Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 177 Chapter 177

SAGE

The morning started beautifully, filled with laughter, warmth, and the simple joy of being together. The twins bickered playfully over who got the last piece of fruit; Titus watched with amusement as he sipped his coffee, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect.

But as soon as the meal ended, reality came knocking. Responsibilities waited for no one, and our time of ease was short-lived.

The twins had an overwhelming amount of lessons to catch up on. History, diplomacy, strategy, and combat-each subject was crucial in preparing them for the roles they would one day take on. There was no room for error, no luxury of a slow-paced childhood. They were heirs to the kingdom, and that came with a price.

Technically, Harper was the eldest-I had given birth to her mere moments before Cooper. But by the kingdom's laws, a female heir could only take the throne in the absence of a male successor. That meant Cooper was next in line to rule. However, the burden of leadership wasn't his alone to bear. Both of them needed the same training, the same knowledge, for the sake of the kingdom's stability. Should anything ever happen to Cooper, Harper needed to be prepared to step in without hesitation.

Titus had already assigned the best scholars and warriors to oversee their education. It was a rigorous path, but it was necessary. They weren't just any children-they were the future of the kingdom.

I watched as they were led away, their excitement laced with determination. They were still adjusting to their sudden growth, but their spirits remained unshaken.

Titus stood beside me, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. "They'll be fine," he assured me, sensing my worry.

I nodded, though my heart still ached. "I know. I just... I don't want them to lose themselves in all of this."

He turned to me then, his gaze softening. "They won't. They have you."

Titus must have sensed that my mind was still on the twins because, before I could dwell any further, he took my hand and gently pulled me toward the door.

"Come with me," he said, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

I raised an eyebrow. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," was his only response.

Curiosity sparked inside me as we walked down the corridor, his hand warm and steady around mine. Titus was rarely one for surprises, so whatever he had planned must have been important. He led me to a part of the palace I hadn't visited in a long time, stopping in front of a grand wooden door.

"Go ahead," he urged.

I hesitated for a second before pushing the door open. The sight that greeted me made me freeze.

"Elara?" I gasped.

Standing in the middle of the room was Elara, her face breaking into a warm smile the moment she saw me.

"My lady," she greeted, her eyes glistening with emotion.

I couldn't believe it. After everything that had happened, I had thought I would never see her again. Without a second thought, I rushed forward and threw my arms around her, holding on as tightly as I could.

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I whispered, my voice thick with

always been here, waiting for the

look at her, my eyes searching her face. She looked the

chuckled from behind us. "Should I get jealous that you weren't as warm to me

being an ass then, I might have given you a

deep, amused laugh, shaking his head. "Fair enough,

beside me. "Some things never change," she murmured,

she was really here. "How

gently squeezed my hands, cutting off my rambling. "I'm doing good, my

I wasn't here to welcome you when

I frowned, "Academy?"

"I've been taking classes for quite some time now. I've

months left before I

eyes widened in surprise. "That's

to you and

have a gift, Elara. You deserve to be where you are

Majesty. I couldn't be here without

long are you going to be here, Elara?" I

as you need. I understand that it could be tiring to plan a

almost forgot about it. I was already content with what we have right

hesitation. "What's with that expression, kitten? Don't tell me you're getting

just... with everything happening, the

"That's why I'm here, my lady. To take some

like... do we really need a grand ceremony? We're already bound

world and announcing how lucky I am that I have you as my queen." He tilted my chin up with

spreading through my chest, making my heart

her excitement practically radiating off her. "I can't wait to plan

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more excited than the bride herself,

After everything, don't you think this moment deserves

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determination. "I promise, my lady, this won't be stressful

my chest