The Barbarian Mate [Edited]

Chapter 22

Yeilk's scowl deepened as he watched Althea speak to Master Anan. He was afraid of the decision she would make. He hadn't thought the time for her to leave would come so fast after everything they had been through together.

Rubes placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "She will make the right choice, brother. You two were made for one another. Master Anan chose her for a reason."

Yeilk's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "What if she does leave?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rubes' expression turned serious. "Trust me, she won't leave you behind. Here she comes."

Althea walked over to them, her face void of emotion. "I'm sorry, Yeilk. Home calls."

Yeilk's heart sank, and he felt like he had been punched in the gut. "So you're leaving," he said, his voice flat and emotionless.

He hung his head, unable to look at her. He was afraid that if he did, he would find some way to make her stay, and he wanted her to be happy.

But then Althea's voice cut through his despair. "I'm here to stay."

Yeilk's head snapped up, his eyes locking onto Althea's. "You're not leaving me?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

Althea smiled, her eyes shining with love. "Home is where you are."

Yeilk pulled her into his arms, the relief he felt overwhelming. "I thought I was going to lose you," he whispered, his voice muffled against her hair.

Rubes couldn't stop cheering. "I told you!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with tears.

Althea laughed and hugged Yeilk tighter. "I want to see how you would react if I said I was leaving."

Yeilk pulled back, his eyes narrowing. "How do you expect me to react, woman? You're breaking my heart."

Althea laughed again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."

Just then, a loud hiss cut through the air, and Yeilk and Althea drew their swords. "Serpents!" Yeilk exclaimed, his eyes scanning the horizon.

Rubes and the others followed suit, their swords at the ready. "Those vile things are looking for war," Rubes spat, her eyes blazing with anger.

A figure emerged from the distance, his eyes fixed on Yeilk. "Chief Yeilk, we meet again."

Yeilk's eyes narrowed. "Loes."

Loes looked at Althea with a raised eyebrow. "I heard you killed the queen."

Althea stepped forward, her sword still clutched in her hand. "He didn't. I did."

Loes' eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. "Are we going to fight or not?" Rubes asked, her voice impatient.

Loes held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "No, I didn't come here to fight. I'm here to make peace."

Yeilk and the others looked at him like he was crazy. "Peace?" Yeilk repeated, his voice incredulous.

Loes nodded, his eyes sincere. "I don't want to fight anymore. I don't want my kid to grow up with war at every corner. Yes, I have a woman. Don't look so surprised. I call truce."

The group stood there in stunned silence, unsure of what to make of Loes' sudden change of heart.

"Why should we trust you after what you did to Althea?" Yeilk asked, his voice cold and hard. "I should be killing you right now."

Loes fell to his knees, his head bent in submission. "I sincerely apologize, Chief Althea. I take whatever punishment you see fit."

They stood there in surprise, Althea wondering if this was some kind of joke.

Finally, Yeilk spoke up. "Stand up."

Loes rose to his feet, his eyes fixed on Yeilk. "If you go back on your words, you'll be tasting my blade."

"A chief's words are his bond," Loes replied, his face solemn.

"Then I call truce," Yeilk said, extending his hand.

Loes took it, sealing their truce with a handshake.

As Loes bowed and left with his people, Yeilk turned to Althea and Rubes. "Well, today is just full of surprises. It's getting dark, so we should call it a day."

Rubes nodded.

Yeilk smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Let's go get something to eat. I'm starving."

They walked back to the castle for some relaxation.