His destined mate
Chapter 57: Shadows of the Past

Ethan's POV

After meeting with Emily, the air was thick with suspicion. We had made progress in integrating the nobles, but the shadow of Emily's influence lingered in the air like a haze.

Just as we began to catch our breath, an unexpected visitor arrived at the castle gates. Word spread quickly: Derek was back. The cold chill tightened in my stomach as I thought about my half-brother.

Derek was always a thorn in my side, a reminder of our tangled family history. His jealousy of my relationship with Emily had put a strain on our relationship, long before he disappeared. Now, he was back, and I could only guess what plans he was making with that in mind.

As I gathered my thoughts in the war room, the door opened. Bianca stepped forward, her face a mixture of worry and determination.

"Ethan, I just heard about Derek. We need to get ready." I nodded, the weight of my brother's return falling heavily on my shoulders. I can tell of his betrayal and his jealousy. But why all that? Why trouble me?

"what exactly does he want? Why can't he stand by your side as his brother" Bianca asked, her voice firm despite the rising agitation inside me. "Just what I can think of," I said. "Power, control... maybe even revenge. He always wanted to take everything from me." "Then we have to get ready," Bianca said. "If he thinks he can come back and criticize us, he's sorely mistaken."

Bianca's POV

I know I have my past which was obviously difficult for majority to accept, but I have grown to care for the well-being of this country. I can't just sit and watch anyone destroy the peace of this country because of personal reasons. "We've collected data on his movements," I pointed out. "We have to understand his mindset before he performs." Ethan agreed, his face hard.

"I will send out scouts to see if there are any signs of Derek's plans. If he wants to raise support, we need to know who he can hang out with." Just as we were finalizing the procedure, a security guard entered the room nervously. "Lord Ethan, Derek is here. He seeks an audience." I felt a chill run up my spine. "bold," I said as I exchanged glances with Ethan. "Or indifference." "Let him in," Ethan's stern voice ordered. "We'll meet together." Ethan's POV

Derek entered the war room, and a storm cloud darkened the sky with his presence. He was smiling smugly, as if enjoying the mess he had made as soon as he arrived. "Ethan," he said, fake friendliness dripping from his voice, "it's lovely to see you again."

"Cut the fun stuff, Derek," I replied in a low, firm voice. "what do you even want?" He leaned against the wall and surveyed the room as if it were his own.

"I'm here to take back what's mine. This throne, your precious Emily... they are mine." Bianca's sharp breath caught my attention

"My first appearance in this Kingdom was a warning to you, I know you didn't get that part" he chuckled

"What do you even know Derek?" Bianca said boldly. Bianca's words surprised Derek alot because he has known her as the weak one who needs to be protected all the time

"Indeed time they say changes people" he laughed out loud. But bianca didn't mind his word but continued

"You have built nothing but flimsy alliances based on fear and deception. I give them strength-my strength." Bianca continued, her voice unwavering. "Your energy is nothing but inspiration, Derek. You are always full of jealousy and anger." He shot her once, and the laughter subsided. "Stay away from this, Bianca. This is between brothers."

"Then let's settle this like brother," I challenged, my heart beating faster. "You want power? You'll need to get it." Derek's eyes burned with evil thoughts. "Oh, I've got a plan. You've made this many enemies over time. I'm just here to remind you of that."

Bianca's POV

The tension in the room was very high as Derek and Ethan faced each other. I could feel the storm brewing, and I knew Derek wouldn't hesitate to use secret gestures to get what he wanted. "Ethan," I insisted, "we need to stay together. He's trying to protect us against each other." Derek smirked.

"Do you think your relationship can withstand the chaos I'm about to cause? I started collecting support from disgruntled nobles. They are tired of your empty promises." I felt a cold wave of fear wash over me. "What does this mean? Who helps you?"

"Ah, that's what I need to know and they need to know," Derek said, his smile returning. "But mark my words, Ethan. I'll wear whatever you want. It's not just a game anymore." Ethan's POV

Derek's words hung in the air like a black swan. I could feel the pressure rising, the stae higher than ever. "You will find that my relationship with my friends is stronger than any of your changes."

"Is it? Interesting" he sneered. "I've watched you flounder, Ethan. You've lost their trust, and now I'm here to claim what's mine."

Bianca stepped beside me, her presence a grounding force. "You're not taking anything from us, Derek. We stand united against your tyranny."

His expression twisted in anger. "United? You think this makes you invincible? You're only as strong as the weakest link. And I know exactly where to strike."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

Bianca's POV

As the door closed behind Derek, the tension in the room lingered. I could feel Ethan's frustration radiating off him, a mix of anger and fear for what Derek might do next.

"We can't let him turn the nobles against us," I said, my voice urgent. "We need to act quickly."

Ethan nodded, determination returning to his features. "We'll gather our loyal supporters and strengthen our alliances. Derek may have returned, but we won't let him undermine what we've built."

I felt a surge of hope. "Together, we can face whatever he throws at us. We just need to stay one step ahead."

Ethan's POV

As we strategized, I couldn't shake the feeling that Derek was plotting something sinister. His jealousy had always fueled his ambition, and now he had returned with a vendetta.

We began to organize our loyal supporters, reinforcing the alliances we had established. Every noble who stood with us became vital in the face of Derek's looming threat.

As days passed, whispers of Derek's movements reached us. He was gathering disgruntled nobles, promising them power and influence. It became clear that he was attempting to exploit the fear and uncertainty that Emily had sown. "Ethan, we need to confront this head-on," Bianca urged one evening as we reviewed reports. "If we don't expose his lies, we risk losing everything."

I agreed, feeling the weight of responsibility. "We'll organize a gathering of our loyal nobles. They need to see Derek for who he truly is a jealous tyrant seeking to divide us."

Bianca's POV

The day of the gathering arrived, tension thick in the air as nobles filled the hall. I stood beside Ethan, the atmosphere charged with apprehension. Everyone was acutely aware of Derek's presence and the threat he posed.

Ethan stepped forward to address the gathered nobles, his voice strong and unwavering. "Thank you all for coming. We stand at a crossroads. Derek seeks to undermine our unity, to exploit our fears. But I assure you, our strength lies in our bonds, not in division."

The nobles murmured in agreement, their faces set with determination. But before Ethan could continue, the door swung open, and Derek strode in, confidence radiating from him.

"Ah, gathering the troops, are we?" he taunted, a sly smile creeping across his face. "How quaint. But let's not pretend that your leadership is anything more than a facade."

I could feel the tension escalate as the nobles shifted uncomfortably. Derek was a master manipulator, and he thrived on creating doubt.

"You speak of unity, Ethan, but I see only fear in their eyes," Derek continued, his gaze sweeping the room. "They're scared of what I can offer-true strength, unfiltered by your naïve ideals."

Ethan stepped forward, his voice firm. "And what is your strength, Derek? Division? Tyranny? You're not a leader; you're a coward hiding behind lies."

"Coward? Oh, how amusing," Derek shot back, his eyes narrowing. "I'm merely showing them what real power looks like. If they're tired of your empty promises, they can join me."

The nobles were restless, and I knew we had to act fast. "You're preying on their fears, Derek!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the tension. "You offer chaos, not strength!" Derek smirked. "And what do you offer, Bianca? A pretty facade of unity? You're all fools if you think that can stand against true ambition."