Chapter Thirteen

The laughter and the music of the banquet faded into the background as i laid back in my throne, my gaze fixed on the now-empty space where Princess Lydia had been moments ago.

I watched as the servants escorted her away, her spine stiff but her head held high, and i scoffed underneath my breath. Foolish of her to think when i captured her she could be anything but a slave.

The days of her being royalty were over and here she would only be regarded as a property, like the ancient china we acquired alongside her. She was nothing more than a captive, a spoil of war, and she would do well to remember that.

"Your Majesty, should I have her sent to the servant’s quarters?" One of my guards asked, awaiting my command.

I waved him off. "Lock her away for now. She will learn soon enough that she has no right to negotiate with me."

The guard bowed and retreated, and I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders. My patience was wearing thin. This night was meant to be a celebration, yet all I could feel was the dull throb of irritation, and the unexplainable need to get the hell out of this hall.

To worsen it, Anya descended into her rant of opinion.

“That was awfully harsh of you, uncle.” Anya commented cooly. “Making her your queen would be sure to earn you more points with the nobles and Alphas and you are throwing that away? Maybe i wasn't wrong about the voodoo.” she muttered, avoiding my stare.

I sighed, uninterested with this conversion but eager to know what new point Anya had in her case against celine.

I arched a brow at her. “Voodoo?”

She feigned innocence, swirling the wine in her cup.

“Oh, just talk among the nobles. They say you’ve changed, that you’re acting… irrationally. Making decisions that do not benefit the kingdom, all because of her.”

I clenched my jaw. I knew exactly what she meant.

I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to remain calm. “I don’t answer to gossip, Anya. Especially not one orchestrated by yourself.”

She smiled, knowing I had caught her. “Of course not, Uncle. But the nobles do talk. They say you plan to wed a nameless maid, a wolf-less thief, and they wonder why you have not discarded her. Some wonder if she has bewitched you.”

I leaned forward, resting my forearms on my knees as I met her gaze head-on. “And you agree, don't you, Anya?”

Her smirk faltered for just a moment before she masked it again. “I say you are the King, and the King should be careful where he places his affections. People are watching, waiting for a weakness.”

I disregarded her point with a push of my hand. “Let the people talk. You should learn not to listen, and not to petty gossip. I can marry who i want, and no one had bewitched me. Now enough of this, and go focus on your own love life.”

I looked around the hall and saw a young Alpha who’s father used to be my brother’s friend.

“Ah, theres young Alpha Julian. Go introduce yourself.”

Anya scoffed, crossing her arms. "You must be joking, Uncle. Julian is nothing but a child. He is barely of age."

I gave her a knowing smirk. "He’s two years your senior. And besides, He is an Alpha now, Anya. A strong, capable one. He will make a fine match for someone as ambitious as you."

She pursed her lips, clearly unimpressed. "You think to pawn me off, yet you keep your own little thief close? How hypocritical."

My amusement faded, my voice darkening. "Tread carefully, Anya. My patience has limits."

She sighed, then bowed her head slightly. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

The tension lingered even as she turned away, making her way toward Julian with reluctant steps. I sighed, rubbing a hand down my face. This night was growing tiresome.

My wolf stirred. She was here few minutes ago.

I sat up straight, my eyes searching the hall for her.

“Why didn't you say anything earlier?” i asked my wolf ad i fought the urge to search for her.

She ran out after seeing you with the Princess.

A strange feeling settled in my chest. Celine had been here, watching. I had been too distracted to notice. I needed to see Celine.

I couldn't fight it anymore, I needed to see her.

I rose from my throne, ignoring the questioning glances from the nobles as I strode toward the exit.

My wolf prowled beneath my skin, restless, agitated.

I had been too caught up in the drama and Anya’s burdensome opinions to notice that she came.

"Your Majesty," a deep voice called out, and I turned sharply to see Alpha Roderic stepping forward, his expression unreadable. "I had hoped to discuss our trade agreements before the night’s end."

I clenched my fists, forcing down my impatience. "Suspend the business until later, Roderic. Now is not the time."

"But, Your Majesty, these are urgent matters. If you don’t review the contracts, we risk war among the packs. I don’t see what could be more urgent than—"

A low growl escaped my lips. I was in no mood for this.

"I said, now is not the time, Roderic," I snapped.

His brows lifted slightly, clearly surprised by my tone, but he bowed his head. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

I could hear the murmurs from the people surrounding us, and I knew this was sure to be a topic in Anya’s next gossip, but I couldn’t bring myself to care.

Without another word, I pushed past him, my strides quickening as I made my way through the corridors. The need to see her clawed at me, burning hotter with every step.

Roderic was wrong. She was more important than any other matter.