Andriel

After the meeting with Uriel, Andriel lingered in his office for a while, mulling over the conversation he’d had with his friend. He knew Uriel would face challenges because his mate wasn’t a Lycan like them. Despite understanding all the implications, the king was confident that Uriel wouldn’t back down or reject his partner.

Standing up, Andriel walked to his office window, which overlooked a dense forest stretching out ahead.

“Where are you? Why haven’t you come to me yet?” he asked, gazing at the landscape outside. “Don’t take too long, please, or I feel like I really won’t be able to tame the beast inside me.”

The question he’d posed to Uriel about giving up on his mate applied to him too. Just as he’d told Uriel, Andriel was certain that, whether she was human, a wolf, or even a witch, he wouldn’t give up. He was ready to face anyone who tried to steer him away from his destiny.

Andriel’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door, followed by a request for permission to enter.

“Sir, your mother is waiting with your brother for morning tea,” said a young woman who kept her head bowed.

“Tell them I’m on my way.”

The young woman curtsied and tilted her neck before leaving. Andriel sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. The endless bows and formalities, which he’d grown used to since becoming king, were starting to grate on him, a sign that his patience was wearing thin. Lately, everything and everyone seemed to get under his skin.

He descended the stairs, his office being on the second floor, and went to meet his mother. She had a ritual she wouldn’t budge on: breakfast together, followed by mid-morning tea. Andriel and his younger brother, Brian, were obliged to attend, no exceptions, though both secretly loathed it.

“Why did it take you so long? Are there urgent matters this early?” his mother asked the moment he walked in.

“Yes, Mother, I’m the king, which means my time and responsibilities are endless,” he replied with a hint of exasperation, sitting down.

Brian knew his brother well and could tell he was in a foul mood, hoping their mother would pick up on it and steer clear of touchy subjects.

“Is it the rebels again? Will they ever stop causing trouble?” she pressed, her voice tinged with irritation.

“It was something else, Mother. As for the rebels, I’m doing what I can to keep their advances in check,” Andriel answered, visibly annoyed by the barrage of questions.

“Mom, we shouldn't discuss this while we're having tea. Let's talk about something else,” Brian suggested, trying to change the subject to a lighter topic.

Andriel looked at his brother and, although he said nothing, his expression conveyed gratitude. He and Brian had always been very close, never keeping secrets from each other.

“All right, let's talk about something pleasant. I'm planning to throw a party and invite representatives from all the packs in the country,” said their mother with a smile.

The brothers exchanged glances, both sensing that she was up to something.

“Why is that, Mom?” Brian asked, trying to figure out her intentions.

“The king's birthday is coming up, and it's only natural that I want to throw a big party. Lycans from all over will be there, and many of these leaders have daughters who haven't found their mates yet. Who knows? One of them might be the right person for you,” she said, making her motivations clear.

The brothers looked at each other again, understanding perfectly why their mother was planning such an extravagant event. At 22, Brian had found his mate. Their mother was clearly concerned that Andriel, in particular, was taking too long to find his predestined partner.

“Mom, won’t it look like we’re desperate for him to find his mate?” Brian asked, clearly uneasy about the idea, mirroring the discomfort he sensed in his brother.

“And, aren’t we? Your brother’s about to turn thirty, and there’s still no sign of her. You know what that means—aren’t you worried about what could happen to him?” she shot back, her composure slipping.

“I’m right here, Mother, and you’re talking about my life. So don’t act like I’m not in the room,” Andriel snapped, defending himself.

Some of the servants in the room had already lowered their heads, a few breathing faster, aware that a conversation like this would only make the king more agitated.

“Am I wrong? Are you both just going to sit there and watch him grow older each year, getting closer and closer to losing control? If you two won’t do anything, I will.”

“Enough!”

Andriel slammed his fist on the table, sending a few items crashing to the floor, and his brother immediately went on alert. He stood up, his frustration with the conversation palpable.

“Do you really think it’s easy, knowing I’m losing control of my emotions with every passing year? As if the pressure of being king and dealing with the rebels isn’t enough, I have to face your pressure about finding my mate too? If it were up to me, she’d already be by my side, but maybe she’s dead, or maybe the goddess doesn’t want anyone for me.”

“How can you think like that? Even if she’s gone, I still believe you’d get a second-chance mate,” his mother tried to argue.

“I know nothing I say will make a difference, so do whatever you want. Just don’t push me more than I’m already pushed—don’t demand something I can’t control.”

Andriel tossed his napkin on the table and stormed out of the dining room. His brother and his Beta were among the few who could calm the king, and seeing Andriel leave in such a state, Brian excused himself to their mother and followed him. He found Andriel near a tree, punching and clawing at the wood with his claws. Seeing his brother in such distress, Brian tried to soothe him.

“Andriel, please, calm down. Look at me,” he urged, approaching his brother slowly.

Hearing Brian’s voice, Andriel stopped and collapsed to his knees. In front of his brother, the king allowed himself to show his weaknesses and vulnerability, beginning to cry as Brian embraced him.

“I don’t want to go feral and lose control, but if it can’t be avoided, promise me you’ll kill me, Brian. I can’t hurt you or Mom. Seeing the people I love injured because of me would be worse than anything,” Andriel pleaded through his tears.

“Listen to me—you’re not going to go feral. If we have to scour this entire country, you and I will find your destined mate, and you’ll be okay. Do you hear me?” 

Brian hugged him tightly, trying to instill hope in his brother. He knew Andriel’s request was something he might have to face, but he couldn’t—and didn’t want to—consider that possibility. The thought of having to do it was far too painful.