Vortex has not yet returned, I was growing anxious since he was the best tracker of supernatural beings and he took this long to find the witch which means either she knows I am looking for her or she has hidden herself very well.

I was amazed at dark witch and curious for her reason in helping the mortal King whom I had warned to keep my love safe since I was coming to claim her soon.

Alex 's POV

I turned to princess and she just frowned at my unexpected temper.

" Warrior I don't see why you are angry while I see myself seated as a ruler of this Kingdom. I am unable to understand why you are angry. I would like you to apologize to Madlina this instant." She told me sternly.

I was surprised after princess told me that she was seeing herself in crowning ceremony. I looked at Madlina and she smiled at me with those knowing eyes of her. She knew that me and princess saw two different images.

"Princess that would not be necessary" She replied while bowing to princess.

Princess Astra was glaring at me that I did not oblige her.

" My Apologies Oracle Madlina" I said to Oracle and bowed to princess and immediately left the Oracle chamber.

After I left the chamber, one of the guards outside the chamber caught up with me and said that princess wants me to be present in the court as soon as I am done with the rounds on my soldier's training and have given the orders on securing every post across the border and also in the palace as well as around Kingdom to avoid chaos and establish law and order among the civil citizens.

As usual I was doing my rounds when I noticed two of the soldiers were fighting and a large group of my army was gathered around them. When I reached the crowd, I could see the ferocity of their action and I called them to my tent and asked the crowd to disperse. I always made my soldiers to wear their weapons as ornaments. They took pride in what they were skilled at. But sometimes they would exchange each other's weapons and practice. Which sometimes would turn into fights.

My soldiers were mighty and had strong will power and would lay life for the Kingdom without hesitation. I was proud of them. Yet sometimes their childish fights would amuse me how these mighty soldiers who leave enemy devastated will fight for just weapons or the piece of meat.They entered my tent and stood in attention with fear evident in their eyes, but at the same time they were glaring at each other with bitterness and hatred.

" What is going on soldier Marcus and soldier Ronald? Why are you two fighting?" I asked in my cold stern voice.

They both looked at the ground and did not answer my question. I was growing impatient, thinking as to what made two of my best fighter to fight in a broad daylight and they didn't even bother to inform me of the matter and took matter in their hands, we all know Marcus is a hot headed guy but Ronald was a very patient guy and for him to get provoked like this means a very big issue, that needs to be resolved.

" Marcus, Ronald I am talking to you guys and I would like to have the straight answers. Why two of my high rank soldiers were fighting like cats and dogs in the broad light? what was it that could not be discussed and made you take matters in your hands?" I said in an commanding voice

" Chief... we didn't want to make it like this. But we lost control and It will not repeat." Ronald replied.

I looked at him and was about to dismiss him when Marcus replied.

" Ronald why don't you tell the chief the actual reason you were fighting me. You always were praised for your gentleness and soft nature. You were the epitome of patience and stable mind and for your respect for women and children, when in reality you are not?" Marcus said with venom in his words.

"Marcus.. enough it is not what you think it is?" Ronald replied harshly

" Oh pray tell me Ronald then what it is... didn't you took Gloria.... " Marcus told harshly.

" Marcus... I warn you she has nothing to do with our fight" Ronald replied.

" Marcus.. Ronald.. you two can stop your bickering and tell me what exactly led you to fight and who is this Gloria?" I told sternly

" Chief Gloria is my fiancee, and she came to meet me today in the practice grounds. Where Ronald forcefully took her to his tent and kissed her without her consent" Marcus stated glaring at Ronald.

" Ronald is it what happened?" I questioned.

" Chief I took her to my tent but the kiss was mutual and We are in love with each other since childhood. I professed my love to her the day Marcus asked her father for her hand in marriage. I tried asking her why she was marrying Marcus when she is love with me that's why I took her to my tent so we can talk privately. I kissed her when she confessed her love for me. I would never force myself on a woman especially Gloria.." Ronald replied

" Marcus did you clarify this with Gloria or you just took the matters in your hand and set an exemplary example of your foolishness in front of the soldiers" I questioned.

