Elis
Douglas entered my study without knocking. He only did that when the news was urgent.
"Jose's making moves again," he said, closing the door behind him. "We trailed him beyond the palace grounds last night. He met with Alpha Ryker from southern territory."
I looked up from the map I'd been studying. "Ryker, that young ambitious and reckless wolf."
Douglas nodded. "Exactly. Jose dangled Princess Zeena in front of him like bait. Promised him influence… maybe even a crown."
My jaw tightened. Zeena had been restless lately, her resentment toward Lily no secret. That Jose would try to use her was almost predictable but it still lit a spark of irritation in my chest.
"Does Zeena know?" I asked.
"Not yet. He's planting the seeds. Trying to get Ryker to court her, win her trust, and then use her against us." Douglas's eyes narrowed. "It's subtle this time. He's not coming after you directly,he's aiming for Lily."
Of course he was. Direct attacks had failed. The last assassin hadn't even come close. Lily had been there, as she always was, her instincts sharper than any blade. She had saved my life without hesitation, risking her own in the process. That scar on her belly was a constant reminder of how close I'd come to losing her. Now Jose wanted to come at me sideways. Through her.
"Keep trailing him," I said finally. My voice was steady, but my wolf was already pacing. "I want eyes on Ryker too. If either of them so much as breathe in Zeena's direction, I want to know before it happens."
Douglas inclined his head. "And if Zeena plays along?"
I leaned back in my chair, letting my tone drop into something colder. "Then we'll handle her before she becomes a problem."
He didn't ask what I meant. He didn't have to. As he left, I turned back to the map but my focus wasn't on territory lines anymore. It was on Lily. On the knowledge that the game had changed, and that Jose wasn't just after my crown.He was after my mate. And for that, I'd make sure he regretted ever breathing.
***
The courthouse was cavernous, the echo of each step swallowed by the high, arched ceilings. I sat on the throne at the far end, its cold weight familiar beneath me, as Zeena approached. Her gown whispered over the polished stone, every movement deliberate.
She curtsied, head bowed low. "Your Majesty."
I gave her the smallest nod. "State your reason for coming."
When she straightened, her eyes met mine without wavering. "It has been four months, my king. I came to ask if your plans for the wedding remain the same." Her tone was measured, rehearsed. "You announced it would be in a year. A quarter of that time has passed. Should I not begin my preparations?"
I kept my face neutral. "I still have nine months to plan."
Her inhale was sharp, but she masked it quickly. I caught the faint twitch of her fingers against her gown—control fraying at the edges.
"And what of my place in this palace?" she pressed. "You have ignored me completely, treated me like I am invisible." She softened her tone, feigning wounded grace. "Is that truly how one treats their future Luna?"
I didn't answer. My silence was intentional. I wanted to hear how far she'd push. She stepped closer, the faint scent of her perfume mingling with the cool air of the hall. "I have been patient, Elis. I have not questioned your… distractions." Her lips curved in the slightest smirk. "I know kings have mistresses. I do not mind. But my position must remain sacrosanct."
The mention of Lily was thinly veiled, but I heard the venom in it all the same. My jaw tightened.
"I only ask for what was promised to me," she finished, holding my gaze like she expected me to yield.
I let the silence stretch, heavy enough to fill the hall. Then I spoke, my voice cold and final. "You have my answer. You may leave."
Her eyes flickered with something between frustration and calculation but she bowed shallowly. "As you wish, my king."
She turned and walked out, each step measured, but I could feel her anger trailing behind her like a shadow. I knew exactly where her ambition and hatred would lead her straight into the hands of my enemies. She was gullible enough to believe their promises, arrogant enough to think she could play their games.
That was fine. Let her think I was indifferent. Let her think she had room to maneuver. I would just play along. And I'd make sure she was watched. Every word, every meeting, every glance in the wrong direction, I'd know. Because if Zeena thought she could use me, she'd soon learn she was just another piece on my board.