Chapter 5: The First Audience
1047 Words
Chapter 5: The First Audience
The Council Chamber had never been this divided.
“She deserves an audience.” Alpha Derek’s voice cut through the chamber.
Lucas remained standing beside the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Ashford. His back was turned to the Council, his hands clasped behind him.
“I’ve already made my decision.”
Elder Markus from Red Moon Pack rose slowly.
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, Lady Isabel traveled across half the kingdom to honor this alliance.”
“The least you can offer her is your audience.”
“The alliance with Silverwood is too important,” Alpha jacob added.
“You cannot continue avoiding this.”
Lucas’s jaw tightened. “I am not avoiding anything.”
“No?” elder markus challenged calmly.
“Then meet her.” Silence settled over the chamber.
Cassian watched Lucas carefully. He knew the King wasn’t refusing because he disliked Isabel.
He was refusing because he feared what might happen if she stayed.
Finally, Lucas exhaled. “Very well.”
The tension in the room eased.
“Bring her.”
In the East Wing, two palace maids carefully laid several elegant dresses across Isabel’s bed.
“His Majesty will receive you shortly.”
“We thought one of these would be appropriate.”
The gowns were beautiful. Silk. Silver embroidery. Royal colors.
Isabel looked at them for a long moment, then quietly walked past them.
She opened her wardrobe and removed a fitted white shirt, black tailored trousers, a charcoal blazer, and polished black boots.
Simple, comfortable and practical actical.
One maid blinked. “My Lady…”
“The dresses…” she muttered
“I know.” Isabel smiled gently.
“I’d rather be myself.”
Outside her room, Kai waited.
When she stepped out, he looked her over.
A grin spread across his face. “So…”
“You ignored the dresses.”
“I did.” she replied smiling
“I had a feeling.”
He adjusted the strap of the dagger Alfred had given her.
“Nervous?” he asked
She hesitated. “A little.”
Kai smiled reassuringly.
“Don’t try to become someone you’re not.”
“If the King is worth respecting…He’ll respect honesty.”
She smiled faintly. “I hope you’re right.”
The palace corridors were quieter than usual.
As Isabel walked beside Kai, servants stepped aside. Some bowed respectfully.
Others whispered.
“That’s her…”
“The girl from Silverwood.”
“The rejected one.”
“They say Selene never gave her a wolf.”
“I can’t even sense her.”
“Her scent feels… different.”
Kai’s expression darkened. “You don’t have to listen to them.”
She kept walking. “I’m used to it.”
“It stopped hurting a long time ago.”
Kai wasn’t sure he believed her.
The great doors of the Council Chamber opened. Every conversation stopped, dozens of eyes turned toward Isabel.
All Council members, pack Alphas,Elder advisers.
They had expected a frightened young woman dressed for a royal audience.
Instead… she walked in wearing black trousers, polished boots, and a crisp white shirt beneath a tailored blazer.
Confident, unapologetic. Several elders exchanged surprised looks. One looked almost offended.
Even Cassian blinked,Lucas slowly turned. For the first time…their eyes met. His expression shifted ever so slightly,not because of her clothes.
Because she hadn’t lowered her head.She met the King’s gaze without fear.
Cassian stepped forward. “My apologies, Your Majesty.”
“There must have been some misunderstanding.”
“The palace prepared formal attire.”
Before Lucas could answer…
Isabel spoke. “There wasn’t a misunderstanding.”
“I chose this.”
A few elders muttered under their breath. Lucas raised one eyebrow.
Silence stretched between them, then he spoke.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
The words caught Isabel off guard. “I beg your pardon?”
“You can still return to Silverwood.”
The chamber erupted. “Your Majesty—”
Lucas ignored the protests. “This palace…”
He looked directly at her. “…is no place for the defenseless.”
A spark flashed across Isabel’s eyes. “Who decided I was defenseless?”
Lucas held her gaze. She took one step forward.
“I’ve survived twenty years being treated like I don’t belong.”
“I don’t need anyone deciding what I’m capable of.”
For the first time in a very long while… Something that almost resembled interest crossed Lucas’s face.
He looked at her for several seconds. Then said quietly,
“You don’t understand what this place is.”
“Then explain it.” she replied
He didn’t answer. Instead, he looked away.
“If you leave today…”
“You’ll still have a chance to live a normal life.”
She stared at him. “You’re trying to protect me.”
His expression hardened instantly. “Don’t mistake necessity for concern.”
Before either of them could say another word— The chamber doors burst open. A Royal Guard hurried inside and dropped to one knee.
“Your Majesty!”
Everyone turned,the guard struggled to catch his breath.
“Red Moon Pack has been attacked.”
“The rogues have breached the northern border.”
“The Alpha requests immediate reinforcements.”
Every elder and Alpha was on his feet. The atmosphere changed instantly.
Lucas’s eyes hardened. “Casualties?”
“At least thirty confirmed dead.”
The room fell silent. Lucas turned to Cassian.
“Prepare my vehicle.”
Then to Kael. “Mobilize the Royal Guard...Seal the northern routes.”
“No one enters or leaves Red Moon territory without my permission.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The both responded with a bow
Lucas strode toward the doors. As he passed Isabel, he stopped for only a second.
Without looking at her, he said, “This conversation is over.”
Then he walked away. The chamber doors closed behind him.
Isabel stood frozen where she was. Their first meeting had lasted only minutes. Yet somehow… It felt as though nothing had truly been said.
Far below the palace, hidden beneath layers of reinforced stone and silver… The empty underground prison remained silent.
Its broken chains swayed gently in the darkness. Waiting,for the next full moon.
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