The King’s Surrender
The King’s Surrender
“What does it say?” Amani inquired, her voice taut as Kaleb unraveled the note from the blue jay.
“They arrested the Queen,” Kaleb replied, his tone heavy with concern.
“Are you kidding me?!” Amani exclaimed, disbelief turning into anger.
Kaleb’s eyes narrowed as he added, “Damn it, the entire Council could be corrupt for all we know.”
Amani began pacing the tent, her nails biting into her lips as she wrestled with her thoughts. “This is all my fault… I never should have asked her to stand alone. I should’ve had her flee here to me… I could have protected her!”
“This isn’t your fault, Amani,” Archer interjected, glancing at the note from Rush. “There’s a standoff between Malakai and his father. Malakai is awaiting our arrival.”
“If we step foot in that palace, it’ll be war,” Amani murmured, the weight of the actuality pressing down on her.
“Isn’t that what we came here for?” Kaleb raised.
“No… I mean yes. But, if I can prevent more unnecessary deaths, I’ll do everything in my power to make that happen,” Amani asserted, her resolve hardening.
“Then what are you suggesting we do, Alpha?” Darius asked, his voice steady.
Amani stopped pacing, her eyes mirroring the apprehension in the air. “I need to get a message to Malakai—immediately.”
———
Back at the palace, tension simmered in the Conference Hall as Malakai grew increasingly anxious over Amani’s delayed arrival. The room was a cauldron of unease, with every Alpha and council member feeling the strain. Suddenly, a knock echoed through the chamber, freezing everyone in place. Malakai immediately rose, giving Rush a sharp nod before striding towards the door, with Rush and a few of his men close behind. He swung the door open to reveal one of Amani’s soldiers standing at attention.
“What is it?” Malakai asked, his tone laced with urgency.
“Alpha Amani is now right outside Blackclaw’s capital,” the soldier reported.
Malakai’s eyes flicked toward his father, a smirk playing on his lips. “Right on time.”
The King’s expression was unreadable, but there was a glint in his eye as he responded, “Yes, the timing is perfect, because I’ve come to a decision.”
“Oh, have you?” Malakai asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
“Yes,” the King replied, his voice firm. “I want to surrender.”
Gasps rippled through the room, the shock palpable as every Alpha and council member processed the unexpected declaration. Even Malakai found himself momentarily stunned, struggling to believe that his father, of all people, would consider surrendering.
“But, Your Majesty—” Alpha Dale began, only to be silenced by the King’s sharp glare.
“I am surrendering, and that’s final,” the King declared with a tone of absolute authority. “I refuse to send my army into a battle that we cannot win. Marquis, send a messenger bird to the She-Alpha with my seal. Inform her that I will surrender on two conditions. First, I am granted a fair trial. Second, a peace treaty must be signed between us, ensuring she will not attack my kingdom as long as I willingly surrender.”
“As you command, Your Majesty,” Marquis responded, bowing slightly as he prepared to carry out the order.
“Oh, and Marquis,” the King called out, halting him in his tracks.
“Yes, Your Majesty?” Marquis replied, turning back.
“I want Apollo to handle the peace treaty negotiations with the She-Alpha,” the King stated, his gaze steady.
Marquis’s eyes briefly widened in shock, but he quickly masked his reaction, not wanting anyone to notice his unease.
“Why Apollo?” Malakai questioned, his tone edged with suspicion. He knew all too well that Apollo was one of the King’s most ruthless warriors, second only to the late Beta, Jax.
The King’s eyes gleamed with a calculated intent. “You’re well aware that I’ve intended to make Apollo my second-in-command. It’s only fitting that he handles duties of such importance. If it eases your mind, I’m more than willing to send Apollo alone to meet your mate—though she may bring her entire army if that comforts you.”
Malakai’s mind raced, but the thought of Amani outnumbering Apollo did provide some reassurance. He knew Apollo might be formidable, but Amani was more than a match. Reluctantly, he gave Marquis a nod of approval.
As Marquis turned to leave, his eyes briefly met Malakai’s and a cold chill ran down his spine, knowing that this would not end well. Yet, bound by duty, Marquis proceeded to carry out the King’s orders.
After sending the message to Amani exactly as instructed, Marquis began his search for Apollo. The palace was swarming with Amani’s soldiers, each step of his monitored, every corridor lined with vigilant eyes. Despite his exhaustive search, he found no trace of Apollo. His frustration mounting, he decided to check the dungeon, hoping the guards there might know his whereabouts.
As he entered the cold, dimly lit chamber, his gaze fell upon Queen Cara. She sat on the filthy floor, her once regal appearance reduced to a shadow of despair, her face streaked with dried tears.
“I’m looking for Apollo,” Marquis said to the nearest guard, forcing himself to focus on the task at hand.
The guard glanced up, “Last I heard, he snuck off to the training grounds with several soldiers, readying them for battle.”
“Well, he needs to prepare for other matters now,” Marquis replied, his voice tense with the weight of his words.
The guard raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “What do you mean?”
Marquis hesitated before revealing, “The King has decided to surrender.” The words hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. He noticed Queen Cara’s attention snap to him as he continued, “He’s requesting a peace treaty—and he’s chosen Apollo to secure it.”
Cara’s eyes widened in shock, dread sinking deep into her gut. She knew there was only one reason the King would send Apollo to handle a peace treaty with Amani.
The prison guard smirked, oblivious to the tension in Marquis’ demeanor. “Leave it to Apollo to get the job done.”
Marquis shot the guard a weary look, but it was the silent plea in the Queen’s eyes that truly unsettled him. Her gaze was filled with terror, almost as if she was begging him not to be the one to set off a chain of events that would plunge them all into chaos. But Marquis couldn’t meet her eyes for long. Overwhelmed by the weight of what he had to do, he turned on his heel and headed for the nearest exit.
“I want to speak with Malakai!” Cara’s voice trembled as she clutched the bars of her cell, desperation clawing at her.
“Pipe down!” The guard barked, his eyes narrowing with irritation.
“Marquis!” She cried out, catching him just as he reached the heavy, metal door of the dungeon. “Please, if there’s any goodness left in your heart, convince Malakai to come speak with me right now! Tell him I’m willing to confess—but only to him!”
“I said, pipe down!” The guard snarled, slamming his elbow against the bars with a loud clank that made Cara flinch.
Marquis turned, locking eyes with her for a moment. The supplication in her gaze was unmistakable, but after a long, heavy silence, he gave her a look of resignation and then stepped out, the dungeon door clanging shut behind him.