Page 25

Eli

I was all but seconds from blowing the lid off my head. I don't know what change has come over her, but these mindless antics of hers were getting on my nerves. It wouldn't be anything new if not for the sudden power blast from nowhere. Now there's him?! Who the hell did he think he was to order me around, brother or not, I was still older. I scoffed at the order he'd tossed out. I would have crossed my arms too if I didn't have a hundred different eyes on me at the moment.

I suppose he was a Wolf. Only a true Wolf would ever dare to challenge me .

Staring across the room, I could already see the sweat and worry across the fake prince's neck. Yeah, that was for certain. No Wolf would ever appear like that in public.

On the other hand, that new boy, my so-called brother, didn't seem the least bit fazed by the whole situation before he left with Everetta. He even dared to command me, the great King of the Wolves, or soon to be in this life. The balls he had on him, he dared to fucking call me weaker than Everetta?

He sure hasn't changed.

His love for her has always blinded him to the truth, that I was far stronger.

Turning back to the unassuming crowd, I smiled back at my mate, my bond, my love, "I sincerely apologize that you had to see all that. Nevertheless, you should have told me you were coming. I would have put on a better outfit.” I whispered against her ear as I led her out for a dance.

If her magic had worked and it seemed like it did as everyone quietly went about like nothing had happened. Of course, I also fixed up any of the damaged structures using my magic. I even placed a little flare of my own onto the columns and floor. After all, this place will be mine. Still what Fletcher said had irked me, if only a little. I was playing pretend so he claims. I just needed a little more time. Fine, yes perhaps I wanted more time with my father, I hadn't seen him in so long I just wanted to get to know him in this life, was that so wrong of me to do?

I suppose it all happened so quickly that no one was able to escape the ballroom. I should know I scanned the area, only servants were walking about. They would simply think it was another show we noble’s put on. I won't have to wipe any memories. Quite frankly I’m a bit drained. I don't think I could do another memory wipe on such a large scale and defeat my father, at least not without a little recovery period.

Akasuki's light laughter filled my body causing me to lift my head from my musings. I swear her laughter was like the chiming of bells, tugging against my heartstrings each time she smiled. Pulling her closer, I eyed the man leering at her back. Giving a soft warning growl, I dared him to try anything. I'll rip his throat out here and now.

"Oh, please, who in the whole realms would know if you had your memories back or not? I couldn't just barge in and claim you as my mate if you hadn't remembered me. Besides, I couldn't think of a better reunion than a ball." Her words were like the lyrics to my favorite song as I let it soothe my rage into nothing.

Rolled my eyes, I knew that wasn't the complete truth. I knew of what she had to go through, of her troubled upbringing. How her father would always beat her into submission, and how she, the cunning woman she was, ultimately outmatched him and took back the throne in the Spirit Realm for her brother. If you ask me she should have just kept the crown. But that wasn't who she was. Her excuse was always so that she could come back to me, and I will always love her for doing so. It took a lot of willpower to give up on such power.

Giving me that look she does when she knows I was way too deep in my thoughts, she sighed, shaking her head, "I swear your narcissism knows no bounds. But I suppose that's why I like you."

Lords, someone end me now; how could someone be this cute all the time?

"I've missed you, you know," I whispered, pressing our foreheads against one another. If only I could pull her closer, alas formal etiquette for bids such public affections, especially that of a Wolf.

"Besides, I believe your brother just asked you for a favor?" I rolled my eyes once more, all the affection sucked right out of me, like how the sands of Phoenix Court sucked up all its water.

"A favor is that what you call it? It was more like a damned demand.” I breathed out the last of my frustration and ire at the past hour's events.

“If he is my brother as you say, then I'd better do as that brat wants."

Lords know what he would do. Speaking of do, what could he have meant by already knowing who- poisoned? Wait, did he say Everetta was poisoned? I was half tempted to turn back round but as always Akasuki read my mind.

Gripping onto my arm ever so slightly she smiled up at me ignorant to my true worries. “We should leave them be for a while. They've just reconnected, it would be rude to interrupt their reunion." She suggested, a small tilt of her lips though her eyes told me a completely different story. She was pissed at me. Great.

For a brief moment, I saw the look of betrayal and hurt cross her eyes before she beamed back up at me.

I tried not to think too hard lest I give away more of my secrets than I already have today. Never mind her subtle warning, who knows what that brother of mine would do to me if I were to interrupt them now.

