"Crown Prince Armin! You can not have a duel with His Majesty!"
Queen Alice, urged her arrogant son not to end his life abruptly. It's known all over the world that Wolf is a monster who wields a sword.
"Mother! He has drawn a sword to Father, the King of this Empire. As the heir, should I not protect it?"
"As your King, I command you to stand down Crown Prince!"
King James was furious at his wife and children, if they continue to do this it could lead to a disaster.
"Let's do it. That damned duel I mean."
Wolf itched to put this arrogant prince in his place. On their first meeting, he noticed the indifference he had toward his and Anastasia's arrival and it bothered him.
He now had an opportunity brought to him on a silver battler, he could not ignore it.
"W-what?" King James uttered, surprised that Wolf accepted the duel.
Anastasia was a bit surprised as well because she did not want to start a war with the Holy Kingdom.
"..Honey," Anastasia called out to Wolf in a low, unsure tone.
Wolf could see the concern in her eyes and he removed his sword from the King's neck.
"I won't kill him, don't worry."
Wolf whispered reassurance to Anastasia that he would not kill her brother.
Wolf is still unaware of her family's past.
"Shall we go to the training grounds, Crown Prince Armin?"
Wolf spoke to Armin as he gestured for his imperial knights to stand down.
The Holy Kingdoms' imperial knights also stood aside on King James' command.
Anastasia, Queen Alice, and Princess Analeigh are guided to the training guards to view the duel as spectators.
A table decorated with flowers, tea, and desserts is set up for them.
Anastasia grimaced as she watched the two women sip tea as if nothing was happening. Though she could see the anxiousness etched on their face.
On the training grounds, Crown Prince Armin had one thought in mind, and it was to win the duel.
For as long as he could remember he has harbored a strong desire to defeat Wolf.
Only a few years older than himself, Wolf has completed great success in his life. Here he was only a Crown Prince, not a King.
He envied the power and strength Wolf held not only that it irked Armin that Wolf took in the pathetic girl that was his sister, Anastasia.
Unlike his father, Armin has the potential to be a good ruler, his biggest flaw is his temper.
Hence his abrupt decision to have a duel with the strongest man in the world.
Armin gritted his teeth and took his stance in preparation for what he thought was a win.
On the other hand, Wolf stared off to the side not paying attention to the bloodlust coming from his opponent.
His gaze was occupied by something much more important.
His wife.
He thought she outshined all things around her just by sitting idly.
Thinking back on her expressions and attitude when they are in Narravos compared to here he has noticed a drastic change.
For a beautiful daughter such as Anastasia, he expected it would be hard to get her to return with him.
Yet, this family of hers seems off.
Noticing Wolf's gaze Anastasia put her small hand in the air and waved at him with a gentle smile.
Wolf planned on winning the duel the moment it was declared. Now having his first supporter he was determined to win more than ever.
"Shall we?"
Wolf spoke to Armin who brandished his sword, pointing it out in front of him. His stance was correct and he seemed to be one with the sword.
Wolf smirked at the Prince not impressed with his ability.
Seeing that Wolf did not take him or this duel seriously caused Armin to charge at him in a fit of anger.
Their swords clashed causing the screeching sound of metal to echo through the air.
The sound was so loud that Anastasia had no choice but to cover her ears as she on-looked the battle.
Armin attacked Wolf from every position but could not land a hit. Wolf stood in one spot unmoving. It was like a child playing swords with his father.
Sweat drenched Armin's face and his hand felt like they would break at any moment from the force of Wolf's counterattack.
Armin could see that not a spec of sweat was on Wolf's face nor did he show signs of exhaustion.
This did not make Armin flatter, alas, he charged Wolf, sword in hand ready to pierce his chest.
The hopeful Queen and Princess thought the Crown Prince had a chance. The look on their faces showed that they wanted Wolf to die right there on the training grounds.
This scene had never occurred during the novel, something else that her presence has changed. Anastasia watched and held her dress tightly.
