Eternal

Chapter III - Abstractedness

Abstractedness – (n) the state of being withdrawn or absent in mind

Origin – Latin

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Adelaide was furious. He wants her to stay at the castle.

Her.

At the castle.

She can't stay with lycans! She can't stand the sight of them, so how will she be able to bear living with them?

Of course, the expected thing of newly found mates was to court, then to move in together, but how can that happen in her case? Not that she wanted it to happen, obviously. She just wanted to be free, not stuck in a palace with the man she hated.

Moreover, they were from different kingdoms. To others, it might sound logical, but in her mind, it was absolutely absurd. How can he expect her to accept his conditions? She was sure that he disliked her, if not hated her as well. So why would he propose such a thing?

"Absolutely not!" Demetrius snarled. "My sister will not remain here."

"It's not your choices, alpha Demetrius. Sit down." Theodore warned. His beast was resurfacing at the disrespect, demanding to be obeyed. It showed through his rapidly darkening eyes, and growls ripping through his chest. If Theodore did not control it soon, the beast would be emerging and the results won't be satisfying.

Adelaide considered the situation. If she did not do anything to calm both alphas down, she would regret the outcome, so she did the thing she thought was most sensible, even though she did not like it.

"I'll stay." She blurted suddenly, catching the attention of both males.

"No, you won't-" Demetrius started, but he was sharply cut off by his sister.

"I'll stay," Adelaide repeated, scowling at her brother. "But I have my conditions." She stated, facing the slightly calmer king. Theodore raised an eyebrow, daring her to continue.

Adelaide carried on, "I'd like to visit my family at least once a month, and if they wish to visit me, they must be welcomed; anytime."

Theodore and Demetrius started to argue, but she cut them off once again, "I'm not finished." She interrupted. "I don't want to be presented as the queen anytime soon. I need my space for a while," Adelaide paused. "I also want to be able to go for a run anytime I wish; alone."

"Are you done?" Theodore asked icily. He stared at her, scrutinizing her face and making the woman shift uncomfortably in her seat.

"Yes."

"We'll discuss those at a later time; in private." He looked pointedly at her brother. "As for the disrespect you've shown," He turned back to her. "I'll let it slide this time, but beware. It's the only time."

Adelaide risked a glance at her brother, seeing the rage flooding his features. It's only a matter of time before he explodes, and she hoped he'd be able to control himself. They couldn't risk a war.

As though he read her mind, Demetrius stood suddenly. "I'll take my leave now."

Theodore nodded his head, and without looking at her, Demetrius turned and left the room.

"Now that we're alone, we can discuss your terms." Theodore smirked.

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Adelaide wasn't thrilled. Their negotiation, didn't go as planned. She can only visit her family once every two months, and they can only visit twice a year. Theodore was sure fond of the number two. It was either that or none at all. She had no choice but to accept, no matter how hard she tried to convince him otherwise.

Now she was angrily walking down the hallways, hoping to reach her chambers soon just so could vent in private. She wanted no spectators on her mental break-down, and especially not lycans.

The points he told her were also valid. She couldn't leave the castle anytime soon. Her heat would be starting by the next full moon, which was fifteen days away. She had no other option but to stay near him until it has passed. She hoped to be able to visit her family one last time before she left, just to say goodbye. Yet now, that was snatched away from her, and it was all because of him. Theodore.

She didn't know what to do. She felt hopeless, stuck in a place with no beginning, nor an end. She had no-one to go to, no-one to let it out with, and she was lonely; lonelier than she has ever been.

What was she to do now?