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CHAPTER 3

THE CROWN’S BURDEN (Kael Pov)

Kael stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the black coat around his body. The Grand Peace Ceremony was starting soon and the palace was already filled with people from different kingdoms. He didn't like ceremonies.

There was always too many people around him, too many eyes watching his every movement and too many people trying not to get too close. His eyes moved down to his hands. The black leather gloves covered his hands completely as He pulled one of them slightly, making sure it was properly worn.

He didn’t know why he always checked them or Maybe because he knew what could happen if they ever came off.

A knock came from the door.

“Come in”

Lucian his Beta, walked inside, holding a scroll in his hands.

“The guests have arrived” he said.

Kael turned away from the mirror. “Everything ready?”

“Yes, the guards are already in their positions. The ceremony hall has also been secured.”

Kael nodded. “Any problems?”

“None so far.”

Lucian looked at him for a moment. “You don’t look happy.”

Kael raised his eyebrow.

“Am I supposed to?”

“It is a peace ceremony.”

“I know what it is.”

Lucian chuckled. “Then try to look like you actually want to be there.”

Kael sighed.“I don’t.”

“I know.”

And that was one thing about Lucian, he doesn’t  pretend around him. Most people were always careful with their words whenever they were speaking to the king, but Lucian had known him for too long.

“The Ivory Kingdom delegation has arrived” Lucian said.

Kael nodded. “Good.”

“The other kingdoms are also here. Everyone is waiting for you.”

Kael looked down at his gloves again, He hated this part. The moment he stepped into a room, everyone remembered the same thing.

Don’t touch the king.

He couldn’t blame them because they were only protecting themselves. Lucian noticed him staring at his hands.

“You’ve checked those gloves enough.”

“I want to be sure.”

“They are not going anywhere.”

Kael said nothing because He knew that. But still, he checked them one more time. For twenty-five years, those gloves had been part of his life. He had learned to live without normal touch, without handshakes, without hugs. He had learned that sometimes keeping people away was the only way to protect them.

“Kael.” He looked at Lucian.

“The ceremony is about to start.”

Kael nodded. “Let’s go.”

They left the chambers together, As Kael walked through the hallway, the servants immediately moved away from his path. Some lowered their heads, while Others quickly stepped aside. Nobody needs to tell them what to do as They already knew. Kael continued walking without saying anything, He could hear the quiet whispers behind him but he ignored them. He had heard enough of them over the years.

The grand doors opened as he approached. As Kael stepped into the ceremony hall, Immediately, the room became quiet. Everyone turned to look at him. The rulers bowed, The nobles lowered their heads, Even the servants moved further away.

Kael’s eyes moved across the room. He hated seeing the fear in their faces. He wasn’t going to kill them, As long as nobody touched him, they were safe. He walked towards his throne and sat down. Lucian stood nearby while the other rulers took their positions. Kael looked around the room, Everything seemed normal Until suddenly his wolf Shaked.

Kael’s expression changed instantly. He felt it again, His wolf has woken up. Not calm like usual, Restless and Searching.

Kael frowned. What was wrong with him? His wolf pushed against him again, almost demanding his attention. Kael looked around the room again and felt nothing. The ceremony hasn’t  even started Yet, something had caught his wolf’s attention. He slowly scanned the crowd again. His eyes moved from one person to another still nothing.

Kael clenched his gloved hand. For twenty-five years, his wolf had never reacted like this. So why now? He didn’t know the answer but deep inside, something told him that whatever had awakened his wolf was somewhere inside this room.