Having a master swordsman as a husband was something to brag about but it was also a burden.
Wolf watched Armin dash toward him with a strong killing intent oozing from his pores.
'An opening!'
Armin slashed his sword down in one move trying to contact Wolf's flesh.
"Ahhhh!"
King James, the Queen, and Princess Analeigh all stood up when Armin fell to the ground holding his arm.
Wolf barely used ten percent of his strength to stop Armin's attack and it broke his arm.
"Tch."
Wolf scoffed at the supposed heir to the throne as he rolled around on the ground.
Medics to the training ground to retrieve their master.
Wolf made his way toward the garden where Anastasia waited.
"Wife, I kept my promise," he was referring to his promise not to kill Armin.
"Yes, thank you, honey," Anastasia gave him a strained smile.
She wanted nothing more to do with his Kingdom or it's the royal family. She wanted to go back to Navarros where it was comfortable.
"You look unwell," Wolf noticed her pale face.
"I'm fine, I just want to rest and we can go?" She suggested leaving after some rest.
"Yes, rest first," Wolf held her hand and was about to guide her away but a voice stopped them.
"I'll accompany her Your Majesty, you should get checked for any injuries," Princess Analeigh had a plan but she could not fulfill it with Wolf hanging around.
"No," Wolf bluntly declined.
Princess Analeigh was shocked at his aggressive tone. Yet she continued to smile and put up a front of a caring older sister.
"Your Majesty, I just haven't seen my dear little sister in so long. Now that she isn't feeling well and decided to depart too soon, I would like to spend some time together."
Analeigh was a fantastic actor, she patted her wet eyes with a handkerchief and pretended to be worried.
Since becoming his wife Anastasia had never talked about her family. Thus, making Wolf assume it was because she missed them too much to speak about them.
Thinking of his Wife he agreed to let Princess Analeigh escort Anastasia back to the room.
Anastasia could see past the Princess's fake tears but she did not expect something dangerous. At most, she expected her to taunt her with harsh words.
She was prepared to give her a mouthful herself if she had to. Anastasia did not refute the Princess's offer.
Wolf handed her over reluctantly and watched as they disappeared from the garden.
He went to clean up in a different part of the castle which the Queen suggested.
******
With Elena, other maids, and the knights waiting outside Anastasia and Princess Analeigh went inside the chambers alone.
Princess Analeigh immediately began her rude remarks toward Anastasia.
"You're not fit to be Queen, I shall take that position since it was rightfully mine, to begin with," Princess Analeigh lashed out.
"That position came void the moment you guys offered me as a sacrifice for debt!" Anastasia countered.
"You! You are nothing but a burden, you think because you wear fancy dresses and jewels now that you're a true noble? You will always be second to me!" She pointed her accusing finger at Anastasia.
"Leave my room, I don't have to listen to this," Anastasia was getting a headache, she did not care for all the hypocrisy.
"Leave? Ahahaha, you are the only one leaving!" Princess Analeigh laughed hysterically.
"What?" Anastasia was confused and slightly frightened at the crazy look in her eyes.
"Come out!" Princess Analeigh suddenly blurted out.
Two masked men in black brandishing swords appeared from nowhere.
Anastasia's immediate reaction was to run and call out for help. Before she could say or do anything one of the masked men covered her mouth.
She fought as hard as she could trying to make any sound. She hoped that someone outside the door could hear her struggling.
No one came.
Tears started to form in her eyes as the men covered her mouth and dragged her across the room.
Standing at the ledge of the window with the kidnappers she was knocked unconscious.
Wolf finished his bath and was eager to lay eyes on his wife again.
Putting on his clothes he could not help but overhear the screams and commotion coming from outside.
He rushed to the hall and when his knights saw him they rushed behind him.
"What is the problem?" He asked a maid who was running past.
"T-The Q-Queen, is missing!" The maid cried out.
"WHAT QUEEN?!" Wolf could feel his blood boiling.
"Q-Queen Anastasia," the maid dropped to her knees begging for her life.I