Chapter 23

CHARLES

“Your Highness, I am so sorry to be a bother to you! This is an urgent matter that should be treated by you!” One of the gammas finally spoke.

I immediately rested my back to watch the scene before me as I could see they had finally fallen into the trap I prepared for them!

If it were a trivial situation that is also secret, as they claim. They would have personally requested that the presence of Mrs. Roseline and Reed should be discharged, but they didn't.

They wanted them there so their plan could be fulfilled.

“What is the matter!” I asked, and they looked at each other again before one of them finally took the floor again.

“Every king needs a queen, just like your ancestors did! They all fulfilled the requirements of having a queen by their sides, and the Lycan clan never fell apart.” The man started,

It is a custom and tradition that can't be overlooked even though the clan has been at peace so far!

We understand the struggles of the king and everything you have been through, but we can't just forget the custom just like that! 

“The king has to have a queen by his side because we believe that with a queen by the king's side, the king is not only strong but he is sufficient for this clan!” 

And you, my king, even being a strong king, you are incomplete!” The man concluded, and another man took the words from his mouth.

“My king, we are not trying to belittle you, but this is the requirement of being a king, and you have been on this throne for more than two years, and yet you have no queen.

That is far longer than the time that every king can stay on the throne before he gets dethroned for not having a woman by his side.

We have tried to do everything possible to help, but I think the moon goddess has destined it like this!” the last man said.

“You all think I should be demoted or dethroned according to you,” pointing at the man who spoke about me being dethroned! “Just because I haven't gotten my queen!” I concluded.

They all didn't look up at me; they all just looked away while I spoke.

I chuckled.

“So if I am dethroned, who do you think deserves to be on that throne?” I asked, knowing full well who they would nominate and support.

“My king, don't think that we are trying to cause a coup! That is not the plan at all.” One of the men spoke, and I chuckled.

“Why would I think of such a thing?” I asked, and they had a shocked expression! They didn't expect me to say something like that.

“You all are respected elders, and you are only saying everything you are saying right now because you want the best for the clans, and you are trying to follow the tradition!” I said,

They exchanged looks again as they weren't sure why I was so considerate, and I didn't even want to argue with them. 

“I just needed to know who is more qualified than I am. Because no one was qualified when I was fighting the battles and winning, but now someone is qualified to enjoy the peace!” I said,

I allowed them all to swallow the harsh truth about everything, and they were speechless. I smiled and looked at Reed.

He was also speechless, looking at the elders hopefully.

“Tradition is not something we wrote; we met it!” A bold one among them spoke.

“I understand, you all met the tradition! I met the tradition, but what are the real words of this so-called tradition?” I asked.

“You have to step down since you can't have a queen in the two years of being on the throne!” the bold one said, and I chuckled.

“I should step down for my stepmother's son, Reed? Or who?’ I asked, and they became speechless.

The room became tense.

“Charles, what are you saying? Do you think I am the one who wrote the tradition and wants to force you to step down?” Reed asked.

His expression was trying to be so innocent that even a blind man would be able to say he was innocent, but I just wouldn't believe that face.

“I think the elders would choose you as my replacement, but why you?” I asked and faced the elder, emphasizing my words.

“Why are you the one to be chosen if you are also single?” I questioned, and the bold man spoke again.

“He is single, but it has to be after two years, and if he is still single, he will also be dethroned!” The man said, and I saw how stupid the logic was.

“Okay, that makes sense!” I said, and Reed immediately interrupted.

“And I already have a woman who catches my eye, brother. With me as the Lycan king, she will be my queen!” he said, and I turned to him.

What!!!

He really wants to mention my woman like that over here! Is he joking? Does he want me to swallow him and spit him into the fire?

“Really! Prince Reed! That is a good start! With this, all preparation can be signed as fast as possible, and the clan will be at peace!” The second man said, and I watched them do their shenanigans.

They all began to rejoice over what I don't understand; they seemed convinced that Reed was going to become the king and their little scheme had worked perfectly!

I turned to Danford and signaled him to bring in Amy. It will be so nice to have their little plan blow up in their faces! 

I can't wait for their smiles to dry up like that!

“Are you all sure that this is the plan and the tradition is really backing you up?” I asked, and they all went quiet. 

They didn't understand my words at all.

“King Charles!” They called out, and I chuckled.

“Are you sure that is the tradition?” I asked again, and they began to wonder in silence what I was driving at this time around.