Anteros: A Tale of Requited Love

The Swooning Prince

Chapter 6

Niles was not happy when he was told that he will have to wait to buy clothes and he made sure that the Alpha King knew it. But they are now at the store in the village- er- town. He doesn't know why they are calling it a village. It is a bustling shopping district. The houses are all very nature friendly made of stones and the likes and so are the buildings in the shopping areas. The Alpha King's arrival is a secret and they hopped on a horse cart when they reached the borders. There are numerous cars in the packhouse. But he was told that they were rarely used because the fuel can harm nature. He knew this because they practised the same back in the Island Kingdom.

They entered the clothing store. The lady in charge seemed to be of Agatha's age. She was giving him an appraising look and Niles felt naked. He hid behind the Alpha King.

"Come forward, pup. Everyone is talking about you. Let me see for myself," said the woman.

"Helda, don't scare him. Just show the pup around and then you can take the measurements and add it to our book," said Vasileios.

"Well, spoil all my fun, your highness," said Helda and motioned for Niles to follow. He looked pleadingly at the two alphas who seemed to be enjoying his discomfort. He gave them the stink eye and grabbed Arastoo with him. The kid followed without much ado. He was two years younger than Niles and quickly becoming Niles's best friend here.

He picked the sort of clothes he used to wear back when he was home. A few button-down shirts, some t-shirts, fleece pants, chinos, two cropped trousers, couple of jeans and some underwear which were more suited for the woods and he also got a couple of woollen shawls. He loves them and he was told that it gets really cold once the winter sets in.

He bought an entire wardrobe because he was wearing hand me down anyway. If he is indeed going to spend time buying clothes, it better be for some period of time. Helda took his measurements.

"Why do you need the measurements?" asked Niles.

"Well, pup I am the palace tailor. Now, you will need formal clothes when any formal event is hosted. If I have them with me, it would be easy to deliver the clothes," said Helda, as if talking to a child. Niles felt chastised. He gave her a wave and then found the Alpha King and Vasileios speaking in the entry room with the pack ambassador of the pack in charge of the town.

He loaded the clothes into the cart with the help of warriors who were kind enough to help.

"Can I get a couple of shoes too?" asked Niles to Stefanos who nodded and led him to the shop next door.

"Helda's mate runs this store," said Stefanos in explanation. Sure enough, a kind man greeted them, Argus. He showed around the store and Niles picked a couple of sandals to wear inside the castle and two pairs of shoes. He got socks and a belt too.

"We can leave now," said Niles. Stefanos led him through the back where the vehicle waited and they got in. They dropped them at the edge of the Royal Pack's direct land. From there, they took their own carriages, a few walking - enjoying the walk. Niles was among the running. He was chasing a rabbit in his wolf form. His luggage was all in the Alpha King's carriage.

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The week that followed was good until Niles got sick. He was bleeding through his mouth. It happened rather unexpectedly. He and Arastoo were playfighting with the other betas and Alphas their age. And then Niles suddenly stopped.

"Are you bleeding?" asked Arastoo and at that everyone was around him.

"Were you hit?" asked Oviro checking him over.