Chapter 21

September dwindled into October. The Par Ceremony came and went. Even after many requests from Mavi, Maksim did not partake in any of the mate blessing ceremonies with Ella. She was not invited and he was not an attendant.

His mind was still set on rejecting Ella as October turned to November and then November into December.

Owen and Mavi tried to reason with him but Maksim refused to listen to any of their words. Mavi grew more and more worried with each passing day. She did not know how to calm Maksim and his actions frightened her. He had grown reckless and impatient. As a last resort, Mavi had to call in the big guns for support.

As soon as Mavi had called him, Xavier and Rye cut their vacation plans short and came back to town. The great monarch with years upon years of experience under his belt was not pleased with the future king's behavior.

Xavier and Mavi sat Maksim down in the throne room and tried to erase the idea of a rejection. To reject one's mate is to willingly call bad fortune upon yourself. They explained to him his actions would not only affect Ella and him but also the people of his country. For better or for worse, the crown was destined to sit on his head and to disrespect the goddess as the head of state was to invite war and despair upon your whole kingdom. It was simply an unthinkable option for a king or king to be. And to make sure their point was really driven home, Mavi let Maksim know that if he rejected Ella, the next thing he would lose would be his crown.

"You would take my birth right away from me?" Maksim asked his mother trying to figure out if she was really serious.

Mavi took a deep breath as she looked her son in the eyes, "My duty is to protect my people. I will not hand over the crown to someone who is willing to put them all at risk."

"Then what am I supposed to do?"

"You stand your ground and you fight," Xavier said sternly. "Giving up is never an option, especially when it comes to your mate."

"You don't get it," Maksim shook his head. "We're not like everyone else. She is n-"

"She is a seventeen year old human girl," Xavier said. His voice low and steady, a mixture of wisdom, danger and challenge. "Her family is all she knows. They have been her safe haven way before you even entered the picture. She does not feel the pull of the bond the same way that we do. Have you ever stopped to think about what it must be like for her to have to choose between her family and you?"

Maksim had no reply. He was angry and upset and he wanted no part in any of this.

"You were blessed with parents that provided you with everything from support to material goods. Think about leaving them. Think about the uncertainty that must be going through her mind. What have you done to gain her trust, Maksim?" Xavier continued. "Pulled a few strings? Brought a few shiny things?"

Maksim looked away from his grandfather. The muscles in his jaw jumped as he tried to control his temper. Growling or snapping at Xavier would not be a wise move to make.

"I suggest you get this idea of a reject out of your mind just because your mate did not drop everything for you in a blink of an eye. She had everything to lose by choosing you. What did you have to lose for her?" Xavier said as he kept his hard eyes on his grandson.

Several minutes past and no one else said a word. After a point, Maksim took a deep breath and looked to his mother.

"Was that all?" He asked.

"Yes," Mavi said with a nod. "You may leave."

Maksim took a step back and made a point to do a grand bow to the Queen and Queen father before he turned and walked away. As soon as he left, Mavi let out the breath she had been holding.

"He reminds me of you," Xavier said as he turned to his daughter. "Stubborn and headstrong."

"I wasn't that bad," Mavi rolled her eyes.

"Remind me again how many cars you crashed when I sent Owen away to Juniper?"

"You were in the wrong,"

"Yes, yes I was. I'll admit that," Xavier shook his head as he smiled.

"Dad," Mavi suddenly frowned. "What if now I'm wrong about Maksim and Ella?"

Xavier took a deep breath, "You're not. Rejection is never a good thing. They're both so young. Still teenagers. They have a lifetime of learning to do."

________________________

Ella was put on academic probation. If she did not pull her grades up by the end of the semester she would lose her scholarship. With just a week left in the semester, Ella knew her days at St. Vincent were numbered. Her grades were awaful, there was no way she would be able to bring them up in a weeks time.

As the teacher put down yet another failed test in front of Ella one December morning, she heard Maksim snort next to her.

"It's like you're not even trying," he mumbled under his breath.

