The Royal Mark-Chapter 374: Cornered

Rocco’s surprise birthday party, which also served as their farewell celebration, was not the somber event everyone had initially expected.

Instead, it was brimming with joy and laughter. The guests delighted in the tricks and performances of the jesters, who kept everyone entertained. They savored the food and wine, and the dancing was the highlight of the night.

Elsa couldn’t recall the last time she had so much fun in Vectus, as her moments of happiness were often interrupted by the outbreak of war.

Chris was responsible for entertaining the guests while the mother and son sat in front of the stage, captivated by the jesters’ performances. Rocco was so engrossed that even Hera and Valeria joined them to watch the little prince laugh and giggle at the jesters.

Meanwhile, Hoven and Neia approached Chris, whom he had been avoiding since their arrival. He had a sinking feeling about what they were going to say, as they had been exchanging knowing looks with him from the moment they saw each other.

"Brother," Neia greeted.

"Sister," Chris replied, raising his wine glass to her and Hoven before quickly averting his gaze.

"We need to talk about Elsa," Neia began.

Chris turned to Neia and sighed. "There’s nothing to talk about."

"Chris, listen to us first. Why are you giving up on them? Earlier, Princess Hera and King Andrius told us that your wife and children will never return to Vectus and that you no longer want to find Milda to make her reverse the spell," Hoven said.

"Brother, we are all willing to help, even if it means venturing into the underworld to find Milda. Just allow us. Please don’t stop us from helping you," Neia pleaded.

"There’s no use in finding Milda. Whether we find her or not, Elsa will be free of her spell as long as she stays in Novus. Her father will be with her and Elandir will check on them every now and then. She’s safer there, even Yvonne was not able to touch her when they were there." Chris replied.

"Don’t you want to be with them? Don’t you want her to be by your side while you lead out people in Arcanis? And how about the Rocco? He is the heir to the throne, what’s your plan for him?" Neia asked one after the other.

She really can’t understand her brother no matter how hard she tries. Even though she has no plan of returning to Arcanis, it is her motherland and she would always worry about her people and kingdom.

"Your sister is right, Chris. It is not only you that is affected by their departure. We need your heir to live and grow up in Arcanis, to learn our traditions and customs, and to be trained as the future king.

Your son is not affected by Milda’s spell so why not let him stay here instead while Elsa stays in Novus until we find Milda? Then perhaps we can bring her back here after she gives birth to your twins?" Hoven suggested.

Chris rolled his eyes before putting his wine glass on the table and gesturing for the two to follow him. He led them out of the Great Hall and to one corner where no one could hear them talk.

"I cannot take Rocco from his mother, the boy needs a mother’s warmth. I was planning to talk to you once Elsa leaves but since you are cornering me today and leaving me no choice but to speak even though we are currently enjoying this special occasion then listen carefully.

I need you to keep this to yourselves. Only my in-laws know about this and now the both of you. I have no plan to make my family return to Arcanis. They will stay in Novus until they grow old and die.

Not only because it is safer for them there but because it is not true that there’s a cure for me. My wolf is dying and so am I. The water from the Moonwell will only give me temporary strength but soon it will no longer have an effect on me. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Andrius and my mother-in-law only inform you of things that you should know. But there’s more... Once she returns to Novus, her memories from the day we met will be erased. She will not remember any of us.

And I think that is good. I think the goddess is doing her a favor, she will be free of the pain of leaving everything and everyone behind. I will die soon anyway, so there’s no need for her to remember me. She could go back to her old life and continue her dreams without the guilt. She can be free there." Chris disclosed nonchalantly, not hinting any of his emotions to Hoven and Neia.

The two were speechless and just stared at Chris. They could understand where is he coming from and could also feel the pain that he is going through.

Before they could think of words to say to Chris, Elsa went out of the Great Hall looking for them.

"There you are! Why are you gathering here? Let’s go inside, it’s time for Rocco to open up his gifts! I know that it should be done towards the end of the celebration but he keeps on yawning already so we have to do the offering of gifts now."

The three of them smiled at Elsa and followed her inside the Great Hall. They tried their best to enjoy the party, setting aside their feelings and letting themselves enjoy their last few moments with their Queen and little prince.

While on their way to the stage where people are lining up with their gifts, Marina abruptly pulled Chris and said, "I need to talk to you, Princess Hera, and the Seraphim later, but do not tell Elandir."

Chris frowned at how anxious Marina looked. "What is it about?" he asked.

"I have decided to go with Queen Elsa when she leaves..." Marina replied.

"What?!" Chris dropped his jaw in astonishment, he surely did not expect that.