Lycan King's Nemesis
Chapter 80

GWEN??

"I will come to check on you later, Gwen," Tyler said as he dropped us off at the palace, totally ignoring Abby by my side. I don't understand why they can't seen to comport, and right now, 'someone' might be watching from 'somewhere'. My eyes itched to look upwards at the numerous windows, but managed to control myself.

I clasped my right hand around Abby's left wrist when she made to leave and then I leaned into Tyler's car and whispered, "Hey, you need to come out and... you know, even though a goodbye."

Abby snatched her wrist away with a loud gasp. "Ohmg, I can't do that. Think about Williams!"

"I can't do that." Tyler simply declared.

I shook my head impatiently, letting out small curses. "Do you guys realize Ashton might be watching right now from his window up there? Don't forget that was how he knew I was out this morning with Ty."

To external eyes, they wouldn't notice, but me that was closer, I saw Abby stomp her feet, plastering on a faux sweet smile as she took a round turn to Tyler's car window, leaned in to place a feathery kiss on his left cheek. I looked away, feeling somehow.

As he eventually zoomed off, I wheeled my chair back, still glimmering. "You see, it wasn't that bad. Even Will would understand this is for his safety."

"Can we go in now? I know he's dying to know how it all went."

I didn't want to go inside yet. It was still bright-though evening glow was peeking - and the wind had increased by this time. I craved fresh air and to stroll around the palace. It is a prospect I rarely indulge in.

But it might not be that fun without someone with me.

I looked at Abby who was frantic to go in. "Can we stroll outside a bit, please?" I gave her poppy eyes.

She pouted, her face channelling her displeasure with my suggestion. "C'mon, Gwen."

"I need it," I pushed. "What will I do when I go in? Stare at my walls? That's tiring. Plus, it would be suspicious if you run to Williams a few minutes after returning from your date with your supposed mate." I drive in a low tone. The front door swung open and 'Mousy' stuck his head out. "Your Highness, Princess!" He bowed. "Do you need help coming in?" He was referring to me.

Mousy' the butler was still his usual self. I couldn't decide if I disliked him or found him a bit too much, all the same, I will leave my feeling in the middle since he hasn't done anything too serious except being raucous. "Thanks, I'm still going to... stay outside for now."

"Okay, your highness. I will wait till you are ready to go in then." He bowed dramatically and went in. The guards standing by the door didn't bat an eyelid.

"Fine, five minutes," Abby grumbled, and went behind me about to stir the wheelchair, but I patted her hand, shaking my head at her.

"I can manage." And we set off.

This palace was very massive. Though I have never been to the Alpha King's house in the werewolf kingdom and so couldn't compare the two, albeit, I don't think it would come close to this place. The palace had a perfect English castle outlook, something crafted out of a Victorian journal.

When I was a pup, I dreamt of getting married to a Prince. Despite being a pup, I had the high hopes. Who knows, the Alpha King's son might fall for me. That was my exact thought. As I grew older and Julian and I became friends, I fell for him, forgetting about my fantasy.

Those days, I thought the main reason I wanted to marry a Prince was because I wanted to live in a castle this massive. In grade school, the teachers would read stories of giant castles and princesses swept off their feet by Princes, creating unrealistic fantasies in our little brains.

Look at my life now, it appears I ultimately met a Prince-a King rather- but he didn't sweep me off my feet. The opposite is the case. Those teachers were damn liars! All of them.

"What is running through your head, Gwen?" Abby asked as we got to a fountain at the back of the castle. It was a small fountain flowing into a river bucket that the fading sunset gave an orange hue, still, it was amazing seeing it. "What happens if I don't produce an heir for this Kingdom?" My innermost fear squirted out.

"I really don't get why you asked that, Gwen."

"I need to know, Abby." I took in a large gust of air, balancing my head in my right palm as the ethereal presence soothed me. "Because... I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to be a mother."

