The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 72

Lucas POV:

The temperature was starting to drop, and I could feel a chill in the air. I found myself darting into the depths of the forest, seeking solace for my jittery nerves. When I initially brought up the training and Cory not joining it, I could already sense that she would not like my decision. I guess I didn't expect it to blow out into an all-out argument with her that night. Then, I saw her on the training grounds, and now she was training alone! Let's go back, Lucas. And apologize to her. Kali has been nagging me to give in on what Cory wants and make it up to her.

I want to cool down for a bit more.

We've been running for hours, Lucas! I could feel our mate was sad.

Well, I was disappointed in her!

But she has a point, you know. We won't be with her 100% of the time, so it is best for her to at least know a thing or two. You're being overprotective!

That's why I assigned the best soldiers to protect her.

But what if, like last time, they couldn't track her? That could happen again. Come on, Lucas. I want to be with my mate and my pup. We have been sleeping on the study rooms couch.

I have to admit, sleeping on the couch has been giving me back pain. But more than the comfort of the bed, I miss the warmth and joy of waking up with Cory beside me. To be honest, I was happy when I saw her on the training ground, and I did regret being douche to her yesterday and a while ago.

Alright. Let's head back home.

After the sun had set a few hours ago, the forest had gradually become silent, engulfed by the darkness of the night. Kali was right, and we have been running for hours now. I picked up the extra clothes I hid under the tree and returned to the chateau as soon as I was dressed. Upon entering the chateau, everyone was seated and having dinner. I looked around, but Cory was not there.

"Did Cory eat already?"

"Your Majesty, I believe she must not be feeling well. She said she was not hungry." Alfred informed me.

"Understood. Bring us a tray of food to our room later."

"Very well, Your Majesty."

I bounded up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. As I approached our room, my hand found the cool metal of the doorknob and gave it a gentle turn. The door creaked open, revealing an asleep Cory. I approached the bedside and gently woke her up. Soon, her eyes started to flutter open.

"Hey, love. Wake up. You haven't had dinner yet."

She was groaning and still having a hard time opening her eyes.

"Alfred will bring us dinner in a little bit."

"Lucas?"

"Yes, it's me."

"Oh, that's good. Where have you been?"

"Just patrolling around the forest. Hey, about today, I'm sorry." As our foreheads touched, closing my eyes, I expressed my sincere apology to her. She stayed quiet, so I continued. "I was a jerk for being mad at you, for being petty, for how I treated you and made you feel. I'm sorry, Cory."

When I opened my eyes, I saw her crying. And that sight broke my heart.

"Shh. I'm so sorry." I hugged her tight.

"..." Hi! "'m sorry, too." Hic! She was crying so much that she was getting hiccups.

"You don't have to be sorry. It's alright."

Embraced in each other's arms, we found peace in the warmth of our presence. Oh, how I missed this. Never again will I argue with her. Being away from her was more torture than being right or mad. Soon enough, I could feel Cory calming down already. She gently pulled herself away, and I stared and waited to see what she would do. She looked into my eyes and caressed my face.

"I missed you." She said. My heart and wolf were happy to know she felt the same way.

"Me too, Cory. Those two days felt like an eternity Soon after, a knock came on the door, and Alfred told us the food was ready. So, I opened our door and grabbed the tray. The smell penetrated my nose, and my stomach reminded me that I hadn't eaten all day, with a loud grumbling sound. I heard Cory chuckle.

"What are you laughing at, huh?"

"No-nothing! Ha ha ha!" Then, another grumbling sound was heard, but it was not coming from me - it was from her!

"Ha ha ha! Come on, babe. Let's eat."

We munched together on the food that was prepared for us. The chef cooked a medium-rare steak with mashed potato, mixed vegetables, and a slice of a moist chocolate cake for dessert. For the drinks, I had wine, while Cory had a mixed berry smoothie. "I am full."

"Do you want to take a short walk in the garden?" I asked.

"I would love to!"

And so, I waited for Cory to change her clothes, as she was already in her pajamas. We went out of our room and headed to the garden. It has been a while since I walked into the palace's garden. I have never visited this place since my parents died, as it brings back memories from when I was a kid. The garden was huge! I believe it was around ten to eleven hectares, and walls surrounded it. In the vicinity, there stood a vast expanse of land dedicated to horseback riding, featuring a well-maintained riding ground. Adjacent to it, there was a splendid fountain, gushing forth crystal-clear water, which served as a refreshing oasis for visitors. Further on, one could find an open-air theater where patrons could enjoy a variety of shows, ranging from theatrical performances to musical concerts. Additionally, there was a musical pavilion where musicians showcased their talents, entertaining the crowds with melodic tunes.

Cory and I walked the path with rows of roses on the side.

She seemed to be enjoying the sight of flowers. So, I made a mental note to ask the gardeners to add more flowers.

"This is magnificent, Lucas! I should have visited sooner."

"Now, you can go here anytime you want."

She started running off to look at the other types of flowers in the garden, but I stood in place. She noticed that I was not following behind, so she asked, "Lucas, is something wrong?"

"Cory, about your training." I wanted to talk to her about this a while ago. "I will assign someone to train you and Lola."

She squealed so loudly that half of the staff in the kingdom might have awakened. But it was nothing compared to the smile I saw on her face while running towards me.

"You shouldn't..." Before I could stop her, she was already holding onto me - arms wrapped around my neck.

"Really? Are you serious, Lucas?"

"Yes, love. But! It will only be for an hour and twice to thrice a week. Sounds good?"

"Yehey! That's more than enough! Thank you so much!" She placed small kisses a couple of times on my cheeks.

We continued to walk around the garden, and soon, we reached the side where the majestic hazel tree stood. I remember my father telling me that the tree has been there ever since my great great great grandfather. The sight of the vibrant green leaves rustling in the gentle breeze during the warm and sunny seasons is nothing short of enchanting. And then, I saw the swing that my grandfather built. I was surprised to see that it was still there.

"Cory, do you see that tree with a swing?" I said, pointing to the hazel tree.

"Hmm. What about it?"

"I used to sit on that swing, and my father would push so hard that I felt like I could reach the clouds. While my mother sat on the picnie cloth, watching us. We often had picnics in the garden when I was younger, especially during the spring and summer. My father and I would play catch or ride horses."

"You had wonderful memories here in the garden. Do you visit the garden often?"

"This is the first time after my parents died."

"I'm sorry."

"It's OK. I'm glad I was able to see this again. I nearly forgot how beautiful this part of the palace is. There was also a time when we held musicals or plays here in the garden.

Hmm. I think we should do that again."

"What a wonderful idea! We shall do that once everything settles down, and let's open it to the public." Then, there was a moment of silence between us. It was a peaceful kind of quietness. Then she said, "It's really beautiful! We should come here often, and once our pup is born, we'll take her for a picnic, horse riding, and a whole day of playing."

"Yeah. I would love that."

We walked for a couple more minutes while telling her tales of my childhood - how I tripped while running along the stony path, the time I caught a frog and my mother shrieked at the sight of it, and when I fell off the horse. She was laughing and was in awe of every story I told her.

Suddenly, rain started to pour, and we had to run back to the chateau. Both of us got wet from the rain, but we laughed it off. This was the most fun I have had in days.

And I was glad I listened to Kali and made up with Cory.

Thanks, Kali.

You should've listened to me sooner.

Yeah! Yeah!

That night, I drifted to sleep peacefully and soundly.