Chapter 117: A Threat
"Your Majesty, we really do need to arrange a mating ceremony soon. We can use this opportunity to invite all the heads of the packs and, at the same time, hold a council meeting to discuss the growing threat," Councilman Vye insisted trying to keep his tone as neutral and still urgent as he could.
He dared not betray his own anxiety about the princes continuously delaying the mating with Ramona and tried to keep it so that it would only be seen as his worry for the safety of the pack.
He turned slightly, glancing toward the other council members as if seeking silent approval but also urging them to come forward and support him.
The others exchanged uncertain looks before one of them finally stepped forward with a slow nod. "This time, I agree with Councilman Vye," he said, folding his hands respectfully before the throne. "Your Majesty, the rogues have already reached the borders of our neighboring pack. They even attempted to kidnap an Omega. It shows that whatever they’re planning, they’re getting bolder by the day. We can’t ignore this. We need to strengthen our defences and ensure that all packs remain united in alliance."
An older woman, her silver hair neatly tied back beneath her council robes, rose from her seat and gave Lance a commanding stare.
"Your Majesty, while I am not in favor of using your mating ceremony as a political gathering, the situation leaves us with little choice. If we summon all the alphas without reason, it might alert the enemy to our concerns. And the annual council meeting is still months away. We simply can’t afford to wait that long. So, for now, this seems to be the most reasonable way to bring everyone together. Please have a mating ceremony as soon as possible/"
Lance leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as his gaze swept over the group. For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he exhaled slowly, a sound halfway between a sigh and a growl. Sometimes, he truly wondered if these elders were wolves at all. Their so-called hunting instincts were so dull they barely matched those of a frightened rabbit.
A few rogues had dared to cross into a neighboring territory, and already they were trembling-scrambling to prepare for a war that might not even exist.
He drummed his fingers against the armrest, suppressing the urge to laugh. They wanted him to invite every Alpha under his roof? Into his territory? And then get into a mating ceremony, leaving the entire pack vulnerable? A mating ceremony was not just any ceremony; these fools seemed to have forgotten. Once they were mated, their wolves would go into a frenzy for the next few days to claim their mate.
An alphas mating ceremony was the most vulnerable time for a werewolf pack.
Not a chance-not until he was absolutely certain none of them would use the opportunity to stir up their own kind of trouble, would he even think of inviting them.
As for checking the loyalty of the packs, did they really think he spent his days doing nothing but sleeping?
He had already set spies in nearly every pack, who brought him the truth others tried to hide. He knew exactly which Alphas were loyal in heart and which were bound only by name.
But, for now, he really did need to make a few decisions. "Call Prince Zen and Prince Kael here."
The man waiting on the side, nodded and hurriedly moved to obey the orders when Lance stopped him," Summon the great witch and Ramona as well.
Seeing that the Crown Prince Alpha had taken their suggestions seriously, everyone in the room nodded in agreement.
But Raymon was not satisfied. Even as the council murmured among themselves, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared at the man sitting on the throne.
There was still one more matter that demanded his attention more than anything else. Emira.... If he let that thorn stay in his side, things would turn into a disaster...
He cleared his throat, bowed low and spoke slowly. "Your Majesty. There is another concern I must bring to your attention. It concerns my daughter. As your loyal councilman, I would never place my child’s interests above those of the pack, but she is also the future Luna Mother of this pack. And this matter, I fear, touches upon her honour."
A faint ripple of unease ran through the hall. The other council members shifted in their seats, exchanging curious glances. Raymon, however, kept his gaze steady on Prince Lance and almost smiled when he saw the prince’s eyes tighten. It seemed the man did not want to address it either. His hands clenched.
The more averse they were to getting rid of her, the more he would have to push to put some distance between them. He sent the old man a look
At that silent cue, Teacher Shim stepped forward and bowed deeply, "Your Majesty, it is regarding the Omega slave that the princes brought with them. The magic used to bind them-it is the ancient kind, one that should have been outlawed generations ago."
"Many such binding rituals were abolished for good reason when the witches fell, and yet, she used it. This is not good. And the princes have been ensnared by it.
He hesitated and chose his next words carefully, "I humbly request that Your Majesty take action. Please, break this bond-both for yourself and on behalf of the two princes.
That girl claims she sought refuge within our pack but if she had truly desired protection, she could have asked for it openly. Instead, she resorted to using hidden means to tie herself to the princes, forcing a bond where none should exist."
Teacher Shim bowed again, "Your Majesty, such deceit cannot be ignored. The honour and prestige of our future Luna are at stake. This false bond brings shame not only to her but also to the princes themselves. I beseech you to correct this and restore the dignity of your bloodline."
Raymon lowered his head slightly, though the satisfaction in his eyes was unmistakable. Around the hall, quiet murmurs began to rise again, much to his satisfaction...