" Chief.. when I saw him kissing her she was telling that he should not kiss her and he should stay away from him. But he kept making advances and kissed her and I being her fiance came to her defense" Marcus replied.

" Chief.. he is lying.. about the kiss yes I did kiss her but that was yesterday. Today he came to me when I was practicing with another soldier and challenged me. I told him to go and mind his business but he would not leave me alone and when he saw I am not going to budge, he took my sword and created havoc in my tent. Still when I didn't took the bait he questioned my manliness and that did the trick and I could not stop myself. And Lady Gloria has nothing to do with our fight today" Ronald said.

" She has everything to do with our fight Ronald. How dare you touch what is mine. I have already laid my claim on her. Then why did you kiss her ? why did you took her to your tent?" Marcus said clenching his jaws.

" Well Marcus when you know I had kissed her then why didn't you fight me yesterday. Why come and challenged me today? Did you even saw us or you just heard rumours and did you think if you don't do anything people will question your being a man?"

" Enough you of you two...Kaulum, please come inside.." I called one of the guards outside my tent.

"Yes Chief.." Kaulum bowed.

"Please send an escort for Lady Gloria and bring her to my tent" I ordered

He bowed in respect and left the tent.

" Chief I don't think bringing Gloria to practice field is necessary" Marcus said.

"Oh really Marcus you really think it is unnecessary when I see best of my fighters fighting their ass for a Lady who you don't even know loves you" I fumed.

Marcus and Ronald stood silent. I motioned them to take a seat till Lady Gloria make her presence in my tent.

When the flap of my tent lifted my guard Kaulum bowed and said " Chief Lady Gloria sent her apologies and refused to make her presence here" Kaulum bowed and left.

" Did you convey this regards with two of her acquaintances one is Ronald her childhood friend and other her fiance Marcus?" I asked

" I did chief, but lady Gloria said that it is highly impossible for her to make her presence in practice ground without a female escort and permission from her father" Kaulum replied.

" Did you said that this was not a request but an order" I questioned raising my eyebrow.

" I did chief and she replied even if it is an order but she refuse to follow it" Kaulum said

" Ok so we will send female attendants for Lady Gloria now" I said

After one hour again Kaulum entered the tent without Lady Gloria.

" Chief Lady Gloria refused to come to practice grounds." He said

I was furious now the woman not only refused my order but didn't even bother to ask or sent a message for any of the men who were in love with her.

" Now see... you two were fighting for the woman and she didn't even make her presence in your defense. I would say good luck with her Marcus and you Ronald you will not step anywhere near Lady Gloria, if I hear once again that you came anywhere near her perimeter I will not only degrade your position but I would send you on exile. Is that clear" I said.

They nodded left the tent. I made my way to the palace wondering whether I should report the matter to the princess so she can deal it with her female experience but later dismissed the thought.

After my rounds when I went to the court and bowed to the princess, I could judge from the silence that she was angry on me for being late. But what could I do I have to maintain my army strong and united.

" Warrior do you know you are late to the court room" One of the ministers questioned. " Princess would like to know the reason for your being late"

" Princess please excuse me, I got stuck with mentoring new soldiers. I am extremely sorry I mean no dishonor to the highness" I replied courteously

" Since this is first time I am going to over look this. But don't make this as a habit" She told annoyed.

" Begin the courtroom's proceedings" She ordered.

" Your Highness since you have come back to the palace and are the heir of the throne. We would like to go for the crowning ceremony tomorrow by your permission" Minister Eugene said

" I grant my permission but I would like the Royal Warrior Commander in Chief to take the full responsibility of the event" She said amusingly.

" But princess Commander-in- Chief has to take care of the security since the commoners will be allowed in the feast so it would be highly impossible for him to concentrate on both security and facilitation of the celebration" Minister Eugene' son Raymond said " If you permit your highness I would like to volunteer"

" No I want Alex to take full responsibility and if he fails to make the desired arrangement he would be severely dealt with" she told in stern voice.

" Your wish is my command princess" I replied smilingly.

Although she put on a smiling countenance, I knew she was fuming inside. I was amused with just the thought of it. She really is the princess, adamant and stubborn just like her father.