The Royal Mark-Chapter 379: A Trip to Vrenada

It took a month for Chris, Hoven, and the council members to amend their laws and decide how to select new council members. It was as if everyone had a mutual understanding to keep their King busy so that he would not have time to feel the pain of losing his wife and children.

Even though Chris appeared exhausted as days passed by, everyone still made sure to keep him occupied. Unknown to anyone but only to Hoven and his elite alphas, Chris grew weaker and weaker day by day, and so did Yakobo.

They both felt like old men losing energy and slowing down with each passing day. But none of them spoke about it, for it was too painful to even think of.

"I think you should take a day off, Chris. You don’t look good," Hoven suggested one morning as they were going over the latest council nominations.

"You worry too much. What’s the use of resting when I am about to rest forever soon? But your wish will soon come true. It’s Neia’s eighteenth birthday soon and she invited me to spend it with her. So stop worrying about me. I will rest when I go to Vrenada," Chris said.

With a weary sigh, Chris ordered Hoven to wrap up the new council members’ selection and instructed his chamberlain to prepare his things, as he would travel to Vrenada over the weekend.

**********

Days passed, and Chris arrived in Vrenada with Hoven by his side. Hoven tagged along because he was unwilling to let his best friend travel alone in his deteriorating condition, so he insisted on accompanying him.

They were greeted by Princess Neia and King Stefan. Despite his fatigue, Chris managed a genuine smile as Neia embraced him warmly.

"I am so happy to see you, Brother!" Neia exclaimed happily but her smile quickly faded upon examining Chris closely.

"You don’t look good. The travel must have worn you off. Come! I’ll show you to your room," Princess Neia added.

Chris did not protest, for his sister was right, he was really tired. He remembered that back then, he could shift into his wolf form and run from Arcanis to Vrenada in just less than a day without getting tired. But that energy is long gone.

"Here we are," Neia said after arriving at one of the guest rooms. "My room is just beside yours so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me, okay?"

"Is Vrenada becoming poor to make you my servant?" Chris jested, making Neia chuckle.

"I want to personally take care of you. Don’t you miss your one and only sister?"

"I do, but you should go and let me rest before I change my mind about missing you."

Neia laughed once more before walking out of the room. Chris immediately lay on the bed and just after a few seconds he quickly dozed off.

—-------

In the afternoon, Neia invited Chris to walk with her in the garden. "Brother, I need to talk to you about my birthday," Neia began, her voice soft but determined. "I’ve decided not to have a party. I want to spend the day quietly with you. And there’s something else." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Chris looked at her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "What is it, Neia?"

"I’ve decided to marry King Stefan three days after my birthday," Neia said, her eyes steady on Chris’ face. "And I want you to walk me down the aisle."

For a moment, Chris was speechless. Then he nodded, a mixture of pride and sadness in his eyes. "Of course, Neia. I would be honored." He knew that he could not stop those two from landing in each other’s arms and he had no reason to.

He is quite happy that his sister would settle down with a good man and someone who he approves of before he leaves the world behind.

They spent the rest of the day together, sharing memories and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the garden. Chris felt the absence of his family acutely, the pain of their loss a constant ache in his heart. He tried to hide his illness, but Neia noticed the pallor of his skin and the weariness in his eyes.

"Chris, are you sure you’re alright?" Neia asked gently as they sat on a bench, the sun setting in a blaze of color.

"I’m fine, Neia. Just tired," Chris replied, offering a reassuring smile. "But being here with you, it helps."

Neia nodded, though worry flickered in her eyes. "Promise me you’ll rest while you’re here. I heard from Hoven that you kept yourself busy as soon as you arrived in Blackhart."

"I promise," Chris said, knowing he couldn’t keep it.

**********

The next few days passed in a blur of preparations and quiet moments. Chris found a bit of happiness in Neia’s company, her youthful energy and optimism a balm to his weary soul. Hoven, ever vigilant, kept a close eye on his friend, ready to step in if needed.

On Neia’s eighteenth birthday, Chris kept his promise. They spent the day together, reminiscing about old times and making new memories. Despite his best efforts to hide his fatigue, there were moments when Chris had to sit down, his strength waning. Neia watched him with a worried frown but said nothing, knowing how much it would hurt him to admit his frailty.

As the day of the wedding approached, Chris found himself growing more anxious. The thought of walking Neia down the aisle filled him with a bittersweet mixture of joy and sorrow. He wanted to be strong for her, to give her the support she needed as she embarked on this new Chapter of her life.

The morning of the wedding dawned bright and clear. Chris dressed in his finest attire, trying to ignore the persistent ache in his chest. Hoven hovered nearby, a silent pillar of support. When the time came, Chris took Neia’s arm, her hand resting lightly on his.

"You look beautiful," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

"Thank you, Brother," Neia replied, her eyes shining. "I couldn’t have done this without you."

They walked down the aisle together, the gathered guests rising to their feet in a show of respect. Chris felt every step as a triumph, a testament to his enduring strength and love for his sister. At the altar, he placed her hand in the vampire king’s, a sense of peace settling over him.

Chris felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He smiled through it, determined to savor this moment. But as the evening wore on, it became clear that his illness was taking a toll. Hoven followed, his concern etched deeply on his face.

"You need to rest, Chris," Hoven said firmly. "No arguments."

Chris nodded, too tired to protest. He lay down, his mind drifting back to the day’s events. Despite the pain and weariness, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He had seen Neia married, fulfilled his promise, and now he could rest.

His thoughts flew back to Elsa, ’I wonder if what did we have, a pair of boys or girls?’ he thought.

’Could be a boy and a girl too,’ Yakobo uttered.

’Too bad if it’s a daughter. I won’t be there to walk her down the aisle. I hope Nathan will do a good job when the time comes,’ he said to his wolf.