Chapter 13 Chains of Responsibility
Chapter Thirteen - Chains of Responsibility
Ryder's POV
The Great Hall gleamed with polished stone and warm light. The high ceiling reflected the sound of soft voices of nobles, never too loud. All ranked Lycans were seated in order their silks and leathers reflecting loyalty and wealth. I stood near the throne, close enough that I would feel my father's presence without having to look at him, but far enough that I would remember that I was still his son, not his equal.
Something had changed today. Yes, something felt different and I couldn't place my hands on what exactly what it was until I looked around me and realised that I was free.
For the first time in weeks, there were no guards behind me, no shadows followed my movement, and no sharp eyes watched me closely. My father had taken out the watch that morning without explanation, and that silence bothered me more than anything. King Magnus never forgave without cause.
When he stood up, the room became quiet immediately. No one dared to talk when he is speaking.
"My people," my father said, his voice steady and firm from years of rule. "Today we speak of continuity, strength and the future of this throne."
My face remained motionless, but my jaw tightened.
"Our kingdom exists because we respect order," he continued. "We do not allow the emotion to weaken bloodlines and distract the heirs from their purpose."
Murmurs rippled among the nobles, soft but eager I felt the weight of their attention on me; and the pressure of expectation prodding my skin.
"It is time," King Magnus said, "that my son should take a mate worthy of his position.
A woman came up before I had a chance to reply.
She moved with practiced grace, her silver silk gown flowing along with her form, perfect posture, chin lifted out in confidence. Lady Seraphine of North Ridge was a lady known among the houses for discipline and quiet ambition as she was not a lady who burned or had passion. She stood at a respectful distance and bowed.
"My prince," she said, her voice smooth, her eyes bright with cautious hope.
I looked at her and I looked for something that I knew I was not going to find. No pull in my chest, no answer in my blood, no voice in the bond I had with Olivia. Only hollow calm settled in me, then slow burning anger.
I turned toward my father. "You arranged this without saying a word to me."
King Magnus took my gaze with no hesitation. "This is not something to debatable."
"It is my life," I replied.
"It is your duty," he corrected.
Lady Seraphine was between us, her hands were folded tight, her confidence was wavering, her tension was thick, the air was thick.
I turned to face her again, my voice under control, but firm. "Do you understand why you were brought here?"
"Yes," she said without hesitation after a short pause. "To be introduced as your future mate."
"And is that what you want?" I asked.
Her lips came together before she responded. "I was raised for this role. "For this I believe I would serve the throne well."
The words fell wrong, sharp and empty.
I nodded slowly. "Serve the throne," I repeated. "Not the man."
A stir moved through the hall. I heard a few sharp breaths, felt the elders move in their seats.
"Prince Ryder," said King Magnus warningly.
I ignored him.
"Lady Seraphine," I said, still maintaining an even tone, "be honest with me." If I were not heir, if I were not of royal blood, would you still be standing here?"
Her silence answered for her.
"I will not make claims on you," I said bluntly. I won't have a future based on expectation and fear. You deserve to have an option, even though this hall tells you that you don't."
Her face turned red with shock and humiliation. "You disgrace me before the court."
"No," I said quietly. "I refuse to lie to you."
Elder Veyra rose from her seat and her face was tight with hidden mockery. "This defiance is bad for the crown."
"I am not defying the crown," I said turning to him. "I am refusing to be traded like land."
King Magnus stepped down from the throne then; heavy presence, low but sharp voice. "You test my patience."
"You test my silence," I answered.
Lady Seraphine's eyes watered, but she did hold herself together, as she bowed stiffly. "I see my place here is unwanted."
She turned and walked away, her steps quick, the sound of her departure echoing louder than any scream.
There was controlled outrage in the hall.
"You insulted a noble house," the Elder Veyra said. "You weaken alliances."
"I refuse to make them on false bonds," I replied.
King Magnus stood facing the court with a cold expression on his face. "This gathering is concluded."
The nobles came up very slowly, their eyes sharp, curious, calculating as they passed me. Some looked angry. Some looked afraid. The others were impressed by my bold font.
When the hall was empty, my father stopped in front of me.
"I did this in raising your surveillance to see if freedom would teach you restraint," he said. "Instead it fed your arrogance," he said.
"If restraint is obedience without thinking," I replied, "then you raised the wrong son.
His eyes hardened. "You will answer for this."
He turned and walked away.
I stood where I was for a moment my chest tight, my pulse loud in my ears. The bond stirred then inside me - a gentle but firm one - reminding me why I had spoken, reminding me why I had refused, reminding me why I would never bow to this kind of future.
They could surround me with guards again. And they could turn the council against me. They could call it duty and tradition and law.
But they would never pick my mate.