Chapter 10. The kingdom in crisis

News of Princess Farah's kidnapping spread like wildfire through the kingdom. Elara, who had managed to escape, returned to the palace and recounted the events to the king. His Majesty's fury knew no bounds, and he dispatched his most trusted guards to track down Kael and bring Farah back unharmed.

Zoya, however, seethed with a different emotion. Her plan had been foiled, and Farah now held the attention of the man Zoya coveted. Jealousy coursed through her veins like poison. Why should Farah be the one to capture Kael's heart? The thought sent Zoya into a rage. She hurled her shoes at the mirror, shattering the glass.

"What if he makes love to Farah?" she screamed, her mind consumed by visions of Kael's affection. "What if he kisses her? What if he whispers sweet nothings in her ear?" The mere possibility drove Zoya to the brink of madness. She could only hope that the guards would find them soon, before Kael and Farah's bond grew stronger.

The guards combed the village where Farah had purchased her skin products, but their inquiries yielded nothing. Undeterred, they vowed to leave no stone unturned in their quest to rescue the princess.

Meanwhile, Kael and Farah returned to the cabin, where they consumed the leftover meat. Kael then announced, "We should leave now. We still have a long way to go."

Farah sprang to her feet, her anger and frustration boiling over. "Where exactly are we going? Why are you taking me with you? I want to go back home!" Tears streamed down her face as she confronted Kael.

Kael rolled his eyes, his patience wearing thin. "Would you walk or should I carry you?" he asked, his tone firm.

Farah's chin jutted out in defiance. "Don't you dare! I'll walk." With that, she strode outside, her head held high.

Kael assisted Farah onto the horse and mounted behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. As they set off, Farah's tension was palpable. Kael knew their journey would be long and arduous, but he was determined to reach their destination, a secluded haven known only to a select few, including some of his fellow werewolves.

As the day wore on, Farah's exhaustion caught up with her, and she drifted off to sleep twice, her head nestled against Kael's chest. He felt his heart swell with emotion and excitement, hoping against hope that his mate would come to love him. That was his sincerest desire.

As Farah slept, Kael rode with extra caution, ensuring the horse's gait was smooth and gentle. He carefully adjusted Farah's clothes, making sure she was comfortable and secure. He even checked her body temperature with the back of his hand, relieved to find that she felt warm and healthy.

Farah's well-being was Kael's top priority, and he was determined to keep her safe and sound. He knew that she wasn't accustomed to this kind of life, and the last thing he wanted was for her to fall ill. The thought of her suffering was unbearable, and he felt a surge of protectiveness toward her.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, Kael gently shifted Farah's position, trying not to disturb her. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as the horse plodded onward. Despite the long and arduous journey, Kael felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that Farah was by his side.