Chapter 1: Princely duties

Prince Merikh pov:

Walking down the hallway I made my way towards father's chambers. Being just six months away from my birthday doesn't help but just add more burdens on my shoulders. Everything is in disarray, father called me to discuss something important.

Invitations part of the whole ordeal scares me the most, all types of uncertainties run in my head and the fact that I am as clueless as the natives about the candidates do nothing for my reassurance.

The guards in front of father chamber announced my presence and bowed in respect. I said my greeting to father and waited for him to state the reason for summon. "Take a seat my son" father said gesturing toward settee at the far corner of chamber adjacent his study table.

"My son, as you know within few weeks everyone will be busy with commotions of upcoming event, I wanted to have a few words with you. I know the thing you are most worried about but I assure you that our council did our best for the future of the kingdom", father said matter of factually. "I believe you surely did your best and I am thankful for your concern. Please you have my attention, father", I told father sincerely.

"Very well then in two weeks the tournament begins, I want you to be serious about this" I tried to cut in but father raised his hand to stop the intrusion "don't think that I don't know about your enterprises, you will be crowned in six months I think it’s time you realize the solemnity of your responsibility towards tour kingdom" father announced sternly. I do understand it but I think that one should not forget about oneself but dare not voice such opinions in front of father, it will surely bestow me another lecture about kingdom importance so I simply nod my head.

"Candidates for future queen will arrive in next week, arrangement will be dealt with as for you I don't want you to be getting in way of procedures, no mercy will be showed upon them its matter of kingdom's future and I don't need anyone showing lenience towards them. They are no one for us until one wins and I don't want you to have any affection for anyone and biased decision will be made, overall procedure will be equitably just. Also good luck son" he said dismissing me.

I came back to my chambers and pondered over what father said to me to say I am intimidated is an understatement.

Father is certainly wrong about me not being serious about kingdom matters; I have a long list of changes to be made in kingdom. Father have been easy on packs and have given them free reins but I wouldn't tolerate there impotence. I will show them what true king is like and if they aren't cooperative enough with me then they don't belong to my kingdom altogether.

About the new queen to be participants should be afraid about what they are getting themselves into because they did send applications for their willingness and council chose what they deem best.

In the afternoon I sat with council members to discuss current issues kingdom is facing. One of the consistent issues that our kingdom is facing is related to kingdom borders.

The vampire kingdom known as Blagden is pressuring Ajax (werewolf kingdom) for expansion of their kingdom as there population is increasing rapidly on the other hand these lands are important for our kingdom as well because it’s in werewolf’s nature to roam on lands freely.

Sooner a meeting will be held between elders to discuss such matters between both kingdoms otherwise things could escalate to war.

In the past, kingdom have fought each other either to gain power or to rule over others. Now kingdoms have formed a committee consisting of elders and prime members of kingdom known as council to deal with such issues and to prevent conflicts.

After meeting was dismissed I took Nero my wolf on a run and also wanted to catch up with Cain my beta. He is been screaming in my head about his new endeavor and want me to join him. I personally regret choosing him as best friend and partner in crime as much as I would love to get rid of him, he is important to me for a lot of reasons. I swear to god if he is going to indulge us into his petty drinking and girls I am going to banish him.

I found Cain in west wing of castle in a lounging room. As soon as I entered the room Cain bowed to me and said “you better be thankful for this” showing a manila folder to me. “What’s this” I asked confused. “This highness is your future” I raised my left eyebrow still not getting the gist “come on it’s the list of future queen candidates”. I sat back on couch seeming uninterested “You are not a bit curious” he said perplexed by my impartial behavior.

“I am going to meet all of them in a week no need to be snoop around for such information and you my fool of a friend have wasted your time doing nothing” I said leisurely. “You are so bland your highness” he said feeling irritated. I contemplated checking out the list but thought better of it and decided to wait it is not like these listing are going to help anything. I can just hope that everything turns out good.