Chapter 4 #2
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.
I’ll find this woman. I’ll drag her back here as instructed. And then, I’ll get back to the real work of protecting this kingdom.
Even if my father is too blind to see where the true threats lie.
The portal deposits me in Silver Stone territory with a disorienting lurch. I straighten my shoulders, pushing down my irritation at being sent on this fruitless undertaking. The sooner I find this woman, the sooner I can return to more important matters.
A delegation is waiting for me—Alpha Gareth flanked by several pack members, all arranged in a formal greeting formation. The Alpha steps forward with what I assume is meant to be a welcoming smile, but I can smell the nervous sweat beneath his composed exterior.
“Your Highness,” he says, offering a deep bow. “Welcome to Silver Stone territory. We are honored by your presence.”
I don’t return the pleasantries. “I want to see where she disappeared.”
Gareth’s smile falters slightly. “I’m afraid the situation is...complicated. Perhaps we should discuss this inside, where you can rest from your journey—”
“I didn’t come here to rest.” My voice cuts through his deflection. “I came here to retrieve the female who defied the crown’s decree. Show me where she was last seen.”
Gareth’s heartbeat quickens; I can hear it even from this distance. “Of course, Your Highness. But first, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Harper. She’s...well, she’s our most skilled healer. The strongest female in our pack, actually.”
A young woman steps forward, her golden hair catching the afternoon light. She is undeniably beautiful in that soft, innocent way that some males find appealing. Her blue eyes are shy but intelligent, and she curtseys gracefully.
“Your Highness,” she says, her voice melodious. “It is an honor to meet you.”
I study her for a moment, noting the way she blushes under my gaze, the way her father watches our interaction with obvious hope. She’s exactly the type most males would find attractive—sweet and demure, but powerful in her own right.
I feel nothing.
“The female who escaped,” I say, turning back to Alpha Gareth. “What is her name?”
“Astra,” he says dismissively. “But Your Highness, surely you’re tired from your journey. Harper could show you to your quarters, perhaps discuss her healing abilities—”
“This is not a social visit.” My patience is wearing thin. “I need to know everything about this Astra woman’s disappearance.”
Alpha Gareth exchanges a glance with his daughter. “Of course, of course. But maybe we could discuss it all over dinner? Harper has prepared—”
“Papa,” Harper interrupts gently, “I’m sure His Highness would prefer to handle his business first.”
The Alpha’s jaw tightens, but he nods. “Very well. Please escort Prince Lucian to the guest quarters while I gather the relevant information.”
Before I can protest, Gareth and the others hurry away, leaving me alone with his daughter. Harper clasps her hands in front of her, suddenly looking uncertain.
“Your quarters are this way, Your Highness,” she says, gesturing toward a nearby building.
I follow her, noting how she steals glances at me when she thinks I’m not looking. As we walk, she seems to gain confidence.
“I do hope you’ll find your accommodations comfortable,” she says, her voice taking on a warmer tone. “I selected the bedding myself. The softest silk we have.”
“Fine.”
“And I’ve prepared some healing tonics that may help with travel fatigue. I’m told I have quite the gift for creating remedies. The pack healers often say my potions are the most effective they’ve ever seen.” She moves closer to me as we walk. “I’d be happy to demonstrate their effects personally.”
“No.”
“Oh, but I insist! I don’t like to boast, but everyone here says I’m remarkably gifted and beautiful—though I try not to let it go to my head.
” She laughs softly, as if embarrassed by her own words.
“The pack members are always commenting on my appearance, my grace. They say I have the most enchanting smile, the most captivating eyes.” She peers up at me through her lashes. “I suppose I’m blessed in that regard.”
I remain silent.
“Perhaps you’d allow me to show you around our territory tomorrow?
I know all the best spots—quiet places where we could talk privately.
Everyone says I’m such wonderful company, so kind and caring.
The children especially adore me.” Her voice drops to what she probably thinks is a seductive whisper.
“I’m told I have a very gentle nature, very nurturing.
The pack members always say I’d make the perfect mate for any male lucky enough to win my affections. ”
“I see.”
“Of course, a man of your importance must have many responsibilities. But surely even princes need moments of relaxation?” She “accidentally” brushes against my arm.
“I’m told I’m quite good at helping people unwind.
So attentive to others’ needs. The pack members always comment on how thoughtful I am, how I always know exactly what someone needs to feel better. ”
As we approach the guest quarters, she continues her assault of self-praise disguised as modesty.
“I do hope you’ll consider staying longer than planned.
It would be such an honor to spend more time with someone of your stature.
Everyone says I’m remarkably mature for my age, so intelligent and well-spoken.
They say I have a very calming presence. ”
I stop walking just outside the door to the building. “Your father referred to you as the strongest female healer in the pack.”
She freezes, clearly not expecting the abrupt change in topic. “I—What do you mean?”
“He introduced you as the strongest female in the pack. But according to the reports, this Astra person was supposed to be your pack’s most powerful female. The one selected for the cross-mating decree.”
Harper’s face goes pale, and I can hear her heartbeat spike. “I don’t understand what you’re asking.”
“I think you do.” I move closer, studying her reaction. “If you’re the strongest female healer, then what was Astra?”
“She was...” Harper’s voice trails off, and she looks at the door as if hoping for rescue. “She was...She was our most powerful healer, actually. Even more skilled than I am.”
