Forged in the Flames

Chapter 88

Forged In The Flames By Karima Sa’ad Usman

Chapter 88 The Rest Of The day (Nikolas POV)

The moment I returned to my room, Piotr sent someone to remind me of our horse-riding adventure. Aliana preferred to stay indoors, so I agreed to go. However, I didn’t want her to be alone, so I asked Ania and Lisa to keep her company.

I hoped that Qusack would resolve his issues with Ania. She was an amazing person, and it would be wonderful to see them together. We met at the stables, and Piotr seemed unusually excited.

As we rode side by side, I finally asked Piotr about the reason for his excitement.

“What’s the occasion?” I inquired.

Piotr’s response was filled with emotion and enthusiasm.

“I always wished for the day when Frederick would be put in his place. And that’s exactly what happened yesterday. It was the first time Frederick couldn’t control the committee. It was the first time I saw my father stand up for something and not remain silent. Many significant events took place yesterday. Let me tell you, my dear friend, the universe is on your side,” he said, and I understood his sentiments.

Growing up, Piotr witnessed everyone bowing down to the tyrant, but Frederick was finally held accountable yesterday. This explained Fredrick’s anger, and it all made sense, considering what Miles had told me.

Curious about Piotr’s thoughts on Miles, I asked him about it.

“What do you think of Miles?” I inquired, wanting to understand Piotr’s perspective.

Piotr paused and replied, “Besides being an introvert and a formidable fighter who serves as Frederick’s General, I don’t have much to say. Honestly, I don’t understand what Lena sees in him. She refuses to end the relationship and even threatened to run away if we tried to interfere. It’s serious,” he confessed.

Piotr’s response didn’t provide much clarity because Miles did indeed hint at those aspects of his character. Seeking further insight, I asked Piotr, “Do you think he can be trusted? Is it possible for him to turn against Fredrick?” Piotr stopped abruptly and inquired,

“Why do you ask?”

I decided to share my conversation with Miles, leaving Piotr speechless with every detail I revealed.

“It makes a lot of sense why he would want to rebel against Fredrick. But I don’t understand why he would confide in you. After all, you two just met, Nikolas. Isn’t it too soon?” Piotr questioned, raising a valid point. However, I couldn’t deny the sincerity I felt while speaking to Miles. I knew he meant every word.

“I don’t think he’s deceptive. In fact, I believe he has longed to be free from Fredrick for a while, but he has nowhere to go and no one to turn to. You mentioned it yourself, Fredrick controlled everything until yesterday. I think the reason you’re so joyful is the same reason he opened up to me.

He was certain that Fredrick’s downfall was imminent. I didn’t reveal anything to him. You didn’t see him with Fredrick as I did. He’s a captive longing for liberation.

Now that Fredrick realises he can’t use him to secure the Throne of Forest, things might not go well for him. The moment he becomes useless, his life is in danger,” I explained, and Piotr gradually understood my point.

“Well, he is your brother, and that must count for something. Just be cautious,” Piotr warned, concluding our discussion.

“Are you planning to declare yourself King and wait for Fredrick to attack?” Piotr asked, unknowingly t*ouching upon my plans. However, I couldn’t disclose anything yet. I sensed his eagerness for war, but I didn’t want to confirm anything until I was fully prepared. “Let’s give it time, Piotr. I promise you’ll be the first to know when it happens, and I hope you and your father will attend my coronation,” I assured him, and he winked at me.

“Anything to rebel against that tyrant. Anything for you, my friend,” he declared, riding ahead with his horse, challenging me to catch up.

We had a great time, and Piotr thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery. He admired the natural beauty, fresh air, and the sense of freedom in Forest.

There was no tension, no barriers, no need to be cautious, no social rules, or class divisions. The people in Forest were united as one community. Piotr appreciated these aspects of the place and wished Natasha had come along with him. I could relate to that feeling, as I wouldn’t want to be separated from Aliana for long.

I knew Piotr wouldn’t stay for long unless he found a way to convince Natasha to join him. However, it wouldn’t be wise for her to come since the hunters in the area were searching for slaves.

Upon returning to the palace, we had lunch. Aliana had gone for a walk with her friends, so I didn’t want to interrupt their time together.

Piotr and I had lunch together, accompanied by Qusack and Abraham. It was a pleasant gathering, but I was particularly relieved to hear that Miles and Gabriel were away on a tour. I knew that when Miles eventually discovered the truth, I wouldn’t have to doubt his loyalty anymore. Piotr left to explore the sights with Abraham, leaving Qusack and me alone.

As soon as Piotr departed, Qusack provided me with an update on our troops and their progress. Ingham and Grant were doing an excellent job training them.

