Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 123

Soren

My mind is whirring, knowing my engagement has been leaked to the world. I sit in my office, the weight of the world pressing down on me as I stare at the laptop screen. The Zoom meeting with the council is in full swing, and I am waiting for them to mention Bree. I know that is why they’ve called for this meeting, but right now, they are beating around the bush and stalling. Damian sits beside me, his presence annoying as I prepare to face the inevitable. questions about Bree.

“Your Majesty,” one of the council members begins finally, his tone formal and slightly condescending. “We must express our concerns regarding your relationship with Ms. Brielle. Her background remains unknown, and this raises significant risks for the throne.”

I know this is why they called for this meeting; I was only at the council a few days ago. I shift in my seat, my irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “I understand your concerns, but Bree is none of anyone’s concern, and who I marry is none. of anyone’s concern, including the councils.”

“I understand that, but it doesn’t erase the fact that we know so little about her, and the fact you kept this hidden for so long is worrisome, like you were afraid to tell the world you. were taking a mate,” another advisor interjects.

“It is normal procedure we hadn’t announced it because no dates are officially set, those who needed to know knew and

O <

$288 Nouchers

must understand after my last wife Jacinta I am not willing to risk her safety especially since

heavily. “Other kingdoms are beginning to take notice of your upcoming union, particularly the vampiric kingdom of Nocturna.

never had issues with him before.” I can’t help but feel a flicker of confusion, and my annoyance heightens slightly. Alaric is a powerful vampire, but like the rest, he stays out of the media and most kingdom politics. He is known for

impending marriage and wanted

you were looking into an employee, not your own fiancé. That alone has us asking why you need to clarify who you’re marrying to that extent. Damian has been quite insistent on us finding information about her.” I cut a glare at Damian, who shrugs

more. My brother investigates everyone; you know he is paranoid, Clyde. He himself looked into you many times for council breaches.” Clyde swallows thickly, and I know I struck a chord with him by the way he nervously glances at the other council members present, who are clearly not

17 288 Wouchers

breaches against him.

complications you speak of,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair. “What kind