His Cursed and Forgotten Mate

Chapter 4

(Zephyr POV)

"I have a new mission for you. King Andreas here has requested your assistance in his kingdom."

It took a moment for me to digest the news. I stood in front of my chief, staring at her.

"Zephyr?" she called, snapping me out of my daze.

"A-ah yes?"

"You will go on a mission to the Kingdom of Meldena"

"I can't go" words fell out of my words without any warning. The chief looked at me, shocked by my answer. She stared at me for a few seconds before nodding her head.

"I am sorry, your majesty. But she is not interested in this mission. If you allow it, I will appoint another protector"

"Miss Heather" My mate's voice was void and had a tint of displeasure in them. "I had asked for her as my protector. I understand if she is not interested. I will take my leave then". He stood up from his seat, adjusting his coat.

"Wait! Give me a second!" Chief jumped, shocking me. "Let me talk to her." She took me by my hand and pulled me out of the room to the corridor.

"You have to go", she grabbed me by my shoulder and pulled me closer with an adamant look.

"What? Why?"

"Because he will be funding us! Do you know what that means? Not only are we going to have enough things to keep everyone good and healthy, we will have publicity as a trustworthy community. This, in turn, will give us a lifetime of missions."

"But I can't!" I felt frustrated about this. I didn't want to go. It was the last thing I wanted to do.

"But why?"

"I can't tell you, OK! You know I will never say no to a mission unless I have a reason."

She looked at me for a few more seconds before sighing and nodding her head.

"Ok. I know. I am sorry. I got a little overboard" she smiled and patted my head. "I will tell him the deal is off.

The chief found me when I was a child fed up with my life. She took me into her community and took care of me. She helped me control and train my powers. Without her, I would have been nothing.

"No. I will go"

Chief stopped midway and turned to me with a frown.

"No, you don't have to because of me. It was my mistake to try and force you."

"No, it's not only because of you. It's because of my home. Besides, it's high time I tried to get over my fear and be strong.

I know she is pestering me because of the huge load of taking care of the community. Even though our people are strong and have different abilities, we are not recognized. This means fewer missions and that results in a shortage of supplies. Especially with the coming of winter, it's worse. We needed funding and with the tie up with the king, we got funds as well as publicity.

But..... He is my mate. Naturally, I will grow more and more attached to him. What if I hurt him? Anyone that gets close to me gets hurt. But I haven’t been close to anyone for a long time, so I don't know if my bad luck is still there. I don't want him to be hurt like last time.

But I also want to help my people. They are my family and if I go it benefits them a lot. Besides, as the next chief, I should sacrifice a lot.

I took a deep breath, looking at my mate with a stern attitude.

"Your majesty," I bowed in respect. "I will be your new protector from now on."

I just need to close off my emotions and not worry about my stupid feelings.

I looked up at the King of the east, who had a satisfied smile on his face.

"That is great news! We will get going by this afternoon."

Something inside me skipped a beat. His smile was still the same as the one he wore years ago.

"O-of course" I cursed internally for blushing so hard. It's only been 5 minutes since I accepted his request and I am already regretting it.

When the time came to leave, I gathered my team and appointed 2 among them to accompany me. One of them was an experienced fighter while the other was a beginner who would join me as a part of mission training.

"Ready?" Andrew asked as I nodded, giving a slight bow.

"Yes"

"And these two will accompany us?" Andrew looked at the chosen two behind me.

"Yes they will."

"Alright. Then the two of you can ride the other carriage. Lady Zephyr can ride with me"

My head snapped up so fast that I felt my neck hurt.

"What?! Why should I ride with you?!" My eyes widened at what I had just done. I was so shocked that I shouted at him. "I-I am sorry I shouted, your majesty, but I am genuinely confused about why I should travel with you."

"Because you are my protector. I got attacked and my portal separated from my guards and other carriages the last time. Only the ones in the carriage were with me. This means someone should be there with me in the carriage."

I cursed internally knowing what he said was true, but having to travel with him in the same carriage was just.... too suffocating. But nothing could be done as I nodded my head and made my way to the carriage.

When I was going to enter the carriage, he walked past me and raised his hand. I looked at him confused but he only raised one eyebrow and extended his hand a little more.

