Damian felt bad for a lot of things, one of them was Camila’s death. After the battle, he’d heard that the queen took it upon herself to bury the cub… she hadn’t returned from the cemetery for hours, probably still in mourning. It was best to give her enough time to express her grief. But then time had gone far into the night, and she still hadn’t returned.
He decided then to go and check up on her, maybe go along with some flowers for Camila too. After checking the wounded soldiers in the healer’s quarters, he left the packhouse and headed to the cemetery… he’d reached the part of it where he was told the queen had buried the cub, but upon getting there, he saw what he’d least expected…
The queen… his mate… Miranda was kissing her former lover. He dropped the flowers in his hand to the ground and placed it on his chest, where apart from the wounds he’d sustained during battle, the greater of the pain he felt came from.
It was evident in what he saw; he’d failed as a leader. He’d let his guard down and failed to protect the ones he cared about. If it weren’t for Walden’s help, he would have certainly been lying dead in flames by now. It would only make sense for Miranda to want to be with the man who protects her truly.
It would only make sense if Miranda left him for Walden at this point, he thought sadly as he walked away, leaving what he’d seen as it is.
**********
“I found out about the battle earlier today… I freaked out when I found out that it might have meant you losing your life… I gathered all of my men, including some from alpha Jireh for more help… I would have done much more than that to protect you. I know you don’t like me Miranda… but I love you very much, and…”
It was a surprise for him, a very big surprise when Miranda suddenly got up and shut his mouth up a kiss from her lips. Did this mean…? Did this mean that she’d forgiven him? Did this mean that they were back together….? Of course, it did. She was kissing him after all.
Have you…? Have you forgiven me now? Can you return with me now?” Walden asked as their lips parted.
Miranda shook her head, “I’m sorry, Walden… words cannot describe how thankful I am for the help you gave us today. If it weren’t for you, we would have been killed and our lands taken over, but all that was avoided with the help of your army…
I love you, Miranda… and what I did to today is nothing compared to what I would have done to prove to you further that I can be a good man for you. I am willing to risk my life even more just to have another chance with you, Miranda.
I have a husband, Walden… a mate whom I love and who loves me very much too… I cannot leave him for anyone at all, because the both of us, without each other are nothing. I thank you so much for your kindness, Walden, but I would be wicked to you if do not tell you about my true feelings.
Miranda…
I do not love you, Walden. And it was never because of anything you did. I tried… I only wanted to marry you to save my people’s name then, I felt bad for playing with your emotions like that, but then I compensated myself with the thoughts that Samara would make you happy in the ways that I couldn’t. I am sorry, Walden, but this was never about you… It was me all along, Walden. The real reason our relationship didn’t work is because of me.
**********
One thing Miranda didn’t fail to notice was the cold welcome she’d received from her mate the moment she stepped into the chambers. She was exhausted; they both were, but that didn’t take away the excitement she felt in her heart for the victory they had today. Especially after her confession to Walden, she was looking forward to having a fulfilling night with her husband, but then now… what happened? What was up with him? She wondered.
As soon as she got on the bed beside him, she tried reaching for him, but he took her hand away. She tried again…
I’m not in the mood, Miranda.
What’s wrong?” She asked him. “Is there something troubling you?”
Miranda couldn’t possibly think of anything that could have upset him. Or, was it…?
I’m not going to leave you alone until you tell me what’s going on, Damian. Did I do something wrong?
He then got up to face her, “you’re seriously asking me that? Huh, Miranda? Search your heart… ask yourself what you did that’s making me act this way… ask yourself how you felt when you were busy locking lips with Walden in front of your child’s grave. Ask yourself that, Miranda. Ask yourself!
Miranda closed her eyes, the guilt overriding her, “I didn’t just see you kiss, Miranda… I also had my heart shattered right there. It hurt even worse than the pains I felt from the battle. I can’t believe… I can’t believe that something like that would happen… despite all the promises we’ve made to each other. Did those promises mean nothing to you, Miranda?
Yes! I’m not going to deny anything, Damian. I kissed him. I may not have a good reason as to why I did that but I do know one thing; it was nothing compared to the way I’ve always felt about you… I love you, Damian… it’s always been you and no one else.
Save it, Miranda! I am tired of hearing those words from your mouth because I don’t even know if they are true or not. Just please…. Save it and go back to your ex-lover.
Damian…
He didn’t wait for her response as he stood up from his bed and put on his robe. He left her there as he entered his study and shut the door behind him.
Pain seared Miranda’s heart with the way he’s acted, but she wasn’t going to let that discourage her. She meant every word she said. She loved Damian, and she knows she hurt him badly. She was going to make sure to prove to him tonight how true her words were.