Our Other mate

Chapter 3

Merricks POV

After Phillip helped me carry Eleanore to her chamber, I retreated to my private study, seeking solace in its familiar confines. I asked Phillip to join me. He was always up for a drink and good conversation. What no one ever tells you is how lonely being a royal can be, especially after the deaths of my two older brothers, Allen and Marshall. This grand home, meant for twenty people, now housed just me and a small contingent of my household staff. Alliyah and I had once dreamed of filling each room with our large family. I'm not sure if Eleanore will even want a family, I confessed to my Lycan, who looked equally saddened by the thought.

Turning back to Phillip, I opened a bottle of Dalmore and offered him a glass, which he readily accepted. "Wanna play?" I motioned to the chessboard in front of us. He rolled his eyes. "Why? You always cheat!" he sneered. I couldn't help but laugh. Phillip, a werewolf from outside the city, hadn't grown up playing chess. "Hey, you almost beat me last time. You might win tonight." A devious smile spread across my face. He accepted, downing his glass as he made the first move.

We played well into the night until Phillip finally looked up at me, "Did you really call the Duchess Alliyah?" I cringed, closing my eyes and rubbing the bridge of my nose. I nodded without looking up, knowing he had that devilish smirk plastered on his face. I'd seen it a million times. "I need another glass," I muttered, pouring another for both of us. One would never suspect I was the duke and he was my personal guard. Many drinks later, I fell asleep in the comfy armchairs, lulled by the Dalmore, which I kept a continuous supply of since Alliyah died.

Morning light began to filter through the black curtains of the study, making the redwood almost sparkle. This room was my favorite, my father's study, kept mostly the same as he left it, save for the curtains and chairs. I grabbed my phone off the side table, glancing at the time. Phillip, still asleep, snored loudly across from me. I threw his rook at his chest, making him jump to attention, saluting with barely open eyes. "Relax," I chuckled, knowing he was far from awake. I clicked my lock screen, revealing a picture of Alliyah taken on my yacht at the end of the summer after her birthday. She looked so beautiful in her yellow dress and sun hat. It didn't matter that she wasn't of the upper class or even a Lycan; I still loved her.

Phillip had fully opened his eyes by now. He didn't need reminding that today was the 14th of the month—time to decorate the memorial. Filling my flask, we made our way to the garden. Phillip started clearing leaves that had collected at the foot of Alliyah's statue while I shined the golden plaque placed there shortly after her burial. Phillip disappeared briefly, returning with a watering can. He always ensured the flowers were well taken care of, as well as me. He had been with me for years and was my closest confidant besides Joseph. We were the same age, and after the death of his parents—my father's groom—he came to live with us. As teenagers, we were inseparable. We studied together, played together, and traveled around the kingdom. As we grew older, our friendship stayed strong, and I appointed him my personal guard. He looked after me almost to a fault, especially pulling me out of the dark hole I had drunk myself into after Alliyah's death.

"Thank you for looking out for me, Phillip," I said, inspecting the memorial.

"Always, Rick. You're the most important person in my life, and I swore an oath to protect you until my death."

"I guess we should wake up my new bride and get going. The sooner we can get this done, the better. It's hard enough knowing she doesn't want this either." I sighed, turning back toward the manor.

"Hey, you don't know that. She could be fun in the bedroom," Phillip teased, touching my shoulder.

As we entered the sitting room, we found Miriam frantically looking out the window. Phillip pushed the door open. "What is it, Miriam? Did you wake the Duchess? I heard she can be a bit crabby," he chuckled.