I'll Be Here Waiting on Forever

CHAPTER FOUR

It was nearly a month later when Louis came to the conclusion that he really did need to explain the entire situation to his advisers Zayn, Liam, and Niall. It was one afternoon while Harry was gone that Louis found enough courage to do so.

He was nervous; not only for their expected teasing, but for the slightest possibility that one of them would betray him and either tell the villagers of their king's affair or—even worse—someone affiliated to King Robin. He trusted his friends with his life but there was always a small amount of worry that crossed his mind.

Louis went down the stairs with a lump in his throat. It wouldn't exactly be easy to explain the sweet omega that continually visited him every week. Especially since it wasn't just any omega, but it was the prince of the neighboring kingdom.

Louis walked quickly down the open hallway. The crisp, September breeze ruffled his hair and brought a slight chill down his spine. His heart was thrumming hard in his chest as he made his way towards the designated room where he met his advisers. When he arrived, the door was shut. He didn't bother knocking.

His three advisers were already seated on mirroring benches near the fire. Zayn sat alone, while Liam and Niall shared a bench. Louis smiled tightly at them, shutting the door behind him.

"How are you three doing?" Louis asked, making his way to the only empty bench. Zayn was to his left and Liam and Niall were to his right.

"All right," Zayn answered with a casual shrug.

Louis flashed a smile at him. He and Zayn had been friends since he was little, as Zayn's father had been his father's adviser. Liam and Niall, on the other hand, were just really close friends who knew him all too well.

An awkward pause filled the room then. They knew something was on Louis' mind. They always seemed to know.

"Look," Louis clapped his hands together, "I'll get straight to the point. I'm, uh, mated. I've found a mate."

"Really?" Niall's eyes widened in slight surprise. He grinned happily at Louis. "I'm happy for you," he said.

Liam, on the other hand, gave a polite smile before adding, "Congratulations."

"The thing is though," Louis continued, swallowing thickly and avoiding their gazes. "It's King Robin's son. His omega son, Harry."

Louis took a risky glance to watch their expressions. He saw his friends' eyes widen in a new look of surprise. The room seemed to freeze.

"Christ," Zayn breathed out a minute later. "You're bonded to him?"

Louis nodded.

"How'd you manage that?" Niall asked quietly.

"Well, he hid it well I suppose," Louis shrugged, casting his gaze downwards. "His sister, Gemma, knows about it."

"She's an alpha?" Liam asked. Louis nodded again. "That means she becomes Queen once King Robin- uh," Liam swallowed, staring at Louis helplessly.

"Dies," Louis finished for him. "Yeah, I know. So, for now, Harry has to hide the fact that he's bonded."

"That must be rough," Liam commented, giving Louis a sympathetic smile.

"It is," Louis sighed.

"How's he visiting you then?" Niall looked confused. "How have you kept this a secret?"

"He rides his horse," Louis explained. "He comes through the window and leaves before his father wakes up. He only comes once or twice a week," he added.

"Damn," Zayn shook his head in amazement. "You must really love him, mate."

"I do," Louis blushed, a smile forming on his lips. "I really do."