Chapter nine

Draven's POV.

The meeting between the elders and I had just ended when I overheard voices coming from the down hall. I recognize the first voice… Thor’s.

At first, I thought it was just him having a conversation with the guards and them arguing about one issue or the other, but then again, I heard a feminine voice.

Bella? I muttered.

What could they be talking about? Is Thor too busy to argue with a lady?

I headed towards that direction, and just as I was about to get close to them. I heard my name from behind.

“Lord Draven,” a husky voice called. I quickly made a turn to see who it was, and standing in front of me was Alan, my errand boy. “Good day, Lord Draven. I came to report to you on my latest research,” he added.

He had this expression that sent happiness across, definitely he must have gotten a big catch.

“Did you get something in my favor?” I inquired.

He nodded, “I came back as fast as I could because I know you would be pleased to hear this.”

I chuckled. “Wait at my study room, Thor would meet you, and I would be there when I'm done with my business,” I replied.

He nodded, accompanied by a slight bow, before walking out.

I went further to where Thor and Bella were still arguing. I had thought my presence would subside their loud voices, instead it only got louder.

“Lord Draven, thank goodness you are here. This lady here…”

“Bella,” She corrected him.

“Bella, has been requesting to see you. I told her to look approachable before coming to present herself to you, and she's been urging to see you looking like this,” Thor explained, his eyes scanning Bella with disgust.

I was moved to laugh, but I held it in. They were behaving like young couples who got married newly and are now arguing on who should feed the baby. I don't think I have ever seen Thor go back and forth on words, especially not with a lady.

This is new.

“Lord Draven, I…”

“Go get dressed,” I interrupted her, my voice low and relaxed. “You reek of woods and green leaves. I hate to leave an unpleasant smell in my home.”

“But I need to talk to you,” she protested as she moved to step close to me. Before she could move any further, Thor stopped her.

“You can talk from there, he's listening.”

“I need to speak with you in private. It's important that I don't want someone else to listen,” she spoke.

I could see within her how concerned and eager she is to talk to me, but then, I knew what she was on about.

I looked at Thor, who already knew exactly what I was going to tell him, “Are you sure you can trust her? She doesn't look trustworthy. Ronan must have sent her to come spy on you, she would do anything for him, knowing fully well they are mate.”

There was no doubt on what he said, yet, I know what I want and how to get it done.

“Alan is waiting at my study room, you two can start without me,” I instructed.

He glared at Bella, bowed to me and left immediately.

I walked into the room that was given to Bella. It was one of the maid quarter room but hers was different because it had perfect view of the city through the window and especially, she would see my room from across hers.

“You could have at least take a bath before arguing to meet me,” I finally broke the silent that rested between us.

“I needed to see you as soon as possible and…”

“If you are going to talk about coming to moonstone pack to take over the throne then you should forget about it,” I interrupted.

“Lord Draven, you should know better than anyone the kind of suffering the people of moonstone would go through of Ronan steps in as the ruler, they would all suffer and…”

“And you think I'm the best to help overcome that?” I cut her off, again. “You don't know me. You coincidentally met me and you think I'll agree with your terms just because I am not in good terms with Ronan and his father? I value the life of people around me more than the throne Bella, you should forget ever talking to me about it again.”

“Ronan hates you. He would do anything to make sure he brings you down. He wants to also talk the space you are rulling, that's how greedy he can be, why can't you do the same?" She questioned.

“Are you saying this for me to help you take revenge on Ronan for betraying you? You wouldn't be telling me this if he hadn't made a fool out of you,” I reminded.

“Thank goodness he did, because I wouldn't have seen the truth,” she replied almost immediately. “Ronan doesn't deserve to rule, he doesn't have the power to sit on the throne. You are the son of your father, and you should be the one, not Ronan!”

At first, I believed her words were fueled solely by her hatred for Ronan. Yet the more she spoke, the more I saw the truth hidden beneath her anger, she genuinely wanted me to ascend the throne. Unfortunately, ambition had never lived in me. The crown she desired for my head felt more like a curse than destiny.

“Ronan’s father possesses evil powers, and Ronan would take over very soon. You are the only savior moonstone wants, and without you, they would all burn. You can't remain in exile forever, Lord Draven.”

Her face turned pale; her body reacted to how angry she was. She clenched her fist, her body stiff, yet I don't intend to go back.

“I plan to remain in exile. I don't want to go back to the place I was cast out from. I don't care about the people who threw me away, I only care about those that supported me, and they are with me now,” I breathed out heavily, my hands placed gently at my back. “Freshen up, it's going to be a long night.”