Shadows Of Flames: Tales Of The Forbidden

Myra's breath quickened and she took a step back, unable to believe her eyes. Her fingers tightened into fists as she stared at Henry.

The man she had been willing to marry. The man who had betrayed her when she needed him the most.

Now, he stood before her, in the flesh, looking alive and healthy.

Anger replaced her shock.

“You" she spat venomously. “How dare you come here? How dare you show your face to me? After what you did"

“Myra" Henry began. “I can explain—"

That was all it took for her to explode.

“No!" She interjected, her voice rising. “You stood beside me, vowed to protect me, then turned your back the moment things turned bloody! You sided with the enemy"

Henry flinched but held his ground. “You don't understand"

“I don't need to. You're a coward. You panicked the moment things went downhill and threw me to the wolves, literally. Now you're back to lie straight into my face and deceive me again"

“I had no choice!"

“There's always a choice!" She hissed, resisting the urge to slap him. “You made yours. You stood there, blank faced and watched as they dragged us away. You—" her voice faltered, the memory of that day coming back.

She was suddenly back in the hall. The chaos. The screams. The weight of her father's lifeless body in her arms.

Her expression cracked. “You abandoned me"

“I'm sorry" Henry said, coming closer. “I know what I did was unforgivable but I had a reason. It was either betray you or watch my family be killed"

He took a deep breath and continued, “They had my father at knifepoint and my mother was being dragged away. If I hadn't done what they wanted, they would have died. And it wouldn't have stopped them from taking you"

She moved away and shook her head. Her eyes welled up with tears. “So why did you come to see me? Aren't you scared they'll kill your parents if they see you? Just go, I don't care about your excuses"

“Then care about this, I'm here now. And I want to make up for it. Try to fix my mistake"

She scoffed. “Fix what? The dead? My lost throne? The ruins? You can't fix those"

He said on a sigh, “But we can save what's left"

Myra gritted her teeth, taking another step backwards. Her fingers itched to strike him, but with the way Andrew looked up at Henry like he was a saviour, she couldn't. “There is no 'we'. Leave Henry and never come back. I don't need your help"

“Wait—"

“You should feel happy you're free. Not from this mess but also from the marriage. We both know we don't love each other, so it's a win-win for you"

“That's where you're wrong" Henry said quietly, reaching for her hand. “I love you Myra. Now is probably not the right time to tell you this, but I'm in love with you. Since the first day I saw you at the Summer Ball"

Myra's jaw dropped. What? Love her?

No. This was just another lie. Another deceitful tale.

He didn't love her. He was just lying to get into her good graces.

She jerked her hand free. “Don't you ever say that to me again. You're such a disgusting liar. Love me? Ha, what a joke! If you loved me, you would have stood by me"

She turned around, fed up with his nonsense and dangerously close to lashing out.

But his next words halted her. “Your father knew all along he would die in the war"

She stilled, the information freezing her bones. She glanced at Henry, unable to believe her ears.

This was another trick. A lie. But the serious look in his eyes proved her wrong.

“What did you just vomit out of your mouth?"

Knowing he had caught her attention, he went on, “From the moment Silvercrest declared a war, your father knew he wouldn't be able to defeat them. That's why he wanted to marry you off"

Far from convincing her, Myra's eyes glowed with rage. “My father never accepted defeat. Stop with your lies!" In a flash, she was right before him, twisting his collar beneath her hands.

“I am not lying—"

“You are! You're a pathetic liar! First it was your lame excuse, then your fake confession of love and now this!" Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I'm resisting the urge to kill you here Henry. Now, go back to Borthoris and don't show your face to me"

Henry's eyes saddened. “I feel your pain but you have to believe me. He wanted me to give you this in case he didn't make it." Saying that, he dipped his hand inside his pocket and brought out a crumpled paper.

She eyed the paper then glared at him. “If this is a joke, I will sink my nails into your chest and squeeze your heart"

She snatched the paper and unfolded it, scanning the contents quickly.

--My Star,

By the time you're reading this, I'll be nothing more than a ghost in your memory. If fate had been kinder, I would have stayed by your side, watching you take over the throne. But fate has never been kind to men like me.

There are things I should have told you. Secrets I should have entrusted to you, but I was a coward, Myra. A father first, a king second. But I was never a good father to begin with. I have done........--

Tears filled her eyes, making it difficult to see. Not that she would have cared to go on, her heart was bleeding already.

She crumbled to the floor, clutching the letter to her chest as tears engulfed her.

This.... This couldn't be true? H-He knew? And he didn't tell her?

The letter opened up a wound that was far from healed. Her father, the king, was dead.

