Chapter 154
"If the majority votes that Prince Lucian be released from the dungeons and made to negotiate with Braam on our behalf that will be what we do."
"What do you say?" He asked as he turned to me, waiting for my input.
"A vote then." I replied thoughtlessly.
One by one, the council members cast their votes.
When it was over, I was the only one who had voted against Lucian's release.
My stomach twisted.
This wasn't just about peace negotiations.
They were planning something else.
Something far more dangerous and I had just fallen into their trap.
................
I paced my chambers, my fingers clenching and unclenching at my sides, my breaths shallow with rage.
They hadn't listened to me. The council had gone ahead and done as they pleased, disregarding my concerns as if I were nothing more than a passing whisper in the wind.
Lucian was free.
I should have expected it. No matter how much Rowan tried to assure me that I had a voice in the court, no matter how much he told me to stand my ground, they still refused to acknowledge my authority. They humored me at best and dismissed me at worst.
And now, because of their foolishness, Lucian was walking free inside these very castle walls.
I ran a hand through my hair and exhaled sharply, forcing myself to calm down. There was nothing I could do now—not without Rowan here to back me up. But when he returned, I would tell him everything.
A knock at my door made me pause.
I turned, expecting Eliza or perhaps a guard with news from the battlefield. "Come in."
The door creaked open.
My breath caught in my throat.
Lucian stood in the doorway.
Unchained. Unharmed. A slow, taunting smile played on his lips as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.
A wave of anger crashed over me. "What are you doing here?"
Lucian tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
"You are not my friend." I straightened, keeping my posture rigid. "And you shouldn't be here."
Lucian chuckled, strolling leisurely around the room as if he owned it. His eyes roamed over the gilded furniture, the thick velvet curtains, the fireplace that flickered dimly in the corner.
He picked up a silver goblet from the table, inspecting it with mild interest before setting it back down. "You live well," he mused. "Much better than you did as a slave. You truly are enjoying life."
I glared at him. "Get out."
He ignored me.
Instead, he turned to face me fully, his smirk deepening. "I must say, I never thought Rowan would actually reveal the truth about you. I underestimated him. That was a move that I wasn't expecting," He folded his arms, his gaze sharp and assessing. "And you—how does it feel, knowing the whole kingdom is looking at you like you're a monster? Like the abomination that you are?"
I refused to let him see how deeply his words cut. I lifted my chin, masking my emotions. "I don't care what they think. What matters only is what Rowan thinks."
Lucian let out a short laugh. "Liar."
I said nothing.
Lucian hummed, pacing a slow circle around me. "It must be lonely, though. Even the handmaidens barely listen to you now, don't they? The guards too right? It's basically all of them isn't it?"
I clenched my jaw.
"They whisper when they think you're not listening," he continued. "They hesitate before entering your chambers. The lords don't even bother hiding their disdain. You can feel it, can't you? The way they look at you like you don't belong here? Don't you?"
I remained silent.
Lucian sighed dramatically. "And Rowan left you here all alone. How unfortunate. I think he must have ran away, unable to face the consequences of his own actions. He revealed the news about what you are and left you here all alone to face the backlash."
Fury bubbled inside me. "Did you come here just to gloat?"
He shrugged. "Partially."
I tightened my fists. "I don't care what the council says—you are not to be trusted. You won't negotiate with Braam on our behalf."
Lucian smirked. "You wound me, dearest sister-in-law." He stepped closer. "Why do you think so poorly of me?"
"You told Braam's soldiers how to infiltrate the castle. You are the reason they attacked us."
He tilted his head. "And do you have proof of that?"
I clenched my jaw harder.
Lucian's smirk widened. "That's what I thought."
I exhaled sharply, trying to rein in my anger. "Say whatever you want. But as long as Rowan is alive, you will never be able to take the throne. There is no way."
Lucian's smirk didn't waver. "Ah, but that's the question, isn't it?" He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "How long will Rowan be alive?"
A chill ran through me. "What are you saying?"
Lucian shrugged. "War is unpredictable. Battles stretch on for weeks—sometimes months. Even years And Rowan is leading from the front." His smile widened. "Who knows? He may never return. And then, the council can put me in as Acting Alpha King pending the time that he returns. You are aware of that aren't you?"
I felt a spike of rage. "Rowan will win. He will also return." I said firmly. "And when he does, he will deal with you himself."
Lucian let out a laugh. "Oh, Arin." He stepped even closer, his breath warm against my skin. "You should enjoy these last few days as queen, because soon, I'll be taking my rightful place as Alpha King. I aim to do that."
My nails dug into my palms. "You are delusional if you think you can just walk in and take what isn't yours."
He arched a brow. "You think the council will stop me? You think they are not behind me? They already distrust you, they despise what you are. And with Rowan gone for an extended period, they'll see the need for a strong leader—one who isn't tied to an otsayak."
I lifted my chin. "You forget one thing."
Lucian smirked. "And what is that?"
I met his gaze head-on. "I won't let you win. Ever. You won't become alpha king with me here."
For a moment, something flickered in his eyes—annoyance, perhaps. But then he laughed again, stepping back toward the door.
"We'll see," he said lightly. "Try not to miss me too much, dearest Arin or is it Ariadne now?"
With that, he left, shutting the door behind him.
I stood there, breathing heavily, my heart pounding against my ribs.
He was plotting something.
And I had no doubt—whatever it was, it would put both Rowan and me in danger.
I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples. I needed to think. I needed to act. If Lucian was planning to take the throne, he wouldn't wait long to make his move.
I moved toward the window, staring out into the distance, searching the horizon for any sign of Rowan.
Hurry back, I thought desperately. Before it's too late.
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