Submitting to My Lycan Prince Mate

97 The Ring

Louis's POV

"What's the big deal?" I lifted Claire's chin, getting a clear view of her face and the shy expression that stirred something possessive deep within me.

"I think the most serious matter right now is for us to have some fun while the ball hasn't started yet."

"Of course not, Louis!" Claire sprang out of my embrace like a shy little rabbit, earnestly starting her persuasion. "We should take advantage of the ball not having started yet to resolve the issue with the necklace. I've come up with an idea for that."

Claire's words successfully caught my attention. I hesitated, looking at her, asking, "An idea? Did you find the necklace?"

"Not yet, but I've asked Olivia and Kyle to look for it," Claire quickly replied. "I mean, I'm talking about a solution regarding the royal token. You mentioned before that if I don't have the royal token, my identity won't be recognized by the royal family, nor will it convince other guests, right?"

"Yes?"

"I have an idea." A sly smile flashed across Claire's beautiful face. "What if I use your ring?"

"My ring?" I looked confused, following Claire's gaze to the ring on my pinky finger. Raising my hand, I asked, "You mean, this?"

"Exactly." Claire continued with a smile, "Didn't you say this ring originally belonged to your brother, Prince Liam? So if I wear this ring in front of the guests, wouldn't it signify that our relationship has the blessing and recognition of other royal members?"

I pondered for a moment but shook my head. "This matter isn't as simple as you think, Claire. While this ring belonged to Liam and is one of the royal tokens, our exchange wasn't documented, meaning it's no longer publicly recognized as a token according to royal rules. So, unfortunately, this idea might not work."

"But what about the rules you mentioned?" Claire didn't lose heart because of my denial; instead, her expression became even more cunning.

"If I remember correctly, you told me not long ago that there aren't any set rules at royal banquets. The only rule is 'winners take it all.'"

Claire gazed at me, her bright eyes shining. "If we decide to publicly announce our engagement to the world, then no one can oppose our union for any reason. Because you and I are the hosts of this banquet. Even if I don't wear that 100-carat sapphire around my neck, but just a lace tied by your hands, the engagement will continue because winners take it all."

"Now, tell me, Louis, are you a winner? Will you stand by my side, being the one who controls everything at the banquet?"

I looked at the woman in front of me with surprise. Her bright eyes were like flames, igniting the rebellious spirit deep within me. And in that moment, I captured the similar traits she possessed to mine. We never surrender, always believing that destiny is in our hands.

She's the perfect woman I've been searching for, someone who can rule this country alongside me.

"My beloved one."

Finding someone like-minded almost drove me insane. I couldn't even respond to Claire's declaration of strength; I couldn't restrain myself from walking up to her and kissing her lips.At that moment, only the moon goddess knew how lucky I was to have this woman!

"Mm—"

The intense and eager kiss left Claire bewildered, almost breathless. Just as she was about to suffocate, Claire pushed me away forcefully, bending over to gulp in fresh air.

"What the hell, Louis?" Claire glared at me, "I almost suffocated!"

"You can take it as a promise."

"What promise!"

I helped Claire sit in the armchair I had just occupied, then, for the first time, took off the wolf head ring from my pinky finger and placed it on Claire's ring finger.

"Recognition from the royal family," I smiled, continuing, "or, more accurately, recognition from myself and the blessings of my brother. I believe he would do this."

"So...," Claire's face gradually lit up with surprise, "you agree with my idea?"

I expressed my agreement without hesitation, "This is simply a genius idea! I can't believe it came from your little head."

"Hey!" Claire pouted, displeased, and gave me a light smack.

"Well, what I meant was, it's a brave and rebellious idea, and I thought you'd always be a sweet, obedient girl."

"Sweet girls don't have the courage to break away from their families."

With just a casual remark, Claire left me speechless.

I raised my hands in surrender to Claire's increasingly Luna-like aura. "You got me."

"Alright, it's time to get back to the ball," Claire stood up, adjusting her gown's hem, "there's something more important waiting for you to do."

"It's for us," I immediately added to Claire's statement, grabbing her delicate hand, intertwining our fingers."Let's go together and announce this bombshell news to tonight's guests."