Deceiving My Mate

Chapter 12

***Nova POV***

I sat at my father’s grand oak desk, feeling the weight of new responsibilities press down on me like the heavy mantle of the Lycan throne. The walls of the study loomed around me, adorned with portraits of past kings and their queens, their eyes seeming to watch my every move, judging my worth in silence. Today was my first official advice meeting with Darius, my father’s trusted advisor, and I felt a whirlwind of nerves mixed with anticipation swirling within me.

My heart raced as I brushed my light brown hair behind my ear, knowing it was now cut in a men’s style to partially hide my femininity. I stole glances at the ornate clock on the wall, counting down the minutes. Darius, with his distinct brown eyes and fiery red hair and cheeks flecked with freckles, wasn’t known for his patience. He exuded a presence that was both wise and intense, and I hoped that I wouldn’t falter in his company.

As the clock struck ten, the door swung open, and Darius stepped into the room, his demeanor serious. “Greetings, King Noah. I see you’re ready for our discussion. We have much to explore today,” he said, his voice authoritative yet not unkind. He settled into the seat across from me, folding his hands on the table as he prepared to impart his wisdom.

“Thank you, Darius,” I managed to reply, sitting up straighter. “I appreciate your guidance during this time.”

He nodded, and for a brief moment, his expression softened. “Today marks a new chapter, my dear King.” The use of my alias felt foreign yet empowering. “Yesterday’s hunt was a success, and much is being said about the size of your Lycan, some Alphas are impressed with your hunting skills as well. Watching you lead during the hunt showed your leadership; or maybe it was from witnessed your strength in your Lycan form. Their belief in your capabilities is growing. And after yesterday- it’s a great start to the rumors that have been circulating.”

I clenched my jaw, feeling a mix of pride and concern swell within me. The respect I was starting to earn from the Alphas felt like a flickering flame of hope, yet it was fragile—ready to extinguish at the slightest sign of weakness. “What do I need to focus on with the upcoming tournaments? I hear most Alphas will have their sons take their places in the events.” I asked eagerly, ready to absorb every piece of advice he had to share.

“The older Alphas who have sons that are your age will participate. Also strategy, strength, and resilience,” Darius replied, leaning slightly forward, emphasizing his words. “The kingdom is watching. They follow a leader who shows undeniable strength. As I said a great start, in the hunt you showed leadership and gave them a taste of strength with your Lycan form. However, in the other events you will need to showcase your tactical mind and your resilience against challenges. Remember, every hunt is not just a pursuit of prey; it’s a statement. So every event don’t focus on winning the trials, focus on showing the Kingdom the type of king you are. As I always said to your father, think before you act, cause your every move is being watched and every word is being heard.”

Nodding, I absorbed the weight of his words. The pressure was immense, but I wouldn’t let it crush my spirit. I had to embody the leader they believed me to be—the Lycan queen they needed in these turbulent times.

Darius continued, his tone shifting as he reminded me of the ongoing political landscape. “You must navigate the conversations with the Alphas carefully. They respect strength, but they also thrive on the perception of power. You must balance your presence with confidence while tempering it with humility. The kingdom will rally behind a leader they respect, not just fear.”

As he dispensed his wisdom, I made mental notes, my heart racing with each revelation. Darius’s insight was steeped in years of experience, and I clung to every word, knowing I’d need all the help I could get.

After an hour of in-depth discussion, the conversation began to wind down. “Thank you, Darius. Your guidance means a lot to me,” I said, feeling a renewed sense of purpose radiate through me.

Darius stood, smoothing the front of his formal attire. “Remember, do not shy away from being vulnerable; it is a strength, not a weakness. The day you hide your fears and doubts is the day you lose grip on your destiny.”

With a curt nod, he exited the room, leaving me to ponder his words. The silence enveloped me, allowing me a moment to breathe and reflect on the weight of my role. Just as I began to lose my thoughts in the quiet, the familiar sounds of footsteps approached my door.