I catch the flash of irritation that crosses her face as she says it, gone so quickly that others would miss it. But I’m trained to read people, and that brief moment of resentment told me everything I needed to know. Her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as she forced the words out.
Something doesn’t add up here. The way she just spoke about this Astra, the reluctance in her voice, the barely concealed annoyance—it doesn’t match what I’d expect from someone describing their pack’s most powerful member.
“Don’t insult my intelligence.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Your father is clearly hoping to use my presence here to arrange some sort of alliance through marriage. He’s whoring you out like a commodity, hoping I’ll be impressed enough to make an offer.”
Harper’s face goes white, then flushes deep red. “That’s not—I would never—My father wouldn’t—”
“I don’t want a mate from a backwater pack like this,” I cut her off coldly. “Save your efforts for someone more...suited to your station.”
She flinches as if I’ve slapped her, tears gathering in her eyes. “I was just trying to be welcoming—”
“You were trying to be appealing. There’s a difference.” I open the door to my quarters and step inside, then turn back to face her stricken expression. “Don’t make this more embarrassing for yourself than it already is.”
The door closes with a decisive click, cutting off whatever response she may have.
Finally alone, I lean against the door and allow myself a moment of genuine exasperation.
Blatant flirtation disguised as hospitality—exactly the kind of thing I despise.
The Alpha’s transparent attempts to use his daughter as bait are pathetic, and the girl’s obvious desperation is almost painful to witness.
My thoughts drift, as they often do during quiet moments, to the marriage negotiations my father has been conducting on my behalf for Lady Zari, daughter of his most trusted advisor, heir to one of the most powerful noble houses in the kingdom.
It’s a practical match; her family’s influence combined with the crown’s power would create an unstoppable political alliance.
The woman is insufferably clingy, constantly finding excuses to be in my presence, sending unnecessary correspondence, and trying to engage me in trivial conversations. At least this mission has provided a welcome respite from her persistent attempts at familiarity.
My father has made it clear that securing the succession is non-negotiable. If I want to inherit the throne, I need to produce an heir. Zari can provide that while requiring minimal emotional investment from me. I have no say in the matter.
A sharp knock interrupts my thoughts. I open the door to find Alpha Gareth standing there, his expression carefully neutral.
“Your Highness,” he says, stepping inside when I gesture for him to do so. “I hope Harper took good care of you.”
“Get on with it,” I say, closing the door behind him.
He blinks, clearly thrown by my directness. “Of course. About this whole situation—”
“What was the female’s name again?”
“Astra Lakan,” he says, and I don’t miss the way his voice hardens slightly when he says it. “She was...our most powerful healer. Exceptional abilities.”
“Such as?”
“Healing magic that surpassed our other practitioners’. She could handle...difficult cases.” His tone carries a reluctant quality, as if the words taste bitter. “Her power was considerable.”
“And she was chosen for the cross-mating decree based on these abilities?”
Alpha Gareth’s heartbeat quickens. “Yes, she was the obvious choice. The most gifted among us.” He pauses, then adds with obvious distaste, “Though she was also reckless, always causing problems. Never understood her place in the pack hierarchy.”
I study his face carefully. The way he speaks about Astra—the acknowledgment of her power but with clear resentment, the hardness in his voice when he says her name—it’s all starting to form a pattern I don’t like.
Something about his attitude toward his supposed strongest female doesn’t sit right with me.
“Take me to where she disappeared,” I say.
We walk through the settlement and toward the edge of their territory, where the forest grows thick and dark. “This is where we believe she entered the Wyvern Woods,” he says, gesturing toward a break in the tree line. “Foolish decision, really. That girl never had much sense.”
I move to the spot he indicates, breathing in deeply. Immediately, I catch something that makes my jaw clench—the distinct scent of a masking potion. It’s faint but unmistakable to anyone who knows what to look for.
“She used a scent distortion remedy,” I say, more to myself than to the Alpha.
“A what?” Gareth comes closer, his expression confused.
“A potion that masks natural scent trails. Makes it almost impossible to track someone.” I look around, my irritation growing. My father was right; this female is almost certainly alive, which means I’m going to have to actually hunt her down instead of just retrieve a body.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Gareth says. “That girl was always getting into trouble. She probably just panicked and ran into the woods without thinking.”
“‘That girl?’” I turn to face him fully. “That’s an interesting way to describe your pack’s most powerful female.”
He blinks, clearly not expecting my reaction to his statement. “Well, she was powerful, yes, but she was also...difficult. Always questioning things, never knowing her place.”
The contradictions are piling up now. His daughter’s reluctance to praise Astra, her barely concealed resentment, and now his own dismissive attitude toward someone he claims was their most valuable pack member. There’s definitely something going on here.
“I’ll begin my search at first light,” I say.
“Your search?” Alpha Gareth asks, and I don’t miss the note of alarm in his voice.
“For Astra. If she’s alive, as the evidence suggests, I’ll find her.” I turn away from the forest edge. “And when I do, I’ll get the truth about what really happened here.”
The Alpha’s silence speaks volumes as we walk back toward the settlement. Whatever game he’s playing, whatever lies he’s telling, I’ll uncover them soon enough.
I hate being lied to. And this pack is clearly hiding something.