Chapter 3

“Even so Philip, you shouldn't have fought with Big Brother out in the open, it just goes a long way to confirm you can not handle your temper”

“Big brother? Kurt you are the youngest and you dare address me by my name and my junior big brother?” It was not a secret Damon was his favorite brother despite the fact they shared different mothers, he had not been to the capital for a long time However, Kurt loved him the most. 

“Philip, chill he is only a boy and knows nothing about the politics of the land”

“Edward I may know nothing about the politics of the land but am aware of the dignity of the royal household. And that should be your priority, it is no doubt your harlot of a mother would rather spend her time screwing a guard than teaching you how not to wash your dirty undies in public”

“you ……”’

“That's enough, You are brothers and as such you have to live and help each other. Damon, the slave….”’

“‘Father, she is my mate, she is going nowhere.” Damon could feel the piercing gaze of others penetrating through his flesh. “She will have to go through the initiation. Make preparations ready and a date will be announced for your wedding, keep in mind Queen Gertrude will stand in as your mother”’ Queen Gertrude is the first queen and mother to Philip and Calista. A concubine can not stand as a parent and only satisfy the king in bed. Damon knew the laws.

 “I will love a quiet wedding, She will be returning to the border with me by nightfall” The king knew the words of his son were his bond. As the god of war, he alone holds military power all over the 7 regions and the Sea of Livingburg. ‘’She has to be trained to be royal, It is bad enough you are marrying a sacrificial lamb, dont make it worse’’ 

‘’You should be in the next clan, married, and in your husband's house. Calista, marriage is a lifetime commitment and not just spending and luxury, You have no say when men are talking, I will advise you to go judge cases in the clan over, this is no longer your home”’ Calista chewed her gums in anger. She could not say anything and neither did her father say a word in her defense, as always Damon and his siblings are given the golden spoon. She spun in her throne in joy knowing fully well her mother would never have them married. 

“Dismiss”’ the king was led to his private chambers. Philip was the first to stand on his feet to retire to his mansion. “It seems someone is running away, a weak man can never rule over this kingdom.” Edwards's words were tuning, Philip knew better than to pay attention to him. His words were like daggers in his heart, if only he had not been born sickly, his younger brother would never have been the war god while he followed behind his father like a lamb dog desperately begging for recognition and love. 

“Let go, I will see how Mother will approve of such a union, it  will be over my dead body I call a slave, a sacrificial lamb princess”’ 

“‘Dont wish for the possible princess, who knows it might just happen”’ Edward was quick to remind her the man before she was no other than the God of war. He has been in battles and slaying is his usual habit without hesitation and reluctance.

Damon left his brothers taunting each other in the throne room. He had no interest in staying in the capital city. Wedding or not he was already her mate and as such will do everything for her. “Brother wait up” Kurt called from behind panting with his tongue out like that of a tired dog. “You should join me in the borders, you can barely run”

“Physical activities has never been my specialty” Kurt whined. He would rather have maids and guards run his errands for him while he ran behind the beautiful damsels of the capital especially those from the rich households were his specialty. 

“Defending yourself should be your priority, You will be going with me today to the borders. it is an order,” Kurt could not say no to his brother. 

Damon walked back to his mother's Mansion, The servants were all very happy to see him after so many years. He glanced around and could not see his mother or sister “In your chambers my prince” the head servant informed him. Damon ran up the stairs, he wanted to see his mother so much. The closer he got to the room, every memory of his childhood came back. He gently pushes the door, to find his mother attending to Seranda who is still unconscious.

 “Mother” Damon called from behind, Queen Emma turned with a smile. It is been so many long teary nights of her not hearing this voice. It was hoarse but it felt the same as always, her little sweet boy who was taken in her arms and sent to be killed over in the borders. “How have you been?” Queen Emma asks as soon as Damon falls into his embrace. “All good Mom, all good” she heard him, looked at him with so much joy and admiration. “I am proud, you made me the proudest of all my mates and queens.”’

“Mom stop sounding like I am invincible, Did I make you proud all these years”’ Emery joked. She has been sneaking around the capital to see her brother over the years. 

I woke up to so much noise, no…it was more of laughter and joy. It felt good to be surrounded with happiness for the first time in my life. I could see three people standing over me it came in a blur, they all moved around each saying something. I could not make out what they were saying as their lips all moved together. A lad reached out and touched my forehead tenderly, She looked elderly she turned to chart away with joy and a smile on their face. This could be the Land Beyond right? If this is it then I dont regret dying another time.

 “Is this the land of Zeranda?”