Traces of Elijah: Legacy of the Queen

Chapter 9

-Lina's POV-

I pace in my office, nervous and ecstatic to see my mate again. I hope my invitation found her well. I've been trying to contain my excitement. I wish she would have a change of heart. I just want to be with her already, clear up this mess between us. I just hope this Grace is kind enough to accept my peace offering...convincing her to let me keep her father behind bars isn't going to be easy. Not in the slightest but I have to try. I hear a knock at the door, interrupting my pacing and rampant thoughts.
"Yes?" I call out. Dawson peeks into the room.

"They're here." His tone very serious. If I wasn't anxious before, I definitely am now.  Seeing her again...she's all I ever wanted. I have to make this shot count like it's my last.

"Okay. Bring them in."

"Alright. I'll be back with them in just a moment." He nods to me and dips back out of the room. I take a deep breath, shaking my limbs out in an attempt to get rid of my nerves. You've got this. You can't give up. That's not who you've ever been, that's not who you'll ever be. You are the queen, an Alpha. You can do this. I let out an exhale and sit at my desk, straightening my posture. I have to look somewhat authoritative, confident. She'll appreciate that more. I was weak when she first met me. I'm not going to let her see me weak this time. Finally, the door creaks open and I'm greeted...only by Grace. Huh... she has freckled caramel skin and light brown curls. She's like the female version of her father.

"Grace Browar...finally I get to meet the mastermind." I offer my hand for her to shake, just to show her I'm here for peace but also throwing in a tiny jab about her failed raid into my territory.

"Lina Rune...the thorn in my side." She flashes a fake smile with a firm handshake, throwing a jab back at me.

"Please, have a seat. Will Elia be joining us?" I have to ask. I've been waiting all day for her.

"She'll be waiting for me outside. This is between you and me." Is she gatekeeping her or something? I thought Elia was just her right hand like Dawson is to me which is why he's standing at the door.

"I invited both of you for a peaceful conversation." Grace inhales. I can already hear the condescending tone come on.

"Here's the thing about that, your highness, Elia isn't yours to have. I gave her the order to sever ties with you because she is my fiancé. I can't have you being mated if she's supposed to marry me." I blink a few times. Did I just hear that right? Fiancé?

That can't be! she's our mate, she can't be with anyone else. She belongs to us. Everything in me agrees with my wolf.

How can she be engaged if she's supposed to be with me?

We have to stop that marriage from happening no matter the cost. We can't let her marry someone else. Not now, not ever.

1000%. We gotta work this out somehow.

"I'm sorry Grace...if Elia really wanted to marry you, she wouldn't have hesitated severing the bond to me. Even still she could but she won't because I know she doesn't want to. She doesn't want to stop an amazing thing before it even starts. It's the Goddess's will." I can see Grace's hands ball into fists on her lap.

"Elia agreed to be my wife before you were even a thought in her mind. She agreed to come here simply to support me. She didn't come here for you. She will never give into the stupid bond that you probably fabricated just like-....I've already said too much. I want my father and I want you to stay the hell away from Elia." She stands up, walking up to my desk, gripping the edge. I stand up, obviously not gonna let another Alpha punk me off. She thinks just because my heat overcame  me and Elia distracted me that she can step to me in my territory? She's dead fucking wrong. I catch sight of Dawson who looks ready to step in and I give him the look to stand down. My eyes land back on Grace, the both of us strong in our stances. We both have malice in our eyes.