All Chapters of The Alpha King's Daughter: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

“Only when I’m at court, or when visiting Alpha’s and their Heirs come, to speak with my Father. Or you would have all known who I was by now.”Buck's eyes widened at this revelation. A part of him had assumed the masks were purely ceremonial, not practical disguises that had kept Elizabeth's identity hidden from him and countless others for years."So that's how..." he began, then trailed off, embarrassed by his own slowness in connecting the dots.Elliot, however, was already several steps ahead, his mind calculating the strategic brilliance of such a system. "It allows you to move between identities," he observed quietly. "The princess remains in court, while Elizabeth attends school unrecognised."The king inclined his head, pleased by the younger twin's perception. "Precisely. The royal family has always understood the value of being able to observe without being observed."

A shadow passed over Alexander's features, so quickly that only Phoebe seemed to notice. "The crown always faces threats," he replied, his tone deliberately neutral. "Some overt, some hidden. Preparedness is not paranoia, it's survival."The twins exchanged glances, communicating silently as they often did. There was more to this situation than they were being told, but now was clearly not the time to press for details."Your training will begin here," Alexander continued, leading them to a smaller courtyard adjacent to the main grounds. "Master Darian will oversee your protocol education. Commander Vega will handle combat instruction; however, he’ll be watching over the two of you with the Royal Guards that Elizabeth suggested earlier. I’m sure the Captain has advised him. Stevens, Maxwell and Luka for Elliot and Miles, Finn and Levi for you, Buck."As if summoned by his name, a tall, severe-looking man with sil

"Some days, not even that," Phoebe replied. "Court emergencies take precedence over personal time."Elliot studied the scene with calculating eyes. The guards maintained their vigilant positions, never turning their backs on the princess even in this supposedly private moment. Stevens stood slightly closer than the others, his attention divided between Elizabeth and the surrounding garden in a way that suggested he was her primary protector."What's she reading?" Buck asked, squinting to make out the book in her hands."Fiction, most likely," Phoebe said. "The king permits novels from the approved royal collection—stories of adventure and distant lands that pose no political risk."Even in imagination, Elizabeth's freedom had boundaries. The thought settled uncomfortably in Buck's mind, clashing with his fundamental understanding of what it meant to be a wolf. Their nature craved open spaces, moonlight, and the thrill of the hunt. To be constantly contained, constantly watched..."It

"The Frostmoon delegation will expect certain formalities," Alexander said, returning to the previous subject. "Their pack values tradition above all else. It would be wise for all of you to review northern protocols before tomorrow evening."Buck suppressed a sigh. More protocols, more rules, more performances. At Thunder Peak, Alpha visits meant feasting and ceremonial hunts, not this elaborate dance of hidden meanings and carefully chosen attire. He caught Elliot's warning glance and straightened his posture, remembering his mother's earlier counsel."Will there be a formal introduction of Buck and Elliot as your stepsons?" Luna Phoebe asked, her tone light but her eyes watchful. The question carried significant political weight; how the twins would be presented to other pack leaders would establish their position in the court hierarchy.Alexander dabbed at his lips with a napkin before answering. "They will be introduced as the sons of Luna Phoebe, heirs to Thunder Peak, and membe

Luna Phoebe caught the subtle warning in her future stepdaughter's words. Elizabeth was cautioning Buck against underestimating the Frost heir, a courtesy that revealed more about her character than perhaps she intended."The northern style would complement your training well," Phoebe suggested to her sons. "Perhaps you might observe more than participate in this first encounter."Buck's disappointment was visible, though he tried to mask it. "As you wish, Mother."King Alexander nodded approvingly at Phoebe's diplomatic handling of her son's enthusiasm. "Wisdom often begins with observation," he stated. "There will be many opportunities to demonstrate Thunder Peak's strengths in the coming months."The promise of future opportunities mollified Buck somewhat. He returned to his meal, though his mind raced with images of combat demonstrations and the chance to prove himself worthy of his new position.Elliot, meanwhile, was contemplating the complex dynamics they would face tomorrow. A