Chapter 192: Compromise

Alpha Caspian looked utterly dumbfounded. He stuttered, "I—I think you’re mistaken here, your majesty. I believe I mentioned that we were attacked."

Moreover, if there was any Alpha less inclined to violence, it was Caspian—their suspicion should be directed at Henry and Irene, the two war gods of the four regions.

"The North is more invested in technological advancements, not warfare," Caspian continued. "Attacking you the Alpha King.... is preposterous!"

Elijah’s gaze sharpened. "Didn’t you just say your company was attacked, and weapons were stolen?"

"Yes, but by—"

"—Rogues," Irene finished unapologetically. For a woman, she wasn’t scared speaking to Elijah, the Alpha king that way.

And Elijah did notice because his attention was wholly on her as she said, "We already told you this isn’t just an ordinary rogue attack, Alpha Elijah. The rogues are testing our defenses, probing for weaknesses. My patrols are already stretched thin as it is. If this continues, I’ll have no choice but to conscript more pack members into active service."

Leon, Alpha of the South, growled, "I’ve already done so. Except unlike the East, we’re not natural fighters."

"Yes, your people are entertainers, Leon." Elijah’s tone dripped with mockery.

However, Leon looked beyond the mockery and answered. "Morale is crumbling, your majesty. My people question our ability to protect them, and they’re not wrong. We need reinforcements, but your rising taxes—" He clenched his jaw. "—are draining our coffers. How are we supposed to defend our borders when we can barely afford supplies?"

"Perhaps by working harder?" Elijah suggested.

"Work harder?" Alpha Leon scoffed and for the first time since their arrival, every mirth escaped his expression.

He hissed, "While the rogue threat is indeed concerning, I’m more troubled by the drought affecting my territory. Our crops are failing, and livestock are dying. My people are starving. We can’t afford rising taxes when we’re struggling to survive."

A tense silence followed after those words. Elijah steepled his fingers, his gaze void of emotion. "Rogue attacks, stolen weapons, dwindling morale, and economic strain. It seems you’ve all come prepared with your grievances."

Henry bristled. "These are not mere grievances. This is about the survival of our packs. Yet you sit here, indifferent, while we suffer."

"Watch your tone, Henry," Elijah warned. "Or have you forgotten who rules here?"

Caspian raised a hand before the tension could escalate further. "Apologies, your majesty, we are merely desperate for solutions before our own people turn on us. If the rogues are organized, we must determine who’s leading them. I propose increasing intelligence operations along our borders. Capture and interrogate mercilessly any rogue found within our territories."

"And who pays for these operations?" Leon countered. "We’re already crippled by taxes. Lower them, and we’ll have the resources to bolster our defenses."

Elijah cracked his knuckles, his facial expression thoughtful, "Fine, I’ll consider reducing the levy—if you deliver tangible results in quelling the rogue threat."

Turning to Leon, he added, "As for the drought, I’m sure the North has technology that can help you. The two of you should sort it out."

Leon groaned, as if the thought of dealing with Caspian was a real pain in the ass.

Caspian in question gleamed with anticipation as if he couldn’t wait to drill into the South Alpha his brilliant ideas.

Elijah said, "In addition to that, I’ll authorize a temporary suspension of your territory’s taxes. In exchange, you’ll supply additional provisions once your people recover."

"Fair enough," Leon agreed.

"And reinforcements?" Irene pressed.

"I’ll dispatch warriors from the elite guard to assist your territories and eliminate the rogue threat swiftly," Elijah replied. "But mark my words, if I find out by chance that this is any of your ploys again to undermine my rule, trust me, the consequences will be severe."

The alphas in the room exchanged wary glances. None of them fully trusted Elijah, but for now, his terms would have to suffice.

"As you say, your majesty," they all agreed.

"Also," Elijah added, "do my heirs know of the increasing rogue attacks?"

"No, not yet." Henry answered, "We would like them to focus on their education. Their parents can handle this."

"That was your decision, not mine," Irene countered. "Our priestess predicted Lunaris Academy may face a rogue attack."

"And yet, she didn’t foresee the attack on Caspian’s company." Henry scoffed. "I respect your priestess, but you East people are too damn religious."

Irene bared her teeth at him in warning. No one disrespected her people and their ways.

"Now, that is no reason for a fight." Elijah said, "Henry is right. I We should not bother the children with such troubling news. Lunaris Academy is in the capital city and has stood strong for years. It’s the safest they can be. And if anything happens, it will be an opportunity for my heir to prove their worth."

"Unless there’s more, that will be all. Feel free to spend more time at the palace and perhaps share drinks with me." Elijah offered.

"That would be an honor, your majesty." Henry said, his eyes gleaming with whatever potential ploy he had brewing in that head of his.

"Thanks for the offer, Alpha king Elijah, but I have wife duties to attend to tonight," Irene said with heavy innuendo

while staring at Henry.

As expected Henry’s face wrinkled with disgust and that brought a satisfactory smile to Irene. She loved pushing the man’s button so much.

Elijah burst into laughter, then his gaze ran over Irene’s body in a way that didn’t escape Aaron’s notice. He growled a warning. Male wolves were naturally possessive of their mates. Alpha king or not, he would tear out Elijah’s eyes if the occasion called for it.

"Your husbands are lucky men," Elijah remarked.

"Thank you, your majesty." Irene said with a forced smile. Had it been other men, she would have already smashed their face onto that table for looking at her like that.

"Let’s go, Aaron." The East Alpha and her husband left.

As soon as Irene left, Caspian and his wife Zara were next in line.

"As much as we would love to schmooze with you, your majesty, there are certain projects that require our attention. Ideas to bring to life, designs to evaluate, prototypes to —"

"Please, just go already, Caspian. " Elijah couldn’t bear a second of his nerdy talks.

"As you wish, your majesty," Caspian replied, taking his wife’s arm. As they passed Leon, Caspian added, "Looking forward to our collaboration, Leon."

"Delighted," Leon replied, though his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Caspian left with his wife.

With that, only Henry and Leon remained. Elijah leaned back in his chair, his smile fading into a calculating gaze. "I suppose it’s just us now, gentlemen."