Page 19 of Chased By My Grumpy Alpha
“Is it?” I challenge him. “Because last I checked, three more packs have declared their allegiance to his faction. They’re growing bolder, Father. More organized. This is not the time to be distracted by runaway brides.”
King Alaric’s expression darkens dangerously, though the effort of maintaining his intimidating presence shows in the slight shake of his frame. “As long as I sit on this throne, you will do as I command. This is not a request, Lucian. It’s an order.”
“This is ridiculous—”
“This is about respect!” He raises his voice as much as his aging lungs allow, the sound reverberating through the chamber despite being less powerful than it once was. “About showing every pack in this kingdom that defying the crown has consequences. If word spreads that the strongest pack memberscan ignore royal decrees without punishment, how long before the others start questioning everything I say?”
I clench my fists, fighting the urge to say something I’ll regret. “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill. One frightened woman does not constitute a threat to royal authority.”
“One frightened woman who happens to be the most powerful female in her entire pack,” Father corrects, his breathing slightly labored from the exertion of the argument. “One frightened woman who made me look weak in front of Alpha Darius. One frightened woman who has caused a diplomatic incident between two packs because she was too cowardly to fulfill her duty.”
“Then, send someone else to find her. Send a tracker. Send a—”
“I’m sending you.” His voice cuts through my protests smoothly, but he still has to steady himself against the throne. “Because this requires someone with authority. Someone who can make it clear that defying the crown is unacceptable, especially when that defiance comes from someone who should have been setting an example for the rest of her pack.”
“I refuse.”
For a moment, the throne room falls completely silent. When Father speaks again, his voice is deadly quiet, conserving what energy he has left.
“You refuse?”
“I have more pressing matters that require my attention. The military needs—”
“The military will survive without you for a few days.” He slowly lowers himself back onto his throne, the movement careful and calculated. “But your position as heir may not survive continued insubordination.”
The threat is too real. “You wouldn’t.”
“Wouldn’t I?” My father’s smile is cold and calculating even as his hands shake slightly with weariness. “I’ve been patient with your attitude, Lucian. Your constant questioning of my decisions, your barely concealed contempt for my methods. But I am still your king, and you are still my subject.”
“I’m your son—”
“You’re my heir. And heirs who can’t follow orders don’t remain heirs for long.”
Rage burns through me, hot and consuming. “Fine. But when the kingdom falls apart because I’m off chasing shadows instead of dealing with real threats, remember that this was your choice.”
“The kingdom will be fine. Find this woman—this powerful healer who thought she could simply walk away from her responsibilities—and bring her back here so she can face the consequences of her actions. After that, you can return to your other duties.”
“And where exactly am I supposed to look for her? If she’s dead in the Wyvern Woods—”
“Then you’ll bring back her body.” Father settles back in his throne with visible relief, his satisfaction evident despite his exhaustion. “But I suspect she’s not dead. Someone with her level of magical ability doesn’t get taken down by simple forest creatures. I suspect she’s hiding somewhere, thinking she can escape the consequences of her cowardice.”
“This is a waste of time.”
“This is an order.” He gestures weakly toward the side door. “There’s a portal waiting for you that will take you directly to Silver Stone territory. You will leave at once.”
I stare at him, my jaw clenched so tight it aches. Every instinct I have screams that this is wrong, that I’m needed here, that tracking down one runaway pack member is beneath my position as crown prince.
But I also know that look in his eyes. Even with his failing body, his iron will remains. He’s not bluffing about the threat to my inheritance.
“Fine,” I bite out. “But don’t expect me to waste weeks on this fool’s errand.”
“You’ll take however long the task requires.” Father’s voice follows me as I turn toward the door, though it sounds more tired now. “And, Lucian? When you find her, make sure she understands exactly what happens to those who defy the crown. Especially those who should know better.”
I don’t trust myself to respond. Instead, I stride out of the throne room, my footsteps echoing off the marble with each furious step.
A portal to Silver Stone territory. A hunt for some terrified woman who probably got herself killed in the woods—their most powerful female, no less.
This is exactly the kind of political theater I despise: empty gestures designed to project strength rather than actually solve problems. But Father has made it clear that I have no choice in the matter.
