Chapter 225 - Say it isnt so (1/2)

After finding the infirmary empty, Lyko tapped once before pushing open Fern's bedroom door. ”I stop one son from leaving only to find another is taking his place.” Lyko commented as he noticed the bag Fern was shoving belongings into.

”Apt choice of words, Father. One of your sons has replaced the other. Be it as it is there should be no reason why the other shouldn't then leave.” Fern said stoically as he continued packing the bag.

Lyko stepped farther into the room. ”That is not so, and you know it. Your brother will need a strong second and all your dedicated training for all these years will not be in vain.” He clapped his hand over his son's shoulder, urging him to turn and face him. ”Between your wits and his cadence, not to mention the princess's natural instinct, the three of you could be a force to reckoned with. I look forward to seeing the day the three of you rise this kingdom to its fullest potential.”

Fern frowned as he turned back toward his bags. ”That may be the case in time, but for now, I must have time to lick my wounds. I care little about losing the girl to him for my heart has only ever been singularly held by my drive to lead this kingdom. It will take some time to reconsider my position and set new goals and ambitions.”

Lyko furrowed his brow in frustration but still nodded in understanding. ”Yes, I can see how taking some time away, to step back and look at the situation anew could help lead you toward your next path in life...” He gave his son's shoulder a light squeeze. ”I only hope the path you choose in the end leads you back to the palace.”

Fern held his father's gaze with stern determination. ”Not to worry, Father, any path I choose will lead me back to the palace.” He turned without saying anything else and shoved the last of his things into the bag before closing it and lifting it onto his shoulder. ”If there is nothing else, I shall be leaving now.”

Lyko frowned. ”But it is nearly dawn and you've not properly recovered from the trip here from University yet. You should at least stay the day and rest before heading out again.” He turned and followed his son around the room with his eyes watching as he blew out the candles lining the mantle. ”We are having the coronation and a hunt this full moon to test your brother and the princess's natural leadership skills as wolves, will you return for that at least?”

Fern met his father's gaze with his own stormy eyes. ”I've yet to miss a hunt.” It was all he said as he made his way toward the bedroom door.

Lyko furrowed his brows further, ”So is that a yes to attending?”

Fern's eyes narrowed in anger at the door. He forced the mask of indifference into place carefully as he turned to smile at his father. ”Of course, Father.” With that, he turned and pulled the door open wide. ”If there's nothing else?” He arched a brow as he glanced back to his father, who was now looking at him in irritation. He let out a huffed breath and forced his own irritation down. ”As I've said, I need time to lick my wounds. I promise I'll return for the hunt and it will be to die for... but until then I must have my space.”

Lyko nodded trying to mask the disappointment in his voice. ”Indeed son. I look forward to seeing you then...” His brows flattened and his features softened. ”You know, I'd always thought it would be you taking my place.” He walked over to stand before Fern. Clamping both of his hands on Fern's shoulders, he said. ”These turns of events change little, you know. I love both of you boys very much. I will be proud of both of you regardless of your position within the pack, you will always be my sons first and foremost.” He pressed his forehead to Fern's. ”I know you will make me proud son, and you will see that your brother meets his new destiny.”

***

Cam's body vibrated with barely contained nervous energy. Ales had not joined her and Reighley for breakfast and now he was absent from all their classes that had been the usual routine of the past three years. The old grandfather clock struck noon indicating the end of the morning lessons. She dragged her feet as she walked toward the veranda. Her heart sank more when Ales wasn't there either. Sitting in his usual place was the queen herself.

Reighley sent her a warm smile when she realized Cam had joined. ”Come sit, child. I've had your favorite sandwiches served today.” She pushed the plate stacked with tiny finger sandwiches toward the other side of the table and nodded toward them.

Cam frowned down at the plate as she walked over to take her seat. ”Where is Ales today?” Her mind Kept playing over his words of the day before. 'I must keep my distance until I can control myself better.' {Is this him keeping his distance? Will he avoid me still as he has nearly the entire last year?}

Reading the girl's troubled expression, Reighley placed a hand over hers. ”Not to fret, dear. He is simply studying with his father today. Lyko thought it important to show him firsthand the way of things. He also wishes to test Ales's working knowledge of things, after all, his studies have not been that much different from Fern's when he was that age.”

Cam nodded but couldn't mask the disappointment that still remained. {Even if he isn't willfully avoiding me, it is obvious things will never return as they were.} She picked at the bread but didn't take the first bite. ”Will her return for dinner?”

Reighley let out a soft sigh. Ah, young love, it was so beautiful. ”Indeed he will. Perhaps you would like to skip afternoon lessons and give your good news to your dear friend you are always speaking so fondly of?”

Cam's demeanor instantly brightened. ”May I?!” She asked as excitement built.

Reighley covered a giggle with her hand. ”Of course, dear. If you'd like I can have Cook wrap the sandwiches for you and you can take them along with you.” Cam nodded in excitement, and Reighley lifted her hands clapping them twice. A servant rushed over from some secret hiding place and immediately took the plate away, returning only a short while later with a small basket covered with a brightly embroidered cloth. She watched as the servant handed the basket over to Cam. Once the girl had graciously taken the basket lacing her hand through the handle, Reighley smiled. ”Take care and have fun, dear. I'll see you back for dinner.”

Cam didn't waste any time as she hurried toward Jos's lagoon. She hadn't gotten a chance to talk to her best friend since a few days before her birthday and boy had there been so much that had happened in the span of the past few days alone. As she pushed through the thick vegetation that lined either side of the path leading to the lagoon the sound of Raven's booming laugher became audible. She had made fast friends with the fairy as well, enjoying her constant jokes and friendly banter. She couldn't help but join in on the laugher as she noticed her friend performing the mundane task of washing her clothes in the falls of the lagoon while the purple-haired fairy seat doubled over in laughter close by. ”What have I missed?” Cam called out.

”Jos here refuse to use my magical assistance on her chores, so I thought I'd use them for a bit of fun instead.” Raven filled in between laughs.

Jos rolled her eyes from where she stood by the falls. ”She's bored and my suffering is her new favorite form of entertainment,” Jos growled as she splashed water toward the still laughing fairy. ”I hope you fall in and drown!”