Dead. And had left her a note....and the responsibilities of catering for their people.

Her father, the man she had always respected yet resented. She had always felt he was forcing her into the marriage, pushing her into the arms of a man she didn't love. “I-I am s-sorry father"

Henry knelt beside her, consoling her. “He had always loved you Myra, even if he never showed it."

She cried harder while sputtering nonsense. Images of his lifeless form flashed in her mind and also the day he had announced her engagement.

*********

“Father you called for me" Myra stepped into her father's study.

Williams was standing by the fireplace, his back towards her, his hands clasped tightly behind his back.

“Have a seat Myra"

Myra did as she was told, wondering what news her father had for her.

“Do you remember Henry? Son of King Gabriel of Borthoris" Williams asked slowly.

Myra's brows knitted as she searched her memory. “Yes. We met last Summer Ball"

Williams nodded then turned to face her. He dropped the bombshell with a flat expression. “I have accepted his marriage proposal for you. The wedding will take place in a month's time"

The words were issued like a demand, and for a moment, she thought she heard wrong.

Her voice was a hoarse whisper. “What?"

“You heard me Myra. You are betrothed to Henry. Preparations for the wedding have already begun"

“I'm sorry father" she refused, standing up. “I can't accept this. I can't accept this marriage"

William's eyes narrowed and he demanded harshly, “What do you mean 'you can't accept'? I have already taken care of everything"

“I can't be forced into this—"

Williams slammed his fists on the table, cutting her off. “I don't want to hear any of your tantrums. You're going to be twenty next week, officially making you the official successor to the throne. You need a man by your side"

Myra knew this was coming. She knew she wouldn't have the privilege of marrying a man she wanted, but she hadn't expected it to be so soon.

“Just go through with it. You don't have to love him" Williams said grimly as he observed how upset she was.

“Father please" she pleaded. “Give me some time and I'll find a man I want"

His eyes softened for a fleeting moment. “There's no time. Silvercrest has been sending threatening letters, stating they want to invade our territories. We need Borthoris' help"

“I can't marry Prince Henry" she insisted, close to tears.

“Vespera needs you to Myra. Just suck it up and marry him for my sake. We are on the verge of losing our kingdom to power-hungry werewolves"

“But I—"

“You will get married to Prince Henry and that's final. I do not want to hear another whine. Am I clear?"

There was no use arguing with Williams when he spoke in that tone.

Myra swallowed hard, hurt beyond reason. “Fine then. Have it your way father, the same way you always do"

“Wait—"

She turned on her heels, furious at her father. He had decided her marriage for her without her consent. Just like how he dictated her life, pushing her to the throne.

She didn't see the misty look in her father's eyes or the single tear that dropped onto his cheek.

*********

“I-I couldn't save him Henry" she said with a cracked voice.

“You tried" He consoled her. “It was not your fault"

But it was her fault. Everything was her fault. If only she had been stronger. She would have saved him. Saved them all.

“But you can avenge his death and take back what's yours"

Myra looked up, asking warily, “What are you saying?"

Henry scanned the surroundings then whispered, “I have a plan"

*********

Far away from the dungeons, in the Alpha's study, a different conversation took place.

Lucien sat back in his chair, scanning the scrolls in his hands. “Alpha Viktor is planning to meet the Elders next month"

Arthur traced the rim of his goblet, hardly disturbed by that piece of information. “He's free to do as he pleases"

Lucien gaped at him. “You can't be serious"

“Oh but I am"

“If he reports us to the Elders, there will be trouble"

Arthur shrugged and lifted his goblet to his lips. “That doesn't bother me"

“It has to bother you Arthur. Once the Elders get to know about your latest conquest, they won't be happy. And if they aren't happy, our pack can't be happy"

Arthur stared straight into his Beta's eyes coolly. “I don't live my life to please others, least of all the Elders. This pack is my territory, so I do what I damn please"

Lucien massaged the lines on his temple. “Let's not be reckless Arthur. The Elders are very important people. Pissing them can spell danger for this pack"

“So what do you suggest I do? Release my slaves or hide them and pretend I didn't win a war?"

“I don't know, maybe..... I don't really know"

“Then allow me to control this game, I have all the cards stacked in my favour" Arthur sounded confident and self-assured.

But Lucien still looked doubtful. He rubbed his neck, murmuring, “If you say so"

“Now, how are the preparations for the banquet?" Arthur asked, smoothly diverting the topic.

Lucien knew what that meant—discussion over. He sighed, “The banquet will be held a fortnight from now"

“And the invitation letters?"