His comments had become a daily torture for Ella. She never responded back and it only irritated Maksim even more. Ella didn't have the strength to even think up a response. He was angry and she understood. Her family was right, everything was her fault. If she had stayed away from Maksim from the very beginning, none of this would be happening right now.

As Ella stared at the many red marks on her test, she wondered how she could have possibly gotten so many things wrong. She had studied so hard but somehow during the test she blanked. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't remember the pages she had reviewed. But then again, who could remember math formulas and history dates when your life was falling apart.

Ella's bad health didn't help the situation either. Her immune system was down and it seemed as if she was catching everything. On top of lack of attention and participation in class, she had also piled up a mountain of sick days. All the odds were stacked against Ella and it was a sign from the universe that leaving St. Vincent was in her near future.

That day when Ella got home, Piper sneaked into her room. Ruby and Dean were next door at the neighbor's house with Leo and it was the only time the girls would sneak in some time together.

"I got you this," Piper said as she handed Ella a small box wrapped in gold paper.

"What for?" Ella asked as she took the little box.

"It's your birthday tomorrow," Piper sat down next to her sister and hugged her as Ella opened the box.

Ella carefully unwrapped the paper and set it aside. She lifted the lid and found a small woven blue bracelet inside. With cold fingers, she picked it out of the box and brought it closer to her eyes.

"Thank you, Pip," she said as her heart swelled.

"Happy birthday, Ellie," Piper kissed her cheek. "You're the best sister in the whole world. I think you are my favorite."

Ella found a small smile on her lips as she slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. If it hadn't been for the little girl, she would have completely forgotten her own birthday.

"Thank you," Ella said once again as she kissed Piper's forehead.

"You're welcome,"

Just then the two sisters jumped as they heard the front door open. Piper ran out of Ella's room and hurried into her space next door as Mia's heels clicked around the living room.

"Is anyone home?" Mia called as she took off her hat and scarf.

Ella quietly made her way to the living room door as she picked at the new bracelet on her wrist.

"Mom and dad are next door," she said as Mia looked at her wondering why the house was so quiet. "You're home early."

"Yeah," Mia sighed as she pulled her snow booths off. "The city is going into lockdown."

"Why?"

"Like you don't know," Mia gruffed as she rolled her eyes.

"Ah...no, I don't know," Ella said as her eyes followed her sister around the living room.

Mia turned to look at her over her shoulder when the unlocked front door swung open and Ruby and Dean came in.

"Turn on the news, turn on the news," Dean said as he grabbed the remote himself and clicked the TV on.

Ella wondered what all the commotion was about as Piper came out of her room wondering the same thing. They watched as Dean turned the news on and raised the volume.

On the screen a helicopter shot of a crashed car on the side of the road played as a horrific banner flashed on the screen.

Attack on the Prince.

Piper gripped Ella's numb hands as the news reported the attack on Maksim. It was still unclear who the people were but they had followed Maksim's car after school while he and Cleo drove home. Ella felt her insides twist and her eyes water as the reporters kept saying they didn't have much information. The aerial shot of Maksim's black jeep made Ella feel dizzy and faint.

"Did they get him?" Dean asked as he focused on the news.

Ella's eyes moved to her father. She felt something snap inside of her as she watched the eagerness in his eyes. It was almost like watching him enjoy sports day. She felt her lunch rise to her throat as she ran to the bathroom and emptied her stomach. Piper followed her and held her hair back as Ella threw up all her stomach's content.

"Is Maksim okay?" She whispered to her sister.

"I don't know," Ella choked as her eyes watered.

She felt her heart squeeze at the thought of Maksim being hurt. No matter how upset she was with him, she never wanted this. His dimple smile and gentle kisses kept playing over and over in her head. She felt an uneasiness inside of her as her mind raced to think of some way she could contact him. She didn't have her phone and she didn't know the number to the palace or to Clare. What was she going to do?

Dinner that night was one of the worst hours of Ella's life. She was certain her dad and sister wanted to torture her on purpose. Their treatment of her wasn't even out of anger anymore. It was pure unjustified rage.

Ella bit down on her tongue as they talked about who the crown would pass onto if Maksim was dead. Every Time they said those words Ella felt the knife in her heart twist. She started to feel suffocated as their words swam around and around in her head.

