Chapter 69 The Request Of A King (Part 2)
Chapter 69 The Request Of A King (Part 2)
Silence stretched between them again — but this time, it wasn’t the heavy silence of grief or fear. It was something fragile and uncertain, a quiet space where words were no longer necessary.
Livia looked at him — really looked — and saw more than the ruthless Lycan King everyone feared. She saw the man who had sat by her bedside all night, the man who ended a trial against his council’s will just to keep her alive, the man whose heart, for once, was laid bare before her.
And though she didn’t know what to do with the truth he had just given her, she didn’t push it away. She can't, because she knows that he will just push it more, so she can no longer escape. He already claimed her.
“Rest now,” he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “The fight isn’t over yet. But I promise you, Livia — this time, you won’t fight it alone.” His promise, makes her more scared because behind those promises hide a dark obsession.
The quiet in the clinic was soon broken by a soft knock on the door. Aldus turned his head just in time to see Beta Juls step inside, bowing his head respectfully.
“My King,” he greeted, his voice still slightly hoarse but steady, “I came to inform you that the Elder Council is already preparing for the second day of the trial.”
Aldus blinked in mild surprise. “You’re here already?” he asked, his brows furrowing. “I told you and Roderick to rest. You both suffered enough yesterday. You should still be recovering.”
Juls gave a small smile — tired but resolute. “We’re fine now, Your Majesty. Thanks to the healers and Florita’s help before she returned home. We have recovered enough to fulfill our duties.”
The Lycan King stared at his Beta for a few seconds before nodding slowly.
“Very well,” he said, rising from the chair beside Livia’s bed. He glanced back at Livia who looked at them confused. She wanted to ask Aldus about the second day of the trial, but the stern look on Aldus makes her shut her mouth.
“Let’s discuss this in my office. I don’t want her disturbed. Rest now Livia, because tomorrow the trial will continue”
Inside the king’s office, the atmosphere shifted — colder, heavier. Maps of territories and scrolls of laws lay scattered across the desk, the weight of leadership heavy on Aldus’s shoulders. Juls followed him in, standing just a few feet away, his posture formal yet alert.
“I will make a request to the Council,” Aldus began, his tone carrying the weight of an unshakable decision. “The trial cannot continue today.”
Juls raised a brow. “Because of Luna’s condition?”
“Yes.” Aldus leaned against the edge of his desk, folding his arms over his chest. “She’s still weak — too weak to endure the chaos of another day like yesterday. Forcing her into the trial now would be cruel and irresponsible. She needs time to recover.”
“Do you think the Elders will agree?” Juls asked cautiously.
“They will,” Aldus answered with certainty, “because I will make them understand.”
A few hours later, the Five Ancient Elders assembled once more inside Aldus's office, their expressions as unreadable as ever. Aldus stood before them, his authority filling the room.
“I’m requesting that the second day of the trial be postponed,” he stated firmly. “Luna Livia is still not fully recovered. Continuing the proceedings now could endanger her life.”
The Elders exchanged glances, their ancient eyes measuring his words. Finally, Elder Caelum, the leader, spoke.
“Your concern is valid, Your Majesty,” he said slowly. “The Council will honor your request. The second day of the trial shall be moved to the next sunrise.”
Aldus inclined his head in gratitude. “I appreciate your understanding. However, there’s another matter I wish to address before the next session begins.”
“Speak,” Elder Roman prompted.
Aldus’s gaze hardened. “I demand that at least five individuals — more, if possible — from other packs who attended the Unity Celebration between Moonlight Pack and Silvermoon Pack be summoned as witnesses.”
The room shifted subtly, the Elders’ expressions turning curious. “Other packs?” Elder Arcturus echoed. “Why this request?”
“Because every witness who spoke against Luna Livia yesterday was from Moonlight Pack,” Aldus explained, his voice laced with restrained anger. “And all of them had the same accusations — the same narrative. That’s not testimony. That’s manipulation.”
The silence that followed was heavy and thoughtful. Aldus took a glance, meeting each Elder’s gaze in turn.
“If we are to hold a fair trial, we must not allow bias to dictate the outcome,” he continued. “I want people who are not under Aldrake’s influence. People who saw the same events but have no loyalty to either side. Only then can we uncover the truth.”
Elder Cormac stroked his long beard thoughtfully. “A bold request,” he murmured.
“Indeed,” Caelum agreed, nodding once. “Summons will be sent by tonight. Representatives from various packs who were present at the celebration will be called to testify on the next day of the trial.”
“Good.” Aldus’s tone was final, resolute. “Because this time, I refuse to let lies decide her fate.”
Silence followed, heavy and thoughtful. Aldus stepped closer, his presence commanding.
“And one more thing — I want the summoning of these witnesses to be confidential. No public announcements, no hints, nothing. If word gets out, there’s a high chance someone will attempt to sabotage the testimonies before they reach us.”
Elder Arcturus inclined his head. “Very well. Their names will be chosen discreetly, and their arrival will remain unknown to all but the Council.”
Satisfied, Aldus exhaled slowly — a rare moment of relief softening his usually unyielding features. “Then let it be done. Tomorrow, we will seek the truth — not rumors, not manipulated lies. And when the truth is finally revealed…” His eyes darkened, a glint of steel beneath the surface. “…justice will follow.”
The Elders gave a final nod before dismissing the meeting, their robes sweeping the floor as they exited. Juls, who had remained silent throughout, finally approached the king once they were alone.
“Do you truly believe the new witnesses will change anything?” he asked quietly.
“Yes,” Aldus answered without hesitation. His eyes were sharp, focused, determined — like a wolf ready to tear through every falsehood standing in his way. “Because the truth is still buried somewhere in this mess. And I will not rest until it’s dragged into the light — for her sake.”