Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 131 - Chapitre 138

The palace was busy. Zariah performed her morning duties, inspecting the men on duty and laying down strict rules to tighten security. Her next stop was the King’s quarters, carrying scrolls and letters Caesar had no interest in.Caesar was his old stubborn self, wanting nothing to do with the outside world. He preferred to stay put and have his General do the needful.“What does the next letter say?” Caesar asked.“It’s from King Agnor. He wishes to form an alliance since we share borders. I can’t say I did not see this coming, but…” Zariah put down the sheet. “Caesar, are you not going to talk about Damaris?”“Read the next letter, General.”“But that young alpha is dying to see your son.”“I’m not in the mood to discuss this.”“They have a strong bond, Caesar. Our Prince might recover quickly if you just…”“Zariah, I said enough!” Caesar sat up, raising his brows at his friend. “Arlen sacrificed himself for that murderer’s son and you expect me to welcome him into my home!”“He is

IngramWhen Arlen regained his speech, Caesar beseeched him to do away with Luca and start a new life with an alpha chosen by the council. This troubled Ari, who had little say in the matter.She approached with food, something Arlen often insisted he did not need. She dismissed the servants, helped him to the table, and took her time dishing out the meal. Her cousin was slow with the cutlery, tightening his face each time a morsel went down his throat, as if he were swallowing rocks.“Are you considering your father’s demands? Is that why you’re so withdrawn?” Ari asked gently.Arlen hesitated, thinking hard about his response. “Yes, I am,” he admitted.“But you love Luca,” Ari stressed.Arlen stretched his neck as if trying to release something heavy from his chest. “I saw him die. I can bear the thought of him being with someone else, even if it brings me pain, but I can’t stand the thought of him sacrificing himself for my sake.”Kraken crawled into the room, reacting to the rise

At nightfall, the banquet resumed in full splendor. Music swelled around them. Dancers filled the hall. Caesar laughed among his people, grateful. He was still missing half of himself. But he endured.In the middle of the celebration, Rufus felt fingers close around his wrist.He looked down. Arlen gave him the smallest tilt of his head. It was a silent request.Rufus hesitated only briefly, mindful of the King. But when Arlen rose from his seat, he followed.“Look at them,” Caesar murmured with pride as they disappeared into the crowd. “They’re already inseparable.”*****Outside the palace gates, the noise dimmed.“Where are we going?” Rufus asked. “Arlen.”“You wanted to see my favorite places,” Arlen replied lightly. “I remembered one more.”He glanced over his shoulder. “Race you?”Before Rufus could respond, Arlen shifted, feathers bursting outward, his form narrowing into a raven that cut cleanly into the night sky.Rufus stared upward. “How exactly do I compete with a bird?”

The hall rose as one when the instruments began.Arlen walked beside his father, step by step down the long aisle. The purple and orange petals were unending. He felt Caesar’s hand tighten briefly around his own, then loosen, then slowly slip away the closer they came to the altar.He blinked hard.Rufus stood waiting. Arlen was impressed by how majestic and composed he looked. Every inch the future king consort any omega could dream of. But this was not the face that had visited Arlen’s dreams. Just like that reality hit.The ceremony began under the steady voice of the highest ranking mage. As prayers were said, Rufus could not look away.To the crowd, it was beautiful. To Arlen, it felt like a sentence being read aloud.The wedding band was soon brought forward on a plump velvet cushion.Rufus took it. He hesitated, staring at Arlen’s hand.“What is he waiting for?” Caesar muttered to Claude, who was just as concerned.Rufus smiled at Arlen. “Are you really not going to stop me?”A