Chapter 115 The Protection Clause

Chapter 115 The Protection Clause
“She still hasn’t woken up,” Mounia mind-linked Zoriana, her voice heavy with worry.

Zoriana sighed, her eyes never leaving the screen as she continued to scour the digital library. Again and again, she pored over the ancient law books, searching for any loophole that might save Tristan. She had refused to eat; her eyes were red and itching from strain, but hope still flickered stubbornly in her chest.

She had read the same passage hundreds of times: The killing of an Alpha without issuing a formal Alpha Challenge carries the death penalty.

“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” Zoriana roared, slamming her hand against the desk, frustrated by her own helplessness.

Her fingers slipped against the trackpad, and the screen scrolled down to a section regarding the sanctity of the Mate Bond. She froze, reading a clause related to the protection of one’s mate.

Naturally, when a wolf perceives their mate is in mortal danger, they lose all rational control, blinded by a primal desire to ensure the mate's safety. Crimes committed during this state—acts of extreme violence intended to protect a mate—may be subject to a royal pardon.

A crazy idea began to take root in her mind. Tristan had saved Aella’s life. If they announced that Aella was Tristan’s chosen mate, and that he had killed Fabian to protect her, it would change everything. It would turn a cold-blooded murder into a frantic act of biological necessity.

Zoriana rushed toward her car. She needed to get to the Black Rose clinic. If only Aella would wake up before the trial...

“She will. We can’t afford to lose him,” Kalina said confidently. Zoriana couldn't have agreed more.



Meanwhile, with the arrival of the first morning light, Brianna rushed to have breakfast with Princess Flavia. It was her duty, but she was also seeking protection.

She entered the dining room in the Princess's wing. Flavia sat at the table with Queen Calista while Omegas moved silently around them, serving breakfast. Brianna bowed politely.

“My child, you look terrible,” Calista said, knitting her brow before adding with a sharp wink, “Did the Beta exhaust you that much on your mating night?”

Brianna blinked. It was now or never. Surely the Queen and the Princess, as women themselves, would understand her plight and help her dissolve the bond. Tears blurred her vision as she remembered the humiliation of the night before, but she lifted her chin.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness... Beta Karel is not happy with our mating. I am seeking your support to annul the contract so that I may leave,” she said in one breath.

Queen Calista raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow, looking more amused than concerned. “How strange. Just this morning, Beta Karel told us he was extremely happy with the match. I can see the mating mark on your shoulder myself. I’m sure this is just a simple misunderstanding between you two.”

Brianna shook her head, unable to hold back her tears. “Your Majesty, I didn't misunderstand. He... he brought two other women into our matrimonial bed. He was violent and cruel... he—”

Flavia moved to hug her, and for a moment, Brianna thought she had found an ally. But Flavia’s words were a cold shock.

“Brianna, some people have... awkward kinks in bed. I’m sure you will learn how to please your mate in time. Just enjoy your privileges as a Beta female and make peace with him. Keep him happy.”

Flavia didn't care. Karel was a useful political tool, and she wouldn't care if he beat Brianna to death as long as the alliance held. Queen Calista, meanwhile, fought the urge to roll her eyes. She had expected Brianna to be naive, but not to this extent. They were at the Royal Court; a Beta female was expected to play the game, not chase unicorns. Life at the palace was like a rose—beautiful, but full of thorns one had to endure.

“I will speak with Beta Karel and ask him to be more gentle with you since you are such a sensitive soul,” Calista said dismissively.

“Please, Your Majesty, there’s no need. We will sort it out between us,” Brianna said quickly, knowing a lecture from the Queen would only make Karel more vicious.

“Good. At least you're thinking positively now. Everything is sortable,” Calista replied.

Brianna nodded, her heart turning to stone. She had no allies here. Goddess as her witness, she had tried to exit this arrangement peacefully, but now she was ready for war.

The scene she had witnessed in the hallway flashed through her mind: Karel arguing with that female Alpha, Zoriana. It was clear they loathed each other.

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend”, Brianna thought.

She would team up with Alpha Zoriana to destroy Karel, but first, she had to prove her worth. From this moment on, she would be Karel’s shadow. She would bring him food, cater to his every whim, and pretend to be the broken, obedient mate he wanted. She would eavesdrop, dig through his secrets, and gather every piece of evidence she could find.

He thought he had abused a weak, stupid girl. He didn't realize he had just invited his executioner into his bed. Brianna would have her revenge, no matter the cost.