“So this goes all the way to the Elder Council? Kieran asked, shocked.
“That’s what it appears to be,” I confirmed.
“Then dismiss them, Kieran suggested. “You’re the Alpha
I shook my head. ‘It’s not that simple. The Elder Council was established generations ago to prevent the Alpha King from becoming too tyrannical. After my ancestor’s brutal reign, every noble family was granted a seat.”
“But if they’re plotting against you- Kieran began.
“The situation has evolved beyond just the Elder Council,” reform. They want to dissolve the monarchy entirely.”
“I cut him off. ‘It appears to be a larger organization pushing for what they call democratic
‘Democracy?” Kieran snorted. “What they’re describing would weaken all territory Alphas and destroy the monarchy, leaving the Elder Council in control. That doesn’t sound like democracy to me.”
“Exactly,” I agreed. “Which makes me think this isn’t necessarily coming from the entire Elder Council, but perhaps one or two members working with outside forces.”
“Sometimes the most obvious threat is the real one,” Matthew pointed out. “Maybe it is the Elder Council.”
“Maybe,” I conceded. “But I need proof before I can move against any Council member. If I accuse the wrong person without evidence, I could lose my position.”
Kieran’s eyes narrowed. “And why should we care if you keep your crown or not? What’s in it for us?”
Our enemies are trying to turn us against each other,” I explained. “The three of us, the most powerful Alphas in our territories, could destroy each other if properly manipulated.”
“Which would leave the Elder Council or whoever’s behind this to pick up the pieces,” Matthew concluded.
“You could just authorize to arrest Charles,” Kieran suggested. “I’m sure he’s involved.”
‘I’d rather keep watching him,” Matthew interjected. “Charles might be a pawn or planning something entirely different. We shouldn’t limit our resources.”
“He’s already significantly damaged Forestvale,” Matthew continued! “If would be in chaos by now.”
‘t for Augustin sending people back who had joined his side, Forestvale
“When some Forestvale Alphas joined Kieran, rumors spread that he was planning to attack Forestvale, building an army to invade Clifflands, Matthew explained. “If I hadn’t decided to speak with Kieran peacefully, we might have gone to war.”
‘Have you considered sending Isabelle back to her father?” Kieran asked Matthew suddenly. “She might be part of this too.”
Matthew’s expression became guarded, but something in his eyes suggested he had considered the possibility himself.
‘You should be more forthcoming with us, Augustin,” Kieran said, turning to me. “If we’re going to help you, we need to know everything.”
I studied him carefully. “This is our first meeting, Kieran. You can’t expect me to share all my intelligence immediately.”
To my surprise, Kieran laughed. “Fair enough. You’re too smart to show your full hand in the first meeting. I’d do the same in your position. But eventually, I hope we can trust each other.”
For Juno’s sake,” he added quietly, “I’ll work with you. I don’t want any harm to come to her.”
“I just want peace for our world,” Kieran continued. “I want everyone to focus on their own territories, and I want you to keep us all safe and keep our world
stable.”
That’s what I want too, I said sincerely. 1 hope we can achieve it together.
We all stood, and I extended my hand. Kieran hesitated only briefly before shaking it firmly. Matthew did the same, and we formed i munde to stay in contact and cooperate against our common enemies.
As i headed to meet Bryloch and Adryx about the notes, my thoughts drifted to Matthew. I worried most about him. Would he have the strength to Isabelle back to her father? I understood the power of a mate bond. I couldn’t imagine sending luno away.
Your Majesty? Sebastian’s voice filled my mind, pulling me from my thoughts. May I request an audience with you?
I frowned, wondering what he could want from me at this time.
