FAZER LOGIN"Our warriors understand that strength comes in many forms," Buck stated, meeting Nikolai's gaze directly. "My father taught us that a pack that refuses to learn becomes vulnerable."
Nikolai circled the fountain with measured steps, his movements deliberately predatory. "Your father was indeed wise. His absence is felt throughout the kingdom." He paused, allowing the mention of their deceased parent to settle before adding, "I imagine it must be... challen
As they followed the messenger back toward the East Salon, Buck and Elliot exchanged a brief glance. Without words, both acknowledged what they had witnessed, the revealing crack in Nikolai's carefully constructed facade.In the royal corridor, Elizabeth and Luna Phoebe had already returned to the salon through more conventional paths. The princess had removed her mask briefly to confer with her father, her voice low as she reported what they had observed in the garden."Nikolai is probing more directly than expected," she murmured, keeping her voice below the hearing of Alpha Frost, who was engaged in conversation with a royal advisor across the room. "He's particularly focused on my potential presence at the Academy."King Alexander's expression remained impassive, though his eyes darkened slightly at this information. "Not unexpected, though concerning in its boldness. And the twins?""Handling themselves with
"Of course," he conceded with a graceful inclination of his head. "I meant no offence. Merely an observation about unusual coincidences."Buck relaxed slightly, though his wolf remained on alert. "The palace gardens continue this way," he said, deliberately changing the subject. "I believe there's a section dedicated to Frostmoon's indigenous plants ahead."As they resumed walking, Nikolai fell into step beside Elliot, subtly separating the twins. "Your brother has always been direct," he observed quietly. "A valuable trait in some circumstances, dangerous in others.""Different approaches serve different purposes," Elliot replied neutrally. "Thunder Peak values both strength and strategy."In their hidden overlook, Elizabeth nodded with approval. "They're handling him better than I expected," she murmured to Luna Phoebe. "Especially considering how little time they've had to prepare."The future queen
"Our warriors understand that strength comes in many forms," Buck stated, meeting Nikolai's gaze directly. "My father taught us that a pack that refuses to learn becomes vulnerable."Nikolai circled the fountain with measured steps, his movements deliberately predatory. "Your father was indeed wise. His absence is felt throughout the kingdom." He paused, allowing the mention of their deceased parent to settle before adding, "I imagine it must be... challenging... to honour his legacy while adapting to royal expectations."The calculated sympathy in Nikolai's voice made Buck's wolf stir with instinctive wariness. The Frost heir was probing for weaknesses, seeking emotional vulnerabilities to exploit."Our father would have supported this alliance," Elliot replied before Buck could respond. "He always placed Thunder Peak's future above personal considerations."From their hidden position, Elizabeth felt a surge of a
The three young wolves moved through the palace corridors in silence until they reached the grand doors leading to the northern gardens. Royal Guards stationed at intervals throughout their path watched with vigilant eyes, their presence a constant reminder that nothing in the palace occurred without observation."The northern gardens were designed to honour packs from colder territories," Buck explained as they stepped into the immaculately maintained space. The knowledge had come from one of Master Darian's brief cultural asides during their training earlier.Meanwhile, in the sitting room…“This isn’t about the dress, is it, Princess?”“Yes and no, this is the dress I’ll be wearing; however, we will be following your sons and Alpha Heir Frost. I need to know what he intends to try with them.”Luna Phoebe raised an eyebrow, impressed by Elizabeth's candour an
Nikolai's attention returned repeatedly to Elizabeth, his pale eyes studying her with unsettling intensity. Behind her silver mask, the princess maintained perfect composure, revealing nothing of her thoughts as she participated in the diplomatic exchange with practised grace.Elliot, observing this interaction with analytical precision, noted how Nikolai seemed fascinated by the transformation of the quiet academy student into this poised royal figure. There was something in the Frost heir's gaze that went beyond political interest, a proprietary assessment that made Elliot's protective instincts stir unexpectedly.Elizabeth had asked one of her handmaidens, Sara or Mira, to bring information about her wedding gown for her father’s wedding to Luna Phoebe, which they were to show her at the door, to see if Nikolai would take the bait and try to get the twins to do his bidding.As if on cue, a soft knock sounded at the
"Yes, Your Highness," Elliot replied, stepping in before Buck could respond. "We share several classes with Alpha Heir Frost, though our interactions have been limited."Nikolai's pale eyes flickered between the princess and the twins, reassessing the dynamics at play. He had expected to control this conversation, to probe for weaknesses in the new family arrangement. Instead, Elizabeth had taken command, positioning herself as the connection between them."The Academy provides valuable opportunities for future pack leaders to build relationships," Nikolai said smoothly. "Though I confess I've been curious about how the sons of Thunder Peak would adjust to their... new circumstances."King Alexander observed this exchange with careful attention, noting how his daughter had redirected the conversation to establish her authority. The slight emphasis Nikolai placed on "new circumstances" carried veiled implications about the tw