Across the table Piper watched Ella with concern. The little girl showed more empathy than the other two could ever muster up in their lifetime. She hovered around the living room and in the halls looking for an opportunity to talk to Ella. But Ruby was making sure she kept Ella busy. Piper walked into the kitchen and looked at her mother with a brave face.

"Why are you not in bed yet?" Ruby asked.

"I wanted to help Ella with the dishes," Piper said.

"It's okay, Pip," Ella shook her head. "I'm almost done."

"I need your help with my math homework,"

"Go ask your dad or Mia," Ruby tried to get her out of the kitchen.

"Dad gets frustrated and Mia never gets the answers right," Piper whined. "Elal knows how they do math at my school. She's the smart one in the family, remember?"

Ruby looked at Ella and then back at Piper. With a heavy sigh, she nodded her head.

"Go help with her homework, I'll clean up the rest."

Ella quickly washed her hands and wiped them on the kitchen towel before she followed Piper to her room.

"I lied," the little girl said as soon as they entered her room and she shut the door.

"I know," Ella nodded. "Thanks."

"What are you going to do about Maksim?"

"I don't know," Ella ran a hand through her hair. "Let's check the news again."

The two sisters jumped onto Piper's computer and racked through the break news articles. No one mentioned if Maksim was hurt or not. They kept talking about the group of mercenaries who were being detained by the Queen's guards. Ella wanted to scream as website after website showed the same picture of Maksim's crashed car.

They sat in Piper's room for hours trying to get some kind of information but with each passing minute hope seemed to be deflating. Finally when Ruby came to tell Piper it was light out, Ella was forced to go back to her room.

The uncertainty of not knowing if Maksim was okay was tearing Ella apart. She felt her heart beating restlessly and her mind trying to picture worse case seniors. Every time she shook her head and forced herself to stop until she gave herself a splitting headache.

As she paced the floor of her room, Ella's desperation grew. She tugged at her hair as her body and soul begged to know about her mate.

Suddenly, as she turned towards her window, an idea occurred to her.

Ella quickly changed out of her house slippers and put on her snow boots. She grabbed her hat and scar and pulled on her jacket. The hallway outside was pitch blank as she stepped out and crept into Piper's room. She could hear Dean snoring down the hall and Mia's door was closed.

"Pip," Ella whispered as she shook her sister. "Pip, wake up."

"Ellie?" Piper slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. "What's going on?"

"I need to go see Maksim."

"Right now?"

"Yes, right now."

"Ella it's like ten p.m and the city is under lockdown."

"Don't worry, I have a plan,"

"It's also snowing,"

"Piper," Ella gripped the girl's tiny shoulders. "I have to go."

The little girl nodded as she saw the determination in her sister's eyes. But as she followed Ella to the main door, a depressing thought occurred to her.

"Are you leaving like Lily?"

Ella paused and turned to look at her sister, "No. No, don't worry."

"You'll come back?"

"Yes," Ella kissed her forehead. "I promise. I just need you to lock the door behind me and then open my window in my room."

"Okay," Piper nodded. "What else?"

"Just that," Ella said. "Just open my window and then go back to sleep."

Piper nodded once again as she watched Ella slip out the door. She quickly followed her instructions and locked the door before running to Ella's room and lifting the window open.

Outside, Ella pulled her hat down and tied her scarf tightly as she ran to the 24 hour pharmacy. The wind pushed at her body as the bitter cold bit her nose. The snow crunched under Ella's feet as she huffed white smoke out through her lips and made her way to the store.

As soon as Ella entered the pharmacy she ran to the front desk. A middle aged man stood behind the counter and waited there to speak.

"Yes?" He asked. "How can I help you?"

"May I use your phone?" Ella asked. "Please it's an emergency."

"Sure," the man said without hesitation. It was not like a small teenage girl asking for help looked dangerous. He handed Ella the store phone and watched as she dialed the police.

"Hello," Ella said to the operator. "I need help. Please send someone. Please! It's an emergency."

"Ma'am, what's the emergency?" The operator asked.

