It would be really nice if he could promote peace between the two races. Once he stepped down from the throne, he would expect either Luciel or Jan to replace him and take over power.
Since both his sons were lycans, it was important that the people, the human citizens could start accepting lycans as part of this kingdom too.
Now, the question was... Sophie's new husband. Would he be open to talking about a peace agreement? Nicholas hated Duke Romanov to the core, but he was a fair king and had to admit, though begrudgingly, that the duke had done a good job taking care of Sophie and his children while Nicholas couldn't.
Nicholas also thought about it for a long time, and he came to the conclusion that as long as Sophie and his children stayed with Duke Ariam Romanov, he couldn't possibly endanger their lives by attacking the duke and his men.
Every time he remembered how Jan was hurt when he and Lucas were fighting, his heart churned. Nicholas didn't want to expose Sophie and the boys to such stress or danger.
If anything... even though he hated, hated, deeply hated Duke Ariam Romanov, he wouldn't do anything rashly again. He would make sure Sophie and their sons were protected.
Nicholas took a deep breath. His face looked tired and despondent. His mother could tell that, even though one burden was relieved from his back, Nicholas still had other things that bothered his mind. Was it about.... his sons?
"Nicholas... tell me," Queen Marianne looked Nicholas in the eye, "What do you plan to do after this?"
Nicholas forced a smile and shrugged. "I have to quickly work on peace talks. And I also need to break off my engagement to Karenina and compensate her and her family."
The queen opened her lips, wanting to say something, but decided to cancel it. She remembered her grandchildren. Luciel and Jan were so adorable. And then she thought about their mother. Sophia Romanov was such a lovely lady. She would make a good wife to Nicholas.
Ah... If only the queen knew her son had married a woman he loved many years ago, she wouldn't even think about forcing him to marry Karenina. It's too late to regret it now.
"I understand," Queen Marianne bit her lip. "So, do you think I can maybe come and see Sophia to talk to her as... you know, fellow woman?"
Nicholas looked at his mother attentively. He didn't know if Sophie's new husband would allow it. He seemed like the really jealous type.
But, it didn't hurt to try, Nicholas thought. The doctor he sent was welcomed warmly by Sophie. The duke was nowhere to be seen when Doctor Lehmand went there.
So, perhaps, Queen Marianne's visit would be okay?
"I will think about it, mother," Nicholas said gently. "Let's not do anything in a rush."
He missed his sons and Sophie so badly, but he wanted to give them space, especially after Sophie openly told him that his presence was unwanted. He must not put her in an uncomfortable position.
"Very well," the queen nodded. She was not happy with Nicholas' reply, but she didn't have a choice but to follow his advice. Sophie was now staying with a pack of lycans. Queen Marianne couldn't just come and try to see her grandchildren. Her life could be in danger.
"I will do as you said," she added. Her eyes were filled with longing, "but please... try to get them back."
Nicholas could only nod haltingly. Even if he had to pay with the world, he would love to try and get them back. However, if Sophie didn't want to... what could he do?
***
News of the king making the confession of being a lycan spread throughout the palace very quickly like a hay-devouring fire. Everyone quickly talked about it and there was an uproar.
Even though the majority of the people understood and could accept his situation, some people were still doubtful. They all didn't dare to show their disagreement openly because they were worried it would anger the king, but Nicholas knew not everyone was supporting him. And that was fine.
He thought it was better to receive open rejection or questions to answer and to prove himself, rather than having people around him who pretended that they were loyal to him but they actually planned to stab him in the back.
Some time after the meeting ended, Nicholas invited Noel to come to his study to talk privately. It was now time to answer Noel's question truthfully. Besides, the captain of the Royal Lycan Hunter must have already heard of what happened.
Not long after, Noel came to fulfill the invitation. The king invited Noel to sit on the sofa of his study. He poured wine into two glasses then offered one of them to Noel.
"Have you heard the news yesterday?" Nicholas opened the conversation.
Noel nodded. "I was surprised to hear that and did not expect that His Majesty would do such a thing."
"All of this is thanks to you," said Nicholas calmly.
Noel furrowed his brows in disbelief. Nicholas then explained that if Noel didn't share his suspicions, he wouldn't be motivated to make a confession.
Because he was worried that if Noel exposed it, Noel would only prove that the king was a lycan without knowing the reason why the king could become a lycan. So, Nicholas decided to reveal the fact himself by telling the background of why he became a lycan.
He thought if he told the truth people would be able to understand his situation and accept him.
"I'm very impressed with what you did, Your Majesty," said Noel.
Nicholas widened his smile. "I asked you to come here because I wanted to thank you directly and at the same time I wanted to hear your decision."
Noel was silent. He was in a very dilemma. Until now he was still carrying out the previous king's mandate to fight the lycans. However, the current king was a lycan himself.
What should the Royal Lycan Hunter do?
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