Moonlit Legacy: Claimed By The Alpha King

CHAPTER 8: KINGDOM AFFAIRS. The Alpha King headed to the Hall of Lords after he left Raya at the dining hall. Two of the King's guards accompanied him. He had a stoic look as usual as he walked, his furry jacket swaying from side to side with every step. No one walked the hallway whenever he was on the move. Arriving at the entrance, he met Ravna at the door, who had been waiting for him. Sighting the King, Ravna met him before he got to the door and bowed. "Your Majesty. As requested, they are all here," he said to the King. Nodding slightly in acknowledgment, they walked in as the twin doors were swung open by the guards standing at both sides of the door. Seeing the King, the Lords of Winterhill got up and bowed as he got close to the round table. King Barakar took his seat at the head of the table, and then they all sat down as well. Ravna sat beside the King. In front of each Lord was a cup of wine. There was a human servant tasked with keeping their cups full while they were there. Sighing, King Barakar looked around at the council of Lords, which was made up of five folks, apart from the King himself. He went ahead to begin his address. "I called this council to address certain developments, of which I know you've all been curious about, as it is written all over your faces." Of course, the Lords couldn't wait to hear what the King had to say. "Raya is my mate. And I've claimed her. The Ironclaw Pack now has a Luna, and the five kingdoms will soon have a Queen," he declared. Talia beamed with a smile. "This is a most welcome development, Your Majesty. May your reign and her's be prosperous." King Barakar nodded in acknowledgment. "Um, but, Your Majesty. Could you please tell us about who she is? Her background plays a big role in the people's willingness to accept her." The other lords nodded at what lord Finch said. "I guess I owe you all that much," the King shrugged. "Raya hails from Ravenhill and is the daughter of a beta. But I'm sure you already know that, don't you, Lord Finch?" "You're right, Your Majesty. I do. That question was for the benefit of the rest that may not be privy to know the things that I know, based on the capacity of my office," he responded, adjusting himself on his seat. "And speaking of background, Your Majesty. How do you think the people would feel when they know that the person the King chose as his mate, which invariably means is the Queen of the five kingdoms, and Luna of this great pack, was the rejected mate of the Alpha of Ravenhill?" Talia and King Barakar looked at Lord Finch as the other lords gasped. Enock, who was a part of them sat quietly as he watched what went on. "The Moon goddess wills what she wills. And who am I to go against it?" King Barakar replied. "And besides that, I can choose whoever I want to be my Queen, can't I, Lord Finch?" The King's blank gaze was fixed on him, making his heart quake. "Of course you can, Your Majesty," Lord Finch answered, gulping. "We are all concerned, Your Majesty. This is a decision that affects the whole realm," another Lord, Xavier, said, but got no response from the King. "Raya and I shall be joined on the Day of the Wolf, twelve days from today. All the necessary arrangements should begin immediately," the King announced and instructed. "All the resources needed for a most glorious and glamorous celebration shall be released, Your Majesty," Lord Caden responded. He knew his involvement was mandatory as the Master of coin. "Is there anything I need to be made aware of?" the King inquired. "Well, it's nothing serious, Your Majesty. It's just about the rogues. They've been a thorn in the flesh of the other Kingdoms. They even intercepted the tribute from Daminor," Lord Finch answered. "Hmm," the King sighed, recalling his encounter with them when he saved Raya. "But I'm sure they can handle it. They rogues are just a lawless wild bunch." "Until they are not," Talia responded. The King looked at her, furrowing his brow. "Lord Xavier. Reach out to the Alphas. Find out what the situation is like since they've been dealing with the rogues," the King instructed. "Okay, Your Majesty. But why?" he asked. The King just glared at him. "I'll get to it right away," Xavier replied quickly, seeing the displeasure in the eyes of the King. "Anything else?" the King asked. But no one responded as they looked around at each other. "Well then, this gathering is adjourned," King Barakar declared. The Lords got up and bowed, and took their leave. "Talia. A word," the King summoned. So she returned back while the rest left. Ravna also excused the King, but waited outside. "Enock was awfully quiet. I guess this isn't sitting well with him, huh?" "Well, he shouldn't be," the King responded. "Anyway, I asked you to remain because of what you said. I think you're right about the rogues being a lawless bunch until they are not." "Well, I haven't observed any pattern though. Their attacks have been haphazard. No correlation whatsoever, Your Majesty." "The possibility of them banding together has been impossible. Their greed and selfishness never let them. But what if the day comes when they can?" King Barakar reasoned. "That wouldn't be good. But the nations have what it takes to handle them. And they sure won't dare Winterhill. They know it'll be their funeral," Talia said. "Nonetheless, I need you to look into it." "But I thought Lord Xavier was tasked with that?" Talia asked, furrowing her brow. "I need more eyes and ears," he replied. "As you wish, Your Majesty," Talia bowed. She could tell that he was a bit distrustful of what Lord Xavier could tell him about his findings. "Well then. I'll take my leave now," Talia bowed and began heading to the door. "And High Priestess?" Talia turned paying attention to what the King had to say. "Be discreet." "I always am," she smiled, and walked out of the Hall of Lords.