Chapter 3 The Clash

The Clash

The palace corridors echoed with murmurs about their marriage.

Magnus was in the gardens in his special seat designed to allow him to sit or recline. The king had a small triangular stand built with a wheel at the end that could be easily moved. When the back support was placed on the floor, it allowed Principe to choose between lying down or sitting. Whispers of his name reached his ears, provoking a growing anger, which was soon appeased. His heightened senses picked up Fenrir's footsteps next to him.

"My prince, did I get a bride from a good family?" Fenrir said, sitting in front of him with a smile.

"The fairest in the kingdom," he added, finishing the sentence. Magnus watched him momentarily, not understanding why Fenrir treated him so formally. He was the only friend who stayed by his side after the accident that took his parents' lives.

"Perfect. Alistar will be furious when I present my bride," said Magnus, imagining the expression on his uncle's face.

"You know he won't like that," said Fenrir with a smirk. Magnus realized that the friend had something more to say and waited patiently.

"Your bride arrived at the castle today," revealed Fenrir.

"It was the king's decision. Let him marry in my place," Magnus snapped angrily.

" should at least see her," suggested Fenrir. Prince Magnus had no interest in anything that came from the king.

"I'll see you tomorrow during the presentation. If my eyes don't fail," he says, rubbing his eyes.

Alistar had already taken his father's throne, becoming alpha through conquest. He could

rule the kingdom, not your life. Hurried footsteps approached them, and Magnus and Fenrir exchanged glances. He recognized those footsteps; he was the adviser who had once served his father.

"My prince, the king wishes to see you," said the advisor. The man's heartbeat changed considerably as he approached Magnus.

"I'm sunbathing. I'll see you later," replied the prince.

"My prince, the king wants to speak with your majesty about his bride, who is already at the castle," said the advisor cautiously.

"I don't want this marriage, and you know it," Magnus replied, losing his temper.

"My prince, I understand; let me speak..." the councilor began, and Magnus nodded for him to continue.

"The king is trying to do what is best for the prince. He will be offended by your refusal," explained the adviser. That way of speaking infuriated Magnus, and he snarled in response.

"What did the king do for me when I was crippled? It was Fenrir who thought of this chair.

By the king, I would be confined in a dark room.

Where was the king when I needed him? "Don't worry about him. Could you tell him I'll come as soon as I'm done here?

I will marry, said Magnus angrily. The councilor nodded and hurried out, his heart pounding.

Fenrir looked around, searching to see if anyone was nearby. Realizing they were alone, he turned to Magnus with a concerned expression.

"Shall we address that problem?" he asked, his expression filled with worry. I understand your reasons.

"Yes, we need to intervene in this," I replied, reflecting on the situation. He continued speaking, his voice laden with concern.

"I've been on his trail, but he always disappears when I get close. It intrigues me," Fenrir said, referring to the black wolf that attacked Magnus's parents. On that cursed day, moments before my father's heart stopped beating, he revealed to me the existence of another wolf.

"I feel like he's close," I spoke

thoughtful.

"You mentioned that the king warned you to be careful in the castle. Something is happening here!" Fenrir said, with a worried look, letting out a long sigh.

"That's why we need to proceed with caution," I added, aware that with each passing day, I felt the need to remain vigilant.

"Let's not keep the king waiting any longer," Fenrir said, rising and grabbing my exceptional support. He pushed me through the gardens and corridors toward the throne room. As we arrived, I sensed the tension in the air. The king's heart was racing, and his voice sounded concerned as he spoke to his trusted advisor, who seemed imbued with fear.

"I don't want that to leak out. Find out who it is and eliminate him," I heard the king say during the conversation, which was interrupted when they saw me enter the room led by Fenrir. I don't like his pitying expression when he sees me.

"Ah, my dear uncle, if you only knew what I have in store for you," I thought

"Magnus and his faithful squire. I thought you would make me wait longer," the king spoke with irony.

"My king, if I had known it was something serious, I would have come immediately," I replied with a smile.

"Always so witty. Come closer," he said, mocking my handicapped condition.

"Of course," I replied, and Fenrir pushed me further, bringing me closer to him.

"I look at you, and I see your father," the king said with a grim expression,

"I can imagine how difficult this must be," I replied. EmotionI wouldn't say I like my voice.

"I'll be frank. Your future wife is already in the castle," the king said, waiting for his nephew's reaction. Ever since the king, his brother was killed, he had been concerned about your son, always seeking to know about his steps. A slight smile appeared on his lips, but the boy had grown up to be a problem for him and the kingdom, as he was cruel to his servants. He challenged him every chance he got, and it was about time that came to an end.

"I suppose I should take your orders," he said, controlling his anger. The king looked at the prince and sighed deeply, aware that this would be a difficult conversation for both of them.

"Of course, considering your condition, blind and crippled," the king said sternly, trying to remind his nephew of his condition and make him accept his fate.

"I regret to inform you that I do not want you to choose anything about my life," I growled, baring my teeth at him. said Prince

"Unfortunately, you are in my castle and will do as I say. You will marry, and that is already decided," said the king sternly,

"Or what?" the prince challenged and continued, "This castle was never yours, it belonged to my father, and I am his heir. You better not forget that," added the prince firmly, letting all anger show. He could feel the king's pulse quicken and his breathing quicken.

"I haven't forgotten that you are his son! So, my noble prince, blind and crippled, will you accept your future wife?" asked the king scornfully, "Your younger sister has rejected you as worthless," said the king with a mocking smile.

"I don't remember asking anyone to marry me, so it was you who were rejected and not me," said the prince, but deep down, those words reached him, and he would reject her too.

"Do you think I am incapable of finding a wife?" I asked, gritting my teeth in hatred. The king took a deep breath.

"Magnus, I made this decision only because of your condition. Understand, I chose someone from an excellent noble family," the king explained, trying to make me understand.

"I reject her! I already have someone in mind," the prince said in a tone that made the king look at him with surprise, raising an eyebrow full of doubt.

"Well, Magnus, don't make me laugh," the king said mockingly.

"Fenrir, get me out of here. Tomorrow I will present my bride during the feast. I will show that I can decide my life", he said, hoping Fenrir would remove him from his uncle's presence.

'Permission to leave,' I heard Fenrir ask, irritating me further.

"You're dismissed, but I want you to bring your chosen one and her family tomorrow," the king ordered, returning to the throne once occupied by his brother, Cedric.

That afternoon, Fenrir entered the prince's room and locked the door, as usual. Magnus rose from his exceptional support and paced around the room.

"Why did you ask for permission at that moment?" he asked angrily, his breath heavy.

"He is my king; I owe him respect," Fenrir replied. Upon hearing this, Magnus quickly turned and grabbed his friend by the neck, but he remained still.

"He is not your king," Magnus said, releasing him as he adjusted his clothes.

"And I am not your enemy. I am just the son of a humble family," Fenrir affirmed.

"I know, I lost control," the prince said, heading towards a secret passage leading them to a dense forest far from the castle. Magnus looked at his friend and said, "Let's go," assuming his form in the passage. Together with his friend, they ran towards the exit.