Chapter 6

Norman's POV

Did I just hear right? Did Riley just called him mate?

I glared at Damon, my eyes blazing with a fierce protectiveness. Riley was mine, and I wouldn't let anyone, not even my own brother, get in the way.

Damon sneered at me, his eyes flashing with anger. "You're really something, Norman," he spat. "You think you can just claim her without even giving her a choice?"

I snarled, my claws extending. "She's mine," I growled. "And I won't let you or anyone else take her from me."

Riley trembled in my arms, and I tightened my grip around her waist. I could feel her heart racing, and I knew she was scared. But I couldn't help it. I had to protect her.

Just as it seemed like things were about to escalate into a full-blown fight, Mr. Crestwood, appeared at the entrance of the antiquated building.

"Ah, gentlemen," he said, his voice calm and authoritative. "I see we have a bit of a situation on our hands."

Damon and I glared at each other, but we both knew better than to disobey the Kingmaker. We reluctantly parted, our eyes still locked in a fierce stare.

Mr. Crestwood smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I think we can discuss this further inside," he said, gesturing to the interior of the building.

We followed him. Riley was still trembling in my arms. I could feel her heart still racing, and I knew she was scared. But I couldn't help it, I had to protect her.

We both entered the building which was some sort of ancient hall. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and the air was thick with the scent of old books.

Mr. Crestwood led us to a large wooden table, where several other men were seated. They all looked up as we approached, their eyes fixed on Riley.

"Hello everyone," Mr. Crestwood begin, his voice booming across the hall. "I present to you the latest addition to our little gathering. Miss Riley, please."

Riley curtsied, her eyes fixed on the floor. I could feel her trembling, and I knew she was nervous, probably from facing the scrutinizing gazes of all these men. But I couldn't help it. She had to be here with me.

Mr. Crestwood smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Now, gentlemen," he said, "I believe it's time we discussed the added criteria for the selection of the next High King."

The men all leaned forward, their eyes fixed intently on Mr. Crestwood.

"Yes?" one of them asked, his voice eager.

Mr. Crestwood smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "The next High King must be married," he stated, his voice booming across the hall.

The men all gasped, their eyes wide with shock. I felt Riley's eyes snap up to mine, and I could see the surprise written all over her face.

"What?" Damon exclaimed, his voice incredulous. "That's not fair!"

Mr. Crestwood shrugged, his eyes twinkling as if amused. "The rules are the rules, noble princes," he stated flatly. "And if you want to become the next High King, you'll have to play by them."

I felt Riley's eyes fixed on mine, and I could see the uncertainty written all over her face. I knew she was wondering where all these concerns her. The look on her face seems to be asking a lot of questions.

I wounded my hand around her waist, pulling her closer to me. "Don't worry," I whispered, my voice low and reassuring. "I'll take care of you."

Riley's eyes snapped up to mine, and I could see the nervousness peaked on her face, but not only that. I also saw something else — a spark of trust.

And in that moment, I knew that I would do anything to protect her. Anything to keep her safe.

I could feel Damon's eyes on us, his gaze burning with intensity. I knew he was still interested in Riley, and I couldn't blame him. She was beautiful, smart, and strong-willed.

But she was mine. And no one else would have her.

I glanced at Mr. Crestwood, who was watching us with a keen eye. "Ahem, my noble princes," he begin, clearing his throat to draw everyone's attention. "It seems we have a bit of a situation on our hands. Two brothers, both interested in the same woman. And to make matters more complicated, she's the key to becoming the next High King."

The men around the table nodded, their faces serious. I could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the situation settling in.

Mr. Crestwood leaned forward, his eyes glinting with confusion. "I think we can all agree that this is a bit of a challenge. But I'm confident that one of you will rise to the occasion."

I felt Riley's eyes on me, and I turned to her. She looked scared, but there was something else in her face which I couldn't quite picture. Was it determination or another thing entirely? I couldn't decipher it. But I knew she was strong enough to handle whatever comes our way.

I took a deep breath, my mind racing with possibilities. I knew what I had to do.

"I'll do it," I said, my voice firm. "I'll marry Riley and become the next High King."

The room fell silent, the men around the table staring at me in shock. Damon's eyes narrowed, his face twisted in a scowl.

"You can't just decide that," he growled. "Riley has a say in this too."

I turned to Riley, my eyes locking onto hers. "What do you think about this?" I asked, my voice low and husky.

Riley's eyes widened, her face suddenly pale. She looked scared, but also...hopeful.

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, I saw Damon rush to her. He was now standing by her right side while I was on the left.

He shot up a quick look at me. And I could see a mischievous smile play on his lips. I could tell he was up to something, the glint I saw on his eyes says it all.

Just as I still stood observing him, his eyes went straight to Riley's confused one. Then he said aloud, while going on one knee.

“My lady, would you do me the honour of being my wife?”

I opened my mouth in shock at his sudden outburst. My hands fisted at my side while I observed Riley's shocked face.

What the hell did I just hear? Was Damon trying to make some stupid jokes?

Definitely he wasn't. I shouldn't have forgotten how petty and mischievous he had always been right from childhood.

I should have played it more safely!