Chapter 2: A Desperate Plea

As the sun rose higher, Mikael went to the living room of the Steele estate.

Mikael stood near one of the windows, frustration etched on his face and hands clenched into fists. Count Steele, his father, seated on an armchair across from him, his countenance troubled as he listened to his son's impassioned pleas.

"Father, you have to tell him," Mikael implored.

Count Steele let out a heavy sigh, his gaze fixed on his son. "You know I can't, Mikael. They gave me money, and the agreement is already in place."

Mikael's frustration grew, and he took a step closer to his father. "Then just return the money," he urged, desperation creeping into his tone.

"...I can't. It's not that simple," his father said, his voice weary.

"But at what cost, Father? Mikayla's happiness?" Mikael countered, his eyes filled with sadness. "Just return their money. It isn't even that complicated."

However, before his father could respond, the sound of footsteps approached the doorstep, and a knock rang. It was Wolfram's secretary, here to discuss the wedding plans.

Knowing that time was running out, Mikael's heart sank, and he had to convince his father to come clean about Mikayla's elopement before it was too late.

Mikael looked at his father, his eyes pleading for honesty, for the courage to face the truth. "Father, please."

But ultimately, the outcome was disheartening.

"We can't undo the agreement, Mikael. The wedding will happen in a month, and we must uphold our end of the bargain," his father said, his voice tinged with sadness. "If you won't help me find Mikayla, I'll take matters into my own hands."

Mikael's heart sank as he realized the magnitude of their predicament. He had desperately clung to the hope that he could somehow sway his father, make him see the error of his ways.

Count Atlas stood up from his chair, ignoring his son's pleading gaze. Without casting a glance at him, he swung open the living room door.

"Come in, Secretary Cade," he said. "Please, have a seat."

Secretary Cade nodded politely and took a seat as Mikael remained silent, his mind still reeling from the weight of their conversation.

"I hope all the wedding arrangements are proceeding smoothly," Count Steele said, attempting to shift the focus away from the tension in the room.

Secretary Cade smiled warmly, unaware of the turmoil beneath the surface. "Indeed, Count Steele, everything is falling into place quite nicely. The venue has been secured, the invitations have been sent out, and the catering is all set. It's shaping up to be a grand celebration."

Mikael listened to the wedding preparations being discussed, his heart heavy with the knowledge that his sister's true feelings were overlooked in this seemingly perfect event.

"And the gown for the bride?" Count Steele inquired, trying to maintain an appearance of involvement in the planning.

"Ah, it's exquisite," Secretary Cade replied enthusiastically. "A custom-made creation by the most renowned designer in the capital city. It will surely make a lasting impression."

As Secretary Cade continued detailing the preparations, Mikael couldn't help but feel a growing sense of helplessness. Each mention of the wedding arrangements felt like a stab to his conscience, knowing that his sister's heart was not aligned with this carefully orchestrated event.

"Is there anything else we need to address?" Count Steele asked, trying to appear engaged in the wedding details.

Secretary Cade briefly flipped through some notes. "There's one minor issue with the flower arrangements at the reception, but that will be resolved shortly. Other than that, everything is proceeding smoothly."

Mikael's mind raced, grappling with the desire to intervene, to reveal the truth about his sister's elopement. But he knew the consequences would be far-reaching, affecting their family and the reputation of those involved.

He looked at his father, hoping to find some sign of understanding or sympathy, but Count Steele's face remained resolute, resigned to their chosen path.

"We appreciate your diligent efforts, Secretary Cade," Count Steele said, mustering a semblance of gratitude. "Please continue to keep us informed about any further updates."

"Of course, Count Steele," Secretary Cade replied with a smile. "I'll make sure everything runs smoothly until the big day."

As the secretary left the room, Mikael felt a heavy burden settle on his shoulders. He knew he couldn't keep silent forever, but finding the right moment to reveal the truth would require careful consideration.

…

As the day wore on, Mikael retreated to his room. He paced back and forth, and his mind clouded when a gentle knock on the door interrupted his restless contemplation.

The door swung open, revealing his friend, Talon, who entered the room with a concerned face.

Talon stood tall, about six feet tall. His well-built, honed frame spoke of discipline, and his tan skin hinted at the time he spent training under the open skies, giving him an aura of strength.

Thick brown hair adorned his head, cropped short in a Caesar cut. His piercing dark eyes endured tough trials to be a knight. His sword was always sheathed at his side.

"Mikael, you look troubled," Talon remarked, taking a seat on the sofa. "What's bothering you?"

Mikael hesitated momentarily, unsure if he should burden his friend with the burdensome family situation. Yet, over the years, Talon had always been there for him, always willing to lend a listening ear.

He knew he could trust him with his deepest worries.

"It's Mikayla," Mikael finally confessed, walking to the couch and sitting across from him. "She's eloped with someone, but Father insists on marrying her off to Marquess Wolfram for the sake of a business agreement."

Talon's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting such a revelation. "Well, that's definitely… complicated," he commented, shaking his head. "Your father must be furious about this."

"He is," Mikael replied, "and he has ordered our guards to search for her and forcibly bring her back. But I can't bear to see my sister unhappy, confined in a loveless marriage."

Talon placed a reassuring hand on Mikael's shoulder. "You're a good brother, Mikael. I understand why you want to protect her. But what can we do?"

"There are many options we can do, so much I can do… But," Mikael trailed off. "I don't know," he admitted, sensing the weight of responsibility pressing heavily upon him. "I want to find a way to help Mikayla, but I am still scared to go against Father."

Talon agreed with a compassionate nod. "It's a difficult spot to be in, for sure," he said. "But remember, you can lean on me if you need help."

"Thanks," Mikael said gratefully. "You're a good friend."

Talon smiled warmly, and for a moment, his gaze fell to the coffee table between them. Then, he changed the topic.

"So, Mikayla never told you about it, huh? She must have eloped with a very handsome alpha."

"For sure." Mikael chuckled, the tension in the room easing as they shifted to a more lighthearted topic. "That girl has always had a weakness for anyone with a beautiful face."

As they were joking around, Mikael started to feel more relaxed. It reminded him of the good old days when they hung out together, either chilling in the estate or partying at the palace banquets.

They would catch Mikayla secretly admiring the handsome faces in noble society. She would discreetly steal glances at them, and Talon would playfully tease her, saying she was drooling over their looks.

Those were some moments they all had together, and Mikael treasured them.