The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 38

Cory's

POV:

Lucas and I talked about marking each other. He plans to inform the council and the whole kingdom about me. That's why I will tour the chateau and the town tomorrow.

"Babe, I will be out tomorrow. I am meeting with the council to announce I have found our Queen. I will be home for dinner, OK?"

"Alright. Can I go out or have a tour of your place?"

"Sure, babe! Bring Lola with you and a few guards." "Why the guards?"

"As the king, I am loved by many. But I also made enemies around the world. If words have reached them, they might be after you too. I need people to be there in case of any ambush or attack. They will protect you." "I understand. I will also not stay out long. I want to meet the chef as well before dinner."

"Sounds great, babe! Enjoy your day tomorrow."

****

Before Lucas left for his meeting with the council, we enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast together. The chef prepared bacon, sausages, eggs, salads, and more. I want to meet the chef soon!

"So, where do you plan to go later, babe?"

"Lola and I would look around the chateau first. Then, we will go out to see the town. There were bookstores, cafes, and other boutiques that caught our attention before."

"Okay, babe. Be careful. And also, here." Lucas handed me a black card.

"What is this for?"

"In case you want to buy something, use my card."

"I don't think we need to use them. But if we will. We'll use it well. Thank you, Lucas."

"And also this, since we cannot mind-link yet, I have Alfred brought you this."

I took the phone out of his hand, and it lit up when I tapped the screen. It's a touch-screen phone. I will have Ellie or Iris teach me how to use this.

"Thank you, Lucas!"

"No problem, babe. My number and everyone else's are already saved on your phone. Keep it with you most of the time."

"Got it!"

"And call me if something happens."

"Yes, Lucas. I will. I will also try to answer your call or messages ASAP."

After breakfast, Lucas left for his meeting with the council. He said it might take a long time because they had to discuss the pack visits, the arrest of Austin and his family, and us. I also prepared our plans today. I changed into a yellow Sunday dress and paired it with sneakers since we would walk a lot, plus a rattan bag. Lola and I planned to meet at the end of the staircase downstairs. We will start the tour of the chateau on the first floor.

"Good to see you, ladies!" Alfred dipped his head low as he greeted us.

"Good day to you too, Alfred! So, where do we start?"

According to Alfred, there are two main floors of the chateau. The others are the basement or the attic. The first floor consists of the great hall, dining hall, a mini living room, and the kitchen. The ceilings are high, and a dazzling chandelier hangs in each room, but they all have a modern touch.

"We also have an entertainment room and a minibar just across the kitchen. And speaking of the kitchen, your Majesty and Madame Lola, would you like to meet the chef?"

"Yes, Alfred! I'm glad you remembered!"

"My pleasure, your Majesty. This way, please."

We are near the kitchen because a nice aroma lingers, making me hungry. Alfred pushes the doors open, and I am astonished at the size of the kitchen. The pots and pans were arranged neatly on a shelf, indicating a talented and detail-oriented chef. The kitchen featured four islands and a large cabinet, providing ample storage space for all cooking essentials. Under the ventilator, you can replace four stoves, each with four burners and an oven. A man, probably in his late 40s, approached us.

"Your Majesty, he is our head chef, Monsieur Linguini Clement. The Clement family has been serving the Royal family for generations now."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, your Majesty and Madame...?"

"Lola. Nice to meet you too!"

"Yes, madame Lola."

"We're here because Your Majesty wants to meet you."

"Is there something I can help you with, your Majesty?"

"Oh, no! I just wanted to meet you. The food you served last night was fabulous! Teach me your techniques and recipes that the king loves!"

"Of course, your Majesty. The kitchen doors are always open for both of you. We will be glad to have your presence here."

"That's great! We'll come by soon!"

Before we left, I asked Chef Linguini if we could take a couple of muffins with us. They looked good, and we were a bit hungry from the first-floor tour. Yup! Just the first floor. Alfred led us to the second floor using the long winding staircase. "On this floor, you have the master's chamber, which you are using, your Majesty. We also have the king's study here, and a connecting door inside leads to a library. Walking along, you will replace a hallway connecting to the annex where the guest's chambers are." Alfred, our very accommodating tour guide, informed us.

We went from room to room, and as I walked down the hallway, my eyes were immediately drawn to a striking portrait of a gentleman resembling Lucas. However, I noticed a distinctive difference between his eyes and Lucas'. Next to the gentleman's portrait was a stunning picture of a woman with luscious, long brown hair and a captivating smile. Lucas' and her eyes shared a striking similarity. The next portrait is of a family. The man and woman held their little one, beaming with happiness and joy. As my gaze fell upon the young lad, I instinctively knew that this was the Dacre's family portrait. The man and woman were the King and Queen - Lucas' father and mother.

"King George and Queen Julianna. Lucas was still young when the goddess took them away."

"They seemed so happy."

"They were. Despite their busy schedules, the king and queen would always be present during dinners and family time. They never missed it."

"I'm glad Lucas has those memories with him. I can see that they are good parents in how Lucas treats his people and friends." Before walking with Lola and Alfred, I paid respect to their portraits in honor of my mate's parents. Thank you for bringing Lucas into this world, His Royal Highness and Her Majesty.

Lola and I decided to explore the areas outside the chateau on our tour this time. Initially, I felt uneasy being surrounded by guards, but Alfred reassured me that they were positioned in different areas to keep an eye on both of us. "Should we go to the boutiques first or grab something to eat?" Lola asked.

"Hmm. Let's have lunch first. I want something flavorful and savory."

We walked around until we found a cafe that served a turkey sandwich. Sounds good to me! Lola and I ordered one Turkey sandwich, a slice of carrot cake, and an Avocado smoothie. We peacefully ate our meal, and it had been a while since it was just us. "By the way, how are you and Silas?"

"Ehem. We're OK. I mean, he takes care of me most of the time. He's sweet, kind, and patient. But he could be annoying sometimes."

"So... Did he tell you that you are..."

"Mates? Yes. He told me even before we left the pack. I was surprised. I didn't expect it to be him. I was having doubts and unsure if this was a joke."

"I understand your feelings, Lola. I was in the same position as you when I met Lucas."

"I was also surprised that night in the woods. Remember? He appeared and carried you to the hospital."

"Me too! And he introduced himself as the king! They all felt like yesterday."

"You're right." Lola seemed to drift away somewhere.

"Hey, where were you?"

"It's nothing. I was reminiscing about something."

"Lola, we never brought this up, but when we found you unconscious, we never knew from then who hurt you."

"Oh! Hmm..."

"If it still makes you uncomfortable, we'll discuss it later. For now, shall we go and look at the shops?"

"Let's go, Cory! If that's OK with you, I want to look for the retail store first."

"Perfect! I wanted to go there too!"

We exited the cafe, but we bumped into someone as soon as we stepped out.

"Watch it! Goodness! Are these humans blind or what? Can we hurry up, Laura? I'm getting tired!"

They brushed past us and didn't have the chance to catch their faces. But a shiver ran down my spine. I knew that voice. That was the voice of someone who tormented us for six years. Chloe. She's supposed to be banished. And what is she doing with Laura? Is it the same Laura as last night? I looked at Lola, and she had a surprised look on her face.

What is going on here?