I sat comfortably on on my throne of blackened silver as I ran my clawed hand through its arm rest. My golden eyes glinting with thoughts.
I almost didn't notice Lucas, my trusted friend and advisor who stood in front of me with his arms crossed, it was obvious that her was waiting for my words.
"She is troubled, Lucas."
I let my deep voice rumbled through the throne room, I no longer hide the thick concern in my own voice.
"Her heart is heavy, and her eyes... Gods, her eyes hold a sorrow I cannot stand to see."
I added before leaning forward.
Lucas was a seasoned warrior with blonde threaded hair and the scars of a thousand battles, tilted his head.
"Brielle Fox?"
He asked.
I nodded softly, my sharp gaze locking onto his.
"She said her pack's Alpha, Alpha Aric Barlowe was murdered. And I fear she suspects more than she lets on."
Lucas let out a low hum.
"Did she say as much?"
I once again nodded.
"Yes, Foxy believes it was Alaric, the fallen Alpha's son was behind his own father's murder."
"Alaric was once the mate who cruelly rejected her, King Marcus. You and I happened to have witnessed that. Though the woman was wolfless doesn't entirely mean that she cannot cause no harm, did she say more?"
Lucas said, the words carefully slipped out of his mouth. His eyes glinting with doubt.
"No. But I could hear it in her voice, see it in the way she clenched her fists when she spoke of him. She is torn between grief and doubt."
"If she believes Alpha Alaric's death was caused by his own son, then perhaps it is true, but then again I suggest we should investigate first."
Lucas stepped forward, lowering his voice.
This time it's my turn to study him.
"You know as well as I do that in our world, power is taken more often than it is given. A pack alpha falling to treachery is hardly a rare tale. Power don't recognize family, everyone is an enemy."
I growled under my breath, my fingers tightening around the armrest of my throne.
"Foxy may be wolfless but I know she is not just any wolfless woman. I believe she is more than that, If she is right, if her heart whispers truths she has yet to voice, then there is more at play here."
Lucas's eyes darkened.
"And what do you intend to do about it, King Marcus?"
I rose from my throne, my imposing frame casted an even larger shadow across the room I did not hesitate as i turned towards the heavy doors leading to the war council.
"I will send a trusted hand to uncover the truth."
Without another word, I strode out of the hall, Lucas followed close behind.
We passed through winding corridors, past guards who lowered their heads after seeing me, until we reached the war council where a handful of warriors waited, each one a veteran of countless hunts and battles.
At their head, stood General Serio, a wolf of formidable stature, my trusted Beta.
His amber eyes keen and unyielding.
"My King."
Serio greeted, bowing slightly.
"Do you need anything?"
I made sure that my expression was unreadable as I studied Serio. Then, with quiet authority, I spoke.
"I have a task for you, Serio. One of utmost importance."
Serio straightened as he waited for my orders.
"The Shadow Walker Pack."
I continued.
"Their former Alpha, Aric Barlowe is dead, and Brielle Fox, the woman I hold in high regard, believes foul play is at work."
My gaze turned sharp, like a blade poised to strike.
"I want you to investigate. Find out if her suspicions hold weight. And if there is treachery, root it out."
Serio's expression did not change, but his posture stiffened slightly.
"Discretion?"
"For now."
My voice was low and edged with warning.
"If there is a traitor among the wolves of Shadow Walker Pack, I want their head delivered to me personally."
Serio nodded.
"It will be done."
I exhaled slowly, as I once again let my mind storm with thoughts. I turned to Lucas as Serio departed with some of his chosen warrior.
"Foxy's heart seeks justice, and I will ensure she finds it. No matter the cost."
I said with full conviction.
Lucas merely nodded.
"Then let the hunt begin."
I let out a heavy sigh as the strong cold wind brushed against my skin, the scent of sweat and determination filled the cool afternoon air as the warriors of the kingdom clashed in training.
Their forms were swift, graceful, yet brutal, true to their nature as Lycans.
I sat quitely beside a giant oak tree as I let my eyes fixed on the man at the center of it all.
The Lycan King.
Marcus was a force of nature, moving with lethal precision as he parried and countered, his muscles taut and glistening with exertion. His dark hair stuck to his damp skin, and his deep, commanding voice rang out with every order he gave.
I swallowed as I watched how beautiful he was, my nails dug into the rough bark of the tree I clung to.
I was told to observe this afternoon's training for the sake of learning, to understand their combat better. Yet, here I am, I knew that was only half the truth.
Much as I tried to look away, I just couldn't take my eyes off him, I knew for a fact that the admiration I felt for him the past few days was still there, but it also felt like it had started to bloom into something else, something dangerous.
I shook my head as the thought started to occupy my head.
"If you stare any harder, you might set him on fire, little Fox."
My body stiffened at the familiar teasing voice behind me. I turned sharply to find Lucas leaning against the tree with a smug smirk, arms crossed.
After only a few day of my stay in King Marcus's Kingdom, I have known Lucas for his sharp tongue and sharper instincts.
And right now, those instincts were pointed directly at me.
"I wasn't staring."
I said quickly as I adjusted my posture and willed away the warmth that had automatically crept onto my face.
Lucas chuckled.
"Oh, is that so? You just happen to be hiding here, watching him train? Should I be concerned that you might be an assassin? Or shall I inform King Marcus that he has an admirer?"
My eyes squinted a little as I felt my ears burned.
"You will do no such thing!"
I countered. Lucasa only tilted his head, his sharp, wolf-like eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Why not? He'd be flattered. Or perhaps… You fear his reaction?"
I turned away then crossed my arms over my chest.
"It's nothing. I was just observing. He told me to observe so I could learn, so that's what I was doing."
"Observing?"
Lucas hummed thoughtfully.
"Then I suppose you won't mind if I mention this to the others. I'm sure they'd love to know our fierce little Fox has been playing the role of a secret admirer."
I spun back to him with a glare.
"You wouldn't dare."
Lucas grinned.
"Oh, I would. But… I could be persuaded otherwise."
His teasing tone was laced with mischief, but I was no fool enough to know how much he enjoyed pushing people just to see their reactions.
I exhaled sharply, my sharp stare not leaving him.
"What do you want, Lucas?"
I asked, and much to my annoyance when he shrugged.
"Nothing much. Just the pleasure of seeing you squirm. It's rare to catch you off guard, Brielle Fox."
Before I could even retort, a deep, familiar voice from the training ground cut through the air.
"Lucas!"
We both turned to see Marcus standing near the center of the training ground, his piercing gaze fixed on us.
"Are you here to train or gossip in the shadows?"
King Marcus said catching his breath.
For some reason I don't understand, I felt my heart thudded painfully against my chest, it almost felt like it was ready to escape any minute.
Seconds later, I flinched in shock as my eyes met his making me look away instantly.
Not sure what's there to do, I pretended to fix the broken branch I found on the ground, I did could only choose to ignore Lucas when I heard him let out a soft teasing chuckle.
Lucas winked at me before stepping away.
"I suppose duty calls. Don't worry, Foxy, your secret is safe with me… for now."
I scowled but felt my heartbeat quickeed once more when I turned back to King Marcus's direction and found his gaze flickered to me briefly before turning away. I let out a breath I haven't realized I was holding.
As Lucas walked back toward the training grounds, I made a silent promise to myself, from now on I had to be more careful.
I know King Marcus had asked me to be his queen every chance he gets but that doesn't mean he trully wants me, you know, romantically. So whatever this feeling I feel tiwards him, I know this was dangerous. And the last thing I needed was for the Lycan King to discover it.