Aurian had always been a bit of a mystery to everyone in the kingdom, including Sargon. She was calm and reserve in the most testing situations. He had never seen her out of character in all his years. She was also very well respected. There was no example of beauty and grace that was greater than she was. Her shoes would be very difficult to fill as queen.
Sargon always believed that is part of the reason why he never settled. He rather rule his kingdom alone than with someone who couldn't handle the pressures of the kingdom.
Now, he felt a little ease with his mother being back. She was the only one who could calm his father's beast when it was triggered and right now, Sargon was the one triggering him.
"Harold, my dear, do not worry. All will be well. I assure you." Aurian said serenely as she ran her hands gently over his fur.
His vital signs were not terrible, but he still wouldn't wake up. Dr. Brinks continued to care for him while they all hoped he would magically heal. Without the help of a witch, there was no telling how much time he had left.
"How long has he been like this, Sargon?" She asked, as her eyes remained focused on Harold.
"It has been a couple months. When it first happened, Dr. Brinks brought Marie to help. She was able to put his wolf to sleep and allow him to live in his human form until she could find the witch who cast the spell. Well, at least that was the plan. He was doing well until the full moon arrived."
"His wolf wanted out." Aurian said, immediately understanding how he ended up in this condition.
"Yes. Marie gathered her friends to help her but I think they did more harm than good. One of the witches was working with Sybil and we did not know. When Marie tried to cast the spell, something happened. She lost all of her power and Harold went into a coma in his wolf form and hasn't woken up since. Marie was unconscious for almost a week as well." He said, looking out the window as if trying to gather himself. When she woke up, she couldn't handle not having her powers, so she left to figure things out."
"Poor thing. She must feel lost. A witch without her power is like you without a wolf. Could you imagine?" She asked as Sargon lowered his eyes. He finally realized how frustrating things must have been for Marie.
This all sounds heartbreaking, my son. I wish you had said something sooner. I would have returned immediately. You should have never let her leave, however, she does seem like the type that does not easily do what she is told. I like her already." She teased as Sargon cracked a half smile.
She stood up from the chair she sat in next to Harold and placed both hands on him. Closing her eyes, she hovered her hands from his head to his toes. Sargon looked at her intently, wondering what she could be doing. The only other person he witnessed do that to someone was Marie.
"His human side and his wolf side are both asleep. They are well but they must remain in this state until the spell can be broken." She said as she removed her hands from over his body and faced Sargon who looked at her curiously.
"How do you know this, mother?"
Aurian moved closer to Sargon and placed her hand on his back, walking him over to the window.
"Son, where is my favorite spot in this castle?"
"The garden. Why?"
"Do you know why I spend so much time there?"
"You like flowers and nature and it is the most peaceful place close to the castle."
"Yes, you are correct. I also know that the earth is magical. It heals what science cannot. Walk with me."
They left Harold alone with a guard outside of his door and head down the hall. Passing Marie's empty room was the hardest for him. He tried his best to stay focused but it was impossible with the worry that consumed him. He kept wondering what could be happening to her.
"Hello Aurian! I haven't seen you in years. How are you? Dezerae sang as she interrupted their path.
Dezerae reached out her hands to embrace her, but Aurian put her hand out to stop her before she came to close.
"Hello Dezerae. You look well." She said as Dezerae lowered her hands, accepting that she did not want to be touched.
"I am doing well, just here trying to help your son save the kingdom." She smiled awkwardly.
"Well, I thank you for offering your assistance to us in a time like this. However, if you would like to help, I believe instead of hovering over my son, you should put together some strategies and help us bring his mate home." She said with a displeased tone.
Dezerae looked at her with wide eyes and a tightened jaw.
"Well, I was just…"
"I know what you were just doing. I am a woman, a queen at that. I know how women behave. Your intentions here are clear. Now run along. We have a kingdom and the love of my son's life to save."
Dezerae bit her tongue not to disrespect Sargon's mother. She know better than to toy with the King's mother.
Aurian walked away with Sargon following behind. He couldn't hide the smirk on his face. The look on Dezerae's face was priceless. His mother never cared for her much. She could always see right through her and warned him several times.
If anything, she was to be taken as a good time, but even so, you are never to allow energy like hers into your life. It is a poison you may not be able to get rid of so easily. She would caution.
"It's good to have you back mother."
"It is good to be back, my dear. I will tell you this once though…be the King you were trained to be, but be the man that your heart wants you to be. If you love Marie, love her all the way. Get rid of the distractions around you and focus on what you truly want. That Dezerae character has no heart. She never did. She will use you and you will end up unhappy. I cannot watch that happen. You are much greater than that."
"What if I cannot get back Marie?"
"So, if you have difficulty rescuing your mate, you will just replace her?" She said in disbelief.
"It's not like that mother. Dezerae want's to unite our kingdoms. She wants a son and I am her best choice. Having a witch as your mate is not exactly the easiest situation to handle.
"I do not believe my ears, Sargon. You cannot be serious. Are you considering having a child with that woman? Have you hit your head? When is it ever easy being King?"
"It was just a thought, mother."
"No. Come back to reality and understand that you are not like everyone else. You cannot allow people to manipulate you. I have taught you better than this. Now, get focused and do what you know is right. You have no choice but to find Marie. You have found your mate and she is also your love. You don't have to wait and hope that one day you fall deeply in love with your mate. This is what I had hoped for you. We will get her back. She deserves you greatest efforts."
"She truly does mother. She lost everything while trying to help us."
"You know what? She will never blame you or anyone else for her losing anything. Her heart is pure, son. She is special and you have a chance to show her how much she is appreciated... Come, this is the room. Follow me." She directed as she walked into a narrow hallway.
She tilted a painting that hung on the wall. Sargon never walked down that hall or noticed the paintings. He had no reason to. He was surprised to see the wall shift to create an opening they could walk through.
They walked into a dark space as Aurian lit a candle and guided Sargon into the room.