Ella didn't have to get into the specifics of her emergency. She rushed out the address of the corner street and begged them to hurry. Once she was done, she hung up and gave the phone back to the man.

"Wait!" the man called after her as she ran out of the store. "You can stay in here until they arrive."

"No, thank you," Ella said over her shoulder as she rushed out into the show.

Given the intensity of her voice and the lack of traffic in the streets, the police arrived within five minutes. Ella flagged them down and ran up to them as they got out of the car.

"What's the emergency ma'am?" One of the officers asked.

"I need to get to the palace," Ella said quickly.

The officers looked at each other and then back to Ella.

"Ma'am, is there a real emergency?"

"This is a real emergency, I need to get to the palace."

"Listen, kid," the other officer said with a frown. "We're not a taxi service. Where do you live? Where are your pare-"

"My name is Ella Dunbar," Ella took off her hat to make herself more visible. "I am Prince Maksim's mate. Please you have to help me, you have to take me to the palace. I can't get in contact with anyone."

The officers looked baffled for a minute before they took a closer look at Ella. they didn't know what to say as she begged them again.

"Please.....Please!" Ella begged.

"She's the future Queen, Murphy," one of the officers said to his partner before he turned to Ella. "Get it."

Ella sighed in relief as she jumped into the back seat of the police car. The officers buckled themself in and turned on their siren. Ella gripped onto the door handle of the car as they flew down the snow covered streets towards the palace. She felt the urgency rise in her as they got closer and closer with every passing second. Ella had no idea what she would say to Maksim once she saw him, but she didn't care. All she needed to know was that he was safe and unharmed.

When the Palace gates started to rise up in the horizon, Ella moved forward for a better look. She gripped the back of the back of the officer's seat as they slowed down in front of the gate. The heavy presence of giant wolves and Queen's guards were intimidating as they approached the car and sniffed.

"State your business," one of the Queen's guards said to the officer driving.

"We...ah....we have the Prince's mate in the back seat. She said it was an emergency and she needed to get to the palace."

The Queen's guard raised a brow as he looked into the car at Ella sitting in the back. She leaned forward to show her face between the two officers.

"Hello, Ella Dunbar," She said. "Please let me in."

"The palace is under lockdown, ma'am," the guard said as he recognized her from the months of news coverage.

"But I have to get in there," Ella said. "Please, you have to help. There must be something you can do. Can you please contact Maksim or his father?"

"I'll see what I can do ma'am,"

Ella nodded her head as she moved back in her seat. She began to shake her knee in worry as she waited for the officer to return.

Inside the palace, Alec stood in the throne room with his brother, Xavier, Maksim, Mavi and Exton as they spoke with half the council in person and the other half via video conference. They were in total battle mode, ready to strike.

Suddenly, Alec felt his mind-link open.

Sir, I have Ella Dunbar here at the palace gates requesting permission to enter.

Alec raised a silent brow as he looked down at his watch. Ella Dunbar? At this time?
Send her in, Alec linked back. I'll be there in a second.

Alec took a step forward and informed Owen he needed to step out for a second. He slipped out of the throne room and made his way to the palace gates. A police car from town rolled up to the front and Ella jumped out.

"Mr. Radacovick!" Ella rushed towards Alec. "Where is Maksim? Is he okay? Is he hurt?"

"No, no. Don't worry. He's already healed."

"How's Cleo? Who did this?"

"Cleo is fine, a bit shaken but she will be okay. We're still trying to find out who was behind this," Alec looked down at Ella with concern. "Ella, what are you doing here so late?"

"I need to see Maksim," Ella said as if it was obvious.

Alec felt a small smile on his lips as he started to recognize the look in Ella's eye. He ushered her inside as he thanked the officers for their help.

"Where is he?" Ella asked, taking off her hat.

"Come, I'll take you to him," Alec said as he guided her to the throne room.

Ella followed quietly as her heart pounded in her chest. Alec turned to look at her and smiled.

"Nervous?" He asked.

Ella nodded her head, "Yeah."

"Wait here," Alec said as he pointed to the chairs outside the throne room. "I'm afraid only authorized personnel are allowed inside right now."

