My mate was already gone. We didn't even take a step together into the castle and he was off doing whatever he was doing. And I thought that we could have the evening together so I could give him the present I bought for him. My chest hurt so much. What did I do to him? He said it wasn't my fault, so what? It did feel that way to me.

I slowly wandered back to our room in with my self-pity when I crashed into something hard. I muttered an apology and walked around him not even bothering to look up. I just wanted to go back to sleep. But before I could go away, the person grabbed my arm. Not able to go any further, I stopped and apologized again. But he or she didn't let me go. What did he want? Frowning, I looked up. It was the same man who ran into me the other day. It was just before Darya and Kaito's ceremony. I could feel the man's eyes looking me from head to tail. I didn't know how to feel under his scrutinizing glare.

"So you're him," he stated more to himself. Suddenly, his scowl transformed into a grin. "I didn't realize you were him the last time we met. I apologize about that," he let go of my arm but took a step closer.

"Who are you?" I asked shyly. He seemed pleased by my question because his grin became a smile. He was creeping me out. I looked around and saw no guards in the hallway. Where were they? "Please excuse me."

I tried to walk away so I could reach the safety of our room, but the man was faster than I was and cornered me between the wall and him. I nervously looked at him as he looked at me.

"I didn't get to answer your question yet little one. I must say that you're a sight to see. My little brother is lucky to have you," he whispered the last part.

Little brother?

"What are you doing?!" shouted someone from the other end of the hallway. I looked over the man shoulder, and it was Kaito. He looked angry. My cousin put himself between myself and the man as they glared at each other.

"Kaito," he sneered. "What a pleasure to see you."

"What do you think you're doing? Get away from him. You heard Cadfael. You're not to approach him nor to talk to him," Kaito hissed.

"Relax, I was just presenting myself to the new addition of the family," he held his hands up as if something burned him. Then he looked at me, "It was a real pleasure to meet you Llyr. I hope to see you again... Alone."

With that said, the man went away. I let out a sigh of relief as Kaito turned to me. He had a gentle smile on his face.

"Are you okay?" he asked. I nodded a little flustered. It was the first time he had talked to me since my birthday party. To be honest, Kaito was a little intimidating because of his tall and imposing stature. "Where were you going?"

I pointed the way, "To my bedroom. Would you like some tea? Darya and I bought some the other day, and it's quite tasty," I proposed without thinking.

"Alright, please lead the way."

I swam in front of my cousin. He didn't say anything as we reached my room. I opened the door for him, and I told him to sit down and relax. I put down the package on my nightstand before going to brew some tea. I never thought a beverage this simple would be this expensive. Apparently, the tea leaves should be kept dry in a special box. I even had to do a complete procedure to take it out without spoiling the rest.

After a lot of steps, tea was finally made. I took the delicate cups and brought them to the living room. I put one in front of Kaito and kept the other one for myself. My cousin smelled the aroma and hummed. I quite like the smell myself. I took a careful sip and wondered if I should ask him about that man.

"Is it okay to ask you some questions?"

"About that man right?" I nodded and he sighed. "Be my guest."

"Who is he? He said he was Cadfael older brother, but... How come?"

"He is your mate older stepbrother. He is the first child of the King and a mistress."

"I never saw him before. Why is he back?" I put the cup down.

Kaito looked at me curiously, "You... You didn't hear the rumours?"

"What rumours?" I asked suspiciously. I didn't like this.

"When the man came back, it was to take the throne. In other words, he came to take everything from Prince Cadfael... Including you. So, your mate and his brother had an argument and the King had to step in."

"What happened after?" I needed to know what happened after. Was that man winning that was why my mate was so distant these few days? I hoped not. I didn't want to be mated to that man.

"Being an illegitimate son of the King raised some commotions. People started to follow whoever they wanted on the throne. So... A duel was issued. The winner will take everything."

"E-everything? Even... Me?" To my dismay, Kaito nodded. "Why Cadfael didn't say anything to me?! Was it why... Is it why he is so busy these days?"

"Yes, he hoped you wouldn't find out to not stress you out. So, he could rapidly win this and be together with you."

"So, I don't even have a say in this... Mess?"

"I'm sorry Llyr. But people battling over the throne aren't a rare thing."

"When?" I whispered feeling devastated.

"Your mating ceremony is in a week, so they scheduled it in three days."

"Three days..." I whispered to myself. "What's his name?"

"Lehar."