“From the letters received today, Alpha Alfred is honoured to grace the occasion while Alpha Eric is yet to think about it"

Arthur smiled. “That's very typical of Eric"

Lucien stared at him, confusion written on his face. “Why are you inviting them? What's your plan?"

Arthur's smile grew wider as he leaned back in his chair.

Lucien knew that smile—mischievous with a trick up its sleeve.

“Why do you assume I have a plan?"

Lucien gave him a duh look. “Because your every breath has a plan stitched into it"

“You're smarter than I thought"

“Thanks so much for the compliment" Lucien joked then said seriously, “But what's the plan?"

“These Alphas are—"

The door opened, interrupting his speech. Heavy perfume filled the air followed by the click of heels.

Christine approached him, a sultry smile fixed on her lips. “I heard you were having an important meeting" she purred, slipping in beside Arthur. “Thought I'd come keep you company"

Lucien rolled his eyes. “In case you didn't notice, we're busy here Christine and we have no need for you"

She shot him a glare. “And who decided that? You?"

“Maybe. What are you going to do about it?" He retorted.

“I'm staying and there's nothing you can do to change that"

Lucien pinched the bridge of his nose. “Just because you're his mistress doesn't mean you have the right to barge in on us"

“Actually" she corrected. “I do, because I'm his woman. Right Arthur?"

Arthur's expression was unreadable. “What do you want Christine?"

Lucien smirked. “See? He doesn't need you so leave"

She ignored him and leaned in, stroking Arthur's arm. “You need a break and I'm happy—"

He caught her wrist. “Leave Christine. I'm busy"

Her smile faltered. “But I—"

“Leave" his voice was colder now, and brooked no argument

Lucien covered up his laugh with a cough as she pursed her lips, clearly unhappy.

She huffed, then turned for the door, fuming as she shut the door.

“She acts like a baby sometimes" Lucien said, annoyed yet amused by her behaviour.

Arthur didn't respond. Instead, he rose to his feet and stretched his shoulders. “I'm going for a hunt"

“Alone?" Lucien asked, arching a brow.

“I need to clear my head"

“Whatever you want" Lucien shrugged. “Try not to kill anything too important"

Arthur rolled his eyes and walked outside. “Very funny Lucien, very funny"

Moments later, the mighty black wolf that ruled Silvercrest disappeared into the trees.

*********

Back in the shadows of the dungeon, Henry took a deep breath and repeated, “I came back because I have a plan"

Myra folded her arms, eyeing him cautiously. “A plan that benefits you, no doubt"

Henry scratched the back of his neck with an awkward smile. “Maybe. But it'll benefit you more"

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why should I believe a single word that comes from your mouth?"

“Because I can help you achieve revenge"

Revenge had been her only thought since the moment she was dragged here. But she couldn't allow herself to be fooled again.

“I don't need your help. I can achieve my revenge on my own"

“How exactly? You're a slave to them, a maid, a prisoner. You can't accomplish your mission if their eyes are trained on you like hawk"

That was a painful truth she had been ignoring until now. She was their slave and they had their eyes on her, most especially the Alpha.

Yet, she couldn't allow herself to trust Henry completely.

“Why should I trust you?" She asked coldly.

“Because he's our only hope Princess" Andrew murmured, gaining her attention.

Myra turned to him, noting how his hands twisted his shirt nervously.

“Please princess" he begged. "Just hear him out"

Her heart squeezed painfully at the pleading look in his eyes, the same way a child would hang onto any promise of hope in the dark.

She let out a sigh as she glanced back at Henry. “Okay what's your plan?"

Henry looked relieved at her compliance. “I can't explain it in details here but the motive—"

“Why can't you explain it in details here? Scared you'll be caught?" She asked sarcastically, folding her arms.

“No. My time is running out. I came here by carriage and my coachman will be impatient by now"

“I'm surprised your father allowed you to come here" she mumbled, staring up at the sky.

“He didn't. He doesn't even know I'm here. I sneaked out of the kingdom"

“Your actions still baffle me Henry" She still didn't believe him, showing it evidently in her suspicious glares.

“Princess please" Andrew said again, forcing her to sigh.

“Okay whatever. What is this motive you speak of?"

“The main goal behind my plan is to learn the Alpha's weakness and use it against him"

Myra laughed hard. “Weakness? Alpha? I don't think those two connect"

Henry wasn't amused. “You may not believe it but everyone has a weakness, including this mighty Alpha. And I'll need you to get it"

“Me?" She asked, confused. “How would I be able to do that?"

Henry chose his next words carefully. “I'll need you to seduce the Alpha"