Chapter 105
105
Third Person’s POV
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Lance said, “If we wage war in the name of the prince and the slaughtered civilians, the Western Tribes‘ werewolves might massacre the civilians at Bloodscar Border. But the southern border is different. The land we reclaimed didn’t belong to us and was war–torn. Solanke has adhered to the principle of not harming civilians–he’s a true commander.”
Solanke’s restraint was indeed admirable.
But Lance knew that if the Western Tribes‘ second prince became the new Lycan King, he’d likely act on the truth. Given his belligerent nature, Bloodscar Border would be in peril, and even Solanke couldn’t stop him.
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Turning to Adelaide, Lycan Erasmus’s tone softened. “I’ve discussed with Lycan Luna the possibility of Adelaide serving as a royal priestess.”
Lance, preoccupied with the Western Tribes‘ internal strife, absent–mindedly agreed.
Then, realizing what was said, he shot upright, his inebriation gone. “You want Adelaide to enter the royal palace as a priestess?”
The royal court had priestess positions, but they were essentially for breeding purposes.
Lycans valued tradition–one mate per werewolf–but the royal family sought more heirs.
Thus, they appointed priestesses, selecting strong, noble–blooded she–wolves.
This was why Erasmus hadn’t outright rejected Ulrik’s request to take Velda as his second mate.
“What’s the excitement for?” Erasmus glanced at Lance. “She’s earned merits and is the sole heir of the Frostfang Pack. Alpha Bentley’s former subordinates will inevitably rally behind her. Women’s hearts are fickle; if exploited, she might tarnish her father’s legacy. Becoming a priestess is the safest path.”
Lance’s voice cracked. “She’s only been to war once. Why such precaution?”
“It’s better to prepare than to remediate,” Erasmus said sternly. “Your reaction’s excessive. She’s your subordinate, but her future isn’t yours to dictate. My decision to make her a priestess is final.”
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“Have you asked her? Does she want this? Why confine such a she–wolf? If you fear her amassing power, arrange a mate for her.”
Impatiently pacing, Lance added, “Moreover, her amassing power is a baseless concern. Why such severity?”
“A mate? Who’s worthy? Ordinary wolves won’t do. If a powerful pack allies with her Frostfang Pack, isn’t that forming a power base? I couldn’t take the risk earlier.”
“But now, with no outstanding young generals, isn’t keeping her in the palace a waste of talent?” Lance’s fingers subconsciously tapped his sword hilt, the wolf’s–head emblem gleaming in the candlelight.
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105
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“A priestess can still wage war,” Erasmus remarked, playing with his wolf–bone seal. “I want her Frostfang Pack aligned with the royal family, not imprisoned in a gilded cage.”
“She won’t agree,” Lance insisted, stepping forward as his armor plates clinked. “And I deem it improper.”
“What’s improper? Who in the capital better suits her lineage than the palace?” Erasmus sneered. “You just suggested she take a mate. Now you object?”
Lycan Erasmus pressed his hand down. “Sit. I know you value talent, but with no wars now, I believe you can train fine generals. As for Adelaide’s consent, once my decree is issued, she must comply, regardless of her feelings.”
“Isn’t this imposing on someone?” Lance was momentarily flustered. “I think we should ask Adelaide first.”
Lycan Erasmus stared at him for a long moment. “Lance, don’t tell me you’ve taken a liking to her?”
“I…” Lance hesitated, recalling his earlier words. If he and Adelaide were to become mates, Lycan Erasmus would be even more apprehensive.
“If you have no intention of mating with her, there’s no need for objection. Inquire her feelings, but know this–my decision stands. My command will follow,” Erasmus said, his tone brooking no dissent. O
Lance laughed bitterly. “Lycan Luna Clarissa won’t agree to this.”
“I’ll persuade her. Don’t you worry about that. Tomorrow, go to the Frostfang Pack and speak with her,” Lycan Erasmus said with finality.
His gaze locked onto Lance’s, and he delivered the crushing blow, “Consider this an order.”
The immense aura of the Lycan King pressed down on Lance, making Lance hard to breathe.
His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but one thing stood out clearly: he couldn’t let Lycan Erasmus bring Adelaide into the palace as a priestess.
A spirit like hers shouldn’t be confined to the palace, even if she wasn’t on the battlefield.
“Lycan Erasmus, she can’t be a priestess. I disagree. She’s my subordinate; you can’t take her by force without her consent.”
“This isn’t a valid reason,” Erasmus retorted. 7
“She’s just emerged from a terrible marriage. At least grant her time to heal and rebuild trust in men. Respect her feelings instead of forcing her into submission.”
Erasmus’s gaze sharpened. “Do you apply such leniency in war? Do you consider the enemy’s feelings?”
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Lance stood firm. “She’s not the enemy.” D