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,

This is about the survival of our packs.

Henry," Elijah warned. "Or have you

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

these operations?" Leon countered. "We’re already crippled by taxes. Lower them, and we’ll have the resources to

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

has technology that can help you. The two of

dealing with Caspian was a

question gleamed with anticipation as if he couldn’t wait to

a temporary suspension of your territory’s taxes. In exchange,

"Fair enough," Leon agreed.

"And reinforcements?" Irene pressed.

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, the consequences will be

wary glances. None of them fully trusted Elijah, but

say, your

"do my heirs know of the

not yet." Henry answered, "We would like them to focus

not mine," Irene countered. "Our priestess

yet, she didn’t foresee the attack on Caspian’s company." Henry scoffed. "I

her teeth at him in warning. No one disrespected her people and their

that is no reason for a fight." Elijah said, "Henry is right. I We should not bother the children with such troubling news. Lunaris Academy is in the capital city and has stood strong for years. It’s the safest they can

that will be all. Feel free to spend more time at the palace and perhaps share drinks with me."

his eyes gleaming with whatever potential ploy he