Lust & Loyalty

Chapter 16

Rosa's mind raced as she paced back and forth, her thoughts a tangled mess. She was consumed with worry for Kathleen, guilt gnawing at her for the danger she had inadvertently placed her in. Kathleen had been taken because of her, because they had fled together, and now Rosa had no idea where to turn. Returning to her family was out of the question—they wouldn't lift a finger to help Kathleen, especially once they discovered the true nature of their relationship. And Daedalus? He had made it clear he would marry her as the King had decreed, leaving Rosa with no hope of seeking his help.

The only other person she could think of was Shayera, but the thought filled her with despair. The last time Rosa had seen her, Shayera had been a broken mess, lying in a hospital bed after everything had fallen apart. Rosa had no right to ask Shayera for anything, not after being the cause of her separation from Daedalus, her true mate. How could she even face her now, knowing the pain she had caused?

As Rosa stared out the window, tears streamed down her face. She was trapped, unable to think of any way to help Kathleen or to reach out to the captors. All she could do was pray that Kathleen would somehow be strong enough to endure, and that Rosa herself would find the courage to do what was necessary.

---

Meanwhile, in the Cain family estate, the tension was palpable as Daedalus and Shayera walked out of the grand hall, the heavy door closing behind them. Before they could even exchange words, Maximus rushed to them, his face pale with urgency. "You need to come with me, now!" he said, not waiting for their response as he turned and sprinted down the hall.

Daedalus and Shayera exchanged a bewildered look before following him, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation. As they reached a smaller dining area, one used for intimate family gatherings, they saw a man dressed in black standing at the end of the room. A priest, his white collar stark against his dark robes, waited for them with a calm, knowing expression.

Maximus stood beside the priest, catching his breath, while Daedalus and Shayera halted a few meters away, confusion etched on their faces. "What's going on?" Shayera asked, her voice shaky.

The priest smiled gently. "This young man tells me that you two are mates, bound by a powerful bond beyond that of a simple marriage," he began. "It is also my understanding that Prince Daedalus is promised to Princess Rosa. I have known Princess Rosa all her life, and I know of her feelings. But I must ask you both now—if there were no consequences to your actions, would you choose to be together?"

Without hesitation, both Daedalus and Shayera answered, "Yes!" Their voices overlapped, and they turned to each other, surprise and joy lighting up their faces.

The priest nodded solemnly. "Then allow me to do the only right thing," he said. "Allow me to marry you both right here, right now, with Maximus as a witness. I fear that unless your mate bond is made complete and irreversible, the King will have no reason to overturn his command."

Daedalus stepped forward, concern etched into his features. "Your Holiness, my father could have you executed for this," he warned.

The priest simply smiled. "My boy, I do not fear death, but I do fear interfering with something as pure as a mate bond."

Suddenly, the royal horns blared, signaling the arrival of a member of the royal family. The sound was unmistakable, and Shayera’s eyes widened in alarm. "Your father's?" she asked Daedalus.

"No, worse," he replied, dread filling his voice. "My brother. Those are his horns."

Daedalus turned to the priest. "Father, it can't be now. I have to make sure my brother doesn't do something foolish."

The priest nodded. "I understand, child. Whenever you need me, Maximus will contact me. I will come to you, wherever you are. Go now, with my blessing."

The moment was cut short by the sound of loud bangs and shouting from the front of the estate. Daedalus dashed out of the room, determined to confront whatever chaos awaited, while Shayera remained rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions.

Had Daedalus truly decided to marry her? Despite all the obstacles, he had declared his love for her and even warned the priest of the dangers of performing the ceremony. But now, with his brother's arrival, everything was at risk. Shayera’s thoughts were a storm of confusion, fear, and an undeniable love for Daedalus.

Wiping away her tears, she turned to Maximus, who was still by her side. "Tell me, can you think of anywhere that Rosa would have gone?"

Maximus thought hard, his young mind racing to recall any possible hideouts. "I don't know... I can't think of anywhere," he admitted.

But before despair could set in, the priest cleared his throat. "The followers of my church serve many parts of the community. There is a little inn just outside Vellenas's borders that might prove interesting."

Maximus’s eyes lit up. "Of course! We have to go there!"

Shayera nodded, her resolve hardening. "But first, we need to find out what's happening with Daedalus. Let’s go, Maximus."

With a determined stride, Shayera led the way out of the room, her heart set on finding Daedalus and uncovering the truth about Rosa's disappearance. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew she had to face them, not just for herself, but for everyone she cared about.