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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Chapter 177

I whispered, my voice thick

my lady. I have always been here, waiting for the

searching her face. She looked the same, but there

chuckled from behind us. "Should I get jealous that you weren't

I might have given you a hug," I

amused laugh, shaking his head. "Fair enough,

never change,"

her, still unable to believe she was

my hands, cutting off

that I wasn't here to welcome you when you returned. I've been

I frowned, "Academy?"

taking classes for quite some time now. I've only

I finally

surprise. "That's good news!"

thanks to you

Elara. You deserve to be where you

Your Majesty. I couldn't be here without

long are you going to be here, Elara?"

as long as you need. I understand that it could

it. I was already content with what we have right now, so

out a low chuckle, sensing my hesitation. "What's with that expression, kitten? Don't tell me you're getting cold

not! It's just... with everything happening, the

why I'm here, my lady.

we really

right. I want to give you everything that you deserve. That includes parading you to the world and announcing how lucky I am that I have you as my

through my chest,

her hands together, her excitement practically radiating off

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course! After everything, don't you think this moment deserves to be

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promise, my lady, this won't be stressful for you

the weight in my chest easing. "You're really set on this,