Chapter 36

The room falls into a hush.

My anger ebbs away, replaced by a creeping uncertainty.

The door continues to burn, the king frozen in place before it. Penelope and Alex are locked in a silent standoff, while the remaining Alphas turn their attention to me.

They watch me, as if waiting for me to take charge. I was confident before, but now I’m not so sure.

I’ve never read about this, about what happens when a king is dethroned.

The door to my left swings open. I feel the pull of our bond, and Roman’s scent fills the air.

The door’s flames seem to flare brighter, reacting to my heightened emotions.

He moves to stand beside me, his hand closing around my wrist. I stand rigid, afraid of what I’ll see when I meet his gaze.

“I challenge you, my king.” His words are a shock, to say the least.

I gape at him, stunned. He doesn’t return my gaze, his eyes locked on his father.

His face is a mask, devoid of emotion. The face of a true king.

The door’s flames flicker out in my shock, but the king remains motionless.

I watch as a flurry of emotions cross his face.

Confusion, anger, disbelief.

“You cannot challenge me.” His words are laced with venom and cruelty. The Alphas’ attention shifts between the king and Roman. Even Penelope breaks away from her staring contest to look at Roman.

“I just did, father. And this time, you won’t be able to run. Lock him up.” The guards hesitate for a moment before rushing towards the king.

They seize him as he begins to struggle.

Roman’s growl echoes through the room, and the king bows his head in submission.

I see the struggle in Alex’s eyes as he fights the urge to bow as well, while some of the Alphas have no choice.

The guards lead the king away, his struggles subsiding.

Roman’s grip on my wrist tightens painfully.

I’m too shocked to pull away.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today. I understand you all have pressing matters to attend to, so you may leave now.”

Some of the Alphas start to protest, but a single glare from Roman has them rising to leave.

All except for Penelope and Alex, who are locked in their silent standoff once more. I place a hand on her shoulder.

She looks up at me, her face a mask of horror.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Roman finally releases my wrist, allowing me to crouch down to her level. Her mouth opens and closes a few times.

“Mate.” Alex’s voice is a low growl, causing me to look at him in confusion. But his eyes never leave Penelope. Mate? But she already has a mate.

“Mate,” Penelope echoes in a terrified whisper.

Alex takes slow, measured steps towards her. She turns to face him, her eyes wide and fearful.

When he reaches her, he kneels before her, tilting his head in a submissive gesture.

“Mate,” he repeats, his voice filled with love and admiration.

Tears stream down Penelope’s face, and Alex takes her hand. She looks down at their intertwined fingers.

His other hand rises to her cheek, wiping away her tears. I watch them, my smile so wide it feels like my cheeks might split.

I know what she’s feeling, I know she’s scared.

But seeing Alex kneeling before her, something deep inside tells me he’ll make her happy.

He rises, taking her other hand. She stands with him, looking unsure of what to do next.

He leans in to whisper something in her ear. I can’t hear what he says, but Penelope nods slowly.

He turns to me, bowing slightly.

“You will make an incredible queen.” He practically drags Penelope out of the room with him.

When the door closes, it hits me. I’m alone with Roman.

Nerves flood me once more, and I find my shoes suddenly fascinating.

I bow my head, waiting for him to speak.

He clears his throat to get my attention, but I can’t bring myself to look at him.

The pain in my heart flares up again as I remember his harsh words.

“What was the verdict?” Of all the things he could have said, that was the last thing I expected. I lift my head to look at him in confusion.

“Well, it was guilty. But...” Roman turns on his heel and walks out the door. I let out a frustrated sigh, cursing under my breath at his rudeness.

“Guards, take her to the cells.” My mouth falls open, and I quickly step back.

“What the hell?! To the cells?! You’ve completely lost your mind. If you want to reject me, fine! Do that damn spell, but I will not let you lock me up AGAIN.”

My body ignites, heating up the room. Five guards enter, but they keep their distance when they see me aflame.

“I am not a king. The verdict was clear, you have to go to the cells.”

Before I can think, a fireball flies towards Roman’s head. He ducks just in time, and the fireball explodes against the wall, leaving a blackened mark.

“I am not guilty. I didn’t want to kill your father.” Roman’s jaw clenches in anger, which only fuels my own rage.

“I have no choice. I’ll call the council to see if we can change anything. In the meantime, you have to wait in the cells.” I shake my head in anger but extinguish my flames.

Before a guard can touch me, I turn to Roman one last time.

“You can keep up this ‘I’m a jerk’ act. But remember, even a mate’s patience has limits.”

I turn back to the guard, shooting him a glare that makes him step back, allowing me to walk to the cells on my own. When he opens the door, I growl.

“Next time, at least bring me a damn book.” The guard gives a nod of understanding, and I make my way to the bed in my cell. I can’t figure out what’s been eating at Roman lately, but he’d better start shaping up soon.

Now that the initial sting of pain has faded, all that’s left is a simmering anger. And let me tell you, an angry Katelynn is a ticking time bomb for everyone around.