FOURTY TWO

Derek

I was impatient and frustrated.

It was time for the meeting in the dining hall.

The place was empty save for myself and a staff of my household. I briefly looked at the man who stood there dusting the mantle.

Who was he? I didn’t recognize him.

I was about to call him over when my mother walked in, dressed in a green embellished gown.

“You look nervous,” my mother commented, as if she was stating the weather. “I do hope you’re ready to express remorse for your actions.”

“I am,” I insisted, noticing how the man had not moved from the spot. I turned to my mother. “I’ll convince her.”

She smiled sadly at me before replying, “We shall see. After all, she may be soft hearted but everything and everyone has limits.”

My eyes looked over the empty dining hall as she said that. Those words were painful but I had to admit that. I ruminated over my mother’s words as she sat by my side.

It was true. But I had a chance to convince Alisha to not let go of our mate bond so easily. I would make