The Truth

Secretary Eric's POV

Finally, I got a chance to get closer to Saray.
There is definitely something crucially wrong with her lineage and relationship with Ralph. The two have never had sex, I bet my head on that. Ralph's emphatic scent that should be with her is missing. Also, if the two had intercourse, her transformation into Lycan should have been initiated long ago, especially if the pups too had Lycan genes. But that is not the case, Saray is an ordinary werewolf, perhaps from a high-ranking family, but absolutely not from the Alpha bloodline. In addition, she seems mated, her scent is mixed, although only vaguely noticeable. That should be different since she spent two years in Human Town. Something is wrong here, my ancient old Lycan senses that. This pregnancy is highly mysterious.
I can talk to the Sages about it, of course, and we can find all the answers at the Oracle of the Moon Goddess. But these Sages are still in the bliss of the upcoming birth of Princes, they don't suspect anything heretofore. Not yet, but I'm damn sure that will soon change. They are not just any Sages; the Moon Goddess has blessed them with unique gifts. But I'm going to ask Ralph about this first, he knows he can't hide anything from me. His bloodline is from the Royal throne succession, mine is from the Royal ancient gene that ensures the Royals are maintained. Therefore, I was appointed as his secretary, his interests and that of the Kingdom are my highest priority. Actually, I receive my directives from the Moon Goddess and the Sages in the first instance when it comes to crucial decisions to keep the Kingdom safe.
And after me is Ivor, the grandson of Elder Nicolas.
Our authority is at almost the same level, only his direct connection to the Moon Goddess is missing. But that doesn't stop us from being the best of friends, we both have the same mission: to keep the Kingdom and the palace secure. Ivor is clearly crazy about Saray, sometimes even too emotional concerning the future Queen. Think it's because of the pups, he knows how important they are to the throne. So I have nothing on him right now. I keep an eye on Ralph and wait for the right moment when we are alone again. With the women leaving for Human Town, we need to get some documents in order for my negotiations in Conselho Construction. It has been a long time, actually years, since I was last in Human Town. My place is here; those humans are an annoying distraction. But now that Ralph cannot accompany his mate, I must join the women.
An hour into this party, I tap Ralph on the shoulder.
"My King, we need to get things in order. You know your mother, once a decision is made about something, she has everything ready in a wink of an eye. And she is too eager to go shopping with her daughter-in-law," I remind him. "We will most certainly leave as early as tomorrow morning after Saray is able to rest a bit. Let's finish these documents I need to take to Conselho Construction now". He nods, kisses Saray on the mouth and we leave for his office. In full zeal we work on the papers and within an hour we have them all finished and ready to take away. Ralph sits behind his desk relaxed and I am in the guest chair in front of him. This is the right time to discuss the matter that has preoccupied me for so long.
"Ralph, and now the truth. I know Saray is mated with another wolf and the pups are not yours. Now tell me the whole story," I demand shortly. His face turns beet red, his hands trembling for a moment. His mouth opens and closes like a fish on dry land, considering first to deny my words but then remembering why he can't hide anything from me. "The truth, Ralph. I can also go to the Oracle, but then the Sages will know immediately what is going on. It's better for you to tell me upfront so I know how best to support you in this. You know I am always with you, the King is my top priority," I reassure him.
Ralph clears his throat, getting deeply emotional.
"She was mated to the Alpha of Storm Forest but couldn't get pregnant while she was in the pack," he begins in a low voice. "She left and asked him to take another Luna. I met her in the company, fell madly in love with her right away. I was able to persuade her to come with me to the Kingdom. But two days before we left, the Alpha found her and took her to his abode where he impregnated her". Sorrow clearly readable on my face, I wait for him to continue. "I don't know what else happened between them, but she came back to me and we left on the yacht I had just bought. When I found her on the island with the family that now belongs to Alpha Esis, she had lost her memory."

I nod thoughtfully.
Yes, the puzzle is taking shape. "And you took advantage of Saray's memory loss. You want to prevent her from remembering her mate and then knowing the pups are his. Because then she'll have every reason to go back to him. But then you'll lose her forever," I summarize. "But there's a chance she'll get her memory back one day anyway. Then what explanation do you have? If Alpha Jasper files a complaint against you with the Council and Sages, it could cost you the Crown. Are you willing to take that risk? Are you that much in love with her, Ralph?" I ask matter-of-factly. Ralph's eyes turn red; it is clear that this straightforward question affects him deeply. "Eric, there is something about Saray that binds me to her. It's deeply spiritual, like a one-sided mate bond. She is my fated mate, but she doesn't feel it. It's hard to explain. She is mated with that Alpha but belongs to me too".
"Ralph. Don't talk nonsense. There is no such thing as a triangle of fated mates. Get yourself together. You're just infatuated with the woman," I reproach him sternly. "But let's see how all this turns out. You can count on me, but think beforehand about how you will save your skin if all this is discovered. You're not going to get off scot-free. Not with Saray, nor the Sages, Council and Moon Goddess. Mark my words"....