Chapter 29

I reckon I’ve been in this place for two days now. My cell isn’t your typical prison cell.

It’s got a regular bed, a toilet, and a sink, which I’m grateful for. They even provide me with toilet paper.

They serve me three meals a day, and that’s how I keep track of time. I’ve had dinner twice now.

I find myself staring at the dull gray walls, playing with fire in one hand.

The guards haven’t said a word to me, but then again, I haven’t tried to strike up a conversation either.

On the inside, I’m a mess, but on the outside, I’m the picture of calm.

I’ve seen enough movies and heard enough stories about people in prison to know that screaming or making threats won’t do me any good.

And besides, I don’t want Roman to get into any trouble because of me.

The sound of footsteps echoes through the cold, long dungeon hall.

I sit up straight on the bed, waiting. The door swings open and I catch his scent before he steps inside.

The king’s gaze finds mine instantly. I quickly lower my eyes to the floor, bowing my head slightly.

“Hello Katelynn.” His voice is too harsh for this small space. My heart pounds faster, his voice making me feel more trapped than these walls ever could.

“Hello, my king.” My voice comes out soft and raspy from not speaking for two days. I almost sound scared.

“You’ve put me in quite a predicament.” I stay silent, knowing there’s no right response.

If I agree, he’ll see me as a traitor. If I deny it, he’ll think I’m challenging him. So I stay quiet, my eyes fixed on the floor.

“My father, when he was king, used to tell me, ‘Son, a king can’t afford to have feelings. A king needs logic and power. Feelings don’t keep packs safe or win wars. Feelings start wars.’

“I idolized my father. He was my hero. But when he passed away and I took his place, I realized he wasn’t as wise as I thought. Do you think your father is a wise man, Katelynn?”

Another loaded question.

“I don’t know my father that well, king.” I hear the king sigh.

He snaps his fingers, and a moment later, the sound of a chair scraping against the floor fills the room.

I see the king’s feet positioned in front of the chair, and I know he’s sitting down.

This is going to be a long talk.

“Here’s another test for you. If you were queen and someone challenged you for your position, what would you do?”

This time, I look at him. I know what I’d do, but that’s not what he’s really asking. He’s asking if I know my father is going to die and how I plan to react.

“I know what’s going to happen. If you win, I’ll die for being the daughter of a man who threatened your reign.

“If you lose, I’ll slowly lose my mind because my mate will be grieving and he’ll blame me for it. There’s no good outcome for me. That’s why I’ve been here for the past two days.

“But, if I were queen, I’d throw the woman in a dungeon. We might be predators, but we kill for survival. The woman would never be a threat to me, because I wouldn’t let that happen.

“With all due respect, my king, you’re not as powerful as I am. I know you don’t have that choice. But don’t underestimate my father. There’s nothing more dangerous than a parent’s love for their child.”

The king stays silent for so long that I start to feel uneasy under his gaze. I can see him mulling over my answer. Maybe I should’ve just said I’d kill her.

“You’re right. Honora is the one who contacted your father. She loves Roman so much, she’d rather see your father kill me than see her son get hurt. Even though she knows she’d die from grief too. That’s why I had my men bring you here.”

I’m so shocked my mouth falls open. Honora called my dad?!

“Regardless, your father will lose. I want you to be there to witness it. After he falls, you will not shed a tear and you will pledge your loyalty to me, your king.

“I can’t kill you, because that would kill my son. Honora would kill me with her own hands or maybe even kill herself.

“Despite what you might think, I love my mate. And I love my son. I’ve always done everything in my power to keep them safe.

“I trust you to keep my son safe too. He’ll make a good king one day. He’ll be a kind and forgiving king. Somehow, I think you’d be the one more ruthless than him.”

Confusion takes over my thoughts.

It makes sense that he’s indirectly keeping himself alive by keeping me alive.

But I just can’t understand how he can act like nothing’s changed.

Like my arrival here hasn’t turned everything upside down.

“You will continue to be the princess, and one day, you will rule beside my son as his Luna Queen. All you have to do is pledge your loyalty to me. Think about it, Katelynn.

“But remember, there won’t be another offer. If you refuse, you’ll rot in this cell for the rest of your life. Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I’m so shocked I can’t even respond.

I love Roman, I really do.

And I want to be with him.

But can I?

Can I stand there, emotionless, and pledge my loyalty to a king I don’t respect?

Can I stand there and act like I don’t care? Can I let my father die, or will I jump in to save him?

Would I do it if he’d been the father I grew up with?

I remember Jackson kissing me goodnight, telling me stories about the wolves.

I remember him taking me to the carnival and letting me eat ice cream until I was stuffed.

If it were Jackson, would I let him die?

Even though he lied to me, he was there every day of my life.

Even though we always fought, I know I would save him. So shouldn’t I save Alan?

I lie down on the bed and stare up at the gray ceiling.

The weight of my worries and the constant negativity swirling in my mind are giving me a headache. It's like I'm in a never-ending boxing match, always on the defensive, always fighting.

Sometimes, I wonder if it would be simpler to just surrender to the king. To live a peaceful life with Roman.

I do dream of having pups one day. And I can't help but hope they'd inherit his eyes.

I shut my eyes, reaching deep within myself to find that special link. The link that connects me to him. I can sense his concern for me, his love. It's a comforting presence, a soothing balm to my troubled mind.

With a small smile playing on my lips, I drift off to sleep.