Crowned by Fate

Chapter 6: Palace Tensions

The office was in chaos after the rejection and Elara’s departure. Prince Kaelen and his chosen mate stormed in, followed by the queen. Voices rose, tension snapping like lightning.

“You can’t just take away his birthright like this!” Sara shouted.

Kaelen’s fists tightened. “I will not follow orders and step aside! I am to be the next king!”

King Tharion slammed his palm on the desk. “Enough! What you both don’t understand is that the goddess has willed this into the royal rule scroll. Unfortunately for you, there will be serious repercussions for your actions.”

If Kaelen continued, Tharion knew he would go off the deep end. “Guards, detain them both until I can decide how to handle this delicate situation. Use the east side,” he commanded. He sensed plotting against the kingdom and knew a headache was coming.

The queen, fuming, yelled, “What is the meaning of this? My son is the next heir! You cannot—”

“I am bound by the Moon Goddess’ law and the royal mate rules!” Tharion snapped. “You do not understand!”

He knew she would not take this well. She didn’t realize he already knew the truth about her plotting and treason. When he first met her and claimed her as his mate, he knew she was already pregnant. Taken by rogues and sexually abused, her son was his responsibility by law. But the goddess’ mate rules meant he could not intervene directly in her end. He protected her, her son, and continued life as necessary—raising the heir and three more children together—without breaking the law.

The queen stormed out, furious, intending to report the chaos to the rogue king.

Guards secured the prince and his chosen mate, while Tharion sighed, knowing the palace would remain tense for days.