SWORN TO THE ALPHA KING

[42.1] THE LORDS CHAMBER

3hrs earlier

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[LORD GRAYDON COLLINS]

My fingers rested on the large oak table in the Lord's Chambers. I had been here only once when I was honored by the royals for my efforts in the lost world.

Then, My father had been seated a seat over, and my mother beside him. Now, this seat was occupied by Lord Heil and Lord Bane.

The Chamber was as grand as I recall. The Three Lord Selects we're given the first three seats. The Tribe, with their hoods, finally withdrawn preoccupied the rest.

Before us sat a horizontal high table that hosted that of the Royal Family. The King, Lord Valcon, Prince Roman, and his Sworn, Lady Elise Eileen.

I noted that it was strange the princes' Sworn was attending our brief, but I realized their bond was new.

Despite how cold he still seemed, His gaze as if stolen from a painting, the bond had sparked something in him.

It was clear He could not do without his sworn. Even if he failed to look at her as often as I've seen mates do. He was bending for her as he had never done with anyone else.

The Prince was not ordinary.

When I first heard about his sworn I wondered how it was the bond would change a being as indifferent as him.

I see now. It is not instantaneous. A cracked smile, laughter - none of that. It was seen through his actions.

He couldn't even attend a meeting without her by his side. He walked with her in.  The Lords Chamber was mostly a man's game save for the female High Lords of the tribe.

The Queen was never in attendance, neither was Lady Eden. I know they could do what they wished. There was no strict rule against this, however, this is how it had been done.

I inwardly marveled at this.

For if a man as unfeeling as the Prince could bend to the pull of the bond, then it is truly an experience worthy to lose one's very soul.

A feeling that could carve even an undead heart as mine to light flutter.

My gaze shifted down to the oak wood, an image portraying in my head. A sudden warm shift in my chest, a mimic of a flutter caused me to tense.

The image was the girl.

Her eyes, her long curly hair, her smile. Her hope, her trust in me. Her everything.

The way the corner of her lips rose when I told her I would put a word for her.

She wanted to stay in Fag Court— West House.

As stubborn as always.

Too determined for her good. But her passion for her sister was admirable. If she truly wished to stay near, I would advocate for her.

After all, I would be here for a few more months. Perhaps years if I were to win the race.

West House was just a walk away...

I caught myself before I could slip further into my thoughts, sitting upwards and adjusting myself.

I ignored the feeling of Lord Banes's eyes on me, tuning back into Lord Valcon's speech.

"With the descent of this order, in the Lord Chamber, The First Trial has been officially opened," He began, before taking a seat.

Silence roamed for a moment, and the King spoke. His tone was calm but dry.