Perhaps today will turn the tables in his favor with the gods." My voice seemed to soothe Dante as it echoed in the grand hall. We nodded to one another as we came face to face, and Dante headed back towards the dining table where he had just performed the barrier spell for the castle.

After our speeches, everyone returned to resume the breakfast buffet. An offering to my brother and me that would establish our future as the most powerful kings in all of the kingdom and known in history. It would be nearly impossible to be anything but excited to witness the most vital living beings in Xudford. The next minute, we were all drawn back to my brother, who looked like he was on the verge of fighting something internally. His features were slightly pale, he seemed alert about something, and he seemed to be drenched in sweat as he made another announcement about our coming-of-age ceremony being essential and not to disturb us too much while he gained our birthright powers throughout the day. He made everyone cheer and excited about what Dante would bring to the table after today's events ended. I stared at Dante as he looked ready to collapse. I have seen Dante get sick like this a few times, but I do not know the cause of Dante's illness. It always came and went as he got older. Each time, it got worse than the last, and as the thought crossed my mind, fear gripped its cold hands around my heart. I began to worry about what Dante may be struggling with.

Everyone was pleased with Dante's words and resumed the breakfast buffet, serving one another food and mingling amongst the crowd. I approached Dante cautiously as I spoke, "Dante?" my voice was laced with concern. Dante did not respond or look my way as I reached out and lightly gripped his wrist. My lips were tightly pursed, and I could no longer hide my concern for Dante when he said, "I'm not feeling well, brother, but I think we can still manage the ritual as planned. I do not worry that it will still work as planned as long as I take it easy during the garden lunch." Dante grabbed his handkerchief and swiped his face elegantly. I reached and grabbed the handkerchief and dabbed Dante's neck as I leaned closer to him and spoke lowly, "Please, if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know so that you do not have to push yourself today. We can both take care of the ritual and plan the barrier. You will tell me if you need me, right?" Dante nodded as I finished speaking, stroking his free hand over mine that was holding lightly onto his wrist. He gently removed my hand from his wrist and said, "Of course, I will always tell you if I need something from you." Dante intertwined our fingers and gently squeezed my hand before letting my hand go.

Even though I am scared of losing my brother, I also know that if there is a chance that I can save him, I will always take it. As this crossed my mind, I turned to Dante and spoke, "I'm worried about you, Dante. Please do not hesitate to ask for my help. I will always be here for you no matter what." My voice was firm but cracked with my last words. "I will." He smiled and patted my shoulder as he stepped away from me.