Noah straightened-he had bowed a bit when he had wanted to speak with Diana about his dissatisfaction with her.
An indescribable emotion fleeted past his eyes. He looked at me, this time more deeply as if accessing me, as if wondering if he had crossed paths with me in the past. The idiot didn’t recognize my voice.
That’s interesting. I thought, finding it comical. They really hadn’t cared about me, they had really toyed with my feelings. They would pay though. The three of them. They would pay.
“Do you know me? Have we crossed paths before?” He asked finally after beats had passed, folding his arms across his chest, peering down at me.
I scoffed in derision, and turned away from him, with Diana, not bothered at all to give him a reply. He didn’t deserve one.
I was just about to leave the hall for some air, when the lycan king began to speak.
I paused in my movements, needing to hear what he wanted to say, curious as to what nonsense he was about to spurt out in the name of peace.
I paused, and turned aside, looking forward to the podium, Diana yet with me, aware that Noah was still standing at the same position I had left him.
“Ladies and gentlemen…” The King was talking now, a significant proud smile on himself. It seemed he was pleased with his earlier discussions with Queen Aliana. Not that I was concerned.
I was aware of Noah tapping his feet on the floor, his eyes darting between I and a looking Naomi, whose attention was still on Noah and me.
If not for the fact that she was my good friend, I would have been annoyed at her desperation-it’s all over her eyes.
Heck! I was annoyed! Noah was past the age of finding a true mate, it was obvious she wasn’t the one. I was not blind of course. She was eighteen, and so should be searching for her mate not waiting for Noah to pick her up. Why Noami?
I took my lips in, as my mind berated me. I wasn’t much better. I was worse. I had opened my leg for Adam knowing the impossible circumstances surrounding us. I had chosen to delude myself and had paid the price dearly. Should I warn Noami of the consequences of her stupid affection?
“Esteemed members of our Lycan pack and our esteemed counterparts from the witch community; Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with hope, as well as a deep sense of responsibility as the King of the Lycans. It is my firm belief that unity and understanding are the pillars upon which lasting peace can be built. The time has come for our two communities to set aside our differences and work towards a future of harmony. The rift between our two groups has caused pain, suffering, and needless conflict. It is time to acknowledge the past, but not to be prisoners of it. We must focus on the possibilities of a brighter future, a future where we can coexist in mutual respect and cooperation.”
I yawned now, so widely that Diana laughed, attracting the attention of the people around us. They eyed us badly, considering us trouble, before returning their gaze to the king. Noah too. He chose to stay behind. Why? I did not know. Perhaps he was more intent on finding out who I was, than staying with Naomi.
“Our differences, rather than being a source of division, should be seen as a source of strength. Together, we possess a wealth of knowledge, abilities, and traditions that, when united, can enrich both our communities. The time for hostility and mistrust must come to an end. I propose that we begin a new era, one marked by open dialogue and cooperation. Let us establish channels of communication, work together to resolve conflicts, and foster understanding between our communities. It is only by acknowledging our shared interests and the common values we hold that we can build a bridge to a peaceful future. The path to peace may be long and challenging, but it is one worth pursuing. Let us, the Lycan pack and the witch community, lead the way and demonstrate that, together, we can overcome adversity and stand as a beacon of unity and hope for all. I pledge my commitment to this cause and invite all of you to join me in this journey towards peace. Together, we can create a world where our communities can thrive side by side, respecting one another’s unique strengths and embracing the harmony that comes from unity. May the spirit of the goddess, and cooperation guide us on this path to a peaceful coexistence.” The King concluded, and the entire congregation nodded, some even said Amen.
I snorted, especially when I saw that the man wasn’t done with his charade.
“And in light of this beautiful decision, I and Queen Aliana have concluded to enhance the decision with an announcement which I believe can serve as the beacon of hope and unity our two communities have longed for. In the spirit of forging an unbreakable bond and ushering in a new era of peace, I hereby declare the marriage of our children as the path forward.”
My eyes widened. Was this man talking about what I was thinking? A marriage alliance? Who would be involved?
“The concept of marriage is not merely a symbolic gesture; it represents a profound commitment to a shared future, where our destinies are forever intertwined. This union would transcend borders and boundaries, showing our collective dedication to harmony and cooperation. As leaders, we have the responsibility to guide everyone towards a future of unity and understanding. What better way to demonstrate this commitment than by sharing our lives in matrimony? The union will serve as a testament to our shared vision for a world where werewolves and witches can coexist without prejudice or conflict. I understand that this idea may raise questions and challenges, but let us not be daunted by the unknown. Let us, instead, embrace the extraordinary potential of this union. It has the power to inspire, not just our communities, but the world at large, proving that love and unity can conquer even the deepest divides. Together, it will represent a living symbol of our commitment to peace, a legacy for generations to come. In the spirit of unity and hope, I urge you all to stand behind this declaration and work together to ensure the success of this extraordinary union. May it be the key that unlocks the door to a brighter, more harmonious future for all. Thank you for your attention, and may peace and love guide our way.” The King concluded, his eyes were twinkling now like he had won a lottery.
Was he that happy to give out one of his sons? Which son would be the sacrificial lamb?
“And then to crown this peace agreement, I would like to invite my son, Adam to the podium, and princess Rachel to the podium. With the solemn agreement with Queen Aliana, we have resolved to join the two together, to foster the unity of the pack.”
Adam?
There were murmurs in the hall. The people hadn’t seen this coming.
I think it had been agreed just then and now, and I was not sure why Queen Aliana would agree to this, but her daughter for one was too happy to be engaged to an Adam, who couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His eyes were currently glaring at his parents.
Claire?
Oh, the bitch was still wrapped in his arms, her mouth agape, her eyes filled with incredulity. It was obvious that she couldn’t believe what she was hearing either.
Her parents were not excluded. I could already see the Beta strutting up to the podium but the lycan king held up his hand.
“I know this is unexpected, Ronn, since Claire is my son’s chosen mate. However, unity with the witches community is more useful and important in the long run. And since Claire isn’t Adam’s true mate, he is free to choose another.”
The man was as brutal as his sons. To discount his beta in front of a meeting just to please queen Aliana? Was he feeling guilty for the death of his wife, or was he lenient with her because of his late wife?
I was not sure, but I was sure that this arrangement didn’t sit well with the members of the pack. Claire for one was beginning to hyperventilate.
Adam tried to calm her down but to no avail. The tears were already slipping from her eyes.
I scoffed.
The variety of the battles she had fought just to have Adam to herself, the accusations and trial I had undergone, and yet she had been discarded?
What a sad story. I mused, chuckling, then laughing.
I laughed louder and harder when she suddenly fainted, and her mother screamed, falling to the ground to hug the limp body to herself.
I was still laughing when heads began to turn and stare at me; still laughing when the lycan king searched with his eyes and found me-the girl interrupting his meeting like a maniac; still laughing when the queen Aliana looked at me and smiled-I didn’t stop to think why-but I couldn’t stop laughing. Not until his eyes found mine.
The laughter died down as if on impulse, and I heaved in, my lips turning in as if scared.
I had caught Adam’s attention, although I would like to think that I have had it all this while.