The World ruled by Lycans

Chapter 16. Trouble

Princess Astoria of Scandinavia was walking slowly across the banquet hall of the Ruler's Palace meeting and greeting the other guests at a banquet that was the first of many celebration events honouring the ruler's daughter, Genevieve finding a partner. Astoria was one of the guests from the Scandinavian envoy and was feeling nervous. She had so much on her mind. She had to make a good impression on representatives of other nations and also the hosts. Relations were shaky and wars could happen with any excuse against Scandinavia that had many valuable resources. 

The ruler came into view and Astoria stood motionless. She froze. The other members of the Scandinavian envoy who were close by, also stood frozen too as they noticed the ruler was walking right towards Astoria and his stare was only on her. His expression was emotionless and didnt give anything way. 

Astoria bowed and curtsied "Your excellency...Its an honour to meet you...  Please allow me to congratulate you for your daughter's partnership ceremony..."

The ruler said "You may look up. I would like to have a word with you.... It is serious"

Astoria shakily looked up at the ruler. She was trying hard to hold it together as she breathed "Your excellency?" 

The rest of the Scandinavian envoy were holding their breaths. The ruler did not seem pleased. 

The ruler said "I disapprove of the partner chosen for you... That betrothal is void..."

Astoria gulped and looked around nervously. She wasnt sure what to do or say. She didnt feel any waves of anger from the ruler towards her. There was tension in the air. The ruler had just voided her betrothal to the neighbouring nation's prince. She didnt mind. It was too good to be true. But why? But what could she say

"Your excellency.... There is a diplomatic deal in place to the partnership.." The Head Scandinavian Ambassador had replied. The only one who dared speak.

The ruler turned to the ambassador "The betrothal is void. The deal has to be done with a different type of trade..." 

The Head Scandinavian Ambassador declared "I will make contacts now. The deal is void if your excellency has interfered..." 

The ruler said "Very well..." He then turned to Astoria "I deported your betrothed to his nation after he was interrogated..."

The Scandinavian envoy and Astoria were alarmed. 

The head Ambassador said "Your excellency... He was interrogated and deported? On what crimes?"

The ruler said "Conspiracy to cause social disruption on our soil.... Now, the entire Scandinavian envoy will be interrogated, if necessary punished or deported. Guards. Arrest the entire Scandinavian envoy and take them away.... They can go to prison for interrogation..."

Astoria gasped. What was going on? Security arrested her and the Scandinavian envoy. Before she knew it, she was in handcuffs being led away.

*****

Jason Kingston reached one of the palaces of the Ruler which was hosting a banquet for international guests. He entered the huge banquet hall where the diplomats and ambassadors from other nations were mingling. He couldn't sense Astoria in the room. So he decided to ask around about where the Scandinavian envoy was. He walked to the head of security on the floor of the banquet. He bowed to him respectfully. He was not surprised he recognised him. Jason was a powerful lycan and the grandson of General Kingston, the head of the lycan defence and intelligence. People made sure to know that.

Jason asked "Where is Princess Astoria?"

The head of security stiffened as he felt the strong waves of impatience. He said cautiously "Sir... She was... She was taken away..."