Chapter 80
Elena’s POV
Upon hearing my question, Prince Deacon nodded his head slowly, replying, “They will. They have to consider their pack’s survival, after all.”
He looked outside and meaningfully said, “The northern war might have ended today, but the war between the Rogues and the kingdom isn’t over… not entirely. For now, they’ve avenged their Alpha’s son without exposing the truth behind his death. If that ever comes out, they’ll have a stronger claim to loyalty–they’ve already paid the price for their betrayal.”
I tilted my head, watching his expression carefully. His eyes looked distant, his brows furrowed, and his lips formed a frown.
A small smile formed on my lips, seeing how he felt compassion even for those who committed treason. “And you’re frowning because you’re still worried.”
He blinked out of a trance, looked back at me, and let out a soft laugh. Looking at me with admiration, he commented, “You know me too well.”
Leaning closer to his seat, I reached out and briefly squeezed his hand. “Don’t think too much about the future. Focus on what we’ve achieved today.”
“Don’t you hear that?” I asked, nodding outside, where we heard the laughter and clinking of beers from the warriors celebrating victory.
Looking intently back at him, I added comfortingly, “It’s enough for now.”
A whole–hearted laugh escaped his lips, and the tension on his face immediately eased. Raising his hand, he tapped my head and teased, “The mighty Elena is actually comforting me? What has the world come to?”
I narrowed my eyes at his comment and pushed his hand away from my head. Then, we both laughed, a laugh that echoed in the entire tent, giving us a lively atmosphere that was closest to the peace we had been aiming for for months.
“What?” I asked, suddenly feeling conscious as he leaned back, sincerely and steadily gazing at me.
I even looked at myself to see what he was staring at before looking back at him with a questioning gaze.
Then… a smile formed on his lips as his gaze overflowed with pride. “You’ve honored your father and brother today. They’d be very proud of you.”
My breathing hit a halt, and the smile on my face vanished. An overwhelming warmth engulfed my entire being, and warm tears threatened to form in the corner of my eyes!
Looking down to hide my trembling chin, I swallowed and whispered, “I just did what needed to be done.”
“I…” I stuttered when I felt his thumb and index finger lifting up my chin, guiding my f meet his gaze.
Shaking his gaze, he replied, “No, Elena. You fulfilled your father’s wishes. You became an important member of ending the northern war and brought honor back to your family. Not many could have done what you did.”
My eyes glistened with unshed tears, and as I felt them trying to drip down my cheeks, I quickly looked away and tilted my head, blinking them back.
“So that’s why he let me lead. He wanted me to have this moment, to prove myself.”
Somehow, he managed to know that this was a very important matter for me. Not just to prove myself and my
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Chapter 80
capabilities but to bring back the glory that my family had lost.
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It was amusing how we barely knew each other, but he did thore for me than anyone in my life had ever done for me… more than my ex–husband had ever done for me.
Looking back at him with a grateful smile, I firmly said, “Thank you… Thank you for being there and giving me a chance.”
It was still like yesterday when he was against me joining the Warriors, claiming I was a Luna who needed protection. But then he warmed up to me upon seeing my real capabilities and even gave me an opportunity I never thought I’d get so soon.
My eyes then narrowed because, while I was being emotional, Prince Deacon suddenly let out a mischievous smirk and commented, “Gratitude suits you. So, how do you plan to repay me?”
I scoffed, and my jaw dropped at his last question. Blinking with a pretence of bewilderment, I asked, “Repay you?”
Shaking my head, I went on with his words, “What do you want?”
His gaze became intense as his grin turned into a mysterious smile. “For now… I have nothing in mind. But maybe I’ll need a favor from you someday.”
Shrugging his shoulders, he added, “Who knows.”
Teasingly, I stared at him and pointed out, “You… the Prince of our entire kingdom and the god of war… will need a favor from little ol‘ me? That would be the sun rising from the west.”
He laughed at my words, as did I, but then I turned serious after a few seconds and leaned on the table separating
- us.
Looking at him intently, I spoke seriously, “But whatever it might be, I’ll do it. You have my word.”
His smile became more expansive, and his tone went lighter as his eyes glinted with thoughtfulness. “I’ll remember that, Elena. I’ll remember.”
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