Mated To The Hybrid Prince - Chapter 98: Chapter 98

(Zion’s POV)
I answered the call “Hello, Dad.”
“Zion," came the deep voice of the King.
Relief and nerves mingled in my chest. “How are you, sir? And how’s Mum? Zelda?”
“We’re all well. Your mother is preparing for a meeting with the High Council, and your sister is… being Zelda,” he said, the corners of his voice hinting at amusement.
“Sounds about right,” I chuckled.
“How is the task going on your end?”
“It's progressing well. Lucien and I are trying to restructure a few parts of the company and strengthen ties with local institutions. The school party we also helped us gather useful feedback. We’re preparing for more community involvement.”
“That’s good. Keep me updated.”
Before I could respond, I heard an excited voice in the background.
“Daddy, I want to go to the human realm too!”
Zelda.
“Zelda—”
“I can be very helpful, Daddy.” she said and I could imagine her pout “…Women open up to other women. I could help Zion and Lucien in fast tracking this mission.”
She leaned into the phone, “Zion, I’m not a pampered princess, I swear. You need someone like me there, and I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“No Zelda, you....” I was saying but she cut me off, having moved away from the phone.
“I’m serious! Dad, remember that time I helped Zion from that terrible school party? When he was drunk, and I ensured that he was brought home in one piece?” she blurted out with pride.
I yelled from my end “That was a one time thing, Dad. It never happened after…”
Now thinking about it, I wondered why I drank myself to stupor that day. Was I depressed?
Zelda wasn't done. “You were practically unconscious!”
I could hear Dad trying to reason with her in the background. “Zelda, the human realm isn’t a playground.”
“Dad, I’ve never been out of the palace before. I understand that you care about my safety, but I'd be with my big brother and cousin. What could possibly go wrong? you know they'd keep me safe. Please Dad..”
There was silence. The kind of silence I knew well. Our father was actually considering it.
I blinked. Oh no.
Sure enough, after some silence, he said, “I’ll talk with your mother… and we’ll how that goes.”
That was it. Mum was definitely going to say yes. She was all out for women freedom and independency.. Arrgh.
Zelda shrieked with joy. “Thank you, Daddy! You’re the best!”
Then she yelled at me “Hey brother, I bet you know that i’ll be coming. See you in two days time! Bye!” she squealed, and I could hear the sounds of her happy jumps and how it faded into the distance. She had left Daddy’s study room.
“Do take care, son. We will talk some other time. Well done!” my father said, ending the call.
I sighed frustratedly, running a hand over my face.
Zelda was coming and I’d have to babysit her.
The next morning, I woke up thirsty and stood up to get a glass of water.
Groggily, I headed toward the kitchen when I passed by the hallway and saw Lucien’s door open.
He had locked himself in yesterday, but now… the door was slightly ajar. Curious, I knocked gently before stepping in without waiting for a response.
He was seated at his desk, a laptop in front of him, and his eyes distant, like he was lost in deep thought.
He blinked and looked up. “Hey.”
“Hey, good morning. You good?” I asked and he nodded quickly.
“Yeah, I’m good. Just going through some reports.”
I sat across from him, resting my elbows on the armrest. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” I started.
Lucien raised a brow. "Okay?"
"Since I arrived here, Ragnar’s been… off. And with each passing day, it seems like Ragnar is slipping off from his usual self.”
“What do you mean by slipping off?”
“He’s very restless, possessive towards strangers. And he’s been saying things I don’t understand…”
Lucien’s posture stiffened just slightly.
I hadn't even mention the woman or her tkids. A part of me held back, not willing to share these with Lucien.. not just yet.
“I think I need to talk to a healer, or a witch. Someone that can help.”
Lucien nodded. “I’ll do some findings and get back to you soon.”
“Thanks man.” I exhaled, “by the way, Zelda’s coming.”
His entire face lit up. “Wait, really?”
I narrowed my eyes at him, puzzled. “That was not the reaction I expected.”
He laughed, brushing it off. “She’s more fun than you.” then he raised a brow and asked. Why’s she coming over, though?”
I tilted my head “I guess, she just wants to get out of the palace, to explore and have fun”
He snickered, “That’s good. She just might be what we both need to shake things up around here.”
“Really, man? I thought you’d be on my side, so you could join me you know to convince Dad together.”
Lucien laughed hard, tapping my shoulder, “Nah, I want her here. Don’t worry big brother, everything will be fine.” he winked.
I wasn’t convinced.
Two days passed in a blur… between board meetings, company overhauls, and staff assessments, we had barely a minute to breathe. I had settled completely into my role as CEO. Lucien, also as COO, handled much of the groundwork. We were a good pair.
The day finally arrived to pick Zelda from the airport.
We left the house early and got there just in time when her flight landed. We waites by the private pickup area, and I checked my watch.
“She said she’d be out in five.”
Lucien smirked. “Knowing her, she’ll make an entrance.”
He wasn’t wrong.
A few minutes later, the sliding doors opened and out walked Zelda, suitcase in one hand, sunglasses perched stylishly on her nose, and a bright smile that screamed mischief.
“Gentlemen,” she called out. “Missed me?”
Lucien walked forward with open arms. “Oh my my, you look taller.”
She scoffed and hugged him. “Thank you. I’ve grown Coz.”
When she got to me, I took her suitcase with one hand and gave her a side hug with the other. “Welcome, princess” I said, ruffling her hair playfully.
“Hey! You're messing my hair!" she whined, ducking away and darting behind Lucien like a child seeking protection.
Lucien chuckled. “He always does that. Let’s go!”
He ushered her toward the car.
As we drove home, I checked the rearview mirror. Zelda was curled into the backseat, already asking about outfits to help her blend in with the human world, and whether the city’s nightlife lived up to its reputation.
Lucien played along, tossing sarcastic comments over his shoulder and laughing with her.
It was good. Finally something to smile about since I arrived in this realm.
But my thoughts weren’t completely there.
My mate, and her kids.
The questions I needed to ask… and the answers I yearn for.
For now, I’ll wait.
But not for long.