Chapter 15

Norman's POV

I stood before the round table of the court, my eyes fixed on Mr. Crestwood and the other kingmakers. They were the ones who would decide my fate, determine whether I would be allowed to pursue the throne. And now, they were telling me that my marriage to Riley was a problem.

"Norman, you have committed a great atrocity by marrying a girl under the crescent moon," one of the kingmakers said, his voice stern. "You must send her back to Hornside and marry another, hence that will void your first marriage."

I felt my heart kick in anger at their words. How could they ask me to abandon Riley, the woman I had come to care for? I thought about her innocent smile, her laughter, and her determination—everything that endeared me to her. I couldn't possibly come to terms with leaving her, not because these men here want it that way.

"I understand that I may have broken the Moonclak law," I begin, trying to keep my tone calm. "But surely there's a way to rectify this situation without harming Riley. She's my mate, you all know what wolves leaving their mates does to them."

The kingmakers looked at each other, their expressions unyielding. "The law is clear, Norman," Mr. Crestwood said. "A leader or someone aspiring to lead this kingdom cannot marry under the crescent moon. It's a great atrocity, a bad omen even.” He paused, letting his words sink into my head before he continued. “So, you must pay the price."

I clenched my fists, feeling a sense of frustration. Why couldn't they understand? Riley was my mate, my partner. I wouldn't leave her for another woman. How do they expect my wolf to thrive if I decided to leave her? And even if I managed to live without her, what would happen to her? She isn't a strong wolf like me. Heck, she doesn't even have a wolf.

But I couldn't explain all that to these men. The issue of Riley not having a wolf should only be known by very few people. If I let them know about Riley's condition, that could raise another objection as to why I can't marry her. Most people believe for a pack or kingdom to succeed, the Alpha or leader of such a pack or kingdom must choose a strong woman as his Luna which I didn't quite agree with. I believe strength alone doesn't rule a kingdom, one also needs a dose of smartness and intelligence to complete the piece on the board. And that's where Riley comes in, she is both smart and intelligent. The only problem is that she doesn't see herself that way and hence the people outside don't see her that way either.

I wiped the beads of sweat that was forming on my forehead as I turned my attention back to the men in the room.

"What price?" I asked, referring to what the man had said earlier. "What do I have to do to make this right?" I threw at them, my ears itching to hear any other words than the one I already knew.

I watched as the kingmakers looked at each other again, and then Mr. Crestwood spoke up. "You must send Riley back to Hornside and marry another. If you do this, we might consider allowing you to pursue the throne."

I felt a pang of sadness at their words. They were asking me to choose between Riley and the throne. But I knew what my decision would be.

"I'm not going to abandon Riley," I said, my voice firm. "She's my mate, and more than that, she's the woman after my heart. So, the issue of leaving her is a big NO." I answered, laying emphasis on the last word.

The kingmakers looked at each other, their expressions shocked. "Norman, think about what you're doing," one of them said. "You're throwing away your chance at the throne. Is this woman really worth it?"

I nodded, my mind made up. "I'm not throwing away my chance at the throne. No, that's a different thing entirely. You should punish me for my own wrongdoing and not this innocent woman.” I tried to explain then pause as my voice was beginning to creak, “And yes, she's worth it. I'd rather have her by my side because she's worth more than a million tonnes of gold."

The court session ended with no resolution, and I had to leave while feeling frustrated and angry. But I knew what I had to do. I would never leave Riley, not because of some throne or any other thing.

As I walked out of the courtroom, I met with Mr. Crestwood in a private chamber. He looked at me with a mixture of disappointment and concern.

"Norman, I'm telling you this as a friend," he said. "If you really want to pursue the throne, you should do as the court suggests. Leave Riley behind and marry another. Otherwise, you'll lose your chances of being one of the contenders for the throne."

I sighed, feeling the weight of his words. I knew what he was saying, but I couldn't bring myself to abandon Riley.

"Mr. Crestwood, I appreciate your concern," I said. "But I won't leave Riley behind. She's my mate, but not just because of that. She's a woman I've come to love. The very essence of the air I breath. If I leave her, my heart would surely stop breathing.”

Mr. Crestwood shook his head, a smile forming at the corner of his lips, “Love. It's indeed a wonderful thing any man should behold in his lifetime.” He paused, rubbing his jaw and then his expression turned serious. "But, are you sure you ain't making a grave mistake?” He asked but didn't wait for me to respond. “The court won't take kindly to your defiance. You need to think carefully about your decision."

I nodded, my mind made up. "I've thought about it, Mr. Crestwood. I know what I'm doing. And I won't back down."