Chapter 195 CHAPTER 195

Chapter 195 CHAPTER 195
Daniel lowered his eyes to the map once more before slowly exhaling. Ariel had laid out everything so well leaving no doubt to what had to be done.

His expression became thoughtful once more.

"I believe your proposal has tremendous merit, Ariel. For generations we've relied on good relationships between the Crown and Maplewood. We were fortunate. The archives prove that fortune hasn't always been on our side."

His fingers rested lightly against the map.

"If this change truly guarantees one united kingdom under one chain of command, then I believe it's worth pursuing."

Relief flickered across Ariel's face, but Daniel raised a hand before she could respond.

"However, I can't give you my final answer yet.

Zack frowned.

"You don't agree?"

"I do," Daniel replied with a small laugh. "Very much, in fact."

His smile softened.

"But I'm still Maplewood's Alpha. My council deserves the same respect you've shown yours. I'll present your proposal to them, answer their questions, and hear their thoughts before making our official decision."

He looked directly at Ariel.

"If they're anything like me, I suspect you'll have won them over before the discussion is over."

Warm laughter circled the room once again.

Ariel inclined her head gratefully.

"That's all I could ask."

She drew a slow breath before looking toward Leonard.

"There is one more reason I called this meeting."

The older man straightened instinctively.

"I know you've spent the last few weeks preparing to retire from public office."

His smile was gentle but weary.

"My family's mistakes have already cost this kingdom enough."

"They have," Ariel agreed softly. "But they aren't yours alone."

She stepped closer to him.

"I've spent three weeks reading the records of your service."

Her eyes shone with sincerity.

"Decade after decade, you've protected this kingdom with wisdom, integrity and loyalty. One family's failures shouldn't erase a lifetime of faithful leadership."

Leonard lowered his gaze, emotion tightening his throat.

"I still need your guidance," Ariel continued. "Not only yours."

She turned toward Daniel.

"I need both of you."

A quiet smile touched her lips.

"Zack and I may have survived more than most rulers ever face, but we're still only eighteen. Experience can't be learned from books alone."

She looked from one man to the other.

"I'd like both of you to serve as Guardians of the Crown."

"You'll advise us, challenge us and remind us when we're making foolish decisions."

A chuckle escaped Daniel.

"So... we're officially old enough to be wise?"

"I believe you've earned that privilege."

The room laughed.

Leonard rose slowly from his chair, his eyes glistening.

"It would be the greatest honor of my life."

Daniel stood beside him.

"I accept as well."

Ariel smiled before turning toward Cassian.

He immediately folded his arms, a knowing grin already forming.

"I have a feeling I'm next."

"You are."

She met his gaze.

"When I first began considering who should become Royal Beta, your name was at the top of my list."

Cassian's grin widened.

"But then I spent weeks studying our kingdom."

His smile faded as curiosity replaced confidence.

"And I realized something."

She walked around the table until she stood directly before him.

"In the few months I was in your care, I've watched warriors twice your age obey your commands without hesitation. They don't follow you because of your rank, they follow you because they trust you."

Cassian remained silent.

"The kingdom doesn't need you behind a desk negotiating politics."

Ariel smiled warmly.

"It needs you leading the people who protect it."

She held out her hand.

"Cassian, I'd like you to become Royal Gamma, Commander of every royal warrior within the Ashwood Kingdom."

For the first time since anyone had met him, Cassian seemed completely speechless.

Several long seconds passed before he laughed quietly and shook his head.

"I walked into this room without any expectations after what happened with... my mother."

Cassian placed a hand over his heart before bowing deeply.

"I’d be honored to serve as your Gamma. I owe it to the kingdom to correct what my mother destroyed."

Ariel squeezed his shoulder before turning toward Andrew.

He immediately pointed at himself.

"Me?"

She laughed.

"Yes, you."

"You've stood beside Zack through every challenge. You understand Maplewood, Ashwood and the people who call both home. More importantly, you've somehow managed to remain friends with both Zack and me through all the chaos."

Andrew grinned.

Ariel's expression softened.

"The kingdom needs someone who can bridge the gap between the Crown, the packs and the people."

She looked him straight in the eye.

"Andrew, I'd like you to become Royal Beta."

His grin disappeared.

For a heartbeat he simply stared at her.

"You're serious."

"I've never been more serious."

He looked toward Zack, who simply smiled and nodded.

Andrew let out a disbelieving laugh before rubbing the back of his neck.

"Then I'd be an absolute idiot to say no."

Soft laughter filled the chamber as Ariel finally turned toward Jenna.

Her best friend narrowed her eyes dramatically.

"All right."

"What impossible responsibility are you giving me?"

Ariel pretended to consider it.

"I've narrowed it down to two."

"Oh?"

"Royal Pain..."

The entire chamber burst into laughter.

"...or Royal Headache."

Jenna gasped theatrically. Still laughing, Ariel crossed the room and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"No title could ever describe what you mean to me."

Jenna hugged her just as tightly.

"And what's that?"

"My sister."

"My best friend."

"For the rest of our lives."

Jenna blinked rapidly before sniffing with exaggerated dignity.

"And what responsibilities does a royal best friend have?"

Ariel smiled.

"Making sure I never forget myself."

Tears swelled on Jenna’s eyes as she gave Ariel another hug.

The warmth that filled the room lingered even after everyone had settled down. Ariel looked around the table one final time.

"I don't expect any of you to make decisions simply because I asked."

Her gaze swept across each familiar face.

"I've proposed changes that could shape this kingdom for generations. Take a few days. Think about everything we've discussed. Then tell me honestly whether you believe this is the right path."

Cassian didn't hesitate.

"I don't need a few days."

Andrew nodded.

"Neither do I."

Leonard smiled warmly.

"This kingdom couldn't ask for better rulers."

Daniel chuckled.

"Well... I suppose that leaves me as the cautious one."

"It does," Ariel replied with a smile.

"And that's exactly why I want you advising us."

The meeting gradually came to an end. Chairs scraped softly across the floor as everyone gathered their folders and exchanged quiet conversations, the excitement of a new future already spreading through the chamber.

When the others finally stepped into the corridor, Zack moved beside Ariel and gently brushed a kiss against her forehead.

"You were incredible."

His blue eyes shone with unmistakable pride.

"I've watched you fight impossible battles before, but today..." He smiled. "Today you changed the future of an entire kingdom."

Ariel rose onto her toes and pressed a gentle kiss against his lips.

"It wasn't just me."

She glanced at the stacks of ancient records scattered across the table.

"We did this together."

For a moment, they simply stood there, surrounded by centuries of history and the first pages of a new one they would soon write themselves.

Then Ariel's smile slowly faded.

"There's still one thing left before the coronation."

Zack's expression turned serious immediately.

"Marcus."

She nodded.

"Marcus."