Chapter 209 An Invasion

Chapter 209 An Invasion
Kira’s POV

Thomas’s urgent voice boomed through the door, shattering the peaceful afterglow. 

“Your Majesties! An invasion has been sighted from the first tower! Rogues are approaching at full speed…hundreds of them!”

Adrian and I were already moving. I rolled off the bed, heart slamming against my ribs, and yanked on a pair of dark trousers and a fitted top. 

My fingers worked fast, lacing up my boots before slipping a sharp knife into the hidden sheath on each side. The cool metal pressed reassuringly against my calves.

Thomas kept talking through the door, voice tight. “They’re coming from the eastern ridge. No banners yet, but they’re moving like they mean war.”

Adrian froze mid-motion, shirt half on. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, eyes narrowing as he watched me strap on the second knife.

I straightened, adrenaline already pumping. “What does it look like in doing? Getting ready to fight. Duh.”

“Whoa, whoa—” He stepped forward, hands raised. “There is no way I’m letting you go out there after we just learned you’re pregnant. It’s dangerous, my love. Too dangerous.”

I met his gaze head-on, stubborn fire rising in my chest. “I’ve never really fought in a real invasion before. I've never even witnessed one. I want to know if all that training actually paid off. I’m not sitting this one out, Adrian.”

“Absolutely not,” he growled, voice low and final.
I lifted my chin. “Either you take me with you, or I escape on my own. One way or the other, I’m fighting beside you. There’s no way I’m letting you get hurt out there alone.”

He moved closer, eyes softening, that familiar tender look that usually melted me. 

For a second I almost fell for it…until my instincts screamed. I hissed and backed away quickly. “Stand back, Adrian. You’re not knocking me out today.”

Adrian groaned, rubbing his face. “How did you figure it out so quickly?”

I shrugged, already heading for the door. “Won't be your first time. Let’s go.”

He looked helpless, torn between his protective instincts and the fact that I was clearly ready…boots on, knives ready, eyes blazing. 

Finally, he exhaled sharply, stepped forward, and kissed my forehead. “Stay by my side at all times, princess. Do not leave me on any account. Promise me.”

“Okay, Your Majesty,” I said softly, meaning it. “I promise.”

He still looked unsure, but I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door before he could argue more.

Thomas was waiting right outside, face grim, already set to crush some bones. Warriors rushed past us in the hallway, shouting orders.

“What kind of rogues are we dealing with?” Adrian asked, voice sharp as we moved. “Any idea?”

My father and his people. The thought hit me instantly the moment the question left his mouth. 

They had promised to return…could be them approaching. Didn't Victoria say that they are still considered rogues until the king hosts a cleansing ceremony or whatever to bring their pack back into the kingdom? 

That was the main reason I refused to stay behind…if it was my father and his people, maybe I could talk sense into the man I barely got to know before he was locked away in Draven’s cells for most of my life.

Thomas shook his head. “Can’t say for sure yet. They’re in wolf form, approaching fast. Like a storm.”

I started firing orders as we hurried downstairs. “Get the children, women, and elderly to the safe bunkers immediately! I need word from the warriors at the human camp…they should already be in position. Confirm the humans are secured!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” voices answered around us.
I sighted Victoria with her mate close to the hallway, both of them geared up and alert.

“Victoria!” I called sharply. “I need you to personally oversee the evacuation. Get every child, woman, elder, and sick into the underground safe units right now. Seal the doors and do not…under any circumstances…open them until you hear my voice or Adrian’s direct order. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Victoria replied, already turning on her heel. “I’ll guard the entrance myself if I have to.”

“Good. Go!”

The palace became pure chaos in the best way…organized, urgent, alive with purpose. 

People were escorted quickly to the underground safe units while warriors took battle positions. 

All security lights outside flared to blinding brightness.
Every light inside the buildings clicked off, plunging the interior into strategic darkness.

We barely made it to the main hall when Levi stepped out of a side corridor. The moment Adrian saw him, his entire body stiffened and a cold, dangerous look flashed across his face.

Levi looked…different now. Quieter. There was no trace of that man that once challenged Adrain during meetings.

He’d settled with his new family in a quiet quarter on the east side of the kingdom. Caroline had received her punishment, and the two of them were actually raising their son together. He barely spoke to anyone anymore.

Levi shifted awkwardly under Adrian’s glare. “Your Majesty…what can I do to help?”

Adrian’s reply was harsh. “Stay the hell out of my way.”

I tugged hard on Adrian’s hand and mind-linked him immediately. 

‘Be nice. He’s truly a changed man now.’

‘Doesn’t mean I trust him,’ Adrian growled back through the link.

‘I know. But he deserves a chance to prove himself.’

Adrian groaned loudly but relented. “Fine. If you truly want to fight with us, come. But one wrong move and I’ll end you myself.”

Levi nodded gratefully and fell into step behind us.
As we pushed through the main doors into the courtyard, Philip jogged up to join us, breathing hard but focused. 

I had learnt that he was the one Adrian strategically-placed to keep an eye on Margaret in the past.

“Warriors are fully mounted, Your Majesties,” he began.
“We’ve surrounded the border lines. These rogues have no idea they’re walking into their own grave. Men are positioned at the first barrier…ready to close in behind them the second they cross. Even if they try to run, there’s no escape route left.”

I nodded firmly, feeling the weight of command settle on my shoulders. “Excellent. Keep the outer patrols tight. No one gets through.”

I glanced up at Adrian as we positioned ourselves at the front line. “This is my first real invasion,” I muttered. “I really hope I don’t mess this up and accidentally kill one of our warriors or something.”

Adrian barked out a surprised laugh despite the deadly situation. “You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

I shrugged, flashing him a quick grin. “Hey, just keeping it real. It would be embarrassing if the Queen of Draven’s greatest contribution to the battle is murdering her own people.”

Even Thomas snorted beside us, shaking his head playfully.

Adrian’s expression sobered as he pulled me aside for a moment in the courtyard, rubbing my arm slowly. 

The cool night air carried distant howls and the growing thunder of paws on earth. Bright floodlights illuminated the open grounds while he rubbed my arm slowly, his touch warm and grounding.

“We suspect it might be your father and his men,” he said quietly, voice conflicted. “They are the only ones that would dare.”

“I know,” I whispered. “That’s why I’m here.”

His voice cracked. “I don’t want to lose you, Kira. Not even to your own father.”

“You won’t.” I looked up at him, steady. “I’ll talk to him again. Make him see that this is where my heart is now.”

“What if he refuses? What if they start a war?” His eyes searched mine. “Should we fight back… or take the hits?”

I punched his arm lightly. 

“Why would you even think about taking hits? You’re the king. Your duty is to protect your people. If I can’t salvage the situation and he’s hell-bent on a fight… then we fight.”