"That's okay," Ella pushed her hair out of her eye as she nodded her head.

"I'll go get him," Alec said as he walked to the door.

Ella stared after him as he pulled the heavy doors open. As soon as one of the parts opened her eyes landed on Maksim. Ella's heart stopped as she gazed at her mate.

Maksim was dressed in a fitted black t-shirt and dark jeans. There was a bandage above his left eye and a deep scowl on his face. His hair was messy and tousled as he stood with his arms folded over his chest.

As Ella stared, Maksim sensed her eyes. He looked up from the screen someone was showing him and locked his gaze with his mate.

A warmth, like liquid gold, ran down Ella's spine as their eyes connected. She felt time stand still as the slight look of surprise crossed Maksim's face. Her lips parted as she said his name silently. But before she could see his reaction, the doors closed.

On the other side, Maksim blinked not knowing if what he saw was just a figment of his imagination. It wouldn't have been the first time he imagined Ella that day. Her face was the only thing running through his mind as he made his way out of the crashed car and pulled Cleo out. Was he imagining her again? No way she was actually here.

Alec quickly walked up to Maksim whispered.

"I think you already know what I'm about to tell you,"

"How did she get here?"

"She arrived in the back of a police car."

"Did she get arrested?"

"No," Alec chuckled. "She came to see you."

At those words, Maksim's heart split into two. One side felt warm and comforted by the thought of Ella coming to see him after so many months of them not speaking to each other while the part grew irritated.

Why not? Why was she here now? Did it really have to take for him to get attacked for her to reach out?

"Aren't you going to go out there?" Alec asked as he watched his nephew.

"Tell her I'm busy," Maksim said with a stubborn look on his face. "Better yet, send her home. She already knows I'm fine."

"Mackey," Alec frowned. "Don't be a dick. The girl came all the way."

"What do you want me to do about that? Give her a trophy?"

Alec shook his head as he sighed. He waited for a few seconds to see if the boy would change his mind, but Maksim turned away.

"Your son is a dick," Alec whispered to Owen as he passed him.

When he stepped out again, Ella was still standing in the spot where he had left her. She looked up immediately with those blue eyes full of hope. Alec didn't have the hearts to break her heart. He prayed to the gods their mate bone would pull at each other and Maksim would step outside any minute now.

"He's coming," Alec said with hope in his heart. "There is alot going on right now. But he's coming in a few minutes."

"Okay," Ella nodded. "Thank you."

"Why don't you have a seat. It might take him a few seconds," Alec took her over to the chairs. "Are you hungry? I can have Vivian bring you something to eat while you wait."

"No, thank you. I had dinner," Ella lied. She didn't eat her dinner, she had moved it around on her plate.

"Tea?"

"No," Ella smiled. "I'm really okay. Thank you. I just need to see Max and then I'll be on my way."

Alec nodded, hoping, praying, begging the gods to not break the girl's heart. He told Ella to wait once more as he hurried back into the throne room. His eyes scanned the space until he found Maksim and Owen discussing something with Exton by the back.

"Mackey," Alec said, walking up to him. "She's waiting."

"Who's waiting?" Exton asked looking up.

"No one," Maksim dismissed the topic.

"Ella is waiting outside," Alec brought the topic right back up.

"She's here?" Owen asked as he looked at his son.

"Yes," Alec nodded. "And this dickhead has his head so far up his ass, he doesn't even want to go out there and say hi."

"Maksim," Owen looked disappointed. "Enough. What are you doing?"

"There are more important things to discuss. I would like to find out who is after my family,"

"Kid," Exton rolled his eyes. "Chill. We went through worse and we still made time for our mates. Go out there and make your girl feel better. She's probably worried sick."

"She's not my girl."

"Oof," Exton laughed. "Haven't heard that one before. What's next? I don't love her, I don't need a mate."

"I don't love her," Maksim pushed.

"Whatever," Exton snorted. "You will regret every second of this. Just letting you know now."

Maksim sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. He felt all three men stare at him and wait for him to make a decision.

"Can you please send her home?" Maksim begged Alec. "I'll deal with it tomorrow. Not today."