My mission here was more important. Still. "Eli, don't test me now. I know you care much for her, but you need to act like a king; I didn't fall for a coward, now will you or will you not do it?" Akasuki's words were like a slap in the face. What? I was no coward; I was merely worried about Everetta and Fly-Fletcher. But she was right. Fine, I'll just have to finish this quickly.

Straightening my tie and suit with help from Akasuki as the song slowly came to an end, I managed to somehow seem presentable again.

Despite already having arrived earlier, all that chaos must have halted his announcement into the room. That and to him and every other fae in this room only a few minutes had passed.

Odd.

Why did he come in so late before? Another thing to ponder for later.

“Here yi, here yi. All hail the king-” The king’s squire began.

I cleared my throat, coughing up all my worries and bottling them into a jar, “King of the Winter Court." I made sure my voice was as loud as the thunderstorms that were about to strike this court, I made my way toward the bottom of his balcony. I smirked a little at the glee from cutting his squire's speech in half.

A sudden halt in gossip and false smiles came to an abrupt end as my voice made its way to the king. No doubt they were dying at the seams for a good beheading at my audacity for interrupting the almighty Winter King, my father.

Those frozen blue eyes stared down at me, his cool indifference and blazing anger could be spotted a mile away as it met mine.

Smiling like I should, allowing for all my pearly white canines to shine against the chandelier light, I made my way forward, letting go of my one true mate’s hand. “I, Eli Scalivander Lusivous Gillian Avalar Vallian Lion Wolf, challenge you, Oberon Kinard Avalar Vallian Wolf, current King of the Winter Fae Court to a challenge. A challenge for the throne." As my words processed all around me, I could hear the rise of whispers and gossip buzzing like mosquitos against my ears.

Silence fell once more as all eyes gazed upon the king who was seething in ice. They were all waiting to see what he would do next. For a moment, the king seemed to think that this was nothing but a joke to him. Roaring with laughter, the king looked down on me as if I were some ill-informed peasant. "My dear boy, only those who have my blood could ever challenge me-" The king bellowed down as if to inform me of a rule that I hadn't memorized to heart, of laws I hadn't read over and over every night since he took me in the first lifetime.

If I were the king and looked down at a boy who hoped to take my crown, I too would think he was ill-informed, but I was not.

Gripping my fist against my side, I started to speak but was quickly cut off. "Actually according to tradition, he doesn't need to be blood-linked. Any normal citizen could issue a challenge. Besides, he is your kin, is he not? The resemblance is truly uncanny. Same nose, some eyes, the pride sure is identical." Lucarious smiled, his lecherous grin on full display.

Wait, wasn't he asleep?

How?

Turning, I noticed a smile vial in the grasp of my little sister's hands. She wouldn't, but why? Why disobey Fly-Fletcher's orders? She'd never done that before. Suddenly something vial was blooming in my stomach. But this wasn't the time for it. Still, I don't have a good feeling about this. I'll have to inform Fletcher of this little situation with our dear little sister. For now, I'll act accordingly, since he is here to help. Before I returned my gaze toward the king again my eyes caught Snow’s, her emotions masked into an impervious shield of nonchalance. The only sign she gave away of her worry about the consequences her actions might have caused was the minuscule tightening of her fist around the vial.

Fletcher was not going to like this, and neither did I but that was for another day to worry about. If I didn't complete the ‘ favor ’ Fletcher had ‘ requested ’ I too would be staring down the pointy end of a needle.

"What's the matter, Father, too scared? I thought you'd be braver, perhaps the years have chipped away at your courage? Is that why you plan to ally our court with that of the Summer Queen? We all know of how our streets crawl with shadows and treacherous beasts from beyond these walls, walls that we had only ever used as a symbol of our power, our wealth until recently. But look at us now, hiding behind them like they could do anything. Once it was a symbol of our strength, now it has turned into nothing but a sheet we use to cover ourselves. Tell me, Father, are we not Wolves? Are we not the hunters like our ancestors before us?” The princess bellowed seemingly in favor of my announcement.

“I have performed a blood test not long ago on my brother, the Bastard Prince of this kingdom, and it is true, he is my half-brother, therefore, he does have our king's blood, my father's blood running through his veins. The one who turned our court into prey being hunted, the one who let the streets fill with disease and vermin, the one who used our court's wealth and prosperity for his own greed. I, Princess Snow Haukea Steffina Nyrial Olyph Willice Mermaid Wolf, hereby second the motion that the Bastard Prince, Eli Scalivander Lusivous Gillian Avalar Vallian Lion Wolf, is more suited to the crown than my Father." My little sister proclaimed her voice roaring across the room.

