The Masked Royal

Invitation

The invitation came the day after the attack when they should be still mourning their loss. They have already expected if but they thought it will not be this too soon, so everyone gathered again to confer the situation.

"We will all go together to answer the inquiry of the palace"  the great alpha announced when they have gathered in the library.

"Aedion, they will not take you away from us. We will not let you go" Ariella assured Aedion who is being hugged by Liam.

"Thank you omega Ariella, I appreciate everything. I will be braver now because I have all of you" Aedion exclaimed gratefully.

"Prepare now and we will depart in a while" the great alpha said and they all stand up to prepare to leave.

They travelled in two vehicles and everyone are all quite during the whole ride with their own deep thoughts.

Aedion closely clinged to Liam as they snuggled together while Zander drive the vehicle and Nuallan on the passenger side. Aedion have even slept in Liams embrace during the whole ride until they have reached the capital.

Aedions hands are so cold and trembling when they went outside of the vehicle.

"Im here baby" Liam whispered briefly but with assurance.

Aedion just squeezed Liams hand that is holding his but did not say anything because his voice might betray him if he will talk. His throat seemed dry and the beat of his heart is deafening him from his surroundings.

The courtyard of the palace is very vast and guards are everywhere.

Liams friends stayed in the vehicle to just wait for everyone's return.

The great alpha together with his family, Aedion and Errapel entered the  huge door that will lead them to the great hall of the palace where the king would usually entertain visitors.

They arrived in the great hall where they immediately paid their respect to the king who is seated in his usual chair looking so pale and very weak. They have also bowed to all the council members who are all present together with the two sons of the king.

"We are honored to be in your presence my grace" the great alpha together with the rest of his entourage kneeled and bowed to the king.

"Rrrissse...uu..p...alp..pha..Qqquinn" the king responded trying to talk clearly and they all stand to obey the king's words. Quinn is a little surprised that the king still knew him despite his muddled brain and his very poor eyesight.

The king is comfortably slumped in his cusioned chair looking so weak, no more of a valiant and wise man that ruled the palace and all the clans for many years. He was succumed by old age and the unjust medicines that his sons made him believe to make him well.

The king weakly gestured the head council to lead the discussion of the intent of the invitation to Rieka.

"Great alpha Quinn and omega Ariella good day...also to your sons and visitors" the head council started with his greetings which was acknowledged by everyone.

"Good day too everyone" Quinn responded with his serious and unreadable expression just like Vidarr and Liam who just greeted everyone with a nod.

The two sons of the king are just silently watching and observing the whole interactions without participating, anyway no one gave them attention from the Rieka entourage.

"Alpha Quinn you are aware of why you have been invited by the palace?" the council leader started to ask.

"I am not aware lead council" Quinn answered briefly with still his stoic face while the council members just stared at him with their calm eyes.