Captain of the Guard. Legend of the Four Kingdoms. Book 1 bxb ✔️

23. Between a rock and a hard place.

"This is a surprise indeed", said Wren, whirling Art around the dancefloor.

Holding his mate in his arms as they sealed the bond felt as right as he thought it would.

"Sorry to put you on the spot like that, but Alexi needed my support", Art replied, seeming perfectly content in the public embrace.

Although things had settled down and all guests returned to their own business, he felt reluctant to let Wren go. He felt it almost as strongly as the need to protect Alexi.

When they finally took a break from dancing, Wren was introduced to Prince Rafael of Cho.

"Please, call me Aeyel, just like before", he said, smiling brightly at Art and Wren.

"I am to congratulate you, Captain Wren, on being mated to such a fine young man. As I recall Art showed real promise as a handler."

"How so?" was Wrens surprised reaction.

Aeyel smiled.

"When we met, Art was only eight and just able to change into his wolf. Still he managed to befriend Black Mane who was a very temperamental steed. Even then it was clear to see he had a knack for training horses. Just like his father."

He turned to Alexi.

"I'm afraid that Black Mane died in the war, so it's good to see that his son is doing well. I visited the stables before coming here and Stormrider looks formidable."

The look of pure love between the men made Art tremble inside. It took all his self-control, supported by the constant reminder of Charlotte 'to behave', to keep him from taking Alexis hand and dragging him away for a private conversation. Where Alexi effortlessly fell for his man, he stumbled along finding only more obstacles.

"How interesting", said Casper across the open mind link. "Charlotte just told me that Prince Aeyel has no wolf, but seeing that look in his eyes makes me really doubt that."

Wren nodded.

"Excuse me, Prince Aeyel, but how old were you when you met Art and Prince Alexi?" he inquired with a hushed voice.

Prince Aeyel raised his eyebrows.

"I just turned fourteen", he answered with apparent surprise. "Why do you ask?"

Wren hesitated.

"Please, think before you answer", said Charlotte. "This knowledge could have consequences."

"We agree", Casper nodded, "but I think that he needs to learn the truth about his heritage."

Wren leaned a little closer.

"It means that you do have a wolf, only it's dormant. Strong wolfs have the capacity to identify their mate from the age of thirteen. He recognized his mate when you met Prince Alexi and laid a claim on him."

"How could a dormant wolf claim an eight year old human boy?" Alexi wondered.

Charlottes smirk was so obnoxious that it made Art grunt.

"Mating bonds are forged in heaven. They have their own kind of magic."

Wren could see that Prince Aeyel hang on every word and felt his anxiety grow.

"But what if my father decides that a marriage between my sister and Alexi is more favorable for the Kingdom?"

Art shook his head.

"That would be sacrilege. When a true mate is found and the bond is sealed than separation would mean death to both parties. Why on earth would your father do such a horrible thing?"