Louis's POV
After my conversation with Claire, I set aside the authenticity of the letter and even forgot about Andy Barton rotting in the dungeon. It wasn't that I didn't want to hold someone accountable, but I knew that man was just a clown, a puppet controlled by Maria.
Now, a more severe crisis lay before me.
"Are you saying the Black Mountain pack is mobilizing everyone to wage war against the royal family?"
I scanned the faces of the elders before me. They all wore identical white robes, their heads almost buried in their chests, looking like a row of somber candelabras.
"That's correct, Your Highness. According to our assessment, war is imminent."
The man in the middle answered my question, but he still didn't have the courage to meet my gaze. "Centuries ago, the Black Mountain pack attempted to overthrow the Bouchan royal family through war. Their ambition is almost ingrained in their DNA. Even peace couldn't change that. Now, with Garfield Evans detained, they see a perfect opportunity..."
"So, you want to persuade me to release Evans?"
"We believe it might be a viable solution."
My silence apparently emboldened the elders. Finally, the one who spoke first lifted his head to glance at me.
"This might be the best course of action for now. You are not yet the official Alpha King. Nor do you have any heirs to continue the royal bloodline. If..."
"If?" I stared into the elder's eyes, letting out a discontented snort. "It sounds like you don't have any faith in our chances in this war."
"Of course not, Prince Louis!"
Sensing my anger, the elders bowed their heads again in unison.
"We just believe there are better solutions than war. You know, if your father were still alive, he would..."
"I am not my father."
I turned away, instinctively casting my gaze at the large portrait of my father hanging on the wall.
"My father was a good king who excelled at balance and pursued peace. But I... I believe in one thing only: power."
"Prince Louis!" The elders' voices trembled with the scent of danger, "Are you suggesting—"
"Yes." I faced them with a stern expression, giving my answer.
"Prepare for my coronation ceremony immediately. Because soon, we will be at war. This is not the outcome I desire, but I will not evade its arrival!"
YOU ARE READING
Submitting to My Lycan Prince Mate
WerewolfAt a party, everyone sees Claire's joke. His fiance, chosen mate, walks past her with the ring and gets down on one knee in front of her stepsister. What the hell is going on here? "Joe and I are together now. Because we are each other's fated mates...
