Submitting to My Lycan Prince Mate

129 The Loyalty of the Black Mountain Pack

Maria's POV

"So, Rick, I believe you've heard the recent rumors, haven't you?"

I smiled as I handed the man across from me a cup of hot tea, then glanced at his face. Sure enough, when I mentioned the rumors, I noticed a hint of anxiety on Rick's stern face.

"You said you had something about Alpha to discuss with me."

Rick looked at me, his gaze as hard as if he were examining a stone. Damn, is he blind?! I'm still wearing a nightgown! How can he not be interested in me?

"Fine."

I rolled my eyes and got to the point.

"You don't need to keep searching for news about your Alpha. He's detained by Prince Louis in the castle. You're welcome."

"This news isn't fresh anymore, Maria."

Rick was clearly unimpressed with my information. His eyes still stared at me, but there was no hint of desire in his dark pupils.

"I need to know the exact reason Prince Louis is holding Evans."

"Are you ordering me?"

I narrowed my eyes at the Beta before me.

Yes, this man was indeed one of Evans's most trusted lieutenants, but I didn't even care about Evans, let alone a lowly Beta.

"Watch your tone, Rick! I am a princess!"

"Perhaps it's you who should watch your tone, dear princess."

Rick didn't even flinch at my displayed anger. "Evans trusts me deeply, so I might know more secrets than you imagine. I assure you, if anything happens to Lord Evans, those involved will gain nothing."

"You!"

I glared at Rick, but inside, I couldn't help but curse Evans.

Would he really reveal such a crucial secret as forging the letter to his Beta? Damn, if that's true, I have one more person to eliminate.

But for now, the most important thing is to quickly escalate the conflict between Evans and Louis, ideally leading one to kill the other.

With that in mind, I calmed myself and softened my tone.

"Alright. For the sake of my good relationship with Evans, I can tell you more detailed information. Although Prince Louis hasn't explicitly told me why he detained Garfield, I suspect it's related to the letter Evans presented at the ball."

"The letter?" A hint of confusion flashed across Rick's face but was quickly hidden. "I understand."

No, clearly, you don't.

Seeing that Rick didn't understand the truth behind the letter, I breathed a sigh of relief. This way, I would undoubtedly hold more control in the upcoming conversation.

"I don't think you realize the seriousness of this matter, Rick. I've never seen Louis so angry about anything. I think Evans is in grave danger this time."

I shook my head in feigned regret, but to my surprise, this seemingly oblivious man wasn't fooled.

Rick crossed his arms over his chest, giving me a cold glance. "Then what do you suggest?" What a nuisance! Just like his Alpha.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and patiently led him step by step into the trap I had set. "I think you should talk to Louis, in the name of the Black Mountain pack."

"I cannot represent the Black Mountain pack." Rick rejected me almost without thinking, "Only Evans has that authority."

"But he's currently trapped in Louis's castle, isn't he?"

I didn't back down, immediately countering, "Do you still expect Evans to negotiate with Louis and free himself? If Evans could do that, you wouldn't be sitting across from me, would you?!" Rick fell silent. Clearly, my words had shaken his thoughts. Realizing this, I pressed on.

"Right now, you're the only one who can help Evans. The Black Mountain pack is one of the oldest and most powerful packs among werewolves. If you initiate negotiations with Louis, I believe he wouldn't dare ignore your demands."

"He wouldn't dare?"

Rick was sharper than I anticipated. He narrowed his eyes, seizing upon my word choice to question me. "If I understand you correctly, you're suggesting we use the power of the Black Mountain pack to threaten Prince Louis into releasing our Alpha?"

"That's just your interpretation."

I shrugged, maintaining an indifferent posture. "But if it works, isn't it a good plan?"

Rick's already cold expression turned even darker at that moment.

"That's treason."

"Well, maybe. Treason is a severe charge, but it's not up to you or me to decide. Only the one at the top of the power pyramid can make that call. So, for now, only Louis can determine whether these negotiations would be considered treason."

I didn't look at Rick's expression but picked up the delicate teacup in front of me and took a small sip.

"And as a princess, the only thing I can be sure of is that Evans has thoroughly angered Prince Louis this time. If no measures are taken quickly, your Alpha may be replaced."

However, this time, Rick didn't argue with me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed his hands slowly clenching into fists.

I had succeeded.

With that, I smiled, put down the teacup, and added the final fuel to Rick's anxiety and anger. "When that time comes, you'll know whom to pledge your loyalty to."