Chapter Thirty-One

LEO’S POV

Standing on the raised central stage under the warm glow of the chandeliers, I surveyed the grand hall. Dozens of high-ranking nobles, council members, and warriors filled the room, some seated at long banquet tables dressed in rich silks, while others stood along the polished pillars with glasses in hand.

My eyes drifted toward a slightly elevated VIP booth set apart from the main floor, designed exclusively for the two of us. Ivy sat there looking every bit like a royal, though her fingers toyed nervously with her napkin. I caught her eye and gave her a small, reassuring nod before turning back to the heavy golden microphone.

"Welcome, my esteemed leaders, elders, and distinguished guests," I began, my voice echoing clearly through the hall. "Tonight, we gather under a common banner to honor strength, unity, and unwavering dedication to our kingdom. Twelve powerful packs united to form the greatest kingdom, the SilverKingdom."

the hall reupted in screams and thunderous applause. 

After delivering a brief opening speech to set the tone, I handed the microphone over to the Master of Ceremonies, a tall, well-spoken Beta with a voice that naturally commanded attention.

"Thank you, Your Highness," the MC announced, stepping forward with a crisp smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 12th Gathering of the Apex Summit! Tonight is not merely an evening of fine dining and celebration. It is the sacred night where we acknowledge the remarkable sacrifices and leadership of our twelve pack leaders who guard our borders day and night."

The hall erupted into a warm round of applause.

"Tonight," the MC continued, raising his hand, "we present the prestigious Honor Medals to three exceptional leaders who have displayed supreme patriotism, courage, and resilience this year. To present these awards, I would like to invite Her Royal Highness, Queen Victoria, to stand beside Prince Leo on the stage."

Thunderous applause filled the room as my mother gracefully stood up, smoothed down her emerald velvet dress, and walked onto the stage to take her place beside me.

"Without taking much more of your time," the MC bellowed into the microphone, "I would like to call forward our first recipient….Alpha Silas of the Iron Ridge Pack!"

The hall roared with enthusiastic cheers as Alpha Silas stood up from his table.

"Alpha Silas is honored tonight for his extraordinary defense of the northern pass during the winter rogue raids, single-handedly securing our trade routes and saving thousands of civilian lives!"

Flashes of light engulfed the stage as royal photographers eagerly captured every moment. My mother handed Alpha Silas a heavy gold plaque and offered him a firm handshake, followed by a strong handshake from me as the crowd cheered.

The MC proceeded down the list with equal passion.

"Our second award goes to Alpha Welton of the Nighthowl Pack, for his groundbreaking cross-territory peace treaties and tireless military training programs that have strengthened our frontline defense!"

Alpha Welton walked up the steps, proudly accepting his gold plaque and bowing his head to the Queen and me as the cameras flashed continuously.

"And finally, our third honor goes to Alpha Vance of the Timberline Pack, recognized for his swift medical relief efforts during the mountain plague, successfully saving three neighboring territories from total devastation!"

Alpha Vance accepted his plaque with a humble smile, shaking my hand warmly before turning to address the applauding crowd.

With the awards presented, the MC handed the microphone back to me as he and my mother stepped down to return to their seats.

I brought the microphone to my lips for a final word.

"To our honorees, and to every pack leader in this room, your loyalty does not go unnoticed," I said, my voice carrying firm authority. "As a token of the Royal Family’s gratitude for your continued devotion, I am pleased to announce that a seasonal development bonus of one million dollars will be allocated directly to each of the twelve pack treasuries starting tomorrow."

Gasps of surprise quickly turned into ecstatic cheers and standing ovations from the pack leaders and delegates.

"Keep protecting your people, keep upholding our laws, and let us continue to prosper together," I concluded with a smile. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

I handed off the microphone to the applause of the crowd and made my way off the stage, heading straight back to our VIP booth.

Settling into the plush chair beside Ivy, I leaned in slightly with an amused grin. "How did I do?"

She smiled warmly, giving me a discrete thumbs-up beneath the table. "Very good, Your Highness."

I was about to tease her when I watched her smile slowly fade. Her eyes faltered, darting past my shoulder with a sudden wave of worry creeping into her face.

"Leo..." she murmured softly, her breath catching.

I turned my head to look behind me.

Walking directly up the raised walkway toward our private booth was Alpha Marcus. He carried a half-empty glass in his hand, a sleek, irritating smirk plastered across his face as if he owned the entire palace.

What does this snake think he is doing? I thought, my jaw clenching as my wolf growled low in my chest.

I made eye contact with my Beta, Sam, who was not far from me. Without saying a word, I flicked my eyes toward Marcus and back.

Sam immediately understood. Moving with practiced, silent authority, Sam stepped smoothly into Marcus’s path before the older Alpha could reach our table, placing a firm, unyielding hand flat against Marcus’s chest.

"Alpha Marcus," Sam said smoothly, his voice low enough to keep it private but sharp enough to freeze the man in his tracks. "The Crown Prince and his mate are dining privately right now. If you have official business with the royal house, you may request an appointment.”

Marcus glared down at Sam’s hand on his chest, his smirk twisting into a bitter scowl. He raised his dark eyes past Sam’s shoulder and scowled directly at me.

I met his glare with cold, unwavering indifference.

Realizing he had no way past my Beta without causing a public scene that would humiliate him in front of the entire council, Marcus forced a loud, awkward laugh.

"I understand," Marcus said, raising his hands in mock surrender as he took a step back, his voice dripping with false cheerfulness. "But you cannot keep me away from my daughter forever, Beta."

Sam didn't bother to reply to him. He simply stood like a stone wall, his face expressionless as he watched the older Alpha.

With his pride bruised and his path blocked, Marcus turned around and walked defeated back toward his table, muttering under his breath.

I leaned back in my chair, a slow, dark smirk spreading across my face as I watched him retreat.