The Final Waltz

Chapter 4

"Maria, can we talk?" He asked out his mate in soft eyes and in a gentle manner. He had previously mindlinked her about this meeting in private in which both can spend some time alone to discuss some important matters.

"I've been wanting to hear from you and not on others about what's going on in your life. I get that there are things that are hard to talk about but I want things to work around us. Would it be okay if I start and you'll follow? I wouldn't push you if it's too uncomfortable to talk about..." His voice sounded so beautiful to her ears though her anxiety about talking about the past made her worried.

"Alright, it's only the two of us talking right?" She asked with a worried strain coming out from her voice.

"We haven't been well prepared and this is kinda embarrassing to say. I might have went around and ask for advices from other married couples and we're a couple right?! "
He mumbled off and was stuttering a little at the end of his lines.

"Yes, we are a couple. If you see it as it is. " she gave off a small smile.

"I already have taken the hint that we couldn't get married if we wished too but we have already accepted each other... " he paused as Maria frowned.

"You couldn't mark me... I know how important it is for werewolves, I'm sorry Cole. " her voice was so soft that it almost sound like a whisper as she rubbed the scars Damian clawed at her neck under the beautiful silken cloth she covered at.

"What are you apologizing for, if there was anyone. It should be me for making you talk and feel like this."

"No, you already have done enough and this couldn't be avoided. We both need to sort things out on our relationship as well. I'm honestly surprised that you thought this through. " her eyes beamed out in delight seeing him concern over her well being and for their sake.

"I have sorted out a list on what we should have talked about from others like the first one being bills, financial expectations, debts, credit and other resource and finance management needed in establishing a comfortable life. " he told her off the first one in the list which she replied with honesty.

"Well... I know how to stock market, I did a couple of odd jobs back then at Basile's place. It has given me a fair amount of treasures, not to mention the bribes I got from suitors... Umm, there was only Damian, Basile and you okay!  No other men, I refused them all but I couldn't give them back their gifts cause of Basile's stupid law!"

She panicked and tried to explain the situation though it only made her look cute. She's cute when she's mad or being feisty or clueless,  he thought.

"It is stated that if a Man or a woman wished to court someone in Basile's realm they would have to bestowed riches.  The courted one can only receive and never return the gifts even if he or she refused the proposal and you have no idea how much Basile has. I suppose you could say that becoming Basile's candidate as a lover isn't as easy as it is. It forms alliances as well and have major benefits in terms of power. As for me, I have several ones due to my children. Apparently many powerful beings aren't as fertile as me, if you get what I am saying..." she explained as Cole only nodded.

"I understand what you meant. Some traditions are just like how the werewolves have done in the past. As an Prince now, I can say that my wealth has increased very much but I cannot spend them lavishly on myself as I don't think that would be necessary. I mostly have them donated to orphanages, security, and health management within the pack. But if you wish me to bought off something expensive for you then I wouldn't mind. " he teased then looked at the list again as she fiddled her fingers and he held her hand.

"Second we need to talk about religion. I am a werewolf or a lycan to be more accurate and we only believe in one god and that is the Moon Goddess though I know that you were a Roman Catholic back then. Do you still believe in Gods? "