Chapter 71

ASHER

Chapter 71 Crafty Beta

My brow raised instinctively as I stared at Oliver Moses in surprise.

Had he really just suggested something like that? Now, of all times?

“Why?” I asked, and I raised my chin slightly. This suggestion reeked of suspicion, and I was going to get to the bottom of it.

“Your Majesty, it’s been five years since the death of our former king,” he explained evenly. “I understand that you’re still in a state of mourning, as anyone in your position would be. But I firmly believe that the Crescent Pack needs a Luna, someone who could raise the morale of both this Pack and all of Wegalla for that matter. It’s been five years since your wedding. I believe this is the right time to declare her your mate.”

I opened my mouth to protest this fact, but I knew it would get me nowhere. Adalyn may have been my wife, but she wasn’t my mate. Cora had been my mate and no one would ever replace that, no matter how much Oliver Moses wanted to change that fact.

I had to admit that I’d underestimated my father-in-law. He was far craftier than I’d ever expected, and I was surprised that he had the boldness to propose something like this.

With all of his cu nning and conniving, I was certain he was more than clear about the fact that I’d never actually been with his daughter in a physical sense..

The idea was ridiculous. Adalyn was and never had been suitable for taking the position of a Luna. She lacked empathy, kindness, and pa*sion, which were crucial qualities for being the Luna of a Pack.

A thought crossed my mind, along with a pang of sadness.

Before everything had fallen apart, Cora had always been the perfect

soon-to-be-Luna of the Crescent Pack. She would have flourished in the role and

helped me usher in an era of peace and understanding that Wegalla had never

before seen.

Oliver had to have his reason to make this propositions

“Your Majesty, I must speak again about the ordeal between Ca ssandra Keller and Adalyn,” Oliver spoke, and despite my irritation, he held his hands up and continued. “The healer displayed a huge amount of disrespect toward my daughter, as have many others. Suffice to say, I believe it’s because she didn’t recognize Adalyn to be a leader-”

“Is that so?” I blurted out.

The councilors glanced at one another and shrank back a little. I supposed my tone had been a little harsh, but I couldn’t help it.

“Once Adalyn is Luna, this whole matter will be sorted out,” Oliver stated. “I’m

certain of it.”

“Is that so?” I asked plainly.

My father-in-law seemed to be forgetting his place. Sure, he had been the Beta of the Pack, but that didn’t give him the authority to speak on matters he knew nothing about. Surely, he was pretending that I didn’t have the utmost word on any matters in or around the palace.

Besides, this issue, as well as countless others, wasn’t likely to sort itself out if Adalyn had any bit of power. Over the years, I’d heard plenty of complaints from guards and se rvants alike about my wife, and I didn’t think any of that would change once she was appointed Luna. In fact, life around here would likely only become worse. Adalyn didn’t need that kind of encouragement. It would go right to her

head.

She was her father’s daughter through and through.

“I don’t see how appointing Adalyn will change things,” I said.

The councilors suddenly erupted into speech and began to plead Oliver’s case. Their words mingled together, as did their ideas, and with every sentence, they looked to the Beta for approval. They argued that Adalyn would be good for the Crescent Pack, that we’d needed a Luna for some time now, and that it was only natural that my wife of five years deserved the position.

There were a few times I considered turning their words into a fully formed. conversation, but I simply sat back and allowed them to state their piece. As their words soared around me, my mind began to wander. All I’d done in the past few years was sit back and listen.

Being the Alpha King had never been a pleasant thing. No matter how much nonsense and bullshi t that was brought to my meeting chambers, I had to sit there patiently and allow my guests to speak. It was a song and dance I knew quite well. I would sneak in a few quips as necessary, but ultimately, sit back, listen, and then smile. After that I’d say something polite about taking their ideas into consideration, though most of the time, it wasn’t true.

The longer I’d been in this position, the greater I empathized with my late father. Growing up, I’d always felt distanced from him. We had never been close, as

he’d always been far too busy with work and palace business to spend time with me. As the years pa*sed on, my displeasure shifted to hate.

But now, sitting here before a team of councilors who didn’t have the realm’s best interests at heart, I could understand my father. A king was hardly ever able to do what he wanted or what he thought was best for the land. There was always a flock of people with their own agendas and ideas who came first.

I’d never wanted the crown. I could have been happy without the power or the wealth. But I’d ultimately taken the position because I thought it would help me protect my mate, Cora. If I was the king, I could keep her and her family safe.

But that’s not what had happened.

I’d failed at my role as protector, and now, sitting here in this room, I didn’t understand my purpose. Why I was still doing these things I’d never liked? Why was I entertaining these gossips and schemers?

There had to be something I could do to change my life and take back the autonomy I’d lost.

I couldn’t let these people rule me.

But for now, I had to play the role.

1 flashed my audience a smile. I was about to make some arguments of my own and then cast them out of my chamber so I could finally have some peace and quiet.

But just as I opened my mouth to speak, a series of intense knocks interrupted

“Come in,” I called out, and seconds later, a guard rushed in quickly, looking panicked and horrified. His chest heaved as he fought to catch his breath, and even from across the room, I could see perspiration dripping from his forehead.

“Speak at once,” I demanded as I rose from my seat. “What’s happened?”

“Your Majesty,” the guard uttered through trembling breath. “Your Majesty, we found it… the snake pit.”

A shiver traveled up my spine.

“The snake pit?” I repeated back in surprise and the guard nodded.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he replied, and then he stared into my eyes. “We rushed in to investigate, and it didn’t as planned. A few of my fellow men were bitten, Sire. And they don’t look well.”