"No," Alec said. "I am not breaking anyone's heart. You go do your own dirty work."

"You won't tell her to go home?"

"No."

"Fine," Maksim growled. "Then let her sit there all night."

Owen couldn't believe what he was hearing. He took a step towards the door as Maksim looked up at him.

"I am so disappointed in you, Maksim," he said with a deep frown. "I expected better from my son."

A part of Maksim's spirit wilted as he watched Owen walk across the hall and head for the door. Mavi stared at them from where she stood with Xavier and Gemma. Maksim knew it was only a matter of minutes before she rained hell on him for his actions.

Ella sat impatiently in the chair as she waited for the doors to open. Her chest ached with anticipation as her knees bounced and her insides shook. The adrenaline running through her system made her feel jittery. She had the sudden urge to laugh at how bizarre and crazy her life was. When the doors finally opened, Ella jumped up.

She was expecting Maksim to come out through the door, but instead his father came out. For the first time Ella realized just how similar the father and son were. Their identical eyes, the same hair, the same face structure. No one ever needed to do a DNA test to confirm Maksim was Owen's son.

"Hello, Ella," Owen smiled warmly at the girl. "It's so nice to see you after so long."

"Hello, Mr. Radacovick. How are you?"

"I'm well, thank you. How are you doing, my darling?"

"I'm....okay," Ella said with a deep breath. "Is Max....."

Owen's smile dropped slightly. Ella would have never noticed if she hadn't been watching him. Her heart began to rip into a thousand pieces as she realized what he was about to say. Her eyes were already stinging with tears.

"I'm sorry," Owen apologized. "There is a lot going on right now. And Maksim has his hands tied."

"You don't have to make excuses," Ella said quietly as she grabbed her hat. "I understand."

"Ella," Owen sighed. "I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault," Ella kept her eyes low as she played with the tag on her hate.

It's my fault, Ella wanted to say. But she was too scared she would start crying if she spoke those words.

"How can I help?" Owen asked as he watched Ella and thought of his two little girls asleep upstairs.

"Can you please call me a cab?" Ella asked. "I don't have a phone."

"I can drive you home," Owen dismissed the idea of a cab.

"No, no." Ella shook her head. "I don't want to bother you all with everything going on."

"That is exactly why I need to drive you home," Owen said firmly. "It's not safe out there for you to be on your own."

Ella didn't want to argue with him. She silently followed Owen to the garage and slid into the passenger seat of a car as he held the door for her. As she buckled herself in, Owen climbed into the driver's seat and stated the engine.

"Are you warm enough?" He asked Ella as they pulled out of the palace and into the frozen roads.

"Yes," Ella nodded her head.

For the rest of the car ride there was no more talking. Owen could tell Ella was not in the mood to talk and in all honestly she wasn't. She was defeated and exhausted. Her body wanted to curl up into a ball and her mind wanted to shut off. She felt her eyelids grow heavy as the car moved and the engine hummed.

A few minutes later, Owen pulled up to the front of the building and slowed to a stop. Ella stirred awake and looked up at her house.

"Do your parents know where you were?" Owen asked.

"No," Ella shook her head as she unbuckled herself.

"Then how..."

"I left after they fell asleep. I just have to be very quiet as I get back in."

"Would you like for me to stay here until you get inside?"

"No, thank you," Ella opened the car door and climbed out. "Thank you, Mr. Radacovick."

"You're welcome, sweetheart." Owen said.

Ella gave him one last smile as she rushed into the lobby of her building. She pretended to go up the stairs until she heard Owen drive away. Once she was sure he was gone, she ran outside to the side of the building. Carefully she climbed onto the trash cans and pulled the ladder to the fire escape down.

Very slowly and patiently, Ella climbed the metal staircase and arrived at her window. Piper had left it open just wide enough for her to stick her hand under and push it up. With a great shove, Ella pushed the window up and climbed into her room. She was about to reach for the lap by the dresser when the main lights to her room flickered on.

Ella gasped as she found her dad standing in the middle of the room waiting for her.   

Oh boy Oh boy! What now?