Marriage Alliance With The Lycan Monarch
Chapter 73: Secret Outing

Chapter 73: Secret Outing

Drevon and I left the castle alone. I wondered why he didn’t bring his Beta and Gamma or any knights. But after a few more deep thoughts, I realized Drevon wanted some time alone with me.

It’s strange because he must have known I was suffocating in that castle. If it weren’t for his presence the whole time, I didn’t know how to navigate such a place after what happened.

My hand was locked in his as we strolled the busy streets of Valkanor. It was a spirited place, more colorful than I expected. Kids running around with their kites, freely, with giggles, creating a brighter atmosphere. Sales ongoing, with friendly conversations.

"They all look so happy," I said, allowing my eyes to take in such a wonder.

"The war is over. Every day is like a celebration here."

They must be overjoyed. The streets were beautiful, neat, and even expensive-looking. I pondered how even the commoners could look on par with the nobles I saw visiting Father’s mansion.

Valkanor has wealth, and not only the nobles get to enjoy it. Everyone had a taste of it.

I looked at the crops, and it was bountiful, filling all the stalls’ baskets.

"News has it that Beloira has started farming more land," Drevon said, grabbing a corn. "Supplies were sent recently in good faith."

If that’s true, then it’s only a matter of time before the human kingdom flourishes and prospers. I’m not against humans; it’s only the people who live in the estate. I’m glad that humans have a place in this new world.

"Humans will not fade away after all," I mumbled, taking a mango. "They know how to survive; that is one persistent thing about us."

"What do you think about that matter?"

"It’s good to know the realm won’t consist of just supernaturals. I thought the end of the war would mark our doom."

"It was put in thought," Drevon said, amused. "But because I fell in love at first sight, humans get to have a place."

My heart skipped a beat, and I turned to Drevon like he had sprouted two heads.

The wind howled through, and my hood slipped off, but I was too awestruck to consider it.

He just blatantly told me that he’s in love with me! What is wrong with this beast?

"You have beautiful hair, child."

I dragged my gaze to the seller.

"I have never seen such a color, the goddess blessed you." The woman looked over to Drevon, who hadn’t taken his eyes off me. "And a fine mate too."

"W-We’re not mates!" I rushed, dropping the mango back.

"Oh? But married, aren’t you? Then mates. Your husband chose a beautiful one."

Gods! I can’t stop blushing like an idiot!

Drevon laughed softly, and I wondered why this was considered funny to him.

"You’re right," Drevon said, leaning toward me. "I’m blessed to have such a beautiful mate. And I’m glad I chose her."

Mates to Lycans were something sacred and honored practice. In the past, the goddess chose their mates, and in the future, the Lycans chose them.

I realized now Drevon chose me since the moment he laid eyes on me for the first time.

Drevon took my hand and placed a kiss on the ring on my finger.

My eyes softened as my heart did a flip.

~•~

Drevon took me on a tour of the city. He told me how, when he was younger, he did secret outings like this. It was one of the fondest memories he had before he left for war.

He told me it wasn’t as bustling as it was now because their monarch was at war. Drevon looked at the streets with a light in his eyes. I knew he must be proud that his empire finally had peace.

"Why did you do the secret outings?" I asked, eager to know more about him.

"I was going to be monarch one day, my father was out in war, and all eyes were on me to live up to his name. I wanted to see for myself what kind of empire I’ll be ruling."

I smiled.

A group of children ran towards us, giggling and screaming, casting petals around us, before going to do more mischief.

They were causing a mess with all the colorful petals, but I found it more creative.

Suddenly, a child clutched Drevon’s leg, her big eyes looking at him like she hadn’t seen such a handsome man before. I know, child, I know.

I’m baffled myself that even under that hood, he could still command attention, don’t think I have missed the girls eyeing him for breakfast. Tsk!

"Aww...I think she likes you," I drawled.

"Does she now?" He crouched down, and she went on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek before running away.

"Seems like you just made a girl’s dream come true."

"Sounds like you’re jealous," he said, rising to his full height.

"J-Jealous?"

He grinned at me. "You haven’t given me a kiss on the cheek before; she stole that one from you."

My smile faded, and my cheeks burned hot, not because I’m flushed, but I found myself suddenly envious of a five-year-old.

I turned away, huffing.

"You can still make up for it by giving me one right now."

When I turned back to face him, his face was inches away from mine. With a hand to his chest, I gave a light push.

"After your outing in the past, you went to war?" I asked, devilishly changing the topic.

Drevon chuckled lightly but replied. "Yes."

"How were those years?"

His eyes saddened, and I found myself clutching his hand tighter.

"Alone."

A squeeze found my chest. Alone? I knew nothing about war except what I read in books. I knew they were bloody with nothing but ruin. I never once considered the authors of those wars being lonely.

"You miss your family?"

He sneered. "Mother never showed me love; she only showed her devotion to the cause, which I don’t blame her for. It was difficult times, and she needed to be the Alpha everyone wanted her to be, raising the last bloodlines of the Balthars. Diana was still a baby. I held her once before I left."

I know I’m going to regret asking this, but I did anyway. "A-And your brother?"