The day of the Royal Hunt arrived without incident, casting a ripple of anxiety and anticipation across the entire Alpha Kingdom.
The excitement was to be expected—after all, the Hunt was one of the grandest events of the year—but the tension stemmed from something far more serious: the political delegation from the Lycan Kingdom was scheduled to make its first appearance moments before the festivities began.
Benjamin Wayne sat upon his throne at the center of the reception hall, flanked by his Betas and political advisors. The air grew heavier with each passing second as everyone waited for the massive double doors to open.
Every muscle in Cillian's body tightened under the weight of responsibility… yet his thoughts drifted elsewhere. They drifted to her.
I wonder if she'll join the polo matches today… She's always been good on horseback.
"Pay attention." His father's voice cut cleanly through the comforting image of Arielle. "They are coming."
