Dust within ancient walls Miles Brooks 46

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

Talia’s POV

+25 Bonus

Dinner was quiet at first, until Father cleared his throat and looked across the table. “The elders near the southern border sent word today,” he said. “The residents speak highly of your governance, Talia. They are pleased with how you’ve been handling the rogue problem. They said your classification system is working.”

I paused, caught off guard by the praise. “I am happy to hear that.”

Solon looked at me with raised brows, clearly surprised as well. “You deviated from the original protocol?”

I nodded and answered, “I thought the procedures we currently had in place were too rigid. Not all rogues are the same. Some were forced out due to territory disputes or abandoned by their packs. They don’t deserve to be hunted like animals. Last week, a mother and her daughter crossed into one of our villages. They were just looking for food, not a fight.”

My father leaned back, watching me thoughtfully.

“I instructed the warriors to remain firm with violent rogues,” I continued. “But if someone is helpless or simply trying to survive, they should be given a chance. We have enough resources to protect our people and show mercy.”

Father gave a pleased grunt. “Good. About time someone in this family used judgment over brute force.” He raised a brow at Solon. “You could learn a thing or two from your sister.”

Solon smiled and said, “That’s why it is good we will rule together. She will cover the gaps that I missed.”

Father nodded again. I wasn’t used to being spoken of as a future leader. It surprised me how much it meant to be acknowledged.

“Speaking of appearances,” Solon added carefully, “Jason’s wedding ceremony is still scheduled for next week.”

“And why should I care about that?” Father asked.

“He sent the invitation formally,” Solon continued, removing the invitation from his pocket and placing it on the table. “The ceremony’s going forward.”

Father’s expression darkened. “I will not be attending. I won’t celebrate the man who foolishly rejected my daughter for some harlot. What Jason does is none of my business.”

“True, but as Alpha King, you have to attend,” Solon argued.

“No, I do not. But you and Talia will,” Father said.

I choked on my water. “What?”

“I will be stepping down soon, and you and Solon will be taking over. This is the perfect opportunity to show a unified front,” my father explained.

“I don’t want to go,” I said firmly. I wanted nothing to do with Jason or Viki, I was sure Viki had something planned to try to frame me. I didn’t want to be caught in their drama again.

“You will. You’ll go as the Princess of Silverfang, not the omega they thought you are. Jason, and the rest of the packs, need to understand exactly what he gave up.”

I looked at Solon for support, but he shrugged. “We’ll stay just long enough for the ceremony. Fifteen minutes, tops. I promise.”

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

+25 Bonus

I opened my mouth to protest again, but Father interrupted, “As Princess of Silverfang, you’ll have to do things you don’t want to do. Let this be your first attempt.”

I couldn’t argue with that logic. I could also make it clear that I was done with Jason and show everyone he had no hold over me anymore.

I exhaled slowly and gave a reluctant nod. “Fine.”

Nolan’s POV

Marco knocked once before entering my room. He walked in on me tossing the wedding invitation into the fireplace. I watched it burn into nothing.

“Are you having second thoughts?” Marco asked.

“It is a complete waste of time,” I responded.

“It is but if we want to make this alliance we will have to go. I already sent notice that we will be attending,” Marco stated.

I groaned in frustration. I hated that bastard. I hadn’t forgotten the smug look on his face the last time I had seen him. And how he allowed that bitch Viki to insult Talia. It made my blood boil.

Marco spoke again, snapping me out of my thoughts, “You’re destroying the chair, Alpha.”

I looked down and saw how my claws had ripped through the cushions. I ran my hand over my face before saying, Advise an omega that I will be replacing the chair.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Marco said with a nod. “But we are still going, correct?”

“No,” I said firmly.

“Talia will be there,” Marco added and that got my attention.

I looked up slowly. “She is?”

“She and Solon will be attending only for the ceremony. Word is, her father insisted,” Marco confirmed.

I smirked. This would be an interesting show. I wonder what Talia was going to do.

“We will still attend,” I said.

He nodded once. “I’ll make sure the tailor gets your suit.”

“No, I want something different. Find out what color Talia will be wearing,” I ordered.

“What are you planning?” Marco asked,

“It’ll be a surprise,” I replied.