109

109
Chapter 109

Leandro shut the door to his private study and pressed the phone tighter to his ear, his voice low but sharp. “Yes, it’s confirmed. Federico agreed to send his men. By tomorrow, they’ll be on their way to your territory.”

A deep chuckle rumbled on the other end of the line. “Good. That means we can set the trap exactly where we planned. You’ll have your problem solved soon.”

Leandro’s lips curved into a sinister smile. “Perfect. Once he’s out of the way, everything will fall into place. We’ll keep you updated.”

He ended the call and placed the phone on the polished desk. A thick silence filled the room until Thomas, leaning casually against the window frame, exhaled a long trail of smoke from his cigarette.

“So,” Thomas said, his tone amused, “our dear king is walking straight into the fire.”

Leandro turned to face him, his eyes gleaming. “Exactly. And he’s taking a good number of his best men with him. If all goes well, the kingdom will be weakened by tomorrow night.”

Thomas grinned, flicking ash into a nearby tray. “You have to admit, it’s brilliant. He thinks he’s being noble, protecting a neighboring pack, but all he’s doing is stepping into a death trap we designed.”

Leandro chuckled darkly. “The best part? No one will suspect us. We played our roles perfectly in that meeting. I acted hesitant just enough to make it believable. No one will think we have anything to gain from this.”

Thomas nodded in agreement, taking another slow drag. “And Bennett and Maya? Completely in the dark.”

Leandro’s expression hardened slightly. “Yes. And that’s exactly how it should stay. Maya is only with us because she believes Federico will remain on the throne. The minute she senses weakness, she’ll switch sides. We can’t trust her with anything this delicate.”

Thomas smirked. “Bennett too. He may act loyal, but he’s a survivor. The moment things get dangerous, he’ll sell us out if it benefits him. Better to keep them both guessing.”

Leandro moved toward the bar cart, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. “Our plan is airtight. Once Federico is gone, the council will have no choice but to lean on us for leadership. We’ll control the decisions, the alliances, and the future of this kingdom.”

Thomas blew out another cloud of smoke and gave a low whistle. “You really want that crown, don’t you?”

Leandro’s jaw tightened. “I want stability, and a kingdom not run by a sentimental fool who risks everything for people who aren’t even ours.” He took a sip of his drink, the amber liquid catching the light. “Federico’s ideals will ruin this place if we let them. We’re saving it, Thomas. Whether the others see it that way or not.”

Thomas laughed quietly. “You sound almost noble when you say it like that.”

Leandro gave him a cold smile. “Noble or not, I intend to win. And by the time anyone realizes what we’ve done, it’ll be too late to stop us.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their scheme hanging heavy in the air. Outside, the sound of distant guards preparing for the mission echoed through the corridors — the perfect background to their plotting.

Thomas finally stubbed out his cigarette, standing to leave. “Well, I suppose we should act like loyal council members for the rest of the day. Wouldn’t want anyone getting suspicious.”

Leandro nodded, finishing his drink. “Yes. The last thing we need is Azalea sniffing around. She’s far too clever for her own good.”

Thomas’s smirk widened as he adjusted his coat. “Let her suspect all she wants. By tomorrow, she won’t have a king to protect her.”

Leandro’s eyes glinted with satisfaction. “Exactly.”

As Thomas left the room, Leandro poured himself another glass of whiskey and stared out the window, watching the guards assemble in the courtyard. He felt the faintest rush of triumph. The game had begun, and soon, Federico would be nothing more than a memory.

___

The message came just after sunset. A guard, out of breath, found Leandro and Thomas in the hall and said, “His Majesty requests your presence in his office. Immediately.”

Leandro and Thomas exchanged a quick look. Neither of them spoke, but both knew this could only mean one thing: Federico had finalized his plans.

They followed the guard down the marble corridor, their boots echoing softly. When they entered the office, Federico was standing near the wide desk, his arms folded, eyes sharp. He didn’t waste time with greetings.

“I called you both here,” Federico began, his tone commanding yet calm, “because I need you to know that I’ll be taking the front line myself. I won’t just send my men to fight this battle — I will fight alongside them. I’ll personally track the rogues, find the center of the attack, and end this once and for all.”

Leandro arched a brow, hiding the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. Thomas’s lips curled ever so slightly.

“Very well,” Leandro said, lowering his head respectfully. “Your courage will inspire the men.”

“Yes,” Thomas added smoothly. “The kingdom will be safe under our watch until you return.”

Federico’s gaze lingered on them, sharp and calculating. He had seen the glint of triumph in their expressions, though they tried to mask it. For a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy and charged. Then, unexpectedly, Federico smiled.

“Good. I’m counting on you both,” he said. “You are my brothers, after all. Make sure the kingdom stands strong until I get back.”

They bowed deeply and turned to leave, suppressing their smirks until they were safely out of sight.

The moment the door closed, a soft laugh came from the shadows. Azalea stepped out from the inner room where she had been quietly listening the entire time. Her arms were crossed, her expression a mix of amusement and quiet satisfaction.

“They really think you’re going to throw yourself into their trap,” she said, shaking her head. “If only they knew.”

Federico turned to face her, his smile faint but deliberate. “Let them think they’ve already won,” he said, walking toward her. “The more confident they are, the harder they’ll fall when we turn the tables.”

Azalea moved closer, her fingers brushing lightly against his sleeve. “They won’t know what hit them.”

Federico reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Exactly. By the time they realize what’s happening, it’ll be too late for them to change the game.”

Azalea smiled, her eyes glittering with a mix of mischief and determination. “Good. Then let’s make sure this kingdom survives their treachery — and shows them who truly holds the power here.”

Federico nodded once, resolute. “We will.”