Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 179

SAGE

I stared at the silver sword in my hands, my fingers curling around the hilt. The cold metal sent a shiver through me, not just from its chill but from the weight of what it meant. Silver was deadly to our kind-a weapon that could bring even the strongest werewolves and Lycans to their knees. And yet, in this moment, it was not meant for battle. It was a symbol of devotion, of duty, of a queen's unbreakable vow to her king and her people.

Holding this sword was more than tradition; it was a silent promise. A queen was not just a woman who stood beside the king-she was his strength, his shield, and his most loyal subject. This blade in my hands was proof of that devotion. It was a reminder that I was offering my life to the crown, trusting the very weapon that could destroy me to the man who ruled beside me.

During the coronation, every queen-to-be walked the long aisle of the great hall, the royal sword in her grasp. It was not a show of power but a test of her resolve. The weight of the sword, the danger it carried-it all symbolized the burdens she would bear as queen. Every step forward was a silent oath, a promise that she would give everything for the kingdom.

And at the end of that walk, the king would be waiting. He would take this very same sword and press it lightly against her shoulders, a final act to seal her fate.

"For someone who was about to celebrate the happiest day of her life, you look awfully silent,” Elara noticed. "Aren't you excited? Tell me if His Majesty was only forcing you to do this. I'll be happy to create a portal to the other side of the world," she said jokingly.

I offered Elara a small smile, hoping to reassure her, but even I could tell it didn't quite reach my eyes. "No one's forcing me to be here, Elara," I said softly, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. Then, with a heavy sigh, I let my shoulders drop, as if trying to release the weight pressing against my chest.

Elara wasn't convinced. Her brows knitted together as she studied me, her concern evident. “Then, what seems to be the problem?” she asked gently. "Something is bothering you-l can see it in your eyes."

I hesitated, my fingers absentmindedly toying with the fabric of my dress. I hadn't voiced these fears out loud, not even to myself, but now that she was asking, it was like the dam inside me cracked just a little.

"It's Titus," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "He mentioned war, but he won't tell me when it will happen. He refuses to discuss it with me, but I can feel it, Elara. I can feel it coming, and I know it's soon." I took a shaky breath before continuing. "If I had to guess, it'll be right after the wedding."

Elara's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she remained silent, letting me get the words out.

"I thought we'd have time," I confessed, my hands clenching into fists in my lap. "Time to make up for everything we lost. Time to just... be together. I wanted to wake up every morning knowing that he was right there beside me, to spend days without worrying about what's lurking around the corner." I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. "But instead, I have to live with the fear that soon, he'll be gone again. This time, not because of memory loss or misunderstandings, but because he's riding straight into a war where there's no guarantee he'll come back alive."

thought alone made my chest

said, her voice filled with quiet determination. "He's not the type of man to leave his queen

fade. No matter how much I tried

my lips. "I know," I whispered,

I'm sure His

breath and straightened my shoulders. No more doubts. No more hesitations. This was the

a real one this time. "Yes," I said softly. "Let's not

64%

fabric of my gown and stepped forward, ready to embrace the fate that awaited me behind

escorted by the guards towards the main

hall, my

doors before me, adorned with intricate carvings of our kingdom's history, began to creak open. A gust of cool air rushed past me, making the silk of my gown ripple as if whispering secrets only I could hear. My heart pounded against my ribs, drowning out the sound of the murmuring crowd that

took my first

polished marble floors. Roses and lilies adorned the long aisle, their fragrance mingling with the faint scent of incense. Nobles, warriors,

I only had

far end of the hall, atop the

powerful, untouchable. But as our gazes locked, I saw something else in his eyes. Not just

on the

of my love for him. I had always known that being by his side

had made my choice. I would walk through

with

him.

I reached the altar, Titus stepped forward, offering his hand. His fingers, strong and steady, curled around mine, grounding me, claiming me. A silent promise passed between us-one that didn't need