THE CONSPIRACY

Alpha Ethan stared keenly at the fragile looking female in front of him as she scrambled to cover up. He felt really odd for entertaining unannounced, but what was done was done. He cleared his throat unnaturally staring directly at her.

"My apologies miss, I had no idea the young prince had company. Tell him I would like to have a word with him at first light". Came his deep baritone voice, and with that he spun around and walked away. Giving prince Ryder all the time in the world to panic.

What just happened. How could he have possibly been so careless, stripping without locking up. What if alpha Ethan had recognised him, what would have become of him. He would be a goner for sure.Decit and falsehood was Afterall punishable by death.

Just when he was about to take in a breath of fresh air, it dawned on him. What does the Lycan King want.

 It was soon dusk, and prince Ryder was already dressed, he had been awake pacing all night long. It was literally impossible for the Alpha Ethan to not have noticed it was him. Wolves have a heightened sense of smell and alpha Ethan would have likely picked up his sent.

His train of thoughts was soon put on hold by the royal announcer. " His imperial majesty, the Lycan alpha request your audience your majesty". 

A surge of panic flew through his veins as he tried to keep himself and his wolf in check. His beast gave him a chilling feeling that something was off. And all he could do was pray that his sixth sense was wrong.

The grand doors fluttered open and alpha Ethan strode in in his full majesty. Well chiseled jaw line, broad chest and shoulders. Dark Gray eyes that gave nothing away from his stony face. Prince Ryder noticed that he never gave his emotions away. At least non that he's aware of.

"Your highness". Prince Ryder acknowledged with a deep bow. 

"Young prince". Alpha Ethan responded with a quick nod. 

"I was here quite late at dawn, but it appeared you had some company and personal 'business' to attend to, so I had to leave you to it" his deep baritone voice echoed within the corners of the room.

The way alpha Ethan said the 'business' like it was some regular day to day act and not him assuming that was making out with some mistress made prince Ryder flush a bright crimson. How embarrassing. 

"I'm sorry my alpha" were the only words he could come up with at that humiliating moment. Alpha Ethan stared keenly at him before turning around.

"We leave in ten minutes". And with that he walked away. 

A million and one questions were bugging his mind threatening to explode it, and he felt dizzy all of a sudden. What in the moon does he mean by we.

All packed up and straddled on his horse, prince Ryder stared stonicly at his people as they waved him farewell. The males whom seemed happy as they would finally have their females all to themselves, and the females whom looked like they had just lost their favourite candy.

But the most infuriating of them all was his father, alpha Than, whom had the widest grin Ryder had ever seen plastered on his wrinkled face. This was the first time he was actually taking a good look at his father in a long while, and he looked old. Worn out and tired. His time on earth was definitely ticking.

He remembered going to his father earlier for explanations, and him being treated with indifference. "Ah, there you are my son, I hope you are all packed up and ready to go. You do not want to keep alpha Ethan waiting".

"There would be no need to pack cause I'm not going". He announced daringly. 

"Oh yes you are, or else you would seize to be my heir and a member of this pack this instant". Prince Ryder had no choice than to comply immediately. Being a rouge was never part of his plans in life. But then so was going to night  howlers.

If this was what he had to do to appease his father, then so be it.Turning around, they rode off to their new destination without looking back. Prince Ryder prayed silently for the moon goddess's blessings to be on his side, cause he really needed it.

It's been hours now and they've been riding non-stop. Prince Ryder felt his lungs burning, and it is only a matter of time now before he'll pass out. His throat was perched, and worst of all, he was starving.

 This was the first time he would be riding for such a distance. And worst of all, with men whom were literal robots. They hadn't spoken to nor spared him a glance. It was almost like he was invisible and that this was an everyday sports to them.

Prince Ryder struggled to keep his eyes open as his eye lids felt heavier and heavier by the minute. It was when he felt the sharp impact of his back to the ground did he know that he could go no further, he needed some rest as soon as possible.

"We'll rest here for a while". Came the voice of alpha Ethan as he came down from his horse and walked away, totally ignoring him. The rest Of his men, about seven in number followed and prince Ryder was left siting on his butt. 

He scoffed out loud. What was he thinking, that they'll all rush down to him and save a damsel in distress. Who was he kidding.

"Here your grace". Came a not so deep voice. Prince Ryder looked up and was met with a set of green eyes. He smiled shyly as he accepted his outstretched hand.

Asher his name was. He heard alpha Ethan call him that twice back at the palace. A finely built guy who seemed to be closest to the Lycan king. 

" First time journeying so far". He asked softly as he pulled Ryder up.

"First time journeying at all" came prince Ryder's equally soft response. 

"Hmm. Not bad for a first timer" he commented.

"You're just saying that as a compliment to make me feel good, I literally fell on my butt. Hard"

Asher let out a hearty laugh. "True.  But you've done a great job, especially for a prince such as yourself". He muttered seriously.

"Really?".

"Really. I remember when Jace rode with us for the first time, he fell hard on his face three good times, I had to ride with him cause he was slowing us down. Now look at him, all coordinated and composed".

Prince Ryder laughed hard his knees grew week. The guy on question seemed like he was in charge. Always barking out orders to the low ranked soldiers.

In between his giggles, a soldier came to whisper something to Asher. "Alpha wants to see you". What was the point of whispering when he knew prince Ryder could hear him. There were reasons he was a wolf even if he wasn't a Lycan like them.

"I'll be back back" he whispered to Ryder before walking off. Why were they all whispering. Prince Ryder thought inwardly.

"Trolls!" Someone shouted on the top of his voice. Before prince Ryder could process what was going on, hundreds of arrows lit in flames were flying in the air, and Ryder noticed he was the only one still standing. 

He looked around and was astonished by the sight of eight gigantic Lycan wolves, the eighth one was black and enourmous and Ryder stepped back subconsciously.

Just then he was hit on the back by a sharp arrow, the pain on his spine was so intense as he passed out on the spot.