Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 192: [Bonus Chapter] Compromise

Alpha Caspian looked utterly dumbfounded. He stuttered, "I—I think you’re mistaken here, your majesty. I believe I mentioned that we were attacked."

Moreover, if there was any Alpha less inclined to violence, it was Caspian—their suspicion should be directed at Henry and Irene, the two war gods of the four regions.

"The North is more invested in technological advancements, not warfare," Caspian continued. "Attacking you the Alpha King.... is preposterous!"

Elijah’s gaze sharpened. "Didn’t you just say your company was attacked, and weapons were stolen?"

"Yes, but by—"

"—Rogues," Irene finished unapologetically. For a woman, she wasn’t scared speaking to Elijah, the Alpha king that way.

And Elijah did notice because his attention was wholly on her as she said, "We already told you this isn’t just an ordinary rogue attack, Alpha Elijah. The rogues are testing our defenses, probing for weaknesses. My patrols are already stretched thin as it is. If this continues, I’ll have no choice but to conscript more pack members into active service."

Leon, Alpha of the South, growled, "I’ve already done so. Except unlike the East, we’re not natural fighters."

"Yes, your people are entertainers, Leon." Elijah’s tone dripped with mockery.

However, Leon looked beyond the mockery and answered. "Morale is crumbling, your majesty. My people question our ability to protect them, and they’re not wrong. We need reinforcements, but your rising taxes—" He clenched his jaw. "—are draining our coffers. How are we supposed to defend our borders when we can barely afford supplies?"

"Perhaps by working harder?" Elijah suggested.

"Work harder?" Alpha Leon scoffed and for the first time since their arrival, every mirth escaped his expression.

He hissed, "While the rogue threat is indeed concerning, I’m more troubled by the drought affecting my territory. Our crops are failing, and livestock are dying. My people are starving. We can’t afford rising taxes when we’re struggling to survive."

his gaze void of emotion. "Rogue attacks, stolen weapons, dwindling morale, and economic strain. It seems you’ve all come prepared with your

grievances. This is about the survival of our packs. Yet you sit here, indifferent,

your tone, Henry," Elijah warned. "Or have you forgotten who

majesty, we are merely desperate for solutions before our own people turn on us. If the rogues are organized, we must determine who’s leading them. I propose increasing intelligence operations along our borders. Capture

crippled by taxes. Lower them, and

expression thoughtful, "Fine, I’ll consider reducing the levy—if you deliver tangible results in

for the drought, I’m sure the North has technology that can help you. The

thought of dealing with Caspian was a

if he couldn’t wait to drill into the South Alpha

of your territory’s taxes. In exchange, you’ll supply additional

"Fair enough," Leon agreed.

"And reinforcements?" Irene pressed.

territories and eliminate the rogue threat swiftly," Elijah replied. "But mark my words, if I find out by chance that this is any of your ploys again to undermine my rule, trust me,

them fully

you say, your

my heirs know

to focus on their education. Their parents can handle

Irene countered. "Our priestess predicted Lunaris

company." Henry scoffed. "I

in warning.

news. Lunaris Academy is in the capital city and has stood strong for years. It’s the safest they can be. And if anything happens, it will be an opportunity for my heir to prove their

more time at the palace

eyes gleaming with whatever potential ploy