However, with the impending war, the training became more intense.

To ensure we had enough weapons for our soldiers, we cleverly imported them and disassembled them to learn how to produce them on a large scale. I was aware that Fredrick might try to prevent us from buying weapons since Snow was the main market. But I had no intention of spending my money on weapons from him. The samples I bought were sufficient for our werewolf engineers to study and replicate. They were diligently working in the armoury, and I had complete faith in their abilities.

The werewolves were now more motivated than ever before. Instead of relying on fear to control them, they were genuinely devoted to our cause.

I felt privileged to have them as part of my team.

We spent a significant amount of time in my office, trying to navigate various matters. I wrote numerous letters expressing gratitude and sent them to different influential leaders present at the meeting.

Frederick’s attempt to spy on me had inadvertently made it easier for me to claim my rightful royal status. If I were to crown myself now, it wouldn’t be an act of defiance but rather a natural progression. Those who opposed me would do so by choice, not out of necessity. Acknowledging my royal status allowed me to ascend the throne.

By the time we finished our work around seven in the evening, I was exhausted. I learned that Miles had returned, and Abraham had taken him to the archives to explore his mother’s pictures and read the correspondence between her and our father.

I had no prior knowledge of these items, but I didn’t blame Abraham for not informing me. I had specified my areas of interest, and my father’s relationship with his destined partner wasn’t one of

them.

Gabriel came to my office, claiming that Qusack had sent him, and it suddenly dawned on me. I knew I had to tell Gabriel the truth.

“How was the tour?” I asked him eagerly, rising from my seat so we could walk outside together. I wanted to ensure that no one could overhear or accidentally listen in on our conversation.

“Mile was overwhelmed with emotions at the gravesite. He met his mother’s cousins and other relatives who shared pictures and stories about his father and Olive.

It was a deeply emotional experience for him. The gravesite shattered him completely. It was evident that he carried a tremendous amount of pain, a lingering resentment of not being wanted.

Discovering that he had been stolen helped him confront his inner demons. The trip had a profound impact on his soul. I was grateful he was given the opportunity, your highness. I don’t believe he will betray you,” he confessed, and I nodded. I held onto that hope as well, but only time would reveal the truth.

“I asked you to come here for a stroll because I have something important to share with you,” I finally told him when we reached the open space before the woods.

There was no one nearby, ensuring that it was just the two of us.

I stopped walking and locked my gaze with his.

Gabriel appeared attentive, exuding confidence and preparedness to face whatever I was about to reveal. However, I knew that his bravery and strength wouldn’t be enough for what I was about to disclose.

“I want to tell you something, but I need you to promise me that you’ll remain composed. I need you to promise that you’ll be rational and follow my plan. I’ve already devised a plan to resolve the issue, but I believe it would be unfair if I kept it from you and you found out from someone else,” I said, and he looked at me, curious.

“Is there something wrong with Aliana?” he asked, his face wrinkling with concern. I shook my head in response.

His frown deepened, and he regarded me with curiosity.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to meet your mate, so I don’t know what she looks like,” I explained, and his expression changed.

“If you had any involvement in her death, it’s better you don’t confess to me, your Highness,” he said urgently, and I shook my head. I suspected that was what he was thinking based on the questions I had asked when I saw her picture that day. I assured him it wasn’t true, but I could tell he didn’t believe me.

“Not at all. I don’t harm women and children, only those who try to fight me,” I said, trying to calm him down.

He relaxed a bit and remained silent, giving me the chance to explain.

“When I attended the committee meeting in the Snow…” I began, unsure of how to proceed. But I knew it was now, or never, so I gathered my courage and continued.

“A woman who resembled her served me food in my room. I didn’t know who she was, so I didn’t pay much attention until I later found out that she was Gwendolyn,” I revealed, and his face showed shock. I could see it clearly. His breathing quickened, and his eyes flickered between yellow and brown. My words awakened his inner wolf.

“Gwendolyn isn’t dead. The reason you felt that pain was because…” I couldn’t finish my sentence before he did.

“A Lycan Alpha forcefully claimed her,” he said, tears streaming down his face, and I nodded.

“Fredrick took her as his mistress. She’s been his captive all this time,” I explained, reaching out to t*ouch his shoulder, but he moved away.

Everything happened so quickly. Gabriel transformed, tearing his clothes, and sprinted into the forest, howling.

I could sense the torment in his voice, and I started to regret telling him.

Yet, I knew it was necessary before we entered into battle.

I didn’t want Fredrick to catch us off guard and weaken Gabriel. It was a necessary truth, but had I handled it wisely?

Knowing he wasn’t himself, I undressed, shifted into my wolf form, and ventured into the woods to find him.