Chapter 19
Kyrell’s POV
“How is the slave doing right now?” I asked the physician whom I had summoned all the way from his tent to see me. His small leather duffel bag hanged neatly from his shoulders and his head was casted to the ground.
It’s been three days since Natalia’s death and I’m yet to hear any news about the slave or her condition hence the summon.
“The herbs are working just fine, My Lord but she is yet to wake up.” He informed me, hands folded in front of him as he slowly brought his gaze to meet mine.
“Her wounds are too deep but I am doing all that I can to save her life as you requested.” He went on to say while I remained quiet.
I honestly don’t know why she hasn’t woken up yet. I needed her to wake up and leave my pack as soon as possible.
Just the thought of knowing that she’s here, in my pack right now doesn’t sit well with me and the quicker I am able to get rid of her, the better for me.
“Do all you can and as soon as she opens her eyes, send a message to me.” And with that, I dismissed him and just then, Declan approached me.
“Was that the physician in charge of taking care of the woman we found in the woods?” He asked and I nodded once, not wanting the discuss the situation.
“I wanted to ask who she was that night but given your already agitated state at that time, I decided it was best I didn’t say anything,” He started, gauging my face to see how I would react to whatever he was about to ask me.
“So I’ll ask now,” He straightened himself, “Who is she? Is she your mate? The one you spoke about p>
I looked at him, my lips pursed in a frown. I don’t know if I wanted to tell him or deny it but what good would that do? He would still find out anyway. “She is p>
“Then how He trailed off, eyes searching mine frantically, “How come she’s here and badly wounded p>
“I don’t know and I don’t care to know because as soon as she wakes up, she’s leaving.” I said with an air of finality.
“Kyrell p>
“Why are you here Declan?” I asked, changing the subject. “I didn’t send for you so what do you want p>
He breathed out with a pause and then, “The elders of the council are all gathered in the courthouse and they want to speak to you urgently p>
With furrowed brows, I wondered why they wanted to see me. I have no business with them whatsoever neither did I send for them so what could be the issue that was so urgent to the point of calling an official meeting.
“Let’s go.” I said and walked away, leaving to Declan to follow until we arrived at the courthouse and true to Declan’s words, the elders were all seated patiently, waiting for me with their faces drawn in a serious look.
I walked up to the head of the table where my throne like chair was situated and lowered myself on it. This meeting was unexpected and I what’s worse is that I didn’t know what to expect from it.
“What is it that you all want to say to me?” I questioned in a firm but calm voice. My eyes scanning the faces of each and every one of them seated present in the meeting at that moment but they remained silent.
What was the need of asking for an audience if they weren’t going to say anything? I hated waiting more than anything else.
“Permit me to say something, My Lord.” Someone spoke up from the crowd. It was Axel, the head Gamma of the wolf clan.
I gestured to him with a nod, urging him to continue.
“As we all know, it has been exactly three days after the demise of Lady Natalia, your wife.” He began and my jaw ticked in slight anger, irritation and frustration. I had no idea why they had brought up this issue now. Where exactly was this conversation leading to?
“My Lord, we have all mourned and buried her according to the laid down rules and traditions of our pack p>
“Lady Natalia was a good woman who had lived up to our expectations and served our pack graciously but unfortunately, she had failed to perform one of her most important duties as a wife before passing on p>
They all nodded in affirmation confirming my worst fears. Deep down, I already knew where they were going with this and to top it off, I wasn’t fully prepared for it as well. I knew that Natalia’s death would be nothing but an avenue for the council to impose their wishes on me as they see fit.
“We have all decided to indulge and implore you My Lord, to find a new woman that would produce an heir and take after you in the future, lest you stand a grave chance of loosing your position as the King of this pack.” He concluded and rested back on his seat.
I cringed. I didn’t know why but somehow I felt insulted.
“I do not want another woman, neither do I want to father a child. I have made that abundantly clear right from the very first day I succeeded this throne!” I stated the obvious and they began to murmur amongst themselves.
From the corner of my eyes, I could see the smirk that played on Conrad’s lips. He was my late father’s Beta when he was alive but I have never liked or trusted him so I keep him at arm’s length.
He had this aura around him that didn’t sit well with me but he hasn’t done anything yet and is still a valuable member of this pack so I cannot get rid of him.
Declan had mentioned once that he also doesn’t trust him but I still have my doubts concerning the matter. For all I know, I could be wrong and I pray that it remains so.
“But why?” Adalwolf, another member of the council questioned. “Your father and his fathers before him, all partook in this ritual. It’s a tradition as old as time p>
“And I am simply not interested in that washed up, barbaric tradition!” I banged my fists on the table and they all flinched “What part of that sentence do you all not understand p>
“You might be the strongest Lycan in the land, My Lord but we are your council.” Coniel reminded me. “The only reason why you are seated on that throne is because of the decision your own father had also made In the past. He birthed you and gave you that right p>
I scoffed mockingly. Bold of them to assume that I cared. My father was a ruthless king that ruled everyone with an iron fist. I am nothing like that excuse of a man but I dare not utter those words in front of the council so I simply chose to remain quiet.
“Isn’t that something I should decide to do with my own woman? My own mate even if I wanted to?” I argued visibly.
“If you have trouble finding your mate, the laws of the land doesn’t forbid you from having more than one woman. Your father was married to a lot of women, including your mother who wasn’t his mate.” They explained in a bid to make me see reason.
I darted his eyes to the opposite direction where Declan was seated but the look in his eyes only told me that he didn’t want to get involved with the council. The bloody bastard!
“I will think about what you all have said.” I told them.
“That won’t be necessary. The council have already made arrangements for you to get married to another woman to take Natalia’s place.” Head sentinel Radah broke down the news to me and in that moment, all hell broke lose.