Augustin’s POV
The atmosphere in the vehicle was tense, Juno sat beside me, her fingers occasionally brushing against mine, silently offering support. I took her hand ba mine, drawing strength from her presence.
Once we reached the manor and entered our private chambers, I closed the door and immediately pulled Juno into my arms, kissing her deeply. The Kes wat passionate and urgent, expressing my fear and need for her comfort better than words could.
When we finally broke apart, I led her to the sofa near the fireplace, sitting close enough that our thighs touched.
“Matthew and Kieran have agreed to work with us,” I began, keeping my voice low despite the privacy of our foom. They’re willing to put aside their feelings for you to face this common threat.”
Juno listened intently, her eyes focused on mine.
What exactly did they offer!
“Kieran will mobilize his business networks and provide financial resources. He has I deliberately avoided mentioning Matthew’s mental state for now.
throughout the territories. Matthew will support us politically
politically.
“Kieran believes Isabelle may be working for father,” I continued. “He has similar suspicions about Charles.
Juno’s fingers intertwined with mine as she processed this information. “And Sebastian? What did he want?”
I was about to answer when Bryloch linked me.
Your Majesty, Lyric Stewart has been arrested by Omega Noah. She’s being transported now. Ironically, her husband reported her treasonous activities himself.
The news was unexpected but potentially valuable. I turned back to Juno.
“Lyric Stewart has been arrested for treason. Her husband turned her in. She’s being brought to us now.” I squeezed Juno’s hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. “As for Sebastian, he seemed terrified. He denied any involvement in the petition and worried about being framed like Evanth was.
Juno frowned. “That’s stupid. There would be no logic in framing Sebastian. Evanth was framed to cover up the Riddick attack. What would be the purpose of targeting Sebastian?”
I considered her words. “If I start suspecting Sebastian, investigating him, it would create division within the Council. Our enemies could use that opportunity to approach him, make the hearing more difficult.”
Juno shook her head. “The person sending the cards seems desperate, not calculating. Sebastian doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of this plot.”
I thought about this for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Perhaps I’m overthinking this. Recent events have made me suspicious of everyone.”
Juno slowly squatted down and unbuttoned my clothes. “Let me help you relax.”
We spent hours in our bedroom, finding solace in each other’s company. Juno lay in my arms, her head resting on my chest, my fingers gently stroking her hair. We discussed potential enemies and motivations, with me sharing my suspicions about Francis’s connection to the Vasquez family and Juno arguing we needed to consider Charles’s role more seriously.
“I think we should examine the positions of each Council member,” I suggested. “Determine who might be allies and who might be enemies.”
Juno nodded against my chest. “Sebastian seems desperate for your approval. He could be an ally if approached correctly.”
I sighed, finally deciding to share my concerns about Matthew. “There’s something else you should know. During our meeting, Matthew behaved strangely. He seemed distracted, looking at empty chairs.7
Juno raised her head, meeting my gaze. “You think he’s hallucinating?
“Possibly. The stress of recent events, losing you, dealing with Isabelle and her father–it might be affecting his mental state.”
1/2
Chapter 238
Juno was quiet for a moment, “We’ll need to be careful with him. Use fits support but verify everything
As night fell, our conversation shifted to wedding plans, a brief return to normalcy that reminded us what we were fighting for
Later, we showered together, the hot water and steam helping to ease the tension of the day. Juno massaged my shoulders, her strong fingers workout on
the knots of stress.
After dressing, we made our way to the manor’s private dining room. The table was set with fresh food, candles illuminating the space. Dinner plocended in relative silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts. Adryx and Bryloch occasionally exchanged glances, preparing for the interrogation to come
When the meal concluded, I gave Juno a slight nod before rising from the table with Bryloch and Adryx. It was titne to question Fox Stewart and discover exactly what he knew about the organization threatening my reign.
The interrogation room was located deep beneath the manor, its thick walls ensuring sound wouldn’t escape. A single bulb hung from the ceiling. illuminating the metal table and chairs in the center.
Fox Stewart sat handcuffed with silver restraints, his eyes red and swollen from crying. At only seventeen, he looked painfully young, his clothes wrinkled and hair disheveled. Fear and exhaustion were written across his face.
I took the seat across from him, with Bryłoch and Adryx standing behind me.
“Fox Stewart, I began, looking directly into his eyes, “I know you’re underage. I’ve spoken with your father, Ulysses Stewart. I’m very surprised that the son of one of our alpha leaders would have connections with an evil organization.” I paused, “You have a choice here. If you fell me everything, we’ll take your age into consideration. If not, we’ll treat you as an adult, and my Enforcers have… special methods.”
Fox’s lips trembled, fresh tears welling in his eyes. “I’ll tell you everything,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Please don’t hurt me. I made a mistake.
I studied the young man before me, my heart breaking for his ruined future. He had committed treason, and while I might spare his life, he would lose any status or opportunities he might have had. I couldn’t help but think about the people who had used this boy, caring nothing for the young life they were destroying.
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