Daniel’s POV
When I heard the Alpha King sent for me, my hands went cold.
The message came early in the morning, delivered by a royal attendant whose stiff posture told me this was not a request.
“The Alpha King invites you to prepare a meal in the imperial courtyard,” he said. “At midday.”
That single word ’invites’ felt heavier than any threat.
As soon as the attendant left, I stood frozen in the kitchen, my thoughts crashing into each other. The imperial courtyard was not a private space. It was open. Wide. Watched by nobles, guards, servants, and courtiers.
Too many eyes.
Too many chances to slip.
I hadn’t even finished processing the order when I felt it—that familiar weight on my back.
Arthur.
I turned slightly and found him standing by the doorway, his arms crossed, eyes l
