Chapter 96: The Forbidden Question

Lysander’s POV

I hadn’t been able to sleep all night. The presence of those unexpected guests in the castle and everything that had happened had me so unsettled that it was impossible. All I wanted that morning was to get away from everyone, to go into the forest and never return; but I couldn’t do that, so I simply forced myself to go downstairs and try to get through the day.

Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for me to realize that would be nearly impossible, because the moment I reached the bottom of the stairs, I was intercepted by Derek.

—I'm glad you finally woke up, we need to talk —he said without the slightest hint of courtesy or reverence toward me.

After that, he began walking quickly toward my study. Truth be told, I had no reason to be surprised by such behavior—not when he was a king and an alpha, accustomed to getting everything he wanted and being obeyed without question. I knew very well the reputation he had, but I intended to remind him that he was not in his kingdom, and above all, that I was also a king and an alpha, not someone he could treat like one of his subjects.

Nevertheless, I held back from telling him right then and simply followed him to the study.

—What the hell happened last night? —he asked without delay or any kind of preamble.

—I don’t know exactly what you want to hear, so I suggest you be clearer —I replied, with no desire to give unnecessary explanations.

—If that’s what you want, I have no problem with it —he admitted with a smile.

—We were brought here by your mother for a specific purpose, with a promise, and it hasn’t been fulfilled; so I can’t help but think we were deceived, mocked —he made clear.

—You said it yourself, you were brought here by my mother, not by me. I offered you nothing, and therefore I have no reason to give you any explanation —I reminded him, not in the least intimidated.

—I want you to understand that I am not the kind of person one can toy with, because whoever does pays the consequences. I… —he began a warning, whether toward me or my mother, which was even worse, and I was not about to allow that.

—Watch what you say, because you’ll have to answer to me —I said, this time being the one to warn him, stepping in front of him firmly.

Soon we stood face to face, staring each other down. I hadn’t expected him to back down so quickly, knowing him to be as strong-willed as I was. However, in the end, he couldn’t hold it and discreetly stepped back.

I could have boasted about that, but chose not to. The last thing I wanted was to increase the hostility beginning to grow between us.

—If what bothers you is that the alliance may not happen, I assure you it doesn’t have to be that way —I tried to calm things, knowing it was the best course.

No matter how much his presence annoyed me or how little I trusted him, the truth was that the kingdom was not in a position to face a new enemy—especially one like him; one that didn’t even exist. Because I was certain it wouldn’t exist, as long as I didn’t allow it.

—Do you really think I’m here because of the alliance? —he asked, leaving me somewhat confused, since I had assumed that was the reason.

—Why else? —I questioned, puzzled by his attitude, though I didn’t wait for his answer.

—We both know it’s what we all need —I admitted, hoping my honesty would prompt him to do the same.

—You’re wrong —he declared without hesitation.

—I have one of the most powerful kingdoms on the continent, a massive army, and a city so well protected that only a fool would dare attack us —he boasted.

—And yet you’re here —I pointed out as I stepped away to pour myself a drink.

It might have been too early for alcohol, but I certainly needed it to endure the conversation ahead.

—We’re alone here, you can admit it —I urged him.

—I don’t know what you’re talking about —he insisted, though I could see a crack in his armor.

—We are the only two werewolf kingdoms in this region, surrounded by humans. And while not all of them hate us, we both know that can change in an instant —I reminded him.

—My army is capable of… —he tried to assure me.

—You never visited my father, you were never truly interested in an alliance with us. I wonder if your insistence has more to do with his death —I suggested.

—Knowing that he, one of the strongest among us, died at the hands of a mere human made you reconsider. You know that in an emergency, or in case of war, you could only count on us —I stated.

—You’re right —he finally admitted.

—An alliance between our kingdoms would be more than beneficial, but the only way it could happen is through marriage —he insisted on his absurd idea.

—I don’t understand this demand —I admitted.

—I’m surprised you don’t see it —he replied, with a hint of condescension.

—See what? —I pressed.

—There is nothing more powerful than family, and we both know that very well. I wouldn’t entrust my kingdom to just anyone; only to a son —he admitted.

—I’m not asking you to hand me anything, just your word that if necessary, I can count on you, and vice versa —I tried to reason.

—I am old and have no sons. I can’t leave my kingdom and my daughter in just anyone’s hands —he finally revealed the true reason.

—Your father promised it —he reminded me before I could even object.

—I am already married —I was forced to remind him.

—Your marriage is nothing more than an arrangement you were forced into, but I’ve already given you the solution; just make her break it. Force her if necessary—I assure you it won’t be difficult, not with someone as weak as her —he said.

But that was far from the truth. Now that I had gotten to know Astrid, even a little, I knew she was many things—but not weak. In fact, she was strong, just like her resolve.

—I don’t understand why it’s so difficult for you. Unless… —he began, then suddenly fell silent.

—Have you fallen in love with her? —he asked, drawing my gaze immediately. The question truly caught me off guard.

—Do you love her? —he insisted at my silence.