I knew it was a kind gesture made by a gentleman to a lady he was accompanying, but why is he doing it to me? I am not his companion. I am his protector. But right now, rejecting his hand means embarrassing him in front of others.

My hand was shaking as I raised them. The moment our hands touched, I jumped at the sparks that formed between us. I looked at my mate with wide eyes. His face held a frown as he looked at my hand for a moment.

But he recovered in a quick second before moving our hand forward, gesturing me to enter. I felt my heart break because of his reaction. I looked away from him, knowing my face was filled with disappointment.

I entered the carriage and sat on the left side while he got in and settled on the right side. The journey started and I made sure not to look at him. I tried to look everywhere but him. I even tried and pretended to fall asleep.

"You don't have to look so uncomfortable with me. We may need to travel with each other a lot", Andrew finally spoke, making me freeze in my spot.

"I-I am sorry about that. I will be used to it". I tried to sound stern but I doubt I succeeded in it.

"Ok. So let's talk business" his voice changed and he turned even sterner as he looked me straight in my eyes. I, on the other hand, was beyond confused.

"Well, I don't think there is much, right? I come with you, be your protector and protect you"

"I think it's not so simple. I suggest you don't come with me as my protector."

"Oh? Then what do-"

"Be my lover"

My heart dipped. I felt my whole body freeze as I stared at him with wide eyes.

"Wh-What? What do you mean your majesty!" my voice was above normal as I couldn’t digest what he was saying.

Did he figure out who I am?! Did he feel the sparks between us and then pretended all this time?

I felt happy and excited but at the same time, I felt scared and distressed. My emotions felt as if they were all over the place.

"My enemies are the people around me. Some are sincere, but many are just snakes waiting for the moment to finish me off. If you come in as protector, not only will there be a problem where they will rebel against having an unauthorized person as my protector, they will try finding means to hurt me around you. But, if you act like my mate, a sweet and innocent one, you will easily be able to fool them."

I couldn’t utter a single word.

Why do I feel so disappointed?! What should I do? I feel so miserable, yet I know this is for the best.

"I-I see". Those were the only words that came out of my mouth. He waited as if he wanted me to tell you more, but what should I say?

"You will act as my mate" he spoke, seeing I had no intention of speaking. I could only nod my head and look down at my lap.

Act? What a strange thing to say when I am really his mate.

Ah. Now I really wish I hadn't agreed with this.

"Is everything OK?"

I looked up, my eyes meeting his. He had a slight, soft, worried expression, but other than that, he looked serious and void.

"Y-Yes. Of course"

"Alright. If you are uncomfortable with this idea, we can change it, of course."

I should say I was uncomfortable.

"I am fine with that."

I cursed myself for agreeing even after knowing how much misery I would be in.

"Ok"

During the journey, he gave me a new identity and a story to back it up. Simple as it sounds, I come from a remote rogue pack, born to a farmer family. But I got to keep my name Zephyr since he liked that name.

That one simple sentence made my heart beat fast. He was kind as he kept asking if I wanted to change any of the new identities I have.

He said he had sent a fire message to arrange my room and buy me some clothes. Since I am acting as the next queen, I will have to endure some classes that are a mandatory part of training, but it will be okay if I don't do well.

As of now, we have crossed the portal and are now entering the Kingdom. I started to see familiar places outside the carriage window.

Some of them had fond memories while others were filled with nightmares.

As we moved closer to the palace, I could feel my heart sinking. This was my real home. The place I was born.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

No. This is no longer my home. I don't live here anymore. I don't wish to live here as well.

"We are entering the palace premises. Don't worry and just follow my lead", Andrew announced, as I nodded at him.

The carriage passed through the huge palace gate before stopping in front of the main entrance.

Looking outside the window, I could only stare at the kingdom warriors who lined up on either side of a red carpet spread in front of us.

The page announced the arrival of the king as the door opened. Andrew got out first and nodded as the whole crowd bowed in respect.

But then he turned around and raised his hand towards me. I was shocked for a minute but took a deep breath, ready to face the drama that would be ahead of me.

A small smile hung on my face as I grabbed his hand.

Sparks flew around me as he helped me down the carriage.

"Welcome to Meldana, my mate."