I was shocked to see that she supported me, I thought she hated me. That and at how much power she could show as her eyes glowed the bright iceberg blue she had in common with Fletcher.

The whispers started once more echoing in my ears all around me.

"His son, I didn't know the king had another son, "One noble said.

"He must be mixed. He has to be, I mean just look at that hair, there is no way he's a purebred." Another whispered.

"Who does he think he is challenging the king like that?" A fae spoke from the back, I'll have to deal with that one.

"Look at his power, it might as well exceed the king's current magic." I like that comment.

"Do you think the king planned this? I mean with the rebellion." What was he saying?

"He might be with the rebellion."

"Was their diplomacy just a way of getting into our court?"

"Then how did they lie? There must be some truth to it.”

"Do you think he's going to kill the king?"

"What’s going to happen to the court if he does?"

"Will the king even accept the challenge?"

"He has to, it's custom."

"How bold for a bastard.”

"Why does the princess support him?"

"She's just as easily swayed as snow, of course she would."

"We need to stand by the king."

"No, we need to side with the princess. "

"But, she's allied with a bastard."

"Who cares he has royal blood."

On and on they went. But amongst all those who were uncertain and shocked, whispers came the voices of support even I didn't know I had among the nobles. I mean sure they were mainly for my sister but still a win is a win.

"I do. I support the princess' choice."

"So, Do I."

"I as well"

"Let the boy have a chance."

"Down with the king!"

"Down with the king!"

"Down with the king!"

They chanted, causing the red tint to my father's complexion to rise.

I hadn't known that so many nobles also supported me, or well my sister. I wasn't ignorant to the rumors that my sister had her own little faction, and I had no doubt this was the faction that supported her instead of that false prince but how? How did she get them to support me, a Bastard Prince? Thousands upon thousands spoke giving their support for a princess whom I just came to realize actually has power, not magical of course, no one could ever outmatch me in that.

The princess held their hearts, that much was clear. For all around me I could see the admiration whether from greed or actually admiration, Snow had the support of the citizens.

"Holy hell, remind me not to cross you." I heard Lucarious mutter under his voice towards the light blue-haired girl beside him.

I longed to ask what blood test she performed but first things first I needed to get that crown and if she was willing to help me who was I to stare a gift horse in the mouth?

Glaring up at the king I cocked a brow at his flaming red face.

As the king gracefully came down from the balcony onto the open yards, I could practically taste his ire toward his daughter for the first time. His burning glare could drill a hole in the back of anyone from the way he was seething at his daughter. Still dressed in her elegantly worn light blue dress embroidered with different-sized sapphires, it seemed like she couldn't care less. Beside her was Lucarious, dressed in his go-to black-on-red attire. His arms looped in hers. Odd, they seemed almost- no. Let's not think of that yet. I'll rip his guts out in due time, after all, I did it in the past.

Some servants had left to go prepare a small makeshift battleground in the training grounds an hour ago. After all, this was a competition. We must put on a good show, we are Wolves. At least my father hasn't forgotten that part yet. The half-frozen concrete-stoned spectator seats were now crowded with the ball guests. Lining the arena in all shades of blue, the color of the Wolves. Now, finally, I will bring back honor to my court, I will save them from the poverty my father has dragged us into.

Flags lined the whole training ground transforming it into an arena. The walls of ice shielded the guests who were now seven feet higher than they previously were. No doubt those gifted with ice magic were lifting the seats to be higher up as well as placing a magic barrier to block any stray attacks from leaving the battleground.

"The duel between King Oberon Kinard Avalar Vallian Wolf and his son, Eli Avalar Vallian Lion Wolf, shall now commence." The announcer bellowed as I scowled at the man and his sleight of hand.

"It's Eli Scalivander Luscious Gillian Avalar Vallian Lion Wolf, get it right or I'll chop off your head." I bit back letting my magic out of its confines.

I'd always kept my magic concealed from others, making them underestimate me. Everetta had taught me that. She said it would be much easier to defeat them when they underestimate you. I sighed. I do hope she’s ok. I'll have to check up on her once this is all over because I will win this, I must, I need to. If I don't, how would I ever prove myself? A quick flash of my mother crossed my mind, her unruly golden locks. Her bright golden eyes were so much like Everetta's.

"You will never be a Lion." My mother's words still slashed at me as I shook off those memories. I will be good enough. To be both a Lion and a Wolf. I will, I'll show them all, I'll become a king, I'll take the throne, and I'll rule over everything that should be mine . I'll prove my mother wrong . I have to. I need to.

