Fidelis sat at his desk and glared at the calendar. July was halfway over, and he still hadn't found his fated mate. The dreams had stopped as well. He was at a loss. He stood up and left for his father's study.
He knocked and entered after a brief pause. His father looked up and smiled.
"Fidelis! What brings you here?"
"Frustration."
His father frowned. "With?"
"My lack of progress. I haven't found her."
"Ah." His father put down the document he was reading and went around the desk. He gestured to the couches and waited until Fidelis sat down on one, before sitting.
"Son, your search will be a long one. There are a lot of humans in this county and trying to find just one without a description is like looking for a needle in a haystack. It's not impossible, just very difficult."
"I know, I just hate feeling like I failed."
"It's alright to feel that way as long as you don't drown in it and keep moving forward."
Fidelis pondered his father's advice. He was right. Giving up was not something Fidelis ever did. He needed to firm his resolve and keep pushing forward.
"Yes, Father."
"Now, while I have you here, I need you to do something for me."
"Sure, what is it?"
"I need you to go visit our townspeople and see if they need anything."
"I'd be happy too. I saw them last month but checking in monthly might be a good idea," mused Fidelis.
"Indeed. The town's mayor has been sending reports, but it is always a good idea to see things in person. Keeps those in official positions honest," chuckled his father.
"I will do that after our meeting but there is one more thing I wanted to discuss with you."
"Go ahead."
"It's about my upcoming senior year. I will keep playing sports while maintaining my grades. I will graduate at the top spot."
His father grinned. "How is the nearest competition looking?"
"There's a couple of people with me in the top five that are all vying for valedictorian."
"Anyone I know?"
"Not really. There's Amy Holland, Liz Warner, Griff Peterson, and Drake Ramsey. As long as I strive for the highest grades in all my subjects they won't catch me."
His father laughed and smiled. "That's what I like to hear!"
"After all, I need good grades to attend university if we end up staying in this world. I plan to invest in businesses and be an amazing entrepreneur in this world."
"They are all admirable aspirations. I pray for your success, my son."
"Thank you, father." Fidelis stood and bowed. "I'd better head to the town before it gets too late."
"Safe journey, my son. I'll receive your report later on your visit."
"Yes, father."
Fidelis left the study and headed for the training grounds. He needed to grab his guards and go to the town.
Thirty minutes later Fidelis, Sodalitas, and Blainel were on their way to the town. He decided to cut through the area where they had encountered the Poten recon team a couple of months ago. He stopped at the spot where he had been injured and healed by the mystery healer.
"My Prince?"
He glanced at Sodalitas. He clenched his fist. He would find the healer and he would find his fated mate. He always achieved his goals. No matter what.
"Let's go." Resolutely he headed in the direction of the town.
It took another thirty minutes to reach the barrier protecting the town. They were barely inside it when a large crowd of residents came running to greet them.
Chants of "Prince Fidelis is here!" filled the air. He smiled and waved to everyone. The town was made of Cornibus, Succo, and Figura Muta residents. All the groups got along fairly well which was different from Poten towns.
The mayor came to meet them and invited them to dinner. Fidelis happily agreed. It was nice to take his mind off his problems and enjoy the people he would one day rule. During the dinner, the mayor updated him on the progress of the integration of their people with the humans of Earth. It was going better than expected. They had come a long way in a year. The future was looking good.
The meal ended and Fidelis and his guards said their good-byes. The walk back to the castle was quiet. Fidelis was much happier and felt more settled about his course of action. He was looking forward to the day he met his savior and his fated mate.