A soft knock interrupted my reverie. “Come in,” I called, my voice steady yet unable to mask my curiosity.

Dante and Chase entered, the usual joviality radiating from Dante while contrasting sharply with Chase’s more serious demeanor. Dante’s dark hair fell slightly over his hazel eyes, glinting with the gold flecks that always intrigued me, while Chase, the voice of reason among us, maintained his characteristic dirty blonde hair that framed his earnest brown eyes.

“Nova,” Dante chimed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “We have updates on your brother’s disappearance.”

My heart sank. “What news?” I dreaded what they might reveal but knew I had to face the truth head-on.

Chase spoke first, his tone level and measured. “We’ve spoken to several pack members. Unfortunately, there are no leads, except…” He paused, glancing at Dante before continuing, “the stable boy. He wasn’t seen the day after Axel disappeared.”

“A stable boy?” I echoed, a spark of hope igniting in my chest. “You think he might have something to do with it?”

Dante nodded, his expression turning serious. “It’s possible, but we need to act quickly. If he knows something, we can’t afford to let this lead slip through our fingers.”

Chase added, “We have some hunters searching the town area closer to here. If he’s hiding or in i. The run, they’ll find him.”

The thought of Axel fluttered through my mind, mingling with fear for his safety and uncertainty regarding our family’s fate. “How can a stable boy take a Lycan?” They both went quiet for a moment.

“It’s possible he had help, let’s not forget your father had many enemies.” I nodded at Chases words.

“Please keep me updated. I can’t lose him, he’s all the family I have left.”

Dante moved closer, his playful demeanor shifting to one of solidarity. “We won’t stop until we find him, I promise. You know we’re in this together. And anyways I thought we were family too.” He joked I chuckled at him.

“You know what I mean.” He nodded with a smile.

A bond of reassurance filled the room, instilling a sense of unity among us. But before I could respond, a firm knock interrupted our conversation once more.

I turned toward the door as it swung open, revealing a servant. “Your Highness, a letter from Alpha Ceaser,” he stated, holding out an envelope sealed with formality.

My heart raced again, the name igniting a whirlwind of emotions within me. Alpha Ceaser was not only a powerful Alpha among the many packs but also my mate. Hesitation gripped me as I glanced at Dante and Chase, whose expressions were filled with intrigue and concern.

“Thank you,” I managed to say, taking the letter and dismissing the servant with a wave. As the door closed behind him, I carefully opened the envelope, my fingers trembling with anticipation.

Dante leaned over the desk, curiosity etched on his face. “What does it say?”

I unfolded the letter, my heart racing as I prepared to read. “It’s an invitation for a private meeting,” I murmured, processing the significant weight of the words. “He wants to discuss... matters concerning the kingdom.”

Dante’s brows furrowed with worry. “Or your mate bond? Don’t forget there is a lot at stake here.”

“I know, but I do have a sense he believes I’m a male.” I said.

“I got that sense from him too, he wouldn’t stop staring at you at the hunt yesterday.” Dante said.

“We understand he’s your mate Nova.” Dante began. “He just can’t know that you’re a female, we don’t know yet if an Alpha is involved in Axels disappearance. I mean his room made it look as if he was fleeing his responsibilities but we know him best.” Dante and I nodded, Chase was always the voice of reason. I like to say is the Beta gene in him.

Taking a deep breath, I felt the weight of my responsibilities growing heavier. Meeting Alpha Ceaser was crucial, yet it carried the risk of complicating my hidden identity. “I’ll go,” I decided, resolute. “I need to know where he stands, not just with me, but for the kingdom as well.”

As my friends rallied behind me, a newfound determination swelled within me. Whatever awaited me in that meeting, I would face it head-on. For my brother, for the kingdom, and for myself, I was prepared to step into the fray.

With the promise of challenges ahead, I readied myself for the battles that lay in wait—not just against threats to my family, but deep within the very heart of the kingdom itself.