The Enchanted Queen

The Enchanted Palace (Mature)

Ren's POV
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I snuck them up to my chambers using a few trap doors and some cloaks. If my idea doesn't work out, then I could be stripped of my title. But none of that mattered to me. I just wanted Veralyn to be happy. No matter what.

"Stay here. I will come get you when it's time for us to submit our case." I told them. They nodded in agreement and I stepped out into the hall.

Suddenly the door sprung back open and Veralyn threw herself into my arms. I kissed her deeply, but briefly. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." I whispered, ushering her back into the chamber.

She pouted at me as I shut the door. I locked it quickly. I don't want them to follow me.

I walked briskly through the corridors, making sure not to make eye contact with anyone. Finally I made it to the courtroom. My father was perched on the throne.

"Next." He called loudly. I stepped up to the stand.

"Ren?" My father gasped. "What on earth are you doing here?"

"It's Casper. He's gone mad. He convinced me to take him to the human realm in search of his mate, and he kidnapped two human girls. I've rescued them since then, but one of the girls has already transitioned into a wolf. I can't bring them back. I've come to ask your advice."

My father settled gravely in his chair.

"Why two mortal women?" The king asked, shaking his hand.

"Casper thought that Asya was his mate, so she bit her first. Then he realized that he had the wrong girl, so he took Vera as well. I managed to reverse Vera's transition, but it was too late for Asya." Ren explained quickly.

"This is what happens when you open the portal. There is always one human that suffers."

Ren bowed his head. "I will accept any punishment that you find suitable." Ren waited for his father to scold him, but instead, he laughed.

"I remember when I was young and in love. It made me do stupid and reckless things. I've almost exposed the magical realm a few times myself." He chuckled. "I will speak to Casper. But you must know that he won't stop until he has his mate. You need to be careful. The mate bond is the most powerful and sacred thing between wolves. Since the girl is human, she won't feel it right away. However, now that she is in this realm, it will be much harder to keep him away. It would be wise to send her back and enchant the portal again."

"That's the thing father, she can't go back. The humans tried to imprison her for murdering Asya and her family. Vera is innocent. If she goes back, she will rot in a cell for the rest of her life."

Ren's father thought for a few long moments. Ren started to get nervous. Finally the King spoke. "I'm sure you could find a position for them at the castle. There is no sense in sending them back. It will only cause chaos in the human realm. And I will see to it that Casper is punished for his behavior. I was worried you two would venture into the other realm. I just didn't think Casper would be this stupid." He placed his head in his hands. "Ren. I'm getting old. And one of you will soon have to take over the crown. Just make sure that you're alive and able to succeed me. This land will fall into hell if Casper sits upon this throne. Thank you for your honesty. We still haven't heard from Casper yet. He's been missing for quite some time. I will send out another search party, but let me know if you hear from him."

"I will. Thank you father." I smiled.

"And one more thing, Ren."

"Yes?"

"You care for the girl, don't you?" Ren's father asked knowingly.

"Yes." Ren bowed his head.

"Some advice- don't let her slip into the trance of the mate bond. Once she begins to fall, not even you will be able to save her."