EKA: Tale of a Wounded Heart

A Letter

Dantero stirred. He fell asleep in the woods the night before. He was sure the guards were all around. He should stop working himself down to exhaustion but really what does it matter? It's not like there is anyone back in the palace. The whole family was wiped out by the black magicians and Anti werewolf militants who killed half of the people in Manowar royal family too.

Dantero sighed at the thought of Manowar. He was never hostile to them. In fact he respects the Kings a lot. Probably the only two people in authority he respects. Of course, he has his advisors and his step mom whom he does give a damn about. But mom was away for a visit to a far of temple. So, he was basically off the hook.

The last time he went to the borders of Manowar into Hallerbo, it was to meet the Mantinis, the long time allies of Niro. They were now part of the royal family. And he had also met Jana Magnus Mantini, the Luna of Mantini pack.

It was on his way back from having a discussion with them about possible protection as Supermoon approached, that he got mowed by a wolf. A very young wolf whose skin when it brushed Dantero's made it tingle.

He was not that hard a rock to not recognise it when one meets their mate. He met his but he had run. A rogue King in the lands of Manowar to anyone else would be scandal! The wolf will reject him as is done always when a pack wolf has a rogue mate. But he was yet to feel it. He certainly wasn't expecting a letter with too many important seals atop it!

He raised a brow as he counted them. There was the Alwar, De Russe, Mantini seals, then there was the official seals of Manowar, Myrkovir, Ilse and Hallerbo.

He saw the name of the person who sent it. Ivory De Russe Alwar, a prince then!

Dear King Dantero,

Dantero's brow raised.

I am sure you must be wondering why on earth is an Alwar prince writing to you if you have not seen my family symbol that night. Yes, I was the wolf you met in the woods. If my brothers are not mistaken,it was you I fell on. Read more only if it's indeed you!

I am sure I do not need to remind you of the consequences if you break my heart. Keeping than in mind, My rogue King, I expect you at the earliest possible time to come to you know where we are (security reasons) and collect me !

Your self assured future King,
Ivory De Russe Alwar (Malvan?)

And Dantero broke out into a laugh. He rarely laughed. He looked at the letter again.

"A princeling, interesting! So, he is not rejecting me!" thought Dantero as he read the letter again and again.

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However, what if the King requests him to reject his son. Will he do it? He was not sure. Anyway, he will have to be on what to Hallerbo soon lest his mate actually make an appearance and make him do something undignified even for a rogue wolf King, like laughing like a commoner or hugging him in public or mating in the woods!

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Ivory wanted to slam his head on a wall. Who writes such a stupid letter to a King! His own mate?

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Preparations for Ili's party which is only three days away was in full swing. Cristian, Ahem and their kids have come from Ilse and the house was a lot more noisier just like in palace.

Ili was nervous. He paced his room. He can see Antony helping in setting up the security measures. Ili wished the man would look at his face. He hasn't seen Antony for so long now, after he stopped teaching archery. After the incident in the woods. He remembers being cradled safely in his arms as he fought for life. As if he could feel it, Antony looked up at him and they stood there looking at each other.

Antony looked away and walked off.

Ili couldn't help but pray that Antony be his mate. Maybe it was youth's folly or a child's crush, but he thinks the moon goddess will consider his prayers too. He did not really care if the man is a bit older than him - almost 12 years is nothing!

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Antony had not expected Ili to be looking at him. He was. He could only look away. To say that he missed Ili's charming character and his bubbliness would be an understatement. But he was too young for Antony to not feel like a creep for having different kind of affection for him.

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Isco ran down the stairs into Kanwar's arms. Kanwar lifted his face.

"What has got you in a good mood?" asked Kanwar.

Isco smiled leaning back on Kanwar's chest.

"Papa said he will bake cookies for me," said Isco.

"He did huh! Blessed guys we are!" smiled Kanwar.

"Uhuh" smiled Isco.

Arth came over. He climbed on Kanwar's other leg and he and Isco started talking about some random toy!

This was how Eka and Jana found them to both of there amusement.

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All fell silent when a messenger came to inform that King of Noir is seeking an audience. Ivy came running down the stairs.

"Wait, let us hear his intention out," said Iker.

Avadh nodded and smiled at Ivy.

"I don't know what you wrote in that letter. Sure as hell got a response!" said Avadh.

He nodded to his brothers and it was the older Alwar- De Russe brothers who greeted Dantero.

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Avadh and Iker sat down and so did the others. Dantero sat down albeit a bit hesitantly.

"What brings you here? " asked Avadh.

"Your highness, I got the letter your son Ivory sent. I wanted to meet him," said Dantero.

"And?" asked Iker.

"My intentions are pure. As Ivory had asked me to do, I would like to collect him from the palace and take the future King of Noir with me," said Dantero.

"He wrote what?" asked Iker appalled.

"I can't believe this. He takes after you. Presumptuous ass," said Iker to Avadh.

"How is is that when you don't agree with his actions all his traits are from me?" asked Avadh.

"Well it is!" said Iker.

"Guys," said Cristian rolling his eyes in exasperation.

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Okay Guys, I might break your heart a little before the time skip which is close. Also, do you want to see where the Ivory - Dantero thing go! Or shall I just skim over it?