Chapter 168 Media hall II
Darius grabs hold of Audrey's arms, pulling her dangerously close, so close there was only a breaths space between them. He looked deeply into her eyes, wanting every word of his to sink in that she would never forget it "I know what this might all look like to you. You want what is best for this kingdom, what's best for everyone but you don't believe that is you" tears began to gather in her eyes as she nodded wordlessly, her heart squeezing in her chest, emotions pouring out and down her cheeks
"I know it might be hard my love. But please believe that you are what is best for my kingdom, my people and me. You are human and I would never wish to change that darling, no matter what anyone says being human is no weakness"
"Before you can make everyone believe that, you need to believe it yourself"
Audrey nods slowly, lowering her face into Darius's chest as she let her tears stain his suit. He closed the space between them, his hands wrapping securely around her, his ears meeting her ear to whisper sweet nothingness. "I love you so much, more than anything.
You have to trust that our love will be enough to convince everywolf that we are meant to be, and if it does not then all you need is to trust your heart. That big beautiful heart of yours that has trapped me so mercilessly"
He gently caressed her head, soothing down her curls and combing through them. They stood there in silence, neither saying anything just remaining in each other's arms for what felt like hours to the rest of the realm but to them time was a mere unimportance compared to their sweet fragile love.
A knock came at the door followed by the voice of Elijah, "Your majesties, the media have arrived"
Audrey pulled away, swiping at her cheeks. Her gaze flickered to meet his and a shy smile covered her lips, "Shall we My King? Our empire awaits"
She closes the distance, reaching on her tip toes and connects their lips for a brief kiss bit Darius grabs hold of her, his lips moulding firmly against hers. He lets out a low growl, completely devouring her lips and leaving them swollen and her person breathless. She fisted his collar, a quiet moan slipping from her lips as he nibbles on her lower lip before pulling away, settling a kiss on her cleavage.
"D-darius" she let out as a whisper, her eyes drowsy, lips swollen, hair disheveled. Darius sucked in a breath, trying his best to not rip the fabric of her dress right off her. The media was right on the other side of that door, they had time or so he thought but as he glanced back at the tempting bride that he held in his arms he knew if their lips met they would unravel, and he would need enough time to properly worship the goddess that was before him.
"We'll finish this later my love" he whispers, his breath hot and heavy laced with lust and neediness.
~
The royal media hall had never been this full.
Rows upon rows of reporters packed the vast chamber, their bodies pressed shoulder to shoulder beneath the towering crystal chandeliers. The air buzzed with restless anticipation. Pens tapped against notebooks.
Cameras clicked impatiently. Tablets glowed in eager hands as journalists whispered theories to one another. Large boards and quilts of paper were raised above the crowd, many hastily scribbled with drawings of the royal couple. Some were flattering sketches of King Darius and Audrey standing together beneath a crown.
Others were crude caricatures drawn in hurried strokes. Every reporter wanted a visual to accompany the story that was about to unfold.
Because everyone knew this announcement mattered.
Royal guards were everywhere.
They lined the edges of the hall in disciplined rows, their dark uniforms stark against the pale marble walls. More guards stood along the raised platform where the King would speak.
Their presence was heavy, deliberate—an unmistakable reminder that although this was a press conference, the Alpha King’s safety was not negotiable.
Still, the atmosphere trembled with barely contained curiosity.
At the front of the hall, standing on the elevated platform, Audrey could feel every pair of eyes on her.
Her heart pounded painfully in her chest.
She tried to steady her breathing, but the weight of the moment pressed down on her like a storm about to break. Hundreds of strangers stared at her—judging, speculating, waiting.
Waiting to see if the rumors were true.
Waiting to hear what the Alpha King would say.
Her fingers trembled slightly at her sides.
Then Darius reached for her hand.
His large palm closed around hers, warm and steady, grounding her in a way nothing else could. Audrey squeezed his hand in return, the gesture more for herself than for him.
She told herself to breathe.
Beside her, Darius stood tall and composed, every inch the Alpha that ruled the kingdom. His presence alone commanded silence. Even before he spoke, the restless murmuring of the reporters began to fade.
But Audrey could still feel the tension crawling under her skin.
What if they hated the announcement?
What if this decision turned the kingdom against him?
Against them? They already seemed to be against this union, this could be the final straw
Her chest tightened with the thought.
In the crowd below, movement shifted.
Amid the sea of restless reporters, one figure stood unnaturally still.
A cloaked body hidden beneath dark fabric.
The figure had arrived among the journalists unnoticed, blending perfectly into the chaos of raised cameras and moving bodies. But unlike the others, he did not write notes.
He did not whisper questions.
He watched. Slowly, deliberately, the cloaked figure began to move. Step by step, he drifted through the crowd toward the far side of the hall. His movements were subtle—carefully timed between the shifting bodies of reporters.
A blind spot.
The guards had positioned themselves in strong lines along the front and center. But the side near the queen consort… That angle wasn’t fully covered. The cloaked figure noticed and he smiled beneath the mask.
On the platform, Darius stepped forward.
The last murmurs in the room died away as the Alpha King lifted his gaze to the crowd.
“Thank you all for coming,” he said, his voice deep and steady.