The announcer coughed clearing his throat against my razor-sharp glowing sapphire blue eyes,

"Ahem, my apologies. Our king against Eli Scalivander Luscious Gillian Avalar Vallian Lion Wolf, one of the ambassadors of the Dracool Court, for his claims to the throne."

Smirking at the thought of bloodshed I stretched myself out, hoping to make this as quick and as painless for my old man as possible. After all, he was cocky enough to think that he could just take me out.

A normal duel normally took days to prepare and have ready. The fact that my father wanted to battle now, in mere hours since I challenged him, meant he didn't think of me as anything other than a pup, too small to be a true threat to his claims on the throne. I gritted my teeth at the thought as I looked up at the man I call my Father, the soon-to-be old king of the Winter Court. I will have to change the name back once I wear the crown again.

"You sure do have some balls challenging me, then again you are my supposed son." My father said as if to mock me before charging right at me with no hesitation. His clothes had been changed as well as mine with magic so we weren't battling in our formal wear. No, we were outfitted or at least I was in a simple black bodysuit with thin linings of blue along the sides of my body. Whereas my father seemed to have opted for the old garments, the ones that left nothing but the bottoms of his lower body covered in some fur. How distasteful. I sneered at the showing of chest and nipples, the overly untamed white tufts of fur on his chest, like those lining his bottoms. What even were they? They were like socks but made in pants form?

I cocked a brow ready to get this over with. Oh so now he was acknowledging me? He could have at least searched for me in this life. I seethed as I let my magic run through me already having been replenished in the hour it took those retainers of his to prepare this little battlefield. Rushing towards him I blocked his flying fist, which seemed a bit off, it was as if he wasn't trying. I should know I've sparred with him countless times in the past. He's never been this sloppy before. I mean his hits had only grazed me. In the past, he would have already managed to cut me with his claws. Yet, why was he only hitting me with his knuckles? Did he think less of me in this life?

Was he mocking me?

Enraged, I threw another fist, then another, and another. Crossing his arms together he shielded himself from my brutal assault one after another.

I flung my fists like a wild beast if only to make him think I was letting my anger get the best of me.

I would never use my magic to help give me more strength, that's unbecoming of a Wolf. Instead, I used it to refuel my stamina, so no matter how much I hit, my energy levels will remain the same. What's more that only required the bare minimum of my magic as he chucked icebergs towards me, after flinging me off him, which took out a lot more magic.

Quickly backing off I dodge the incoming attacks.

I do not doubt with the amount of strength I threw into those punches my father would have thought I was using my magic to fuel my strength. That's how I'll get him. Make him think I'm using my magic to fuel my strength then pretend that I'm down and-

Kicking out I slammed the backs of my calves against his arms. It seemed that my father had been ready to block my swing. Swiftly ducking under I tried to sweep his legs from under him. My father was still as quick as he used to be, jumping three feet into the air to avoid being knocked to the ground. At least he didn't lose that about him as he swirled to roundhouse kick me followed by a swing at my jaw.

Knocking my head back to avoid the blow to the face, because my face , glamour or not I would know that I have a bruise on my perfectly flawless features, and that just won't do. Letting out a breath of air I felt the wind being yanked out of me as his foot landed dead center on my stomach.

Fuck he could still hit like the giant he was. It was fine I accounted for it. I needed that hit to land. I allowed him a couple more hits, all but my face, to fake my exhaustion. After all, I can't just be panting for nothing. I need my father to think that I've only been using my magic for strength and not healing myself as I stumbled onto my knees as if in defeat. I allowed my magic to sense his, to monitor his movements. My father prepared to slam his fist down against my right cheek but not before he got in a mocking word, “You are still just a dumb pup , my son."

I smirked.

Swiftly shifting to my left leg I swept my right foot under his two feet, effectively landing him on his ass. Or he would have if I allowed him to. Using my ice magic to throw spear after spear of ice daggers I knocked him against the walls of the battleground before encasing his body in ice. I didn't want to have to humiliate him any more than necessary as I brought him to the center stage bending that block of ice to my control as my father struggled, his face and body streaming small rivers of blood from my miniature daggers. He glared up at me as I turned to the crowd. I hated this part, I always have.

But it needed to be done.

"This is the man you once called king, and now you shall have a new king, a more fitful King. I, Eli Scalivander Luscious Gillian Avalar Vallian Lion Wolf, am now your new king!" I boomed just as I slammed my iceberg down into my father's chest. I swore he smiled, a glint of pride coated his eyes as he whispered his final words, "Check my drawers." I heard him whisper, as confusion and a small ting of remorse tainted my victory.