She crouched before me in a second, taking my left hand to squeeze. "Did you go to see the Doctor again behind my back?"

I jerked my head side to side. "Don't forget he came on Monday. He said... I can't until I shift. I'm confused, Abby. The other time he said it was from dissimilar genes and that purification would help. Now he said from the blood samples he took, my blood was altered. I couldn't exactly place where the problem lies." I didn't tell her the part where I feared I might be human and if that was the case, it was a major problem.

Do I need to go in search of my real parents to solve my problem?

"Look here, Gwen," her voice was soothing. "You need to slow down. First of all, after the upcoming ball, I will have to speak to my brother for you guys to perform the purification. It might help."

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"You will do that?" I asked in a clogged voice, placing my left hand on the one she had over my right.

"I will, Gwen. You are my brother's mate, my friend and particularly, a loyal one. Why now?"

"I will be grateful, Abby. I know he would never listen to me, hence why I haven't asked."

She nodded. Then her eyes sparked with curiosity. "If you don't mind me asking, Gwen, do you know why you haven't shifted yet?" I went stiff, taking my hand from her as I shook my head.

"No, I don't." It was a partial lie. I can't tell anyone I might not even be a werewolf. That my identity is still questionable. That is something I can never divulge to anyone. Not Abby or Tyler. Not to mention Ashton.

"Okay... I'm sorry for asking, okay? Just curious. Maybe we can even try going to the forest and then try to shift. I heard sometimes people do that and it works. Werewolves specifically."

"I will try, Abby." I was hoping we could change the topic soon. This territory was uncomfortable for me.

"Can we go in now, it's starting to freeze out here."

"Yes, of course." I veered my wheel in the direction of the palace. "Thanks for coming out with me."

"It's no big deal, Gwen. On second thought, I believe this was much needed." We giggled as we moved on.

Mousy, as he promised, came to help me once he sensed us close to the front door. Immediately I reached my chamber, I bade him farewell and closed my door, walking in alone.

I fell on the couch with my eyes shut, taking slow breaths to unwind from trudging up, and reviewing the things I discussed with Abby.

Dear goddess, I pray Abby remains by my side and never betrayed me to her brother. At least until I manage to have a solution to my problems which at this point seem to be accumulating daily. People tend to solve problems as they come while mine tend to be compilingas the day breaks.

"How was your outing?" I snapped my eyes open to see Ashton hovering above me. He was clad in black Jalamia, his hands in their pockets, smirking darkly. How did he get in that I didn't hear?

"I'm tired Ashton. Not now." I huffed, making to stand, he beat me to it, falling to his knees in front of me and before I could relate he took my left leg and began massaging. "Ashton..."

"You can't remain in a wheelchair for long, little wolf. The people would think you are weak."

"Fine, I will..." I sucked in tough air, his action provoking the wrong response from my brain. "Do better. Can you... stop?"

"I'm doing my duties. Or don't you want that anymore?"

"You... hate me."

"Yes, very correct. Which is why I won't let you bring shame to me." His fingers worked their way up my left lap, pushing my gown upwards. His words hurt deeply, however, his hands made them feel bearable. I sighed, relaxing back. "Why did you wear such a scandalized gown with my sister and her mate?" This question was uncalled for, yet here I am relishing in his jealousy.

I recollected what Abby said in the restaurant and grinned in mockery. "So, you are truly jealous?"

"What..." He stopped, I growled. He shouldn't stop. No matter what.

He smiled, his eyes squinting into a mischief stance, then he took my right lap and went in. "Answer my questions or you won't get what you want." He looked away long enough to push my gown upwards and then he flicked his eyes to me

once more.

"I don't owe you an explanation on how I chose to dress, Ashton."

For a bit, I feared he was going to snap at me as a result of the angry veins that popped through his face. Albeit, he startled me with his next inquiry.

"Do you still think about him?"

"Think about who?"

"Julian."

...