Marriage Alliance With The Lycan Monarch
Chapter 35: The Monarch’s Ball [Part 1]

Chapter 35: The Monarch’s Ball [Part 1]

• DREVON •

The more I tried to get close to Eloise, the more she pulled away. It was a tug of war, and I wasn’t winning. I despised losing more than anything in this world.

But I must admit it was an exhilarating experience. I’ve won many battles, yet Eloise made me feel what it meant to be defeated. Strangely, it only roused me to bring down her walls.

She was guarded. We are different species, and I understood that perfectly, that is why I’ve concealed a part of myself for her...the part I never want her to see—the part born of war.

"My liege?" Garrick’s words pulled me out of my thoughts.

"I haven’t seen her for days," I mumbled. "I should’ve sent Sloane away that day."

Sloane came to me unannounced, claiming we hadn’t seen each other for a long time, so she wanted to rekindle that flame. We were once so close, and I admit feelings of nostalgia came when I set my eyes on her; she had changed—a lot of things about her have.

But our relationship was built on my Mother’s desire to make the perfect bride for her son. The goddess knew I wouldn’t have known about Sloane if it wasn’t for her influence.

Sloane rambled on about the past, detailing them with precision, and I just listened blankly, unable to remove the image of Eloise walking out on me from my head.

I’d have gone after her, but I knew when I lost the battle.

I wanted her close to me every minute, hour, even when I’m swamped with work, in bed, or taking a bath, as long as I get to listen to her voice like a gentle whisper, with sass in her tone that was deeply...arousing.

I adjusted in my seat just when Garrick cleared his throat to grab my attention, again.

"My liege, there’s—"

"I need ideas for more gifts. Maybe if I send a dozen more, I might drag her from confinement again. What do you think?"

Garrick was overwhelmed. I wouldn’t blame him, though. I’ve been talking about Eloise nonstop, and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon.

"Well?" I insisted, eager to get my answer.

"More gifts might annoy her."

"That is what I want, that is the only way she will come see me."

Although I don’t want her to get more upset.

"Maybe I should try a different approach."

Perhaps a courtship? She was already my wife, but I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t court her. I shall make plans.

"My liege," Garrick spoke more firmly this time. "The ball is tonight, will you be attending?"

"I can’t decline, not when the Dowager has made my appearance public."

"Will Your Grace be attending?"

"No," I said snappily.

The last thing I wanted was to put Eloise in a position where she’d be eyed as something less than a person. I didn’t marry her for my people—I married her because I wanted her. She became my future the instant I laid eyes on her.

I never regretted saying those vows, human or Lycan’s, they were my vows to keep.

As soon as this ball is over, I’ll court Eloise, certainly I’ll take my sweet time, as long as it takes until her walls dissolve forever.

"Have you found any permanent remedy yet?" I asked suddenly.

"No," Garrieck replied. "Her ailment is of a natural cause. As long as she doesn’t strain herself, feeds well, and gets plenty of rest, she should be fine."

I nodded. I was hoping to find a solution for her condition, and it pained me that I couldn’t find one. I’d ensure she had everything she needed and never lacked for anything.

I instructed the seamstress charged with making her dresses to use a special material to repel her constant cold. Fireplaces were everywhere in my wing, even in the corridors. The chefs had also been instructed to only serve her favorites and foods with nutrients. If she requested anything, she would be given it without delay.

Recently, her new handmaid has been assigned, so I had one less thing to worry about.

I rose to my feet, adjusting my attire, and rounded the table to the door where Lucan waited for us.

I pray this night will be over as soon as possible so that I can begin making plans for my little wife.

~•~

"Son? This ball was made in your name, the least you can do is enjoy yourself," My mother said, beside me. "You look unentertained."

"I’m entertained," I said, but I was nothing of the sort. I posed relaxed in my chair, legs crossed, my elbows on the armchair, and a hand to my cheek.

My bored crimson eyes observe the grandeur of everything, sparkling. The gigantic chandelier suspended from the high ceilings gave it a dream-like feel.

Everyone was dressed to the nines, some waltzing in the epicenter, accompanied by the orchestra, making their magnificent performance.

"How about you dance with someone?" Mother asked.

"Where is Diana? She should be present," I shifted the discussion.

"She is not yet out in society, and must remain indoors until the time is right."

I looked at Mother from the corner of my eye. "Not out in society? She’s the royal princess, and such events are mandatory."

"Son, you’ve been away for years. I’m sure you’ve forgotten most of our traditions," she said, offering me a smile.

Yes, I have been gone for a long time, but I couldn’t help but wonder why such a rule was made. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Diana since that day she came to my quarters.

"I shall see my sister after this ball."

Our last meeting ended shortly after Diana walked out on me.

"That is not necessary. You have shamed your family with your actions. I don’t want her influenced by you."

I chuckled lightly. "So you would keep my sister away from me?"

She looked at me. "There is nothing funny about this; you brought it upon yourself. Perhaps when you decide to get rid of that lowlife, you shall meet your sister."

I tapped my finger on the gold steel, my stare turning into frost. Mother shivered when she noticed the shift in the air.

"I understand the fact that you never gave thought to humans, but Eloise is my wife; calling her